Ohlins Road & Track for FRS/BRZ suspension install/review thread

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by OICU812

In this picture is you're front setting lowest setting that looks right about where I'd want to be actually to be honest, how much more could you go on back?

The rears cannot be lowered any more. I think this is mostly due to the fact that Ohlins sourced shock bodies from another car to reduce internal R&D and parts cost, but that is just my speculation.

The fronts can be lowered another 3-5mm max but I will raise it up slightly.

-alex

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by mav1178

The rears cannot be lowered any more. I think this is mostly due to the fact that Ohlins sourced shock bodies from another car to reduce internal R&D and parts cost, but that is just my speculation.

The fronts can be lowered another 3-5mm max but I will raise it up slightly.

-alex

Ok that's no problem. I think my stance LCA I could balance that look on rears then.

[Brzzee]

What suspension add-ons do you have and / or considering now you've got miles on the coil overs? Your experiences transitioning from road to track are exactly what I hope to achieve.
Thanks for stepping out ahead of the pack.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Brzzee

What suspension add-ons do you have and / or considering now you've got miles on the coil overs? Your experiences transitioning from road to track are exactly what I hope to achieve.
Thanks for stepping out ahead of the pack.

I actually have nothing else modified on the car, all suspension components aside from coilovers are stock.

I had Whiteline sway bars, but am selling them (never installed but purchased used). I will swap out the endlinks but that is it.

As for number of miles: over 5500 so far over 2 months, mileage includes 2 track days and 2 road trips of over 500 miles. Will be making another road trip up to SF (and back) this weekend.

-alex

[Brzzee]

Originally Posted by mav1178

I actually have nothing else modified on the car, all suspension components aside from coilovers are stock.

I had Whiteline sway bars, but am selling them (never installed but purchased used). I will swap out the endlinks but that is it.

As for number of miles: over 5500 so far over 2 months, mileage includes 2 track days and 2 road trips of over 500 miles. Will be making another road trip up to SF (and back) this weekend.

-alex

Thanks Alex. A little surprised that you are so pleased with just the coil overs. Most everyone adds more to the suspension mix. Glad to see an alternative road to drive.
Cheers
Tom

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Brzzee

Thanks Alex. A little surprised that you are so pleased with just the coil overs. Most everyone adds more to the suspension mix. Glad to see an alternative road to drive.

My philosophy comes from experience...

My previous cars all had various forms of suspension work done, some extensively, but all of them were used cars that needed work to be done.

I don't mod for the sake of modding, but with each change I'd like to get as much out of the mod before moving on to the next one. Sway bars are a great example: sure I'd like the car to be snappy and sharp when I make steering changes, but is it suitable for what I need and my driving style?

To each their own, but I have often found that too many people mod and don't know what they are modding. A lot of threads that are full of "what suspension setting should I run with these parts?" ends up into that category, because they didn't plan it out better and are stuck with parts they don't fully understand.

-alex

[JRitt]

Hi Guys,
I just wanted to drop a note. We (Essex Parts Services) are now selling these Ohlins suspension setups. Retail price is $3,115 for everything.

Product Data Sheet

Install Guide

We recently absorbed our sister company in Indianapolis (MSI), and now have a former Ohlins employee on staff (Joey Petree). He knows the Ohlins product inside and out, as he does rebuilds for many pro race teams that we work with including IRL, etc. We now have a shock dyno and can do full rebuilds, re-valves, etc.

Also, we're within about 2 hours of the Ohlins factory, so it's quick for us to get anything we need from them. Keep us in mind if you're considering this system. We can add it to your AP Racing big brake kit order!

I'll getting these products up on our site in the near future, but feel free to call if interested. Thanks.

[Anthonytpt]

Are you sick of them yet?

Originally Posted by mav1178

haha... who knows, maybe I'll get sick of them after a couple of months and you can buy them for cheaper.

-alex

[Sookainian]

I'm interested in Ohlins coilover for my car too but I'm quite confuse on which to get.


Can please explain to me what is the pro and con in performance between Japan Ohlins vs US Ohlins ?


I understand the Japan Ohlins spring rate is 9/7 and US Olin's spring rate 6/6

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Sookainian

Can someone please explain to me what is the pro and con in performance between Japan Ohlins vs US Ohlins ?


I understand the Japan Ohlins spring rate is 9/7 and US Olin's spring rate 6/6

Japanese roads are smooth as glass. American roads are minefields.

[Sookainian]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Japanese roads are smooth as glass. American roads are minefields.

If that is true, why don't Japan Ohlins use equal spring rate like 9/9 or 7/7 ?

I'm sure there is a reason for that different front and rear spring rate right ?

Which spring rate is more for drifting or tracking ?

From what I understand Japan always keep the best for themselves.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Sookainian

If that is true, why don't Japan Ohlins use equal spring rate like 9/9 or 7/7 ?

I'm sure there is a reason for that different front and rear spring rate right ?

Which spring rate is more for drifting or tracking ?

From what I understand Japan always keep the best for themselves.

Different market = different preferences. It's a bit more complicated but it ultimately depends on the target audience they are trying to hit.

Japanese enthusiasts are, on average, a bit more knowledgable about cars than the average US enthusiast. It is something trained from day 1 of driving, as their driving tests are much more stringent than what we have over here.

Plus, there's a lot more suspension kits catering towards drifting, whereas the setups here in the US are often with the feedback of customer and shops that have customer data to back up data.

Case in point: tons of US coilovers for the ZN6/ZC6 are "square" all-around.

alex

[Sookainian]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Different market = different preferences. It's a bit more complicated but it ultimately depends on the target audience they are trying to hit.

Japanese enthusiasts are, on average, a bit more knowledgable about cars than the average US enthusiast. It is something trained from day 1 of driving, as their driving tests are much more stringent than what we have over here.

Plus, there's a lot more suspension kits catering towards drifting, whereas the setups here in the US are often with the feedback of customer and shops that have customer data to back up data.

Case in point: tons of US coilovers for the ZN6/ZC6 are "square" all-around.

alex

Does that mean that Japan Ohlins (9kg/7kg) is better ?

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by Sookainian

Does that mean that Japan Ohlins (9kg/7kg) is better ?

I have no idea... but FWIW, my US-spec 6kg/6kg works perfectly fine and I wouldn't trade this setup for any stiffer setup.

In the end, just depends on what you want to do. If you want to have the car lower and also prevent bottoming out, go stiffer and valve the shocks accordingly.

-alex