JRZ RS1 coilovers installed on Racecomp BRZ (and other RCE updates)

[ultra]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

The starter kit is a good first step that will work really well for MOST people. The car is fast, pretty comfortable, and easy to drive. If you're running sticky tires and/or pushing the car a little you might start wanting more. But for the money IMO it's the best option out there and I'd prefer it to some of the lower-end coilovers.

The KWs are always a solid option. Tough to compare to the JRZs because it's a twin-tube, but it's a very very good twin-tube that has a lot of adjustability. More knobs to play with which is a blessing for some and pain for others, but that's up to you. You won't find yourself messing with them all that much after the initial set-up period which we can help you with. When set-up right they are fast and comfortable...definitely stable too. Very very capable on the track with good valving profiles.

The JRZ's are just a little more serious with that extra monotube response and "platform" that they offer. But the KWs of course are a bit less money and you certainly would not be disappointed with them.

- Andrew

Thanks a ton for the excellent, articulate & thoughtful responses. Don't think even Peter Egan could have out it better and I very much appreciate your taking the time to write up all that feedback!

The bit about the 'girlfriend test' rings especially true. I don't think many people remember to consider that stuff but yeah...the tangible value of daily livability...oh...so...true (insert anecdote about living with a speed bump scraping 'stanced' Miata with no top or AC for a year).

It might seem weird to see folks cross shopping the starter kit with JRZs but for me it's part of a long term vs. short term value calculation. I know I'd be happy either way, the trick is finding that sweet spot on the curves between how happy vs how long vs how much, if that makes sense.

Not planning on building this car up very much or competing seriously in it because I've done that before but on the other hand I do push pretty hard and intend to keep it for at least 4-5 years, in which case I need to consider the cost of buying + upgrading again, etc.

And girls of course LoL.

Thanks again for the info, apologies if I'm verging on being pedantic.

Not much more left to do but put the brain to work & begin scratching the wallet.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Wow, I LOVE Peter Egan. Grew up reading his column in R&T so that's a huge compliment.

Next time I'm in Dubai I'll say hello! I actually do have some family there but have yet to visit.

- andrew

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

JRZ is known for a good amount of low piston speed compression valving and high gas pressure to provide "platform" and to control the unsprung mass. Just a tremendous amount of control and response without running a ton of high piston speed damping that overwhelms the car.

I went for a 30 minute drive yesterday in Myles' car on the JRZ's. No one does high piston speed compression valving like JRZ. First thing I said when we hit a small bump. AND it has tons of bump travel. The car rides so damn smoothly....I kept turning to Myles saying "I can't believe these are 400 lbs/in springs!"

The ride is as good or better than stock. I hate saying that because you always see it and then ride in some guy's car that's bouncy and crashes over sharp bumps, then the guy turns to you and is like "Pretty much the same as stock right?" Uhhh no. Well, this time I was just floored by the ride and laughed as I drove over broken pavement because it really is that good.

Ride quality is waaay better than my MINI with Konis, soft-ish springs, and non-runflat tires, which rides much better than a stock MINI for reference.

A big test for me is the "girl who doesn't care about cars" test. Lets say you pick up a girl for a date. She knows your into cars but maybe that isn't her thing (but she's really hot, er....really cool so you're giving it a chance). As your driving to the *farmers market or whatever boring thing she wants to do, do you feel like you need to apologize that parts of her body and yours bouncing all over the place? Are you worried she's not gonna want to get back in your car?

And lets pretend she actually IS into cars and knows a thing or two....is she gonna laugh at your poorly valved dampers and tell you that you're compression valving is just not digressive enough for her? If so, apologize, then sell your crappy coilovers and marry her immediately.

Anyway, all that talk about ride isn't to say that these are just a comfort thing. A well damped and smooth damper is FAST. Flying around corners soaking up mid-corner bumps WITHOUT upsetting the car....very nice. The car is flat, well balanced, and reacts well on entry and exit. The car is so stable and confidence inspiring, yet it still has TONS of grip and you can keep turning the wheel and it keeps turning. Commit to a corner and you aren't fighting anything. Get on the brakes and straighten the wheel a bit, no drama.

This was on stock swaybars.

- Andrew


*I actually love the farmers market here in Bmore.

Best suspension sales pitch ever.

Girl #2 sounds awesome.


Heh.

[jamal]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

Anyway, all that talk about ride isn't to say that these are just a comfort thing. A well damped and smooth damper is FAST. Flying around corners soaking up mid-corner bumps WITHOUT upsetting the car....very nice. The car is flat, well balanced, and reacts well on entry and exit. The car is so stable and confidence inspiring, yet it still has TONS of grip and you can keep turning the wheel and it keeps turning. Commit to a corner and you aren't fighting anything. Get on the brakes and straighten the wheel a bit, no drama.

This was on stock swaybars.

- Andrew


*I actually love the farmers market here in Bmore.

This is something I always have a hard time getting across. Everyone always seems to think that stiff and harsh = fast. A good suspension is supposed to absorb bumps and keep the chassis settled. I swear a lot of people would be better off just running blocks of wood in place of suspension.

[mines13]

Originally Posted by jamal

This is something I always have a hard time getting across. Everyone always seems to think that stiff and harsh = fast. A good suspension is supposed to absorb bumps and keep the chassis settled. I swear a lot of people would be better off just running blocks of wood in place of suspension.

Ditto, maintain and enhance that mechanical grip. 20K springs with under valved dampers are cute and all, but your fancy pants tires sure are not going to do you very much good if they spend more time in the air then on the tarmac. It is amazing what passes for an "upgrade" these days...

[ultra]

This exactly is why I prefer to buy from vendors who run what they sell, genuinely care about what they're doing, do proper R&D and are kind enough to share detailed, honest info with folks who have questions.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by Dimman

Best suspension sales pitch ever.

Girl #2 sounds awesome.


Heh.

I have to agree with you on that. Drew has been with us since 2004 and after reading that post it reminds me of the old days on IWSTI and Nasioc !

Well put Drew !

Myles
RCE Founder/slacker deluxe.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

Oh we also put these on the car:

I know this is about the shocks and I know this is a pricey option but for some, they wont want to spend time or money pressing out and in poly bushings. these went on in about an hour. We also replaced rear camber bushings from Whiteline. I can tell you that the amount of feedback from the rear is AMAZING ! Any shifter karters out there who know how to wag the tail of a 125 or a 100 yamaha/Emmich sprint kart know what I mean, but now you feel that the rear is "CONNECTED" to the main body/frame. Cornering is predictable. Very solid feeling modification. This is one of those mods that is hard to describe or quantify as its benefit is confidence inspiring to even those with ALOT of experience. At the limit you feel as though the line between grip and drift is easier to manage. Under HARD braking the car tracks much straighter.

I had these on my 04 STI and the pillowballs are sealed with a bearing cover and never made noise or had any play.

I am doing this on our 2011 WRX ASAP.

Myles
RCE

[sterile stork]

Thank you for adding just another beautiful option, albeit I'm even more confused with which product to go after I sincerely appreciate your level of detail in sharing information, not to mention the no-pressure mannerism in which you present it all.

Unrelated: Andrew & Miles, perchance would you guys consider opening up a twitter account to post small updates to? I certainly would love to stay in the loop with your awesome developments, as well as new product news, but don't make use of facebook...

[Captain Snooze]

Noob questions regarding the little assist/helper spring. What is the advantage in having these little springs? There is a sudden spike in in spring rate when they become fully compressed (assuming that they aren't fully compressed at rest) and if they are intended to keep the main spring from floating about when the wheel is fully extended why not just use a longer main spring?

cheers

[jamal]

Yes, for the most part it is to keep the springs seated. You can't just use a taller spring because it would result in a taller ride height and not enough droop travel. For example, a 500lb/in spring on the front of a BRZ is only going to compress about 1.3 inches with the car sitting on the ground, but that shock has about 5" of travel. So without a helper you have a ton of bump travel but hardly any droop.

You'll notice a lot of coilovers don't have helpers, and it's usually because the shocks have very little travel, which is a bad thing.

[Calum]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

I know this is about the shocks and I know this is a pricey option but for some, they wont want to spend time or money pressing out and in poly bushings. these went on in about an hour. We also replaced rear camber bushings from Whiteline. I can tell you that the amount of feedback from the rear is AMAZING ! Any shifter karters out there who know how to wag the tail of a 125 or a 100 yamaha/Emmich sprint kart know what I mean, but now you feel that the rear is "CONNECTED" to the main body/frame. Cornering is predictable. Very solid feeling modification. This is one of those mods that is hard to describe or quantify as its benefit is confidence inspiring to even those with ALOT of experience. At the limit you feel as though the line between grip and drift is easier to manage. Under HARD braking the car tracks much straighter.

I had these on my 04 STI and the pillowballs are sealed with a bearing cover and never made noise or had any play.

I am doing this on our 2011 WRX ASAP.

Myles
RCE

I've found the rear of the car feels very vague. I've been looking for something like this to provide more info. Are you guys going to stock these? If so, how much. If not, where would you recommend buying?

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

I know this is about the shocks and I know this is a pricey option but for some, they wont want to spend time or money pressing out and in poly bushings. these went on in about an hour. We also replaced rear camber bushings from Whiteline. I can tell you that the amount of feedback from the rear is AMAZING ! Any shifter karters out there who know how to wag the tail of a 125 or a 100 yamaha/Emmich sprint kart know what I mean, but now you feel that the rear is "CONNECTED" to the main body/frame. Cornering is predictable. Very solid feeling modification. This is one of those mods that is hard to describe or quantify as its benefit is confidence inspiring to even those with ALOT of experience. At the limit you feel as though the line between grip and drift is easier to manage. Under HARD braking the car tracks much straighter.

I had these on my 04 STI and the pillowballs are sealed with a bearing cover and never made noise or had any play.

I am doing this on our 2011 WRX ASAP.

Myles
RCE

so are these just the STi units for the newer Imprezas? Can i order these pieces directly from a subaru parts department? (or maybe you)

also i assume these bearing units can take a few winters?

[ultra]

And I thought I'd only be wanting to do light modifications to my car....

RCE - you guys are masters of the 'tease' I tell you! But please keep it up anyways.

[meeks]

Andrew/Myles,

Would you guys be offering bumpsteer kits with the starter pack in the future? or is it even necessary to run with them.

[Captain Snooze]

Andrew@RCE
Any chance of JRZ 3 way?

[BadCompany235]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

Andrew@RCE
Any chance of JRZ 3 way?

Last I heard they do plan to do an RS also.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by BadCompany235

Last I heard they do plan to do an RS also.

RS are not 3 way adjustable, only 2 way.

[BadCompany235]

Rs are 3 way. compression rebound height. What do you mean by 3 way? High speed low speed?

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by BadCompany235

Rs are 3 way. compression rebound height. What do you mean by 3 way? High speed low speed?

yeah, thats what i think when i hear three way adjustable.

[jamal]

Originally Posted by BadCompany235

Rs are 3 way. compression rebound height. What do you mean by 3 way? High speed low speed?

Three way would mean rebound, high speed compression, and low speed compression. Fine control of low speed compression is what you get with the 3rd knob and it usually costs a lot. Height adjustment is not usually considered to be a "way" except when companies are struggling to add "features" to their marketing material.

And I'm sure JRZ will make them for anyone willing to pony up the 10k.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by meeks

Andrew/Myles,

Would you guys be offering bumpsteer kits with the starter pack in the future? or is it even necessary to run with them.

If you're referring to the Whiteline roll center kit....with our mild drop it is not "necessary" but it will be nice to have. It'll probably be an option.

- drew