What to ask when choosing a coilover?

[Turdinator]

I am looking to get some coilovers in the next month or so. I have emailed a few local companies talking about my goals and they are coming back to me with similar responses, they all are offering digressive high flow valving with similar spring rates. What further things should I be asking to help narrow down which way I should jump?

[x808drifter]

A copy/paste of what you sent them would really help.

[strat61caster]

Consistency and range of damper adjustments (if any, and with proof because they'll all say theirs are great)
Do they recommend a sway bar package and why (if you care about handling)

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by x808drifter

A copy/paste of what you sent them would really help.

I can cut and paste when I get home later but basically I said that:

I daily my car and do a 3hr drive about once a month and a 10hr every year so would like something I can back off a bit for those trips but that I also just got my CAMS license (Australian motorsport license) and will be starting to do some hill climbs and motorkhanas later in the year. So something with a good range of adjustment. I am looking for a max of 25mm drop for aesthetic reasons.

Then I had some specific questions for them about their products. For instance I was asking MCA about which set of spring rates the recommended and what I would gain going from Purple X-C to Reds and I asked Ohlins about running stiffer springs would require a re-valve etc.

[Racecomp Engineering]

The most important question they should ask you is what type of tire will you be using.

- Andrew

[strat61caster]

Compete with the car stock first, plunging into an adjustable suspension with funky spring rates could make the car do things it shouldn't. I wish I had spent more time competing with the car stock to bring my driving up to snuff before plunging into suspension.

There's lots of theories on spring rates and it will be a long time until a consensus is reached for this chassis


Oh and stiffer damping does not mean the car will be faster or easier to drive, it usually makes the car harder to drive... Don't be surprised if one day you drive to an event and drive home without touching the adjusters.

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

The most important question they should ask you is what type of tire will you be using.

- Andrew

If the Aussie dollar wasn't so weak and shipping a killer I'd be calling you guys up

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Compete with the car stock first, plunging into an adjustable suspension with funky spring rates could make the car do things it shouldn't. I wish I had spent more time competing with the car stock to bring my driving up to snuff before plunging into suspension.

There's lots of theories on spring rates and it will be a long time until a consensus is reached for this chassis


Oh and stiffer damping does not mean the car will be faster or easier to drive, it usually makes the car harder to drive... Don't be surprised if one day you drive to an event and drive home without touching the adjusters.

I know what you are saying. If I am honest I want coilovers, I don't need them. I want them because I'd like to go a bit lower, I want to change some aspects of how the car feels, I want to experience what a car with reasonable quality monotube dampers is like to own and learn how adjusting the suspension changes the car.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by Turdinator

If I am honest I want coilovers, I don't need them.

That is beautiful.
That outlook is the entire philosophy behind the mods I have made to my car.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Turdinator

I know what you are saying. If I am honest I want coilovers, I don't need them. I want them because I'd like to go a bit lower, I want to change some aspects of how the car feels, I want to experience what a car with reasonable quality monotube dampers is like to own and learn how adjusting the suspension changes the car.

You've got some great perspective. My only word of warning is that even the most reputable companies in the business may not give you what you want, people have spent thousands of dollars on name brand coilovers and been disappointed. Keep your oe suspension handy as it is quite good, and best of luck!

[Jonsey]

You have MCA in your back yard, I would give them a call. As Andrew said, the type/size of tires and intended use are the biggest things they should be focused on (in addition to what has already been done to the car that could affect spring rate, like aero).