question about front travel on coilovers
 

Hey guys,

I just need some input on this.

I have noticed on a few 86's i've driven with aftermarket coilovers with camber plates is that they seem to hit the front bumpstops quite often over any fast bumpy roads. (mostly mid corner bumps).

I assume this is due to lack of travel. Its not something I want in my car.

Lets say I wanted to get KW v3 coilovers and use a raised camber top like what ground control has to offer, can I keep anywhere close to factory suspension travel on the front end like stock?

I only plan to drop the car a little bit, like 345-350mm from top of the wheel arch to the centre of the wheel hub.

Factory travel? No.

But if you increase the spring rate and have proper shocks matched up, you don't need full travel to reap the benefits of a coilover system.

-alex

I had a feeling that would be the case. But like you said a stiffer spring and correct damping with decent travel should be right for what I need.

I don't want to cringe everytime I get to a bumpy bit of road and keep smashing into the bumpstops. That's my main concern

BC has 3.5 in of total travel wit 1.5in bump stops. u cut .5 in off of the stop. helps alittle

Robispec makes strut mounts that add 2-3" of bump travel.

Are there any coilovers that will allow me to run on stock ride height? I figure with the right spring rate and length, it should be doable while sacrificing droop travel, right? It's not like coilovers at full droop are still shorter than stock suspension at static height.

I believe Robispec's top hats are only for the rear. He did have a 3" version, but he nixxed it from what he told me because the 2" top hat is more than enough. As for the front, he runs the ground control plates.

you're right about the ground control front plates. They give about one inch of travel according to this review: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37158