Suspension decision help
 

I'm purchasing a suspension setup in the near future and I'm not sure which route to go. My budget is ~$1000. My original plan was Eibach Sportlines on stock dampers. But now I'm thinking I should do it right the first time instead of dealing with crappy/rough handling and the possibility of a blown damper at any given time. This is my DD, I do not track the car, this is to reduce the wheel gap and whatever performance improvements I can get. I'll most likely be buying 18" wheels and installing everything myself, with the exception of performing the alignment.

Cliffs notes:

• Budget = ~$1000
• Daily driver = Yes (I do not track\race)
• Wheel size = 18"
• Goal = Reduce wheel gap, improve performance
• Install = DIY, shop will do alignment

So my ideas are:

• Eibach Sportlines + Koni Yellows or Tokicos (or some other decent brand shocks), camber bolts and LCA's to fix camber issues.

• Eibach Pro-Kit on stock dampers (since its not as much of a drop), camber bolts and LCA's to fix camber issues. Camber correction may not even be needed?

I'm hesitant to get the Pro-Kit because I dont want to be disappointed if the drop isn't enough. Some pics on the boards look great, while others look like stock.

• BC Racing BR Series coilovers - For roughly the same price as mixing and matching, I get a matched set of dampers\springs, the ability to adjust ride-height, front camber correction (?), so the only additional thing I would need is LCA's to fix rear camber issues? This will also probably be an easier install.

• I looked at the Megan Racing kits but I'm iffy about the quality. The BC racing are priced similarly to the Megan Racing street kit but I haven't seen anything negative about them so I am leaning towards BC.

Any help\comments is appreciated


Ryan

I would not recommend Sportline springs. Too low, whether you use Konis or not.

Pro-kits will ride much better. I personally wouldn't go lower than that with a lowering spring.

With regards to coilovers, just because they come together in a kit doesn't mean they're "matched." At that price point the damping quality is the compromise made to get cost down.

For you I'd go with Pro-kits, ST coilovers, Bilstein PSS B14, or KW V1. ST as the cheapest coilover option but they lack the robust finish of the KW V1 and Bilsteins.

- Andy

Leaning towards the Bilstein/KW STs now, the price is right. An extra $100/$200 is worth peace of mind.

How to decide between these two. I think Bilstein is a solid company, my buddy has had a Bilstein setup on his S2000 for years without issues. I have no experience/recognition with KW.

I just wish these kits came with adjustable top hats for camber correction.

For a ~1" drop, do you think camber will be an issue? I drive a lot for work, my commute each way is 45 miles so I am concerned about even tire wear. If I can avoid buying additional parts to correct camber then that is a plus.

I like that the Megan and BC front struts come with adjustable top-hats for correcting camber. But if that's at the expense of a cheaper strut then I guess I'd prefer to re-use the stock top-hats, but then I need other parts to fix any camber issues...if it's even a problem, I'm just trying to cover all of my bases up front.

Also, would bilstein or BC perform equally or better than konis + prokit.

The 10 dollar camber bolt from the dealer will let you dial in camber up front if you go with pro-kits. ST and KW coilovers use a slotted front lower mount so you can adjust camber that way. For your uses, a camber plate is just going to (potentially) add noise and harshness.

Bilstein is much higher quality damping than BC. Konis are a better damper than BC, but pro-kits are softer in comparison to coilovers so I don't know if the performance would be better.

- Andy

Are ST's in line quality-wise with Bilstein and Koni? So if I went ST, I would only need to buy rear LCA's for camber issues..?

They're pretty good. I'd put Bilstein ahead slightly...one of the disadvantages of the ST is the finish isn't as good. They're built by KW though which is a good thing. KW have a nice finish.

- Andy

+1 for st's. Ive had them on my m3 for a year now and live in pa and have had no rust issues or anything. The dampening is nice for a street car and still tightens things up in curves. Definitely a comfortable setup for that car.

Would Power by Max's lcas work with bilsteins or ST? I'm leaning towards st

I have pbm coils with pbm lca's and i love it. Rides amazing and you can adjust your height almost back to stock or slam it to the ground depending on what you like.

If it was me, I'd probably go with the BC coilovers. Having adjustable ride height is absolutely 100% necessary if you're looking to get the perfect stance. With springs yes it'll lower the car, but to a pre-designated ride height, so it's not everyone's preference. I'd go with that. Pretty easy choice for me there. Good luck with the decision! Let me know if there's anything we can do to help out.

Looking for an affordable set of LCAs now and I'll be ready to order. I think the ST setup can be had for $800 or so, PBM LCAs for about $280 shipped. I just don't know much about LCA selection so I'd like some guidance.

Are LCAs doable DIY with a jack/stands and a torque wrench?

SPC rear LCAs are cheap. A little over $200.

I would stay away from BC unless you just have to have adjustable ride height.

Like some others have said ST is made by KW and the only difference is the coating put on them to prevent rust. Since you live in NJ I'd spend the extra and get the V1's. Agree with others about the sportlines. With a modest drop you should be fine with camber bolts.