Air Suspension - best choice?
 

New to the FR-S scene, and even newer to the bags scene. Here's what I'm looking for:

A fairly affordable (I know how much sets are) setup
Ability to adjust the ride height from a remote, easily.
At least two ride heights, one laying frame, one raised up as close to stock.
Either keeps the handling the same, or improves it.
Used or new setup

Any help, info, advice, would be much appreciated.

Only reputable kit that uses a remote would be Accuair. I believe AirRex's system also uses a remote but am not sure, and I am also not a fan of their all in one management anyways.

The initial purchase of air is harsh because of the management. But you can transfer that to any car thereafter. All of your other request are standard in pretty much any kit you can get.

You can do an analog setup which is less parts prone to failing, but more of a nuisance, have to run paddle switches and or gauges, etc. I'd go with a digital system.

I've used Accuair eLevel and now own Autopilot V2 from Airlift. I recommend both of those systems to pretty much everyone. Accuair's Switchspeed is a solid system too but its not digital. As far as the actual struts, i'd go AirLift or AirRex.

This forum is not really a good place to start with air. You can really learn a lot going over to vwvortex and going in their air supension section.

Thank you! That's loads of good advice. I'm looking at this kit for myself: http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/mm...R_S-SUSPENSION

Actually, the RidePro setup will give you remote functionality with presets and smartphone integration for both the iPhone and Android platforms.

While this forum is not well versed in air ride, both myself and Chaz are here to assist anyone that is interested in air suspension. :w00t:

I always tend to forget about RidePro, lol. Good call. Then again that system is expensive so it doesn't really fit into his "fairly affordable" but I honestly think that no matter what system you go with it will all be somewhat expensive if its a digital system.

Within the market today, there are a host of options and various configurations that are offered with regard to digital setups. While the price on a digital setup is often greater than that of an analog setup, it's fair to say that a digital setup provides you with excellent features, easier installation and an overall cleaner setup.

I agree. I always recommend people use a digital system.

Plus like I mentioned earlier, you can transfer it to whatever vehicle so if you plan on modding future cars you don't have to repurchase it again which makes it a bit easier the next time around.

AIR lift seems like what most are running.. .from what I've seen.

AirLift is what most people are running.

They make an excellent product and have great customer service.

I am running full AirRex digital air suspension on my frs and I have yet to find anything to complain about it. I love my Airrex kit and i daily drive and had it for a little more than 8 months now

Are you running their management as well?

The Airrex air suspension is one of the nicest I've ever seen. You can order the complete kit with management, or you can just order the air struts and use your own management system. Either way this is the easiest kit I've seen to install on the market today primarily because you don't have to install height level sensors which I'll touch on in this post. Airrex's system if you order the air struts and management system, the box is already pre-made ready to install. Accuair for example you'll be required to make a full custom box which of course can range in cost because it's custom and depends on the fabricator you bring it to.

This is the perfect setup for those who are looking for a easy and play and play solution. This system is fully assembled and leak tested, within a 30"x12"x10.5" composite wood enclosure, pre-set up, ready for installation. You'll save yourself up to 10 hours+ of installation time with the AirREX Digital Wireless Air Management System (In Box). Just make 2 simple electrical connections (power and ground) and 4 plumbing connections (one to each air spring) to complete installation.

Advantages of AirREX Pressure Based
- Pressure based systems monitor air pressures to determine height
- Very easy to install
- No Height sensors to mess with or major plumbing or wiring
- No wires to the Height Sensors
- A Digital Gauge is included for added safety to monitor pressures ( Would you buy car if it never came with a gas gauge?)
- Wireless Controller
- Accurate pressure based height presets

Includes
- Viair 380c Compressor
- 3 Gallon Stainless Steel Tank
- AirREX Manifold Valve
- Install kit (hoses and Wires)
- Wireless Remote
- USB wired remote

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...stockphoto.jpg

Product Info
Air Struts have a complete bolt on design, and have a 12 click adjustable monotube damper
Allow for a 3-5" drop, depending on your application
Synthetic Rubber Air Springs
Fully Threaded Damper for an additional 2" of static travel
Spanner Wrench Included
1/4" Compression Fittings

The struts included in the kit are complete bolt-ons, and have a 12 click adjustable monotube dampener. Depending on your set up, the struts allow for a 3-5" air spring travel, and have a fully threaded damper for an additional 2" of static travel. 1/4" Compression fittings are included, and as is a spanner wrench.

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...igital-kit.jpg

Pictured above is the AirREX Digital Air Management System. This system is fully assembled and leak tested, within a 30"x12"x10.5" composite wood enclosure, pre-set up, ready for installation. The kit includes a 2.4GHz wireless remote control with three presets. Within the enclosure is a Viair 380C Compressor, which is capable of up to 205PSI. Attached to the compressor is a 3 gallon stainless steel air tank. Also included is a USB cable, power wire kit, and cig lighter adapter.

Digital Air Management System Info (optional)
Fully assembled and leak tested, 30"x12"x10.5" composite wood enclosure
2.4GHz wireless remote controller with 3 pressure based presets
Viair 380C Compressor
3 Gallon Stainless Steel Air Tank
Backup Controller Included
Power Wire Kit, USB cable, and cigarette lighter adapter included

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...x-struts-1.jpg

http://www.modbargains.com/images/Pr...ntroller-1.jpg

Wow, talk about the hard sell here...

AirRex is nice stuff, and we're a dealer for their products too. However, there are a few drawbacks to what you've posted and they are:

• AirRex Struts are almost always a 30 day wait, they're built to order.
• AirRex has (2) master dealers that run the US, that's AirWerks and AirRex US in Hawaii
• All of their parts are manufactured in Taiwan (hence the wait period)
• On average, their strut packages are 3-500 more than the competition
• Pressure based management will NEVER be as accurate as level base management, proven fact.
• The Viair 380c is on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to the compressor line up, it's part of the 300 series. All of our kits (even our very entry level kits) use a 400c

We don't believe in upselling our customers, we believe in providing as many facts as possible for our customers to make an educated decision with regard to their suspension. After all, it is their money and it's usually a large chunk of change to be dropping on one order.

Thanks for clarifying, you're 100% correct. We're actually their exclusive dealer, we work hand in hand with Airrex with these kits :)