Quote:
Originally Posted by stoked_on_spool
Hello FT86 Community!
I'm looking for some insight into coilovers (and accompanying components, LCA, camber plates, etc.) that will give me the best dual duty abilities. I've been spoiled now driving my bosses M4 for awhile with his very smooth KW V3 coilover kit and I'm looking for something that can rival that smoothness on the street, but something I won't outgrow taking to the track the next few years. Here's my plan for my car:
- Daily driver for the next 2-3 years (until I get a second car to DD and the BRZ becomes the dedicated street legal track car)
- I've done 3 HPDE's and am addicted
- I want a coilover kit that is as smooth or smoother than stock and am willing to pay for it (quality valving is worth the price to me)
BUT
would love for the coils to be adjustable enough for me to not "outgrow" too soon when the BRZ becomes a dedicated track car where street ride quality isn't quite as high of a priority anymore
I'm the kind of person who likes to do things right the first time. I went from stock susp to eibach springs w/ koni adjustable shocks where I am now to make sure that this BRZ is really a car I'd like to keep for a long time (which it is) so I'm looking to take the next step now. I'll be accompanying the coils with C/C plates, LCA's, etc and would love to hear from experienced people to gain some insight into setups they feel are worthy. I've heard that Ohlin's are some of the best riding coilovers, are there others that can compare in ride quality? 
tl;dr Is there a magical coilover system that will ride as smooth or smoother than stock while still being a capable track worthy ride?
p.s. I've searched and found a few related threads, but if this topic has been covered enough please link me to the topic(s) and I'll close this thread so it doesn't jumble up this section. Thanks! |
Ohlins are great coilovers. Little bit low on travel, but great valving for a street + some track driver. Not exactly dedicated track car stuff out of the box, but they can be used with custom spring rates and are revalveable. That costs more money.
If you liked KW V3s, you might also like our RCE Tarmac 2 coilovers. Based on KW Clubsports, but with custom spring rates and valving and a lifetime warranty. They ride pretty well and rock on the track.
Then there are more "hardcore" track set-ups that will still ride well on the street (see the Penske thread, as well as JRZs, CSG's Tein Superracing, our RCE T3s) but you'll pay over $4k for all of them and over $7k for the entry level non-adjustable Penskes.
You will want to rethink your set-up when you decide to make your car a dedicated track car (if you're adding a cage, stripping the interior, and stickier tires, etc.) This may mean spring rate changes, valving changes, and of course alignment changes. A little flexibilty with what you choose now will help later but will likely cost more up front.
Hope that helps!
- andrew