Quote:
Originally Posted by WC-BRZ
Is there any chance you may be able to provide a brief review on the FA 500 coilovers?
Which other coils did you consider before going with these?
Specifically, how does the chassis feel over mid-corner bumps? Of course it doesn't have to be a focused track review, but if you have any bumpy roads around you (especially, curvy bumpy roads), I'm wondering if you get the sensation that the tires can maintain contact during mid corner?
Other insights would be great as well; turn in, overall handling and response, etc.
Granted your alignment and tire setup will impact your review, but any input would be great either way!
Car looks badass  |
Thanks for the kind words <3
The other coilovers i had my eyes on were the HKS Hipermax IV SP, KW V3 or club sports, Ohlins Road and Track.
JDM coilovers were highly considered but HKS has stopped all coilover maintenance here in the US and they would need to be rebuilt overseas in Japan. With KW i didnt want to settle with a twin tube design and wanted something more robust with a monotube damper. As for Ohlins, they are a more track oriented setup and seeing that my car will see 80% street and maybe 20% track time through out the year. It didn't make sense to me go with a track spec setup which would compromise ride comfort.
Initial impressions of the FA500 Gen7 is quite good. The ride compliance is a bit more stiff than stock (3 clicks from full soft), but the ride is very smooth with no jarring or crashing over bumps, such as railroad tracks, man hole covers and small crack on the parking lot floor. The slight digressive nature of the shock truly does feel very apparent on the freeway as you hit cracks and differences in pavement at high speeds. The car stays flat and absorbs those bumps quite well, dare i say a little better than stock imo. I have only driven on the freeway, not so much in the corners so i have yet to test the setup as of late. With the new suspension and tire combo i do feel a lot of grip and response when i turn the wheel. Mid corner grip on and off freeway ramps is pretty good. Car feels stable doesn't wander and want to kick out like it used to.
I will be doing a shakedown of the car soon in the next auto-club autocross event and then i should be able to dial in the car to suit my driving style. I'm already thinking that the rear camber may not be enough so i will address that later on as i get more acquainted with the new chassis.