CSG Mike's observations on dampers/coilovers

[iLuveKetchup]

I pick coilovers by the color of the shock reservoir. If they look cool, then they must perform well.

[qoncept]

People think the twins have excessive body roll? Have they ever driven other cars?

[Wepeel]

Originally Posted by qoncept

People think the twins have excessive body roll? Have they ever driven other cars?

They've obviously never driven a stock NC Miata. Those things need skidplates for the door handles.

[Gunman]

Originally Posted by Kido1986

@Dave-ROR

I vote leave it. It's too funny AND true hahah.

I get a kick out of people thinking these cheapest coilover kits handle so well (especially while bottomed out!). It used to really bother me. Now, I'm getting to the point I just save my breath. Poor, mismatched Taiwaneese dampers plus 10k springs do not a well handling car make.

"Any suspension will work if you don't let it." Colin Chapman

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by Wepeel

Those things need skidplates for the door handles.

I like that, that's funny.

[mike the snake]

I don't think that stands true, not always. In my case, I didn't want adjustability that I wasn't going to use, and the ST coilovers are made by KW. They're not Ohlins, but KW is a respected name, making quality products.

So far, I'm happy with the ride, I lowered my car properly IMO (not with just springs) and my car handles and feels better. The spring rates are close to stock so the ride is similar to stock.

I had Ohlins on my 135, and never utilized them, so my choice of the ST's was good for me.

I think there's many like me, that don't want to make the car's ride so stiff it is uncomfortable, but want to lower their car 1''-2'', better the handling with proper coilovers, and not spend thousands doing it.

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

One gets what one pays for.

[iLuveKetchup]

Originally Posted by mike the snake

I think there's many like me, that don't want to make the car's ride so stiff it is uncomfortable, but want to lower their car 1''-2'', better the handling with proper coilovers, and not spend thousands doing it.

The high-end coilovers are actually more comfortable on the street (even paired with high spring rates), but that's a different topic. I totally understand not spending $$ on something you won't use. I hate seeing the opposite - high end coilovers on show cars.

[ZionsWrath]

Please help me, what is your recommendation for the following

I'm a guy that loves driving but I'll never be a pro racer skill level. I like to drive hard on the street and want to take to track on weekends several times a year.

Should I get coilovers and some 17x9 wheels with 255 tires and alignment correction suspension bits.

Or should I get 17x8.5 or 17x8 wheels with 245 tires and stock suspension with crash bolts and rear camber adjustment, maybe some springs and knoi yellows...

I'm just really not sure where to go and I think if I try too hard I'm going to be disappointed performance and $ wise...

[Racecomp Engineering]

More important than tire width is compound...

I'd recommend going to a meet and trying a few options out. Coilovers can be great, but they are not automatically better for everyone.

It's good to look at the big picture and choose components with the full system in mind, but you can still do things in phases and tweak as necessary. Things like crash bolts and rear camber adjustment, bushings, etc., can be done prior to making a springs vs. coilovers decision. Just retune when you make big changes.

- Andy

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by ZionsWrath

Please help me, what is your recommendation for the following

I'm a guy that loves driving but I'll never be a pro racer skill level. I like to drive hard on the street and want to take to track on weekends several times a year.

Should I get coilovers and some 17x9 wheels with 255 tires and alignment correction suspension bits.

Or should I get 17x8.5 or 17x8 wheels with 245 tires and stock suspension with crash bolts and rear camber adjustment, maybe some springs and knoi yellows...

I'm just really not sure where to go and I think if I try too hard I'm going to be disappointed performance and $ wise...

Use up your stock tires first, and then try a sticker compound. Figure out what is "lacking" so to speak, and then address your desired changes at that point.

[mines13]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Use up your stock tires first, and then try a sticker compound. Figure out what is "lacking" so to speak, and then address your desired changes at that point.

This, and stay away from 595 RS-R's...

[ayau]

Originally Posted by mines13

This, and stay away from 595 RS-R's...

What's wrong with the 595?

[mines13]

Originally Posted by ayau

What's wrong with the 595?

The have a pretty soft sidewall, offer little to no feedback (yes they are wide, and there is some loss in feedback there) and to top them off I am going slower on them then my 200 tread wear NT05s that were 30mm narrower... YMMV but I sure can not recommend them. For the record Mike warned me and I didn't listen because they were cheap and I really needed tires. Spend the money and do it right.

[ayau]

Originally Posted by mines13

The have a pretty soft sidewall, offer little to no feedback (yes they are wide, and there is some loss in feedback there) and to top them off I am going slower on them then my 200 tread wear NT05s that were 30mm narrower... YMMV but I sure can not recommend them. For the record Mike warned me and I didn't listen because they were cheap and I really needed tires. Spend the money and do it right.

Oh ok. I'm just using them for local autox events. They were cheap (like you said) at $90 vs $140.