Suspension UPGRADE - Shock/Spring Pkg vs. Coilover System - Which to choose?

[Firestorm_86]

Originally Posted by themajesticone

After what you mentioned in the other thread and this thread regarding post modification to the Bilstein coils I am reconsidering my options. I was not aware that was possible. Darn you! lol

I think they're conspiring against us...

[unsurety]

Originally Posted by Firestorm_86

So your recommendation would be to go big or go "RaceSeng CasCam plates, SPL Rear LCAs, and Swift Spec-R springs on stock dampers"?

TEIN's weren't in his initial list. I know you guys love your SRC's. What about the rest of the TEIN lineup, specifically the Mono Sport and Street Flex? It seems the KW's and RCE's get a lot more attention for the $2000 price range.

Is there really nothing between just springs and $2000 coilvers that would ride nicely on the street but be an improvement, however minor, on the track?

The way you have to look at it is that coilovers are damper upgrades as well. What you're paying for with coilovers is the quality of the damper, for the most part.

You can always get springs and Koni/Bilstein/etc dampers.

[themajesticone]

Originally Posted by Firestorm_86

I think they're conspiring against us...

Serious! I think I am still going to go the swift spec r spring/HVT/SPL progressive upgrade path, just because I realistically shouldn't be throwing $1.5k+ down at one time. But it is tempting...

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Firestorm_86

Hey David! So we talked briefly before, and I'm still doing research...

What's you and Mike's take on: ST or B14's (or TEIN's)?

ST Suspension & Bilstein B14 require the use of OEM top hats. You can certain use a Raceseng CasCam plate if you want so you can get full camber adjustments. They are good lowering setups with no need to "headache" over damper adjustments for desired setup.

The TEIN Street Basis is a basic lowering coilover that is designed for street use. Don't expect to have mindblowing performance with these coilovers. They are designed to look good and be comfortable. Obviously be smart with how you setup the height. Slammed doesn't always equate to pimp daddy status when the girl hates the ride.

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by themajesticone

Serious! I think I am still going to go the spring/HVT/SPL progressive upgrade path, just because I realistically shouldn't be throwing $1.5k+ down at one time. But it is tempting...

There are several setups to go with. Obviously develop your driving application, goals, and budget. We can create a modular setup that accommodates the parameters.

[Firestorm_86]

Originally Posted by CSG David

Slammed doesn't always equate to pimp daddy status when the girl hates the ride.

Actually, that's quite the problem already, she's not quite pleased with the ride. So softer on a DD basis is desired. Then the ability to tweak for the mountains when needed.

Also, how about the other TEIN offering/Mono Sport?

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Firestorm_86

Actually, that's quite the problem already, she's not quite pleased with the ride. So softer on a DD basis is desired. Then the ability to tweak for the mountains when needed.

Also, how about the other TEIN offering/Mono Sport?

I would just find a comfy setup and dial in your alignment. You can always manipulate how the way the car dances by weight transfer. TEIN Mono Sport is tailored more towards tracking...it's a little rough around town...

[Firestorm_86]

Originally Posted by CSG David

I would just find a comfy setup and dial in your alignment. You can always manipulate how the way the car dances by weight transfer. TEIN Mono Sport is tailored more towards tracking...it's a little rough around town...

Direct me to that comfy setup!

Go Ohlins or go home is not a valid reply.

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Firestorm_86

Direct me to that comfy setup!

Go Ohlins or go home is not a valid reply.

Oh. Penske/Ohlins/Sachs custom valving...$25k.

[Firestorm_86]

Originally Posted by CSG David

Oh. Penske/Ohlins/Sachs custom valving...$25k.

And what about for the $1000-1100 price range and the $1500-1600 price range?

[Turkish]

Originally Posted by Firestorm_86

And what about for the $1000-1100 price range and the $1500-1600 price range?

*cough*oemdampers+springs+tophats+LCA*cough*

[Firestorm_86]

Originally Posted by Turkish

*cough*oemdampers+springs+tophats+LCA*cough*

*cough* that might be the choice for performance/dialed in alignment, but I don't recall an option for a more comfy ride...

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Firestorm_86

*cough* that might be the choice for performance/dialed in alignment, but I don't recall an option for a more comfy ride...

~1k coilover?
ST Suspension, Bilstein B14, TEIN Street Basis. (notice only height adjustment available)

Performance on stock suspension for ~$1.2k?
Raceseng CasCam, SPL Rear LCA (notice only alignment setup)

[Racecomp Engineering]

If you do track the car and are comfortable with -3 or so degrees front camber (and all that comes with that), then camber plates + rear LCAs is not a bad way to go if you only have that much cash to spend. It gets you good gains and you can keep the parts if you upgrade to quality coilovers or a strut + spring package down the line.

If it's more of a 98% DD street car with some fun track time thrown in when you can, then I would go a different route. The reason I say that is that when you upgrade your shocks, it's a more noticeable improvement on the street. Not "faster"...just a better drive for me personally. At the track, you'll likely increase cornering speeds more with a bunch of camber, but the drive on the street even when not pushing the car to the limit will be more enjoyable with a good shock and spring package AS LONG AS your alignment is still pretty good and balanced, meaning at least get camber bolts.

To keep it under 1500, this package with the WL rear LCA upgrade would be tempting.
http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/ft-8...-rce-1081.html

Koni Yellows
RCE Yellows
front camber bolts
Whiteline rear LCA

Maybe swap the Konis for Bilsteins but you'll just barely go over the 1500 mark. Or go with Bilstein B14 or ST coilovers if you really want height adjustability (I'm fine with a set 20mm drop).

Or go without the rear LCA and spend the money saved on something to make your gf/wife/whatever happy. And pizza and beer. And entry fees. Probably brakes too.

- Andy