Switched from RCE Yellows to Bilstein B8/RCE Tarmac Springs

[Calum]

Originally Posted by josealiceapr

Thanks for the discussion. I am currently running on RCE yellows and stock struts - approximately 29k miles on the struts. Racecomp Engineering is such a valuable resource on these forums and have learned a ton from the knowledge he's shared on here.

I'm thinking about going the same route as in the original post, B8's with RCE Tarmac springs. My question is this (and I apologize if this has been discussed to death).

Are there any options out there for someone wanting to go stiffer on the spring rates than the option above without having to invest (not only $$ but time) in coilovers. My priorities are a quality suspension which maintains travel and correct geometry (no more than 0.75" drop).

Can any of the available struts (Bilstein, Koni, etc..) provide appropriate damping with a stiffer spring than the Tarmacs? If so, is a spring like that available? Would love to hear some thoughts on this.

Thanks

From what I know, you might find a spring set that's stiffer in the rear, but I don't know of any that even come close in the front.

[M23]

Originally Posted by josealiceapr

I'm thinking about going the same route as in the original post, B8's with RCE Tarmac springs. My question is this (and I apologize if this has been discussed to death).

Are there any options out there for someone wanting to go stiffer on the spring rates than the option above without having to invest (not only $$ but time) in coilovers. My priorities are a quality suspension which maintains travel and correct geometry (no more than 0.75" drop).

What about Swift Spec-R(4.4/5.3)? Those and Tarmacs are the firmest springs currently if I'm not mistaken. Swift is a good quality too. The Spec-R is a tad softer in the front than the RCE Tarmacs (4.4k, similar to the RCE Yellows); but, a little firmer in the rear (5.3k). So it's a little different balance than the square rates of the RCE options; but at the same time similar rates..like a mix of the two. But, it does lower it more (with a slight rake..which I like).

My top choices would be: Spec-R, RCE Yellows, RCE Tarmacs/Greys ...depending on what your desired susp characteristics are,of course (ie: softness/firmness, f/r balance, more/less oversteer/understeer; it's all subjective). You want to gain more oversteer - get Spec R. Less Oversteer or more understeer, get RCE Tarmacs. Less firm, get Yellows. etc.

http://www.swiftsprings.net/products...ct/spec-r.html

[josealiceapr]

Thank you. I am really liking the dynamics on the RCE Yellows so I am leaning to the Tarmacs at this point.

Did anyone ever figure out what the rates were on the STI Pink springs?

Would like to hear opinions on Koni Yellows struts vs Bilstein B6 as they relate to the car's handling characteristics with RCE Tarmacs. Performance and quality would be first, comfort would not be my primary concern.

Thanks for the input.

[dem00n]

I currently have the Bilsteins B8's and Swift Spec-R springs, going to wait until the summer to install them. Suppose I'll do a review...

I honestly choose the Spec-R over the Tarmacs due to the bigger drop that the Spec-R allows.

In part, i wanted a nice drop and a good spring front/rear spring rate, that's what the Spec-R's provided me. Though i do understand that Racecomp believe that 20mm is the perfect lowering distance before handling can become compromised , that's okay too!

[M23]

Originally Posted by dem00n

I currently have the Bilsteins B8's and Swift Spec-R springs, going to wait until the summer to install them. Suppose I'll do a review...

I honestly choose the Spec-R over the Tarmacs due to the bigger drop that the Spec-R allows.

In part, i wanted a nice drop and a good spring front/rear spring rate, that's what the Spec-R's provided me. Though i do understand that Racecomp believe that 20mm is the perfect lowering distance before handling can become compromised , that's okay too!

You forgot to mention that nice Swift rake doe. All the pics of Swift springs I've seen have a nice, subtle, class rake..very nice stance. Not talking smack or anything, jus being honest ..but all the RCE springs pics I've seen are too "square" regarding ride height and most of the time looks like it has too much saggy butt or dead body in trunk. I know performance is primary.. but I really really don't wanna have that saggy butt look lol. Hence, why I would choose Swift first.

Nice one! Don't forget plenty of pics too! (lots of stance, and also pretty install/parts pics hehe)