RCE Yellow vs. Koni Yellow

[cjd]

Originally Posted by bobabreath

I expected the BRZ to have a firm ride but mostly on the highway every little gap in the pavement sends a jab to my butt. When I drive my minivan over the same road, I don't get any of that sensation. Now, I don't expect the BRZ to feel like a cruise ship, but I'm just looking or something to smooth out the tiny vibrations.

I've been considering this description and am wondering if the seat is unable to cushion adequately... This would be more likely if you're a bigger/heavier individual. Its sparsely cushioned... And it could have broken in enough that it no longer shields you from some things. Could be off base,but figured it was worth throwing out there.

[Clipdat]

The off the shelf rates for the AST 5100s are 6k/7k.

Originally Posted by strat61caster

The AST's look super nice, but I can't find what spring rates they come with for the life of me. On this car though, I wouldn't want to run more than 400#/7k if comfort and compliance is the goal.

[RJasonKlein]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

The off the shelf rates for the AST 5100s are 6k/7k.

What spring rates are you running?

[Clipdat]

Same. 6k/7k.

Originally Posted by RJasonKlein

What spring rates are you running?

[Shark_Bait88]

The OP will soon have a solution that I think will suit his needs quite nicely.

[RJasonKlein]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

The OP will soon have a solution that I think will suit his needs quite nicely.

Good point. To the original poster, you have unrealistic expectations if you're disappointed by the fact that your sports car rides more firmly than your mini-van. You've given us a problem and greatly limited our choices to solve it effectively - RCE 'Yellows' or Koni dampers, neither of which by themselves are the best choice. The RCE springs are generally thought to be excellent, but are firmer than stock. The Konis are twin-tube units that have improved wheel control over the stock dampers, but are anything but supple. So, trying to stay within your hypothetical rules, here are my thoughts:

- Increasing spring rate on a car that already rides too firm makes no sense, so I'd start with the Konis before I'd do the RCE springs.

- I've owned Konis and been generally pleased, but did not find them comfortable - and I doubt you will, either.

- A better choice, in my opinion, would be to change the stock damper out to a Bilstein B6 damper while still running your stock springs - although you didn't give us this option. The Bilsteins ride noticeably better than the Konis.

- If it were my car and I had limited options, I'd pair the RCE springs with the Bilstein B6 or B8 damper, but you and I obviously have different priorities.

- None of these options will make your car ride like a mini-van, and I seriously question if the FR-S/86/BRZ is the right car for you.

There, that brought things back on topic - good luck solving your problem!

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by RJasonKlein

Good point. To the original poster, you have unrealistic expectations if you're disappointed by the fact that your sports car rides more firmly than your mini-van. You've given us a problem and greatly limited our choices to solve it effectively - RCE 'Yellows' or Koni dampers, neither of which by themselves are the best choice. The RCE springs are generally thought to be excellent, but are firmer than stock. The Konis are twin-tube units that have improved wheel control over the stock dampers, but are anything but supple. So, trying to stay within your hypothetical rules, here are my thoughts:

- Increasing spring rate on a car that already rides too firm makes no sense, so I'd start with the Konis before I'd do the RCE springs.

- I've owned Konis and been generally pleased, but did not find them comfortable - and I doubt you will, either.

- A better choice, in my opinion, would be to change the stock damper out to a Bilstein B6 damper while still running your stock springs - although you didn't give us this option. The Bilsteins ride noticeably better than the Konis.

- If it were my car and I had limited options, I'd pair the RCE springs with the Bilstein B6 or B8 damper, but you and I obviously have different priorities.

- None of these options will make your car ride like a mini-van, and I seriously question if the FR-S/86/BRZ is the right car for you.

There, that brought things back on topic - good luck solving your problem!

He bought my SACHS coilovers. haha Shipping them out today.

Ride was noticeably improved over stock when I had them on my car, despite slightly stiffer rates. Damping is great, and the range of adjustment can go from a nicely compliant ride to noticeably stiffer. Of course over big bumps you'll feel it a bit more, but over most normal road imperfections (like washboard surfaces) they definitely felt better than stock.

Normally not an option in this price range, but he lucked out that I was selling them around the same time he was looking.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

The OP will soon have a solution that I think will suit his needs quite nicely.

lol did you sell him your sack, I mean Sachs?

Edit: fuck should have refreshed

[Shark_Bait88]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

lol did you sell him your sack, I mean Sachs?

Edit: fuck should have refreshed

Someone finally wanted my sack!

[Racecomp Engineering]

RJasonKlein's post sums it up fairly well IMO.

Our RCE Yellows change the ride quality...in some ways it's slightly better, in some ways slightly worse. Some might call it an improvement. BUT if your main goal is to improve ride quality, I'm not sure they're the best choice if you're limiting yourself to 1 modification.

Also, I would check your local forum to see if anyone is willing to give you a ride on RCE Yellows or any other option you're interested in. Keep in mind the OEM shocks have changed slightly over the years and different tires can make a big difference.

I would choose the Bilstein B6 over the Konis if the goal is to improve ride quality. So my vote is option C, none of the above.

EDIT: or find a deal on some sachs/sacks!

- Andrew

[RJasonKlein]

Originally Posted by Shark_Bait88

He bought my SACHS coilovers. haha Shipping them out today.

Ride was noticeably improved over stock when I had them on my car, despite slightly stiffer rates. Damping is great, and the range of adjustment can go from a nicely compliant ride to noticeably stiffer. Of course over big bumps you'll feel it a bit more, but over most normal road imperfections (like washboard surfaces) they definitely felt better than stock.

Normally not an option in this price range, but he lucked out that I was selling them around the same time he was looking.

I'm glad he snagged them - I saw them in the classifieds and thought that they looked like a rare find and a good deal.

[bobabreath]

Thanks for all your input guys! So I think the consensus is that changing only one component is not ideal.

I used to have a 2000 Acura Integra lowered over 1" on H&R Sport springs and Koni Yellows. It was firm but I drove cross country from San Diego to Raleigh, NC without any problems. So this leads me to believe that there is something seriously imbalanced with the 2016 BRZ stock suspension. I test drove a 2017 with performance pack, and the ride was definitely an improvement.

In the end, I decided not to go the cheap route, and I pulled the trigger on the Sachs coilover set from fellow forum member SharkBait88. It has adjustable monotube shocks and low spring rates which I hope will be the recipe for a smooth ride. Hope to have them installed soon and will be back with my impressions!