Suspension upgrade recommendations

[TLD]

I'm looking to upgrade my suspension, the thing is, my current suspension (BC racing) on my 86 was installed by previous owner, and I have no idea what the spring rate is. I've done alignment after I bought the car, ride height is now at stock and I intend to keep it that way because where I park has a very steep drive way, and my car is the sport plus or areo package which has a longer and lower front bumper. I can get away with maybe 0.5" drop though.

The problem I have with my current suspension is that it takes high frequency bumps very violently, and the tires often lifts off the ground (not literally, but you can feel the weight lifted off the wheel). It has 30 steps damper adjustability but I believe that only affect low frequency bumps.

I have rode with my friend in a MINI with KW v3 suspension and I instantly notice the difference and think my suspension is crap. But I know different car reacts with suspension differently, so I'm not sure if KW v3 is the answer.

I do not do track days (there ain't no tracks here), only back roads. So, any recommendations? Thanks and sorry for the long post.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by TLD

So, any recommendations?

You might like to give a budget.

[cyin86x]

Originally Posted by TLD

I'm looking to upgrade my suspension, the thing is, my current suspension (BC racing) on my 86 was installed by previous owner, and I have no idea what the spring rate is. I've done alignment after I bought the car, ride height is now at stock and I intend to keep it that way because where I park has a very steep drive way, and my car is the sport plus or areo package which has a longer and lower front bumper. I can get away with maybe 0.5" drop though.

The problem I have with my current suspension is that it takes high frequency bumps very violently, and the tires often lifts off the ground (not literally, but you can feel the weight lifted off the wheel). It has 30 steps damper adjustability but I believe that only affect low frequency bumps.

I have rode with my friend in a MINI with KW v3 suspension and I instantly notice the difference and think my suspension is crap. But I know different car reacts with suspension differently, so I'm not sure if KW v3 is the answer.

I do not do track days (there ain't no tracks here), only back roads. So, any recommendations? Thanks and sorry for the long post.

If you're not into tracking, then I'd personally recommend against the KW V3 because of the cost. Those are for the guys who are hardcore track junkies that want to fine tune their suspension at the track and also they set it up differently depending upon which track they go to that weekend.
I know that because many of my friends who are track guys go through that all the time. Adjustable rebound, compression, and etc. I think thats overkill for the streets.
In my opinion, I think Tein is a pretty good option for the streets since I've had their coils in the past. Pretty affordable too. Now if you aren't really working with a budget and want the best, the KW V3 is one of the best. Maybe if you were to tell me what budget you were working with, I can give you more proper advice.

[churchx]

"Now if you aren't really working with a budget and want the best, the KW V3 is one of the best."
It's mid. There are Penskes after all too

[JSube]

These Teins have me really interested and not just for the price point, but for who's been developing them-
http://counterspacegarage.com/tein-f...-toyota86.html

Also, KW V3s are top quality but infinite adjustability is pointless on the street. Ohlins Road & Track coilovers would be another brand to research, both go for about $2K USD.

[Racecomp Engineering]

The new "soft" Ohlins would work well for you. I would pair with upgraded swaybars since they are really soft.

Standard "soft" KW V3 also ride really well if you spend a little time with the adjusters.

Bilstein B6 shocks with stock springs or STI springs (mild 15mm drop) is another idea.

In general I would avoid anything that comes with camber plates.

- Andrew

[Vital]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

The new "soft" Ohlins would work well for you. I would pair with upgraded swaybars since they are really soft.

Standard "soft" KW V3 also ride really well if you spend a little time with the adjusters.

Bilstein B6 shocks with stock springs or STI springs (mild 15mm drop) is another idea.

In general I would avoid anything that comes with camber plates.

- Andrew

What about RCE Yellows and B6 would that work? Or is it better to get B8 dampers?

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by Vital

What about RCE Yellows and B6 would that work? Or is it better to get B8 dampers?

RCE Yellows and B6 is awesome. Shipping a set of springs to Hong Kong is expensive though.

But yes I recommend RCE Yellow and B6. I will likely eventually do that on my own personal car. The B8s don't give any real advantage.

- Andrew

[Azzudien]

Why not just get a stock suspension? Sure you could get relatively cheap from someone on these forums that has upgraded suspension for the track.
Seems that would solve most of your issues, and since you do not track is there really a need for more?

[arkanist]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

In general I would avoid anything that comes with camber plates.

- Andrew

Why avoid the ones with camber plates?

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by arkanist

Why avoid the ones with camber plates?

If he's not doing track days and his primary concern is ride quality, camber plates will only make things worse compared to the OEM top mount. Camber plates do have an effect on ride quality that can be fairly noticeable.

He can still get camber with a camber bolt or in the case of KWs, the lower mount is slotted for camber adjustability.

- Andrew

[CounterSpace Garage]

Originally Posted by TLD

I'm looking to upgrade my suspension, the thing is, my current suspension (BC racing) on my 86 was installed by previous owner, and I have no idea what the spring rate is. I've done alignment after I bought the car, ride height is now at stock and I intend to keep it that way because where I park has a very steep drive way, and my car is the sport plus or areo package which has a longer and lower front bumper. I can get away with maybe 0.5" drop though.

The problem I have with my current suspension is that it takes high frequency bumps very violently, and the tires often lifts off the ground (not literally, but you can feel the weight lifted off the wheel). It has 30 steps damper adjustability but I believe that only affect low frequency bumps.

I have rode with my friend in a MINI with KW v3 suspension and I instantly notice the difference and think my suspension is crap. But I know different car reacts with suspension differently, so I'm not sure if KW v3 is the answer.

I do not do track days (there ain't no tracks here), only back roads. So, any recommendations? Thanks and sorry for the long post.

Hi @TLD,

We have been to Hong Kong a few times and checked out those back roads before, but haven't actually had the chance to travel with the HK GT86 Club to go to Zhuhai's racetrack. Are you part of the HK GT86 Club? We have our CSG Spec TEIN Flex A coming soon and has been proven on a variety of road conditions including suspension testing across the US over the course of 1.5 weeks and 6000+ miles.

Thanks,
CSG

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Azzudien

Why not just get a stock suspension?

Location

Probably much easier to get ahold of aftermarket spring/damper combo where he is. On a budget searching for ride quality I'd check out the Showa's.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120639

[TLD]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm really sorry that I forgot to mention my budget. But car parts price in Hong Kong is quite different to US/Europe, so my USD2k might not get me the same thing as you can (I think a new set of KW v3 is close to USD3k here). But I'd think in US terms, something ~USD1.5-2k.

I've heard some good words about TEINS, but which model and which spring rate?

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

If he's not doing track days and his primary concern is ride quality, camber plates will only make things worse compared to the OEM top mount. Camber plates do have an effect on ride quality that can be fairly noticeable.

He can still get camber with a camber bolt or in the case of KWs, the lower mount is slotted for camber adjustability.

- Andrew

Thanks Andrew, my previous owner already have camber plate installed. In your opinion I should revert back to stock top hat? Or just keep them? I'm not upset because of my current setup is harsh, I just don't like how it jumps and that might potentially lead to loss of traction.

Originally Posted by CounterSpace Garage

Hi @TLD,

We have been to Hong Kong a few times and checked out those back roads before, but haven't actually had the chance to travel with the HK GT86 Club to go to Zhuhai's racetrack. Are you part of the HK GT86 Club? We have our CSG Spec TEIN Flex A coming soon and has been proven on a variety of road conditions including suspension testing across the US over the course of 1.5 weeks and 6000+ miles.

Thanks,
CSG

Sadly I'm not part of the HK GT86 Club. If you have connections please let them know there's a stranded GT86 owner here in Hong Kong and would like to join their events. And maybe ride with some of their cars so I can feel which suspension I like the most.