AST 4150

[Clipdat]

I know the tire was partially responsible for the handling characteristics, but I tried to make those comments in direct correlation to the suspension handling behavior, as opposed to the tire's grip level on the road.

It was meant less as a "wow, I have a crazy grip limit" and more of a "The mid corner handling with this setup is crazy good".

Something about the weight shift that happens upon sharp turn on and hard cornering, as the suspension gets planted and then you power on through the corner, this is what feels so good with these coilovers. But you have to be really aggressive with the car to get them into that zone, because they're so stiff and planted otherwise.

Originally Posted by finch1750

I would imagine those 2 bolded statements have a direct link. It's not that they love it, but that they grip so much they can take it. Their limits would be higher with smooth inputs I would guess.


Sticky tires just mask bad habits

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

I know the tire was partially responsible for the handling characteristics, but I tried to make those comments in direct correlation to the suspension handling behavior, as opposed to the tire's grip level on the road.

It was meant less as a "wow, I have a crazy grip limit" and more of a "The mid corner handling with this setup is crazy good".

Something about the weight shift that happens upon sharp turn on and hard cornering, as the suspension gets planted and then you power on through the corner, this is what feels so good with these coilovers. But you have to be really aggressive with the car to get them into that zone, because they're so stiff and planted otherwise.

That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification

[Clipdat]

You can drive my car on Mine's sometime if you want to feel them, assuming you still remember how to drive stick?

Originally Posted by finch1750

That makes sense. Thanks for the clarification

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

You can drive my car on Mine's sometime if you want to feel them, assuming you still remember how to drive stick?

Lol. I tend to forget how to drive AT more then I forget how to drive stick haha.

After driving the MR2 for a week I I'm 80% likely to double foot the brake pedal on the FRS the first day I'm driving it

Would be an interesting comparison between my 4150 and your 5100. And I'll even be on SX2s pretty soon as well to really make it even

[Clipdat]

Also, I think my ride height is slightly too low in terms of getting the maximum performance out of these. Since it does limit shock travel the lower you go with these.

That being said, I can't bring myself to raise it up as it just looks so good. My stance is dialed in and looks aggressive as hell.

[finch1750]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Also, I think my ride height is slightly too low in terms of getting the maximum performance out of these. Since it does limit shock travel the lower you go with these.

That being said, I can't bring myself to raise it up as it just looks so good. My stance is dialed in and looks aggressive as hell.

How low are you? I'm like -1.5" but want to raise the car about .25-.5" I think

[botbs]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

@botbs If you're unsure about off the shelf spring rates and valving, I would reach out to AST directly.

They're re-branding their North American operations and putting a lot of emphasis on their local dealers. It's worth reaching out to them via phone/email and describing what your needs/goals are and having them suggest what product might be the best for you.

Who knows, you might actually be better off with their 2000 or 4100 systems, perhaps with custom valving or rates.

Let us know what you end up doing.

Hi Clipdat,

Really appreciate your detailed comments and thanks for sharing your experience with us. It really helps when hearing end user feedback than from a vendor.

Ohlins DFV was my first choice as a vendor has it on sale for $1915. Then the whiteline Max G was my other choice as it was $1999 (rumors said it is identical to the AST5100, if not similar). However, the comments I got from others are those two coilovers are too soft when equipped with RE71R.

Thereafter, I have emailed/PM a few vendors (ME, RCE, RSD and CP) and I make my own conclusion to the AST5100 instead of the discontinued AST4150.

Now after reading your comments regarding too stiff may change my mind again. I will keep you posted as I was planning to get F7K and R7K. Having said that I feel the stock TS Sachs damper with STI springs is quite "bouncy"
but not harsh. For some odd reason, I feel the 2015 stock suspension feels better on the street.

I will keep you posted as I was also interested in the RCE Bilstein Trophy Cup but I really want to give it a try on the AST as the clubsport has no damping adjustment.

Thanks again!

[Clipdat]

Are you going to be using this for street or for competition? I'm guessing the ladder considering you mentioned RE71R.

I drove a BRZ with Ohlins, it handled like a dream. It was almost TOO easy to corner with. It was literally like playing a video game. However, it was softer for sure, and more compliant. Probably wouldn't have been a good match for RE71R.

Also worth keeping in mind that everyone's perception and tolerance of stiffness and harshness is different. I've mentioned to people how stiff I think mine is with 6k/7k and they kindof give me a WTF look and tell me they're running 8/8 or 8/10, etc.

Regarding bounciness, mine were definitely bouncy at full soft. I've moved them 4 clicks from full soft in front and 5 clicks in the rear, and that got rid of most of the bounciness. All of the bounciness goes away as you get further toward full stiff, but then any pavement imperfections become really jarring.

Sounds like you've got some things to consider. How are the roads by you?

Originally Posted by botbs

Hi Clipdat,

Really appreciate your detailed comments and thanks for sharing your experience with us. It really helps when hearing end user feedback than from a vendor.

Ohlins DFV was my first choice as a vendor has it on sale for $1915. Then the whiteline Max G was my other choice as it was $1999 (rumors said it is identical to the AST5100, if not similar). However, the comments I got from others are those two coilovers are too soft when equipped with RE71R.

Thereafter, I have emailed/PM a few vendors (ME, RCE, RSD and CP) and I make my own conclusion to the AST5100 instead of the discontinued AST4150.

Now after reading your comments regarding too stiff may change my mind again. I will keep you posted as I was planning to get F7K and R7K. Having said that I feel the stock TS Sachs damper with STI springs is quite "bouncy"
but not harsh. For some odd reason, I feel the 2015 stock suspension feels better on the street.

I will keep you posted as I was also interested in the RCE Bilstein Trophy Cup but I really want to give it a try on the AST as the clubsport has no damping adjustment.

Thanks again!

I actually don't know. I would guess 1.25" lower.

Originally Posted by finch1750

How low are you? I'm like -1.5" but want to raise the car about .25-.5" I think

[botbs]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Are you going to be using this for street or for competition? I'm guessing the ladder considering you mentioned RE71R.

I drove a BRZ with Ohlins, it handled like a dream. It was almost TOO easy to corner with. It was literally like playing a video game. However, it was softer for sure, and more compliant. Probably wouldn't have been a good match for RE71R.

Also worth keeping in mind that everyone's perception and tolerance of stiffness and harshness is different. I've mentioned to people how stiff I think mine is with 6k/7k and they kindof give me a WTF look and tell me they're running 8/8 or 8/10, etc.

Regarding bounciness, mine were definitely bouncy at full soft. I've moved them 4 clicks from full soft in front and 5 clicks in the rear, and that got rid of most of the bounciness. All of the bounciness goes away as you get further toward full stiff, but then any pavement imperfections become really jarring.

Sounds like you've got some things to consider. How are the roads by you?



I actually don't know. I would guess 1.25" lower.

The roads on the street here in Vancouver is pretty bad especially after winter time. However, this is not my daily commute car and will not be driven in Winter. I am planning to go track few times a year but not much auto-x because the seat time is little.

I would love to enjoy driving this on the weekend tho; therefore, street driving probably still like 80% of the mileage.

Thanks!

[Clipdat]

Well, I would reach out to AST directly and see if they have some suggestions for you.

Regardless of what you decide on, keep us updated!

Originally Posted by botbs

The roads on the street here in Vancouver is pretty bad especially after winter time. However, this is not my daily commute car and will not be driven in Winter. I am planning to go track few times a year but not much auto-x because the seat time is little.

I would love to enjoy driving this on the weekend tho; therefore, street driving probably still like 80% of the mileage.

Thanks!

[botbs]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Well, I would reach out to AST directly and see if they have some suggestions for you.

Regardless of what you decide on, keep us updated!

Is it worth it to go double digressive piston? I am debating.... Hmmm

[Clipdat]

For street driveability and comfort, yes. For performance at the limit, it doesn't make a noticeable difference.

At least that is what my shop told me. I didn't go with it, but in hindsight I should have.

Originally Posted by botbs

Is it worth it to go double digressive piston? I am debating.... Hmmm

[Captain Snooze]

I had 9k/10k on my 5200s and while they were firm they were not uncomfortable but I think for the track I used to visit they were just a little too stiff . If I were to choose again I think I would go 7k/7 or 8k.
But sooooo much comes down to personal preference.

[botbs]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

I had 9k/10k on my 5200s and while they were firm they were not uncomfortable but I think for the track I used to visit they were just a little too stiff . If I were to choose again I think I would go 7k/7 or 8k.
But sooooo much comes down to personal preference.

Great! I pull the trigger and ordered a set of AST5100 8k/8k with DDP. It will take around 4 - 6 weeks, I will let you guys know once I got it installed.

Cheers!