CSG Mike's observations on dampers/coilovers

[CSG Mike]

Over the past 9 months or so, I've had the opportunity to drive on virtually every damper/coilover system on the market. These are my thoughts. A special thank you goes out to the countless members who have offered me the opportunity to drive in their setups so that I can get an impression of how they function, both on track and on the street.

First, there are a LOT of badly damped systems out there. Frequently, the damper is not properly matched up to the spring, and are often underdamped. The end result is a harsher ride that is frequently perceived to be faster/better because it is "stiffer", but the reality is that these cars had less grip than stock.

Second, there's a strong correlation between underdamped systems and price. This isn't to say that an expensive coilover/shock is always good, but the lower priced systems, so far, have universally been underdamped for hard driving. The underdamped characteristic allows for a "more comfortable" ride under street use with higher spring rates, giving a false sense of increased grip.

Third, the stock dampers are VERY well matched to the springs. While the stock suspension is soft, it is critically damped for performance. Most people will perceive the (somewhat excessive) body roll to be hurting cornering grip, but the reality is that it really only hurts transition time between weight transfer. If you drive according to the car, instead of trying to force the car to do what you want it to do, you can put down some REALLY smoking fast times at the track. To top it off, the stock system uses soft spring rates, so street driving is nice and comfy, albeit a bit on the harsh side given the spring rates (due to the "performance" oriented nature of the damping).

I understand that a lot of you don't like the body roll that is the result of the stock spring rates, but trust me, the stock stuff is GOOD.

As always, do as much research as you can before making a decision as to what's right for you. Some systems offer a different range of ride heights, while others do not. Some systems may not be able to offer the ride you're looking for, and there is no "one product fits all" when it comes to suspension.

[robispec]

got your flame proof suit on?

[CSG Mike]

Yes... fire extinguishers ready too.

I fully expect everyone to defend their suspension choices, but isn't that expected?

[euroshowoff]

do you have a thread/blog discussing each setup? For someone like me, who is taking his time making a decision, its important to read as many reviews from someone who isn't biased to their setup.

[Mgivens]

Originally Posted by euroshowoff

do you have a thread/blog discussing each setup? For someone like me, who is taking his time making a decision, its important to read as many reviews from someone who isn't biased to their setup.

This! Would love to hear some more opinions on each setup from someone as experienced as you Mike

[SkullWorks]

in b4 flame front.

[Ben_G]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

First, there are a LOT of badly damped systems out there.

So there are FEW systems that you liked.....care to share?

[post_break]

So what do you thinking about springs that have higher rates? RCE for example matched with stock dampers.

[djdnz]

Originally Posted by Ben_G

So there are FEW systems that you liked.....care to share?

X2, would love to know which ones were your personal favourites. Taking cost into consideration of course

Thanks for the post.

[2point0]

Aww what happened to that list? I was hoping to see them separated out into what you'd consider "well" or "badly" damped.

[7thgear]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

, but isn't that expected?

no

99% of these assholes didn't udnerstand a single word in your post and never will.

particulary the part about dealing with OEM roll, which is easily delt with if one knows the track well and isn't jerking the wheel like they do in 90's sitcoms.

so fuck them

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by 7thgear

no

99% of these assholes didn't udnerstand a single word in your post and never will.

particulary the part about dealing with OEM roll, which is easily delt with if one knows the track well and isn't jerking the wheel like they do in 90's sitcoms.

so fuck them

on one hand I'm tempted to delete this post for being a bit too harsh, on the other I laughed while reading it. :shrug:

[Kido1986]

@Dave-ROR

I vote leave it. It's too funny AND true hahah.

I get a kick out of people thinking these cheapest coilover kits handle so well (especially while bottomed out!). It used to really bother me. Now, I'm getting to the point I just save my breath. Poor, mismatched Taiwaneese dampers plus 10k springs do not a well handling car make.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Kido1986

@Dave-ROR

I vote leave it. It's too funny AND true hahah.

I get a kick out of people thinking these cheapest coilover kits handle so well (especially while bottomed out!). It used to really bother me. Now, I'm getting to the point I just save my breath. Poor, mismatched Taiwaneese dampers plus 10k springs do not a well handling car make.