In Search of Coilovers (Clearance/Street/Track/Not Super Stiff)

[FR-S Matt]

When it comes to suspension, I'm at a bit of a stump. There's a lot of variables with it that I'm getting better with, and yes, I've pressed the button. There's a lot of options, but I don't think I'm understanding some of it, especially things like spring rate. So to keep things simple, I'm looking for a little guidance and some possible coilovers to look at for what I need them to do.

I've got Enkei RPF1 18X9.5 +38 all around on 245/35's. Front clearance is very very close to the lower part of the spring. I'm not sure if I've caught it rubbing or not, but the occasional hard turn at 50+ mph sure feels like it might hit slightly.

Basically, I'm looking for a great street Coilover with some track ability. Most importantly offering the clearance I need, and second, not making the ride crazy stiff either. Cost? Anywhere from $1000-$2000 is reasonable for what I'd use it for. Spirited street driving, might see a track one day, no auto cross.

Is camber adjustment necessary to achieve this? I don't want to murder my tire wear either from uneven wear.

Also, drop wise, I don't mind going low enough just to fill the gap, but not slammed. I don't want to be hitting speed bumps with my bumper/underbody.

Tein Street Basis have been brought up to me, which seem to look pretty nice, but I noticed there's no camber adjustment, which is fine.

[JoeBoxer]

If you can spend a little more the RCE Tarmac O would be my other choice, no camber plates to keep NVH down and street friendly spring rates.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

Is camber adjustment necessary to achieve this? I don't want to murder my tire wear either from uneven wear.

With coilovers you have the ability to "adjust" camber by changing ride height. Most optimally you'd want an adjustable rear UCA...those are expensive and nigh-impossible to adjust on the vehicle, so you'll want rear LCAs instead. The problem I encountered with the rear LCA is that I ran out of toe-adjustment range because I wanted LESS camber (though I'm using using Koni yellows that aren't height adjustable). So if you're trying to run less than -1.5 in the rear, you might need toe adjusters too.

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

With coilovers you have the ability to "adjust" camber by changing ride height. Most optimally you'd want an adjustable rear UCA...those are expensive and nigh-impossible to adjust on the vehicle, so you'll want rear LCAs instead. The problem I encountered with the rear LCA is that I ran out of toe-adjustment range because I wanted LESS camber (though I'm using using Koni yellows that aren't height adjustable). So if you're trying to run less than -1.5 in the rear, you might need toe adjusters too.

So if I go down lets say... 1.5" to a possible 2" maximum, am I going to need some serious alignment and adjusters? Definitely not looking to do the whole negative camber thing where people have the crazy bent back wheels for handling. Though I understand what it is for, I'm not autocrossing to work each day, lol. I'd like even wear on my tires!

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

So if I go down lets say... 1.5" to a possible 2" maximum, am I going to need some serious alignment and adjusters? Definitely not looking to do the whole negative camber thing where people have the crazy bent back wheels for handling. Though I understand what it is for, I'm not autocrossing to work each day, lol. I'd like even wear on my tires!

That's a lot, IMO. I'm conservative though.

You want the LCAs regardless IMO, as that's the easiest way to adjust camber AND keep your ride height where you want it. You may/not need toe adjusters. I could only get -1.5 camber rear (-1.4 L, -1.5 R) while still keeping my toe zeroed out. In order to get camber AND toe where I wanted them, I'd have needed toe arms...but I'm okay with my camber where it is. Toe arms are ~$200-300 and LCAs are $250-500.

Liek I says, if you want even ride height and camber...you want the LCAs. Toe arms...possibly; I'm unsure how ride-height alters toe, possibly only through camber change on the LCA from lower ride-height. Better question for a suspension guru.

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

That's a lot, IMO. I'm conservative though.

You want the LCAs regardless IMO, as that's the easiest way to adjust camber AND keep your ride height where you want it. You may/not need toe adjusters. I could only get -1.5 camber rear (-1.4 L, -1.5 R) while still keeping my toe zeroed out. In order to get camber AND toe where I wanted them, I'd have needed toe arms...but I'm okay with my camber where it is. Toe arms are ~$200-300 and LCAs are $250-500.

Liek I says, if you want even ride height and camber...you want the LCAs. Toe arms...possibly; I'm unsure how ride-height alters toe, possibly only through camber change on the LCA from lower ride-height. Better question for a suspension guru.

Yeah, I probably exaggerated big time on the lowering, it's probably more like 1"-1.5", closing some of the gap. Yeah, I definitely need to talk with the suspension experts a bit so I can find the balance I'm looking for. I just know I need to not go overboard on this and over think it too much. I don't want to get stuck with those crappy coilovers that end up giving you problems later on because you didn't do research and impulse bought some at a cheap price.

[FR-S Matt]

After reading a bit more, those RCE Tarmac Zero's look to be a hot item. Sounds silly... but I sure like that spring color as well! Granted you won't really see it, but they look really nice. Cost a bit more, but come with a lifetime warranty? That's hard to pass up.

[CSG David]

If you're planning to do a little tracking, Street Basis might not be the best setup. They are, at best, street coilovers to give you that nice look with proper spring and shock valving combo that won't hurt the handling of the car. It will be underdamped for track use, but certainly won't be an issue for spirited street driving. The Street Basis does not have any ability for damper adjustments besides being fully height adjustable. It also doesn't come with camber plates to help give you additional camber if you want to save your tires for track use as well.

The setup you may be looking for is the TEIN Street Flex. While it is designed and built for street use, it still retains the ability to take track performance driving. It, however, will be underdamped if you decide to do some heavy track driving though and that type of track setup will put you into another price category.

We've tested many different setups that are being sold out on the market right now. There has been a huge anticipation on the RCE Tarmac lineup and we would be interested to test them extensively if someone lends us the coilovers (or a few laps on track)!

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by CSG David

If you're planning to do a little tracking, Street Basis might not be the best setup. They are, at best, street coilovers to give you that nice look with proper spring and shock valving combo that won't hurt the handling of the car. It will be underdamped for track use, but certainly won't be an issue for spirited street driving. The Street Basis does not have any ability for damper adjustments besides being fully height adjustable. It also doesn't come with camber plates to help give you additional camber if you want to save your tires for track use as well.

The setup you may be looking for is the TEIN Street Flex. While it is designed and built for street use, it still retains the ability to take track performance driving. It, however, will be underdamped if you decide to do some heavy track driving though and that type of track setup will put you into another price category.

We've tested many different setups that are being sold out on the market right now. There has been a huge anticipation on the RCE Tarmac lineup and we would be interested to test them extensively if someone lends us the coilovers (or a few laps on track)!

You guys make me want to start looking for job in SoCal!:happy0180:

Scott

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by naikaidriver

You guys make me want to start looking for job in SoCal!:happy0180:

Scott

What field are you looking for? I am an engineer by trade.

[naikaidriver]

Originally Posted by CSG David

What field are you looking for? I am an engineer by trade.

Cyber Security. I currently do Information Assurance and Cyber Security for the government as a contractor. I have certified systems for the Pentagon, DoD, Armed Services, NSA, DHS and DOE.

(sorry to derail the thread, just wanted to answer David's question.)

If you want to talk a bit more, we can take it to PM and I'll give you my email address. All kidding aside, I have family in Bakersfield and I am originally from Seattle so moving back to the "left coast" and getting out of the South would be awesome!

Scott

[ATL BRZ]

RCE Tarmac 0 coilovers, Whiteline Com-C top mounts for front camber/caster, Adjustable rear lower control arms for rear camber

/search

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by JoeBoxer

If you can spend a little more the RCE Tarmac O would be my other choice, no camber plates to keep NVH down and street friendly spring rates.

Would you say from a "street comfort ride" perspective that the RCE 0 are as comfortable as say KWV3s?

[JoeBoxer]

Originally Posted by OICU812

Would you say from a "street comfort ride" perspective that the RCE 0 are as comfortable as say KWV3s?

RCE would be the best to ask on that subject, the KW's are more adjustable to suit the ride to your liking but if it was my money the Zero's would be my choice.