CSG Mike's observations on dampers/coilovers

[gramicci101]

You could get Bilstein B8s. RCE designed their Tarmacs to work well with them. FT-86SF actually has a package deal for B8s and RCE Tarmacs. I think they have one for B8s, Tarmacs, and SPC LCAs and camber bolts, as well. Then all you need are Group N top hats and you're set.

[DylanFRS]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

You could get Bilstein B8s. RCE designed their Tarmacs to work well with them. FT-86SF actually has a package deal for B8s and RCE Tarmacs. I think they have one for B8s, Tarmacs, and SPC LCAs and camber bolts, as well. Then all you need are Group N top hats and you're set.

Unfortunately in the C-Street rules I can't do almost any of what you are talking about there, but I do have Bilsteins on my list of options.

[gramicci101]

Ah, class rules. In that case, you may want to talk to @Racecomp Engineering about something special for your requirements. Also, B8s are for lowering springs, B6s are for OEM ride height.

[Jcl]

@CSG Mike any info on the new Tein Mono Sports?

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Jcl

@CSG Mike any info on the new Tein Mono Sports?

What do you want to know about them?

I can tell you they're highly competitive for the price point.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

osculations,

Kissing curves?

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

Kissing curves?

Darn! Ya beat me to it; I'd let it go for days and was just about to drop the hammer after coming across this one:

Originally Posted by DylanFRS

Apparently adjustibility isn't an actual word.

Perhaps not, but adjustability is, and they sound the same.

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Perhaps not, but adjustability is, and they sound the same.

Ouch.

[cdrazic93]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Some food for thought: here's an analogy.

Your typical new car nowadays has 7 airbags in it. At $1200/airbag, that's $8400 in airbags. An entry level car can be had, new, at sticker price, for around $18,500. SO that means, if you take the airbags out, the rest of the car is roughly $10,000.

But, if you increase your budget by 10k, then you can get a $28.5k car, which still has $8400 in airbags. Now you have 20k for the rest of the car.

That, is the difference, between a Chevy Cruze, and a loaded BRZ. big difference, isn't it?


Now, how much do you think the materials for a damper costs?

I love this analogy. I'm still curious as to know what the replacement cost of the stock suspension would be. That should be a good minimum budget starter for anyone looking into coilovers. Anything beyond that price level would (hopefully) be an imporvement over stock in terms of adjustability or preset damping.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by cdrazic93

I love this analogy. I'm still curious as to know what the replacement cost of the stock suspension would be.

I'm guessing the twins are $50K+ cars at dealer parts counter replacement cost.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by dradernh

I'm guessing the twins are $50K+ cars at dealer parts counter replacement cost.

Originally Posted by major quicknap

The after market sway bars had been set up incorrectly rubbing up against the front lower control arms wearing a small notch into the arms. Not much but considering I run slicks at track I want the front lca in A1 condition. (I don't want to run after market front lca.) I was quoted $460 per arm from my local Subaru dealer!! This was their reply after I emailed them saying I was getting 2 arms from the U.S. for approximately $450. (The price ended up being $531.67 including freight.)

( Bought my parts from http://www.subaruonlineparts.com/ )


"Dear Mr XXXX

Thank you for your email to Feedback at Subaru.

Subaru Australia can confirm our pricing structure on genuine parts is based on our into store costs, and is subject to freight costs Ex-Japan, import duties, Currency exchange rates, warranty coverage and many other factors.

For these reasons you will find there is a price different in some Parts sourced in Australia then there may be in Larger countries.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and hope the above information is use full.

Kind Regards,

XXXX XXXXXX

Customer Case Manager
Subaru (Aust) Pty Ltd"

It was what I expected. That is, they explained nothing. This is not long after reading this article in the SMH:
http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/t...411-36gk6.html

I appreciate most people wanting parts will just go to their Subaru Dealership and pay the Australian tax on parts but it bugs me we pay such a mark up.

.

"Automotive industry research has found building a complete car out of spare parts could cost more than five times its original value - well over $100,000 for a regular $20,000 hatchback such as the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus or Holden Cruze and approaching $250,000 for a popular Australian-made large car."

[cdrazic93]

Sometimes i hate the automotive industry...

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by cdrazic93

I love this analogy. I'm still curious as to know what the replacement cost of the stock suspension would be. That should be a good minimum budget starter for anyone looking into coilovers. Anything beyond that price level would (hopefully) be an imporvement over stock in terms of adjustability or preset damping.

Something like $1400...

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Something like $1400...

So for ~$1400, would you rather go with springs and struts, or coilovers?