Coilover choice, Tein SRC or Ohlins R&T

[Boxer486]

Can you give an idea of what kind of camber plates you were looking at for the Ohlins project? I was actually about to pull the trigger on some Hancheys. Might still if such a project would takes a bit more time.

One way is the only thing that has kept me from getting the Ohlins. My last car had KW v.3s and the thought of finally getting Ohlins but w/ only one-ways is something of a downgrade psychologically and possibly performance wise. It was down to Ohlins or the Bilstein damptronic (leaning Bilstein) for me till I heard about this potential project.

[mswhong]

People jumping on the Ohlin's wagon because it's proven and expensive.. while it is a seriously awesome kit, it's not adjustable - which is a big nono for me!

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by CSG David

They are two totally different systems. TEIN SRC is 2-way compression and rebound adjustable. The Ohlins R&T is 1-way adjustable rebound.

Ohlins R&T DFV adjustment is for low-speed rebound and compression damping. The ratio between rebound and compression is appropriate, so not necessarily a huge benefit to having them separately adjusted. Remarkably smooove and very well-controlled. Lack of camber adjustability up front would be my main issue with them on the 86.

[OICU812]

Originally Posted by ZDan

Ohlins R&T DFV adjustment is for low-speed rebound and compression damping. The ratio between rebound and compression is appropriate, so not necessarily a huge benefit to having them separately adjusted. Remarkably smooove and very well-controlled. Lack of camber adjustability up front would be my main issue with them on the 86.

Ohlins DFV come with camber plates though, so what is the lack of adjustability with them? Sorry if I'm not understanding this comment.

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Boxer486

Can you give an idea of what kind of camber plates you were looking at for the Ohlins project? I was actually about to pull the trigger on some Hancheys. Might still if such a project would takes a bit more time.

One way is the only thing that has kept me from getting the Ohlins. My last car had KW v.3s and the thought of finally getting Ohlins but w/ only one-ways is something of a downgrade psychologically and possibly performance wise. It was down to Ohlins or the Bilstein damptronic (leaning Bilstein) for me till I heard about this potential project.

Ohlins will provide their own like the R&T. Keep in mind, you pay for not only the name, but also the completeness of product. Small details are what generally define good suspension kits, but that's just the surface.

Like ZDan said, 1-way is supposed to adjust rebound and compression simultaneously in proportion to each other, but in reality, 1-way adjustable setups affect rebound more than the compression. Simply put, you are basically stuck with that particular spring rate since the valving is tailored specifically to that spring rate. There is absolutely no "downgrade" to this. If the suspension kit is high end enough, there will be much more quality differences than the lower end market. On top of that, most people are not able to tune 2-ways properly. To give you an idea, many clients come to us asking us to help them out with their suspension setups, more particularly KW V3 or Club Sport owners. They end up realizing their rebound and compression settings are way off. The KW line up is formulate as a street coilover with some competition built into them. If you want the real deal KW motorsports stuff, then you have to be willing to pay for it just like the Ohlins 2-way setups.

Originally Posted by mswhong

People jumping on the Ohlin's wagon because it's proven and expensive.. while it is a seriously awesome kit, it's not adjustable - which is a big nono for me!

Ohlins has a proven background, but do not always look at the name for quality. There is a reason behind the price difference. The TEIN SRCs are a completely different class from the rest of the TEIN lineup just like Ohlins TTX is completely different from their DFV stuff. Build quality, valving, quality of components are all different and severely tailored to motorsports and racing where reliability, quality, and engineering prowess is key to victory. Before anybody comments about not needing motorsports stuff for their car, remember something has to give in order to hit the particular price point you're searching for.

There are adjustments on the R&T with camber plates. So I'm not sure what adjustability you're looking for?

Originally Posted by ZDan

Ohlins R&T DFV adjustment is for low-speed rebound and compression damping. The ratio between rebound and compression is appropriate, so not necessarily a huge benefit to having them separately adjusted. Remarkably smooove and very well-controlled. Lack of camber adjustability up front would be my main issue with them on the 86.

True story. I'm glad you pointed that out. As a fellow veteran S2k owner, your opinion is much appreciated in this forum.

The benefit of a 2-way is much more effective in the hands of the proper user/tuner. While Ohlins R&T is extremely high end compared to their competitors (unless you're pointing out the ASM Sachs stuff...), it also utilizes proper engineering to provide significant differences per click. This is one of the best 1-way available on the market and it's proven to be rightfully so.

[ZDan]

Originally Posted by OICU812

Ohlins DFV come with camber plates though, so what is the lack of adjustability with them? Sorry if I'm not understanding this comment.

Oh, I thought I read that they didn't. In that case, zero reservations about them for the FR-S/BRZ.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by diss7

Reviving from the dead; but I'm in the same position - stuck between these two choices for similar reasons as the OP.

Any new info / arguments / opinions appreciated.

Or to add a different perspective:

Would you, as a driver, benefit from having 2-way adjustment? Do you know how to set this up and dial it in? Or do you have access to someone that can test the car out for you?

Are you good enough of a driver to know/feel the difference?

A lot of times people want adjustability, but they don't know what to do with them. I got Ohlins for a variety of reasons, but in the end I just wanted something simple for street and track use given my skillset. Tein SRCs and KW V3s/Clubsports are great, but beyond the "what you pay is what you get" mentality, there's also a matter of if all the adjustments will be more harm than good.

Unless we're all the same driver behind the wheel, a lot of suspension choice comes down to driving experience and on-hand resources available.

-alex

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by m.wood0213

OHLINS FTW

I like Ohlins.. but that seems like an absolute statement that isn't always true, especially on production cars.

I can't suggest either for the BRZ as I haven't driven either on a BRZ. In my experience with other cars I'd almost always rock Penske's over Ohlins though

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Or to add a different perspective:

Would you, as a driver, benefit from having 2-way adjustment? Do you know how to set this up and dial it in? Or do you have access to someone that can test the car out for you?

Are you good enough of a driver to know/feel the difference?

A lot of times people want adjustability, but they don't know what to do with them. I got Ohlins for a variety of reasons, but in the end I just wanted something simple for street and track use given my skillset. Tein SRCs and KW V3s/Clubsports are great, but beyond the "what you pay is what you get" mentality, there's also a matter of if all the adjustments will be more harm than good.

Unless we're all the same driver behind the wheel, a lot of suspension choice comes down to driving experience and on-hand resources available.

-alex

Good points added Alex. While 2-way is excellent, most people who purchase 2-way shocks unfortunately do not know how to dial them in properly. That's a service we offer based on the type of driving style and application our clients are looking for. If the client feels the car is a little oversteery, we change the balance of the car with the damper settings to induce a little more understeer on different corners. Properly dialed suspension soaks up imperfections properly so you minimize or eliminate the rough feel that people want in a sporty car. Racecars are surprisingly smooth in that sense.

Ohlins R&T is a good offering in the 1-way format. However if you want a motorsports grade coilover, SRCs are the one of the best coilovers for what you're looking for in terms of performance, quality, and value. If you are interested in having your multi-way coilovers dialed by CSG, let us know.

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

I like Ohlins.. but that seems like an absolute statement that isn't always true, especially on production cars.

I can't suggest either for the BRZ as I haven't driven either on a BRZ. In my experience with other cars I'd almost always rock Penske's over Ohlins though

I want Penskes...we've got the contacts, but can't seem to fork out that 10k commitment to just start development...

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by CSG David

I want Penskes...we've got the contacts, but can't seem to fork out that 10k commitment to just start development...

Yeah, there's a reason I've driven a number of cars with them (all competitive race cars, not casual DE cars ) and don't own a set

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

Yeah, there's a reason I've driven a number of cars with them (all competitive race cars, not casual DE cars ) and don't own a set

By the way, I chatted with your BFF Jeff Ritter at SEMA for a couple of hours. He still thinks you're crazy for blowing up that AP rotor. LMAO!

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by CSG David

By the way, I chatted with your BFF Jeff Ritter at SEMA for a couple of hours. He still thinks you're crazy for blowing up that AP rotor. LMAO!

haha I just looked at that rotor the other day before tossing it. It wasn't bad, but was cracked through. It wasn't from the hat out, started where a vane crossed a j hook. I should have let them cool down a little I guess

[CSG David]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

haha I just looked at that rotor the other day before tossing it. It wasn't bad, but was cracked through. It wasn't from the hat out, started where a vane crossed a j hook. I should have let them cool down a little I guess

He did a facepalm when he heard about it. Also said that was to be expected from Dave considering you basically pulled a "challenge accepted" move on that kit.

Back on topic though: Ohlins R&T if you want that 1-way street style setup; SRCs if you want that motorsports grade 2-way coilover. R&T can track, but obvious limitations due to valving and dual workhorse design. Both ride very well on the street. R&T ~ SRC on street. SRCs > R&T on track.