Flatout Suspension Review

[funkjaw]

Building off a thread I started last year...

I was in search for multi-purpose coilovers that would allow me to raise the ride height above OEM specs for rally cross type stuff, and also allow me to go below OEM ride height for drift and track days. My goal wasn't to have the car be the best at any one thing, more to just have it perform decent all around as it is first and foremost a daily driver that sees about 15,000 miles a year.

On the suggestion of a friend, I decided to check out the GR-Lite coilovers from Flatout Suspension
LINK

The first thing I noticed is the product description claimed... "Provides up to 3" lift over OEM height"... which is not exactly what I was after. So I found Flatout Suspenion on Facebook and sent them a message explaining my goals. They were very quick to respond and told me they could build me a custom set of coilovers no problem, and that they would also build them around the fact that I have a Honda K24 swap taking into consideration the lower weight and lower CG compared to stock.

As for options I went with the OEM/Hybrid style top hats (no camber adjustment) and comfort spring rates, because again this is primarily a DD and it already has enough NVH from the K swap. It also came with sub-frame spacers but I do not think I'll be installing these (I'll update if I do).



After about 10 weeks they arrived:



COST

Insanely good for custom built coilovers - my total cost was $1,605.74, purchased them during their blackfriday special, there was no added cost to them being custom spec.

QUALITY

These things are beefy. Everything looks incredibly well made, the welds look top notch, the collars are high quality, and I would have 100% confidence in these things at a rally-x event (which beats the crap out of your car and suspension). These are also built/assembled in the USA and come with a 3 year limited warranty. One thing however is the rear shock bodies are only partially threaded - meaning to adjust ride height you do it by adjusting the spring perch location. I cannot say if this is an issue for me or not quite yet, but wanted to point it out.

INSTALLATION

A complete breeze, installs exactly the same as any other off the shelf coilover set. No need for instructions here.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

• Street

For street I have them set ~.5" below OEM ride height (I think..). Damper adjustment set to 11 in the front and 10 in the rear. They drive fantastic; smooth, comfortable, yet more confidence inspiring than OEM shocks/springs. Honestly even if I did nothing but drive them in the street configuration I would say the purchase is still 100% worth it.

Picture of street configuration ride height

• Rally-Cross

For Rally-Cross I have them ~1" higher than OEM ride height on 26" tall winter tires. Damper adjustment set to 6 in the front and 4 in the rear. All I have to say is WOW - easily the best suspension I have rode on in the 6 years I have been actively rally-crossing in various cars. Very compliant, soaks up the bumps, and I can still make them higher and softer if I wanted too but for this specific course I felt the setup was perfect. And if you guys are wondering I set the fastest 2WD lap time and 2nd fastest overall time (fastest overall lap time went to a fully built stage rally STI, besting me by 3 seconds on the 1.5 mile long course). With dedicated rim/gravel tires I honestly believe this car would have SCCA rally cross championship potential.

Picture of rally cross configuration ride height

• Drift

Impressions and setup coming eventually

• Track

Impressions and setup coming eventually

I haven't done anything other than drive them on the street, but I'll update my impressions as I play with the settings and take the car out to various events (rally-x, drift, track days, etc...). Right now however I am very happy with the purchase and stay tuned for updates.

[Capt Spaulding]

Sub’d

[Turdinator]

Congrats on the purchase. Do you know if the damper stroke is grater than the stock shocks or even equal to stock?

[glhs386]

Neat. What are the spring rates? Also curious if there's any bump travel advantage versus other coilovers at stock-ish ride heights.

[Spawn_Of_Creation]

I want to see the 3" lift. Most spacers only go to 2" tops.

[funkjaw]

Updated my rally-x impressions. Man these are so good.

[NoHaveMSG]

That looks like so much fun.

[Breadman]

Any reason you went with the lights instead of the 40s? I am considering switching over from autocross to rallycross next year since my coilovers are on their last leg anyway.