Daily Drivers with coilovers comment here

[Thunderleg]

I'm looking to upgrade my suspension and would like some feedback from people who own either of the set-ups mentioned below. Please refrain from commenting with "I got a buddy who says" stories.

First off, I live in Colorado, and this is my DD. I'm looking for something that will make the mountains and occasional autox more enjoyable, but without destroying my daily driving. I'm looking into either

TEIN basis
Bilstein B14
Forutune Auto 500
BC Racing BR
ST Coilovers
Koni struts w/ springs

I've done a lot of searching and saw some initial reviews, so I'm hoping the people who have had these set ups for a bit will comment with their long term up updates.

[car_roll]

Originally Posted by Thunderleg

I'm looking to upgrade my suspension and would like some feedback from people who own either of the set-ups mentioned below. Please refrain from commenting with "I got a buddy who says" stories.

First off, I live in Colorado, and this is my DD. I'm looking for something that will make the mountains and occasional autox more enjoyable, but without destroying my daily driving. I'm looking into either

TEIN basis
Bilstein B14
Forutune Auto 500
BC Racing BR
ST Coilovers
Koni struts w/ springs

I've done a lot of searching and saw some initial reviews, so I'm hoping the people who have had these set ups for a bit will comment with their long term up updates.

These two will probably give you great ride quality. I would personally look into kw v3 though. My brother has them on his s2k and they ride like stock yet still give you the ability to adjust compression and rebound separately.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by car_roll

yet still give you the ability to adjust compression and rebound separately.

Not necessarily a benefit.

[YDNA]

kw v3, they are smooth and handles great when you want them to. i have a set for sale as i am parting out my car.

[sklimo]

I love my V3's

[cdrazic93]

B14's. If not, you can get KW V1 from fteightysix.com for under $1400. If youre willing to push the budget, you can get the V3's for under $2 large. The Koni RCE spring combo is also a quality drivers setup.

[Propaganda]

I have a set of FA 500s and Swift springs, but I have their version 4 design. They've since moved to v5. I've been driving on them (and autocross) for a little over a year and a half, now and don't have any complaints.

I'm not sure what your budget is and how low you plan on going.... but if you plan on lowering any more than an inch, keep camber adjustment in mind (i.e. camber plates or control arms).

[dbrandt01]

I know you wanted long term opinions and you maybe seen my initial opinion post. I have the BC Racing extreme drop. I've only had them for a week and a half, but I drive 70 miles a day. I don't autox and granted Alabama/Florida on my route doesn't have turns and mountains. I enjoy them. A little rough ride on the 8k springs, but I like them. I agree with the control arms comment above. I dropped 2 inches and I need control arms bad in the rear.

[mav1178]

Coilovers won't necessarily make the driving more enjoyable. The car in stock form is already very good.

-alex

[vividracing]

I agree with the V3 guys. It's more pricey but one of the best coilover system's out there for daily driving and track.

[FR-S Matt]

KW V3's. I lowered my rebound about 2 clicks all around on what Myles suggested on the forums here and I have a very very comfortable ride while max lowered. No wheel gap on 18X9.5 and rides better than stock.

I won't be getting rid of the V3's anytime soon. They're perfect for what I use it for and if I do a spirited drive, I'll just go up a few clicks on rebound and be set. Most people who own these never have any negatives about them. They simply upgrade to a track only setup which is completely different. The V3's balance street and track about as perfect as you can get.

[mike the snake]

If I'm not mistaken, the KW spring rates are the same between the V1 and V3.

ST coilovers are the same as KW V1, and are like $800.

The KW and ST coilover spring rates are softer than just about every other brand out there.

I have the ST's and love them. I have good quality coilovers, made by a reputable company, that are valved well for the spring rates, and the ride is similar to stock, maybe a tad stiffer, but handling is greatly improved and I was able to lower my car.

I had adjustable ones on my last car and never adjusted them. I also made the mistake of going too stiff with the spring rates, which made the car too bumpy and not fun to own/drive.

I told myself with this car I'd go with non-adjustable, and softer springs, and if I started AX'ing or racing a lot I'd then spring for expensive coilovers.

Going with the ST's I freed up a bunch of money that I put into my turbo kit.

[fooddude]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Coilovers won't necessarily make the driving more enjoyable. The car in stock form is already very good.

-alex

+1

Stock..this car feels like a super tight, nimble, easy to drive and precise go-kart compared to my past cars, an EG and S13 (modified even).

[Fofofawcett]

Originally Posted by mav1178

Coilovers won't necessarily make the driving more enjoyable. The car in stock form is already very good.

-alex

Agree with this. That being said, I have the eibach pro kit springs and koni yellows. The springs firmed it up a bit, but retained the feel of the car. Konis at the soft setting feel like the stock shocks, but allow you to tighten up when you want it, it's pretty fun to adjust and see the differences.

For context, I live in baltimore city and commute in the nearby area...not the greatest quality of roads, potholes galore. I feel the pro kit springs and koni shocks are a great DD option. At the softer settings, it's better than stock...a little bit firmer, yes, but not as harsh as stock. Hope this helps.