CSG and RCE tag-team suspension Q&A thread! Ask us anything!

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by yamsta

Thanks, however, is there anything I can do to help balance things out a little. Meaning less body roll and add a little bit more precision back? Sorry, I'm not very much in tune to what suspension mods or alignment changes would be ideal for a strictly street driven car!

You'll want to reduce transition time, which involves higher spring rates. However, to damp the higher spring rates properly, you'll need dampers to go with them.

Answer: coilovers.

[yamsta]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

You'll want to reduce transition time, which involves higher spring rates. However, to damp the higher spring rates properly, you'll need dampers to go with them.

Answer: coilovers.

Ouch...any "cheaper" options?

[Clipdat]

Wow, that's it?

Thanks I guess?

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

If there was, nobody would buy the Ohlins...

[MaximeT]

Originally Posted by yamsta

Ouch...any "cheaper" options?

That sadly looks impossible.

[MaximeT]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

Wow, that's it?

Thanks I guess?

On other cars with proper double wishbones suspensions, the coilovers are a lot cheaper and you can get Nitron or Quantum for 1000-1500€. (Like on a Lotus)

But with strut based suspension, it makes the parts twice as expensive.

[Clipdat]

I didn't say I wanted Ohlins performance at a $1,500 price, I'm just looking for "somewhat comparable" performance.

Honestly surprised at @CSG Mike's unhelpful reply.

[MaximeT]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

I didn't say I wanted Ohlins performance at a $1,500 price, I'm just looking for "somewhat comparable" performance.

Honestly surprised at @CSG Mike's unhelpful reply.

That's the lower price that get close to the quality :

http://www.nitron.co.uk/catalogue_it...7&prodID=73832

[cjd]

How is "no" unhelpful?

I understand that it's not wanted...

If you just want cheaper packages that still improve things (but don't reach Ohlins levels) then I'm sure that's possible, but saying "I want this, but for less" doesn't really help anyone... I'm sure we'd all like that, you know? Even the people that ultimately pay for whatever it is that funds your paycheck.

It's not like there aren't lots of threads on the best coilovers for the money at various price points...

[jvincent]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

I didn't say I wanted Ohlins performance at a $1,500 price, I'm just looking for "somewhat comparable" performance.

Honestly surprised at @CSG Mike's unhelpful reply.

But how do you define "somewhat comparable"?

If he recommends something that you end up not liking then he ends up looking bad too. Kind of a no win situation for him.

The CSG and RCE guys are pretty up front about how the various options at different price points stack up and I'm sure they have said good things about $1500 coilovers in the past.

It's just that you need to keep in mind that when you are trading off between budget and specific performance characteristics that when you fix price, something has to give.

[Clipdat]

I found the way he worded his response to be unhelpful.

"If there was, nobody would buy the Ohlins"

That just sounds dismissive and slightly sarcastic even. Howbout actually getting into a discussion about damper design and saying something like "while you won't reach the quality level that Ohlins will provide for $1,500 vs. $3,100 there are other quality systems with great dampers that will reduce the delayed rebound you're experiencing and firm up the car over uneven surfaces." or something to that effect.

Instead of explaining other options and making suggestions and possibly even getting a new customer out if it, he was unhelpful in my opinion.

Originally Posted by cjd

How is "no" unhelpful?

I understand that it's not wanted...

If you just want cheaper packages that still improve things (but don't reach Ohlins levels) then I'm sure that's possible, but saying "I want this, but for less" doesn't really help anyone... I'm sure we'd all like that, you know? Even the people that ultimately pay for whatever it is that funds your paycheck.

[LOLS2K]

Originally Posted by Clipdat

I didn't say I wanted Ohlins performance at a $1,500 price, I'm just looking for "somewhat comparable" performance.

Honestly surprised at @CSG Mike's unhelpful reply.

I think CSG Mike means just that. You are not going to get "somewhat comparable" performance with a "budget" coilover compared to that of Ohlins.

It's not to say that you can't get a decent setup for $1,500, but you can definitely get subpar suspension dampers for that price. Have you checked out what Fortune Auto has to offer? You get a lot for your money and won't break the bank.

Edit: I can see how you could expect a more in depth response. I'm sure he means well, and hopefully we can all help them/you out as well.

[Clipdat]

Thanks, I will start researching the Fortune Auto options.

Originally Posted by LOLS2K

I think CSG Mike means just that. You are not going to get "somewhat comparable" performance with a "budget" coilover compared to that of Ohlins.

It's not to say that you can't get a decent setup for $1,500, but you can definitely get subpar suspension dampers for that price. Have you checked out what Fortune Auto has to offer? You get a lot for your money and won't break the bank.

[cjd]

Originally Posted by LOLS2K

I think CSG Mike means just that. You are not going to get "somewhat comparable" performance with a "budget" coilover compared to that of Ohlins.

It's not to say that you can't get a decent setup for $1,500, but you can definitely get subpar suspension dampers for that price. Have you checked out what Fortune Auto has to offer? You get a lot for your money and won't break the bank.

Edit: I can see how you could expect a more in depth response. I'm sure he means well, and hopefully we can all help them/you out as well.

I'd guess everyone means well.

Fortune Auto is one I have on my "don't even consider" list, though I can't remember why so that's not much help. But...

Remember also that you'll want rear LCA's if you don't have them, and maybe front adjustable tophats if they're not included, both for camber settings. Buffer budget accordingly.

[LOLS2K]

Originally Posted by cjd

Fortune Auto is one I have on my "don't even consider" list, though I can't remember why so that's not much help. But...

This is definitely something I would like to know. I have personal experience with FA for the S2000 and Evo applications and track use. Is there something different with the FRS/BRZ? Any recommendations for a good damper kit in that price range ($1,500, I'll even stretch it out to $2,000 but not including any suspension arms)? Thanks in advance.