KW V3 Coilovers Released for FR-S / BRZ

[Chupacabra]

I've owned KW Variant 2's (Damping Adjustment only) for my tC for the past 3 years. The ride is fantastic on the street, but not as AutoX oriented as Tein's. My reason for buying them was the testing standards and longevity in varied climates because of shock material. Since I live where I live, the KW's represented the best purchase. I paid more than the comparable coilover at the time (Tein SS) but after 3 years, I'm not disappointed. The only negative on the KW's would be the light surface rust on the springs. I can expect this though because MN uses salt on the roads.

But, I drive a tC AKA Camry front- Celica Ass so coilovers are more for looks on cars like mine.

From an owner's perspective, the KW V3's they're offering for us are most likely going to be the best balance between road and occasional track use.

[dsgerbc]

20mm minimum drop? I'll pass. I'd be looking for something with stiffer springs/better adjustable dampers that would make wider stickier tires a possibility (up front) for track days, while keeping ride height a lot closer to stock for DD.

[track_warrior]

Im going to wait for robispec to mess with these!!! cant wait

[Dimman]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

I'll definately agree there.

I meant more on the opposite side. KW V3s SRP are basically about the same so this isn't a case of "Ferrari Tax"

German (or Austrian?) labour is where the extra cost comes from for KW.

[RRnold]

Originally Posted by RYU

All steel shock body vs. Alum. They market it as being better and durable but they are in fact cheaper to produce and heavier.

They don't have an independently adjustable spring preload vs. height perch adjustment.

I also don't consider having the compression and rebound independently adjustable a plus. I don't know anyone that actually tracks their car as a (weekend track guy) who DOES NOT find having to remove your tire to adjust the compression convenient. It's actually a pain in the ass. If you like taking off your tire everytime you want to make a dial adjustment then fine.. this won't be a con for you. No, don't ask me to reach my hand in there cuz not everyone has small hands. I prefer to stick to the standard 1-knob fixed ratio compression/rebound adjustment. Yes, it's not perfect but i'm not Tsuchiya either.

Opinions will vary on this one.. but the spring rates are too soft for any serious track days. Yes, they ride great on the street. for that but put any soft spring with a properly valved shock and you'll have a nice ride too.

They do their homework on the valving (I wish more coilover companies did as much R&D) but there's nothing special about their valving. They don't have some crazy patent on something new.

Personally, i'm interested to see what BC Racing and/or DG-5 will come up with for this car at probably half the price. Ok DG-5s will be more expensive; sure. I'm not saying the KWs are bad per say... but for $2400? fine.. $2k..? no thanks. If i'm looking at a 2400 coilover set I might as well bump up my budget and look at Ohlins, Motons, JRZ. There should be good options for the BRZ/FRS at $1-1.5k but this remains to be seen. My biggest concern is that a lot of vendors will release parts just to see what sticks and will slack off on doing their due diligence (i.e. R&D).

My 0.02 pesos

[DRACHENV6]

though I dont know anything about suspension, my first impression is that they're quick to release a product. I sure hope that R&D went into these and that there are proven benefits to justify the price.

No cookie-cutter aftermarket parts for please.

[swift996]

I run these on my M3. Excellent control and quality. The KW2s are probably good enough for the street/track. They ride like OEM quality because of the progressive spring. Almost unlimited amount of adjustability.

[Alfie]

That's exactly what I was thinking when I read the headline:

"Where are the KW2s???" ...I thought they'd start at V1's and V2's but oh well~

[kanundrum]

Cost pricing on the Kit from Tire rack is Price: $2,122.00 (kit)

Which is still a little steep for what you get.

[NESW20]

step 1: don't pay MSRP
step 2: ???

when i got my V3s, i got them for a significant amount less than MSRP. so far they're good. i'm very pleased with them so far, and i expect were i to purchase them for my FRS, i'd be similarly pleased.

[coyot]

tein? or kw3?

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by coyot

tein? or kw3?

I'm not a tein fan but it depends on which tein model you are asking about.

[Getagrip]

I'm very happy with my KWv3 on my E90 BMW 330xi for street an autocross. I have them on for 4-5 years now and I even keep them on through the long winters. They have held up well and are definately worth the $2100 I paid.

[oneday]

Originally Posted by SAP

No, I was just think to myself.
How can KW possibly think that the materials and labor expense in 10 sets of springs be equel to the materials and labor expense of a complete GT86/BRZ?
10% the cost of the entire car?

I put coilovers on a Miata that cost 115% what I spent on the entire car.
I just bought coilovers for an M3 that cost 25% of what I bought the car for.

Shrug.

If you just want a set of coilovers to slam your car and get get hellaflush, buy hellacheap garbage...if you want suspension that actually delivers performance and reliability you have to pay for it.