Ohlin's vs. KW V3.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by Turbo

Yeah, that makes sense.


What about a situation where someone already has a set of KW V3's ready to install (as I do)? Knowing that the valving couldn't be changed later on, what (if anything) would you do on the spring front there? I'll be migrating there from the HKS SP that are on the car now.


It's a track-day car that drives to/from the track and sees a bit of weekend use.

Run them as is and have fun, learn the car, improve your driving skills, and improve your 2 way suspension tuning skills. Seriously. If you're trying to set your fastest possible time right now, yes you could up the spring rates slightly by 1 kg/mm front and rear, but I'm not sure it's worth the time or effort. They're still pretty good as is.

- Andrew

[HeresMyMind]

My setup will be primarily for DDing and fun back roads. I only plan on making 5-6 autocross events next year.

So comfort while retaining a sporty feel and slight drop (no low n slow for me).

I am debating which coil to goto and if it is worth it to upgrade from Koni's with eibach proline springs or not as well.

I'm still pretty torn between the two. Maybe I'll wait until i can find a good deal on a set during tax break season.

-B

[candygram4mongo]

While the definition of "comfortable" will differ based on personal taste, most people would consider your current Eibach/Koni setup to be one that emphasizes a softer ride over pure autoX precision. Those progressive springs tend to smooth out the smaller and more abrupt bits of rough pavement. Have you considered switching to Racecomp yellows to see if a linear spring is more to your liking? It would be a relatively cheap way to find out.

[strat61caster]

Thanks to CSG and RCE, Ohlins are top of my list for my next setup, hope it won't be too hard to find a set in a year or three.



Another option for anyone reading this in the future is Bilstein B14/B16, good quality, too soft for a competitive STX car (17x9 245 sticky tire) but I like the compromise and a few others do too. There's a few others that are similar but less talked about like Sachs but availability and support are important (as Bilstein's supply chain fell apart this year).

[sachu]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

Both are pretty darn good choices and a big step up from what you have now.

1. For the Ohlins, the "new" standard Ohlins spring rates are not my favorite. We HIGHLY recommend customizing the spring rates. We have done this multiple times now with good success and can put together something that would fit your usage well. There is no upcharge from us on that.


- Andrew

Don't you need to have the shock revalved as well to account for the change in spring rate or no?

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by sachu

Don't you need to have the shock revalved as well to account for the change in spring rate or no?

The standard Ohlins valving is surprisingly flexible. We definitely do not need a revalve for the 5k/5k sets we do but those are relatively soft street oriented set ups (but not as soft as the way too soft off the shelf sets).

If you're going for a more track oriented set up in the 7 kg/mm or more range it's time to start thinking about a revalve or a different coilover.

- Andrew

[RayRay88]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

The standard Ohlins valving is surprisingly flexible. We definitely do not need a revalve for the 5k/5k sets we do but those are relatively soft street oriented set ups (but not as soft as the way too soft off the shelf sets).

If you're going for a more track oriented set up in the 7 kg/mm or more range it's time to start thinking about a revalve or a different coilover.

- Andrew

Would 6 Kg/Mmm front and rear be pushing the stock valving for the Ohlins?

Looking to get coilovers next year and i've been researching the Tein Monosports and JRZ's but keep coming back to the Ohlins. The price difference is substantial, especially when you factor in Camber plates and new springs.

[Sleepless]

I'm running 450 lb (8K) springs on all four corners with no problems on the stock Ohlins valving. 100% track setup.

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by Sleepless

I'm running 450 lb (8K) springs on all four corners with no problems on the stock Ohlins valving. 100% track setup.

On the "new" Ohlins? That's more than we'd recommend for sure but we did run 8k on the "old" ohlins.

- Andrew

[Sleepless]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

On the "new" Ohlins? That's more than we'd recommend for sure but we did run 8k on the "old" ohlins.

- Andrew

Old Ohlins. I didn't realize the valving changed. Thought is was just the springs.

Man, they sure messed up the original kit which IMHO was perfect for combined street/track.

[Zer0]

What years were the (Old Ohlins) produced, and when were the (New Ohlins) released? I have a set don't know if they are considered the old, or new ones. I bought them in 2015. Any visual ques to identify them?

[churchx]

Don't care about years. Check product code.
Ohlins 23.SUS MI20: Front: 60N/mm, 343lbs/in, 6.12k/mm Rear: 60N/mm, 343lbs/in, 6.12k/mm
Ohlins 23.SUS MP20: Front: 40N/mm, 228lbs/in, 4.08k/mm Rear: 30N/mm, 172lbs/in, 3.06k/mm
Ohlins 23.SUS MP21: (MP21 = MP20 with new/soft rates, but TUV approved + rubber spring seats)
If you want to find old one (probably will succeed only if used, as it is discontinued or removed from every shop, and if it isn't, probably shop just slacked to update inventory, which you'll find out sooner or later, when trying to order/buy), search for MI20.
Visual cue .. old ones include pillowball camberplates in set. New ones, to lower price, don't (that doesn't mean that owner couldn't have bought them separately).

[Zer0]

Looks like I got the older model. Thanks for the info.