Swift Spec R Review

[Hyper4mance2k]

Hello all:
I just installed some Swift Spec R springs in my BRZ. I decided on them because the spring rates are right where I want them as a compromise between driving 500 miles a week and wanting a good track ride for 10-12 track events a year, and I wanted to stay under a 1000 budget. So far I'm on track. I got a Strano front sway-bar for Christmas and I have a WRX rear sway-bar.

Specs:
BRZ ZC6 13+ 4T909R
Front: 4.4 kg/mm 245 lb/in drop: -28mm 1.1 in
Rear: 5.3 kg/mm 296 lb/in drop: -25mm 1.0 in

Install:
Install was easy. It took 2.5 hours and I have the flu... Dumb, I know, but I had to get it done. A spring compressor is needed to remove the stock springs from the struts and shocks; however, it's not needed to install the springs. I cut the bump stops in half.

Ride:
I love the ride. The stock shocks and struts really are great. These stiff springs ride great on them, but have their limits. I can only imagine what an upgrade will do. Nice and firm on the street. Kind of under rebounded for the stiff springs at speed. Around town they're great. The ride is just like stock.
I'm still undecided between koni and bilstein, but the Cusco's look great too, but I can't find any reviews on them.
Hopes this helps someone as I couldn't find a single thread on them.

[Hyper4mance2k]

Pictures to come.

[M23]

Really nice 1. Thx for sharing.

[finch1750]

Interested to see this going forward once you upgrade struts. I mainly autox, but am going back and forth on Swift SPec R vs. RCE Tarmacs when I install my Konis (I am currently on RCE Yellow).

And just FYI, you don't need a spring compressor to do the install.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32414

[wparsons]

Tarmacs are more understeer biased than the Swift Spec R's, so it really depends on what kind of handling balance you're after. Both are great springs that will work well, just pick by personal preference.

I went with Swift Sport because I wanted spring rates friendlier to the stock shocks for now, but didn't want to drastically change the handling balance. For autox, the quicker front end response from the RCE springs (yellows or tarmacs) might give you better times.

[dem00n]

Nice to see someone else running them. I'm waiting for the spring to install mine with Bilstein B8 struts.

I also went with the Spec R's due to the spring rate and the nice 1 inch drop you get. Tarmacs are great too, but 20mm looks stock!

[Hyper4mance2k]

Part of my decision was due to the 1" drop; it looks perfect. I wanted the tarmacs, but I had read that they tend to favor understeer, and I want the car more neutral. With the WRX rear sway-bar and the stock one in the tool shed, I still have the option to play around with rear end balance if it's more biased to oversteer than I prefer.

[M23]

Originally Posted by Hyper4mance2k

I'm still undecided between koni and bilstein, but the Cusco's look great too, but I can't find any reviews on them.

Cusco makes shock/strut replacements?? I did not know this; sounds very interesting.

Links or pics?


Nice ride height btw.. love that slight rake.

[Black Tire]

Originally Posted by M23

Cusco makes shock/strut replacements?? I did not know this; sounds very interesting.

Links or pics?


Nice ride height btw.. love that slight rake.

I couldn't find them on the Cusco website, but here they are at Rally Sport Direct:

Cusco Front Touring-A Shock Absorbers

Cusco Rear Touring-A Shock Absorbers

I would love to see a comparison between these, Koni Yellows, and Bilstein B8's with the Swift Spec R springs.

[Hyper4mance2k]

FR-Sport has them as well. I found a Cusco USA Blog post about them, yesterday, but of course now I can't find them...

Front: http://www.frsport.com/Cusco-965-65T..._p_281898.html
Rear: http://www.frsport.com/Cusco-965-65T..._p_281899.html

$935 for front & rear

[M23]

Woah!

Very nice.


As for most jdm products (albeit high quality and nicely made/engineered), the only thing I would be worried about is stateside service/repair, warranty and customer support. Which, Bilstein has in the US for sure. Idk about Cusco though. Anyone know?

But, def cool indeed

[M23]

That adjustability is def nice though. A big advantage over the B8/B6.


Can't wait for future reviews of this, especially with different damper settings.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by M23

Cusco makes shock/strut replacements?? I did not know this; sounds very interesting.

Links or pics?


Nice ride height btw.. love that slight rake.

They do; the class leader in Stock at 86CUP uses them

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by M23

Woah!

Very nice.


As for most jdm products (albeit high quality and nicely made/engineered), the only thing I would be worried about is stateside service/repair, warranty and customer support. Which, Bilstein has in the US for sure. Idk about Cusco though. Anyone know?

But, def cool indeed

Servicing is available, although at the price of the OE replacement dampers, rebuilding would cost nearly as much as a new set.