What is the best strut brace and subframe brace for a 1990 (89 build) 325i vert? Garagistic?
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
The Cabrio Suspension Thread
Collapse
This is a sticky topic.
X
X
-
The "best" might be Mason engineering for both. I have the Mason X brace. I think the Sparco knockoffs such as the one from Ireland engineering are good too and cheaper. If you go with the Sparco style make sure to use the added hole to secure it to the strut tower. Most people don't seem to use that hole to bolt it to the tower but it is there for a reason. It requires drilling a hole in each tower. Without making tbe brace as functional as possible it's really there for bling purposes.Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. -Mark Twain
Comment
-
Originally posted by Bearmw View PostThe "best" might be Mason engineering for both. I have the Mason X brace. I think the Sparco knockoffs such as the one from Ireland engineering are good too and cheaper. If you go with the Sparco style make sure to use the added hole to secure it to the strut tower. Most people don't seem to use that hole to bolt it to the tower but it is there for a reason. It requires drilling a hole in each tower. Without making tbe brace as functional as possible it's really there for bling purposes.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Echo30V View PostFrom reading this long thread it appears that the set up for the E30 Vert is the H&R Cabrio Springs and Billie Sports?
My current setup from PO:
Front:
Unknown strut inserts
H&R Lowering Springs
Rear:
Billie HD's
H&R Lowering Springs
COMFORT: 3/5 Not cushy, but soaks bumps up well. Bottoms out on big bumps
Handling: 4/5 Very predictable and handles on Northern California twisties. I can drive with confidence knowing what the car wants to do.
Loved coilovers on my last car but I ain't about the cracked oil pan life as I want to participate in rallies. I think I'm leaning towards Koni SA's?
IMG_7862 by lorenze torres, on Flickr\
CURRENTLY ON 16x8/ 16x8.5 Gotti'sLast edited by LorenzeTorres; 12-25-2017, 10:25 AM.
Comment
-
Lots of people find BS to be "harsh" and I dont think Ive ever seen a post that says "Konis compromise handling".
Must mean somethingSeat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
Alice the Time Capsule
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220
Comment
-
Originally posted by jeffnhiscars View PostLots of people find BS to be "harsh" and I dont think Ive ever seen a post that says "Konis compromise handling".
Must mean something
So the question now, is what part numbers do I purchase or is it pretty universal as long as I don't get the ones for the ix?
Can someone provide a link to their preferred vendor who sells Koni SA's?
Comment
-
I've bought 2 sets of Konis from these guys (1 I'm just now installing). I get the hardtop fronts as the cabrio spec is not top adjustable and the compression valving is very close (rebound is adjustable so doesnt matter). In the 2-3 years since I put them on my cabrio they still make me smile.
PNs 8641-1021SPORT & 80-2522SPORT for $506 and I got $50 back from Koni. Cant beat that. This set going on the coupe w new H&R Sport springs and the other is in the cabrio w H&R cabrio springs
importrp.com
In WA and good people to deal with. I also just bought rotors and pads for my Touareg from them.Last edited by jeffnhiscars; 12-27-2017, 06:58 AM.Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
Alice the Time Capsule
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220
Comment
-
Originally posted by LorenzeTorres View PostThere's my answer right there!
So the question now, is what part numbers do I purchase or is it pretty universal as long as I don't get the ones for the ix?
Can someone provide a link to their preferred vendor who sells Koni SA's?
Comment
-
Originally posted by phenryiv1 View PostKoni puts on a sale every spring. Prices are pretty consistent.Originally posted by jeffnhiscars View PostI've bought 2 sets of Konis from these guys (1 I'm just now installing). I get the hardtop fronts as the cabrio spec is not top adjustable and the compression valving is very close (rebound is adjustable so doesnt matter). In the 2-3 years since I put them on my cabrio they still make me smile.
PNs 8641-1021SPORT & 80-2522SPORT for $506 and I got $50 back from Koni. Cant beat that. This set going on the coupe w new H&R Sport springs and the other is in the cabrio w H&R cabrio springs
importrp.com
In WA and good people to deal with. I also just bought rotors and pads for my Touareg from them.
Things I plan on adding to the purchase:
Boge strut mounts up front
Turner Motorspots rear shock mounts (is this even needed?)
Reason for doing my research is this. Happened after 400+ miles of driving straight.
IMG_3664 by lorenze torres, on Flickr
Comment
-
I've never seen a strut mount tear out that way. If I had to guess I'd say someone used an impact wrench to install that strut and did terminal damage to the threads. Stock strut mounts should be fine and an HD rear is not a bad idea. You really want to get some rear reinforcement plates too. They are cheap and take no effort to install and don't forget tomorder some RSM gaskets unless you enjoy making them (easy enough to do)
Ps when you are ready to pul the trigger on your major parts still price check and if a vendor is good on some parts and not on others don't hesitate to ask for a price match.Last edited by jeffnhiscars; 12-27-2017, 04:36 PM.Seat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
Alice the Time Capsule
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220
Comment
-
Originally posted by jeffnhiscars View PostI've never seen a strut mount tear out that way. If I had to guess I'd say someone used an impact wrench to install that strut and did terminal damage to the threads. Stock strut mounts should be fine and an HD rear is not a bad idea. You really want to get some rear reinforcement plates too. They are cheap and take no effort to install and don't forget tomorder some RSM gaskets unless you enjoy making them (easy enough to do)
Ps when you are ready to pul the trigger on your major parts still price check and if a vendor is good on some parts and not on others don't hesitate to ask for a price match.
Comment
-
Anyone else have trouble with vertical clearance over their M20 engine with a strut tower brace? My old Dinan brace was meant for E30, but was very close to the throttle cable bracket, and eventually broke off one of its tabs. It's off now, and I'm looking for a new one with better clearance.
Comment
-
I just repositioned my cable by bending the bracket slightly. Have a sparcoSeat Shocks....I have passed the baton to John Christy from Ninestitch. Email John or Garrett at ninestitch1@gmail.com
https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...86#post4944786
Alice the Time Capsule
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=360504
87 Zinno Cabrio barn find 98k and still smells like a barn. Build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/show...20#post3455220
Comment
-
I'm looking at the Mason Engineering brace online, it looks good and has the clearance I want. Says "front and rear studs measure 36.20" c-c". Measuring on my car, with no brace and wheels on the ground I'm at 36.41". Will forcing an additional 0.21" spread be a problem? I forgot to measure what the spread was with the Dinan in place.
Comment
Comment