E30 Suspension setup advice for a "grand-touring" setup

[fiftytakedowns]

I have some real billies for sale ;)

[Philo]

H&R sprorts? :)

[e304me]

konis, H&R sprorts, and IE or suspension techniques sways are what you need.

[Philo]

Yeah, there is always "getting crazy with it" kind of stuff. Like AST stuff that costs about 5 grand. I've even seen a $9k+ set-up on a E30M3 from AST. Unless you are purely tracking the car, there is no need for a 3 point adjustable damper. Although it does make for a sweet ride! :)

Also, I do not consider those to be a standard damper such as Koni SA or Bilstein Sport.

Edit: BTW luke, with the new safari 4, your sig makes my computer pause from time to time (when I scroll rapidly and you have posted on the page). So I guess congratulations is in order. :down:

[z31maniac]

In high school I was too lazy to work on my car, so the pro's did it.

I never said Koni was the best, but it's pretty good bang for the buck.

[StereoInstaller1]

My car is pretty low, lower than most E30s around here.

My FWD GMs were both on Eibach springs, all urethane, again, no issues until 120,000 miles, and over 12 yeas ago.

Maybe I am just lucky?

Maybe I read the instructions better!

Either way, Bilstein is baller, as is Koni. You "Top of the Line" guys are fooling yourself. They aren't even close to TOTL. Not even 1/3rd the dollars, either.

No remote reservoir, so it can't be close, right?

http://www.ohlins.com

[Philo]

I'm 100% with you there. It's either top of the line or nothing for me.

[z31maniac]

I'm just a firm believer in saving up for the good stuff to begin with. If you buy the cheap stuff knowing you might want to upgrade later, it's just wasted time/effort/money.

[Philo]

Yeah, I know they can be sketchy sometimes. I think the standard of production level has finally caught up. You can get things from china so cheap now, that it is hard to make a crap product with crap parts.

I have only spoken to 1 person who runs them, so maybe my buddy got a good batch.

[z31maniac]

How much lower than stock were you? KYBs are not meant for lowered cars, period.

1" maybe? I don't know but there are ton's of KYB's sold/marketed for use with lowering springs. I know mine were sold to me that way.

That was also 10 years ago.

[Philo]

Granted I was running Eibach springs and big sways on the car as well.

How much lower than stock were you? KYBs are not meant for lowered cars, period.

[Stu]

Can't speak for a cabrio, but on an E30 M3 a good street combination is stock springs, Bilstein HD's and big bars. If the sway bar end-link noise doesn't bother you it's a potent but not very stiff setup.

[z31maniac]

Or maybe I'm coming from having had KYB's on my z31 that blew up after about 1 month, and then the replacement set blew up shortly thereafter as well. Granted I was running Eibach springs and big sways on the car as well.

[StereoInstaller1]

The KYBs on my car have over 50,000 miles on them and are still excellent. I would like about 15% more rebound, but not a shred more compression. Damn near perfect for sport/touring.

Billys are too damn stiff. If you aren't running seriously stiff springs, you will feel the extreme valving. Even the Touring is too stiff. 50% less compression might make them civil, but I doubt it.

I have yet to ride/drive an E30 I like the feel of as much as mine on KYBs.

All of you guys talking shit about the "quality" of KYB should reconsider. I have over 200,000 miles on KYBs and only blew ONE after 120,000 miles. They last damn near forever for me.

Maybe you guys just don't know how to read the instruction on how to install them?

There are details that aren't shown on any other shock or strut out there.

Or maybe, you are all just talking out of your ass instead of having real, personal experience.

Luke

[Philo]

I'm not saying the KYB will blow in a day. A local E30 owner runs the set-up I mentioned and has not had any problems with it. He's had it on the car for a year now.

I only stated KYB as an option to reserve money. If you have the funds necessary, then by all means, go Bilstein.