Ground Control suspension

[B3ND3R]

AFAIK, they are the same shock.

If you are concerned, I would call both places and get the part # to verify.

[Mystikal]

Re: Ground Control suspension

Now, is there a difference between the $660 Konis from GC, and the $496 Konis that you mentioned? seems like a big price difference.Do the GC sleevs fit over both? Is one of them dramaticly better (both have the life time warrany)?
I found the RSMs for 89.99, that looks like a good price.
thanks for that info.

The ones from GC are top-adjustable in the rear, meaning you can adjust the rebound from the trunk. Regular Konis require you to get your hands dirty under the car. GC may also custom-valve them at that price, not sure.

[Jon325i]

Just to throw a bit of GC info out there.....

I've been doing some research on these coilovers since I'm in the planning stages of overhauling my suspension. If you didn't want to fork over the higher premium for the Koni adjustables, you can always go with Bilstein Sports providing you don't go nuts with the spring rates. Up to about 300lbs for the front and 500lbs for the rear is about the max. unless you go with custom valving, which will add to the bottom line. Standard valved Bilstein Sports can be purchased through shox.com for less than $100 per corner.

I'm pondering going this route since I don't take full advantage of adjustable shocks. I'm currently running on Tokico Illuminas (adjustable) and all I did was crank them up to the firmest setting and left them there. That was over 2 years ago :P

Jon

[onenicebimmer]

Koni Sports from Pure Motorsport = $496.96 w/ free shipping. I've heard of people getting these about $50 cheaper, but haven't been able to find that kinda price, yet. Plus, if you deduct the shipping (about $20) that's $475 or so.

I looked on their site, and its comming up with $520 for 4 shocks/struts for 325 sedan.
Ok here is my modified list (info borrowed from previus posts ;) ):
GC sleeves: Mpactmotorsports.com-$339.99
( 450f/600r, but i have not decided on spring length yet)
Koni Sports: Puremotorsports.com- $520
RSMs: Mpactmotorsports.com- $89.99
Total: $948.48 +shipping

Jon325i: at first I wanted to go with Bilsteins too, but I was told that konis are better when the car is very low with high spring rates.

Can anyone recomend a good spring length. The car cant be more than 2 inches lowered for street, but at the Drift events and AutoX I want to slam it down :twisted:
Thanks for all the help, hopfully I will order everything Monday.

[nando]

Re: Ground Control suspension

Now, is there a difference between the $660 Konis from GC, and the $496 Konis that you mentioned? seems like a big price difference.Do the GC sleevs fit over both? Is one of them dramaticly better (both have the life time warrany)?
I found the RSMs for 89.99, that looks like a good price.
thanks for that info.

The ones from GC are top-adjustable in the rear, meaning you can adjust the rebound from the trunk. Regular Konis require you to get your hands dirty under the car. GC may also custom-valve them at that price, not sure.

that's great, but I don't have to tear my whole trunk apart to get to mine. I do it like this: 1 drive onto ramps, 2 undo two bolts, 3 adjust, 4 bolt up.

[m42technic]

Re: Ground Control suspension

that's great, but I don't have to tear my whole trunk apart to get to mine. I do it like this: 1 drive onto ramps, 2 undo two bolts, 3 adjust, 4 bolt up.

I just made some holes in my trunk carpeting... :|

[808BMW]

The side carpeting pulls away in 1 pull, I've adjusted my stuff and was sitting back in my car at an autox before the next guy pulls up behind me.

[Brew]

Just to throw a bit of GC info out there.....

I've been doing some research on these coilovers since I'm in the planning stages of overhauling my suspension. If you didn't want to fork over the higher premium for the Koni adjustables, you can always go with Bilstein Sports providing you don't go nuts with the spring rates. Up to about 300lbs for the front and 500lbs for the rear is about the max. unless you go with custom valving, which will add to the bottom line. Standard valved Bilstein Sports can be purchased through shox.com for less than $100 per corner.

I'm pondering going this route since I don't take full advantage of adjustable shocks. I'm currently running on Tokico Illuminas (adjustable) and all I did was crank them up to the firmest setting and left them there. That was over 2 years ago :P

Jon

FWIW, I have had pretty bad luck running Bilstein Sports with my Ground Controls (350f/475r). Last summer I blew a rear shock out and over the course of this winter both fronts seized up on me. I now finally have Koni SA's all around and couldn't be happier. The ride is much better; less bouncing, etc., and the suspension now soaks up smaller hits much more easily.

So, in my humble opinion, go Koni or go home. :)

[JRKOUPE]

...I bought top adjust rears from GC and yes they are a bit more $$$. 660 sounds right; ask Dale if he can still get you the "Mr Hanky" special I set up a while back for this board and others..it includes the frt shocks, GC custom bump stops and rear shk mounts. Also if you look at rear shocks theirs will have GC stamped into body.....I spoke to koni...GC does special valving. TCKline is only other shop for top adjusties.
Also, billies ARE cheaper but I have heard MORE than enough stories that they cant handle the higher spring rates...

[Jand3rson]

Damn this is an old thread...

I'm looking at going with this same conversion kit, and I've already got the Konis. I saw mention of going with their RSM's, but I have the Bimmerworld Lifetime RSM's that I got a few years ago, I assume these are fine to use? Also, would the camber plates be a good idea? I do autocross, and would like to have the adjustability.

[325ix]

Damn this is an old thread...

I'm looking at going with this same conversion kit, and I've already got the Konis. I saw mention of going with their RSM's, but I have the Bimmerworld Lifetime RSM's that I got a few years ago, I assume these are fine to use? Also, would the camber plates be a good idea? I do autocross, and would like to have the adjustability.

I'm no expert but from what I've read camber plates are a good idea on a lowered car because when you lower it the the camber gets put out of whack.

[Danny]

Damn this is an old thread...

I'm looking at going with this same conversion kit, and I've already got the Konis. I saw mention of going with their RSM's, but I have the Bimmerworld Lifetime RSM's that I got a few years ago, I assume these are fine to use? Also, would the camber plates be a good idea? I do autocross, and would like to have the adjustability.

Use your RSMs, if you're happy with your camber now then just go with the 400 dollar coversion kit, if not, go with the camber plates as well.

[AndrewBird]

I would go with just the conversion kit first, then if you decide you want the adjustability of the camber plates, you can get those later.