The Official Coilover/Springs/Shocks Thread

[Squadzilla]

I want Performance suspension. Any recommendations?

Hey guys I drive an '87 325es m50 swap. The stock suspension is killing me and I'm sick of it. I want a whole new suspension set up but I also dont want to break the bank. I dont know where to start looking. If you guys have any ideas let me know.

P.S.
I dont want anything ultra lowerd. Nothing over a 1 inch drop from stock ride height.

Thanks,
Squadzilla

[DMGSI E_TREINTA]

Bump for helpful thread

[Wiglaf]

so i have an official direct from the mfg number to add:
cosmo coilover spring ID is 65mm (2.56")

so 2.5" springs ought to work just fine.

[AndrewBird]

too much negative camber from a lowered car bro. Sucks donkeys. Need camber adjusters.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80410

There's a guy here that sells "adjustable subframes" that have the camber/toe plates welded in.

On alignment, if you're gonna be tweaking your car invest in a Firestone lifetime alignment. Basically you're paying for a little under 2 alignments up front, but you can take it back any time you want for new alignment service.

camber isn't as much of an issue as toe in is. A bit too much toe will wear tires out WAY faster than tons of camber. This is likely more his problem.

Either way, the fix is weld on adjuster plates. Make sure to get both toe and caber adjustment.

[jaywood]

This thread doesn't get enough love.....

[bradnic]

too much negative camber from a lowered car bro. Sucks donkeys. Need camber adjusters.

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80410

There's a guy here that sells "adjustable subframes" that have the camber/toe plates welded in.

On alignment, if you're gonna be tweaking your car invest in a Firestone lifetime alignment. Basically you're paying for a little under 2 alignments up front, but you can take it back any time you want for new alignment service.

[bacton]

Hey R3v members I need some help dialing in my coilovers. I purchased and installed Megan coils (essentially BC'S) on my 88 325 and seem to be having extreme wear on the inside edge of my rear tires. I've done some reading and this seems to be a common occurrence on lowered e30's but for instance in the images above, these cars don't seem to have nearly as much of a cambered rear end. I would like to increase contact patch on my tires. Any suggestions? Fyi- Havn't had the extra cash for a proper alignment, although it tracks straight.

[Wiglaf]

this one needs to be stickied, the other one is all just pics

[M-technik-3]

I love my H&R's coilovers, well worth the price, 10+ years and still going strong., but, I would love to get my hands on a set of front JOM adjusters for my e30 m3 5 lug swap., with them there's no need to cut a weld anymore.

OT but I should have PM'd you over the weekend. I spent 5 days out on Oahu in Honolulu. The Outrigger Reef was nice as always.

[fporro]

would it be safe to ask on this thread what people think about their set of JOMS coilovers?

Be safer to ask the guys who have had them on their car the longest. I'd rather not comment on a product I know squat about.

The H&R's that I own...top notch quality. Then again if you can find a set these days and at under 2K for them is rare.

I love my H&R's coilovers, well worth the price, 10+ years and still going strong., but,
would love to get my hands on a set of front JOM adjusters for my e30 m3 5 lug swap., with them there's no need to cut and weld anymore.

not too bad for 10 years http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/album.php?albumid=7028

springs to choose from ... http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/album.php?albumid=7029

and camber caster plates, etc... http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/album.php?albumid=7557

Check out the AFCO bearings on GC's adjusters, they help reduce coil's binding during slow turning, etc., very good upgrade and comes in various diameters

[SirSwag]

Good thread write up bro

[acolella76]

I just sent off some spindles and measurements to Holland. Should have something nice for this thread in about two weeks...

[willworkfore30s]

So I just got some H&R race springs. I am looking for some shocks that I can run for a while since I'm not quite ready to spend the money on Billy sports. I think I am going to go with camaro KYB Gr2s for the rear. What is a good option for the fronts?

[jaywood]

Just thought I would bump this back up :)

[fatphos]

Im guessing this would be the correct place to ask this question.
Does anyone know the inside diameter of a stock shock?
also the length of front and rears
Thank you in advance

These measurements are based off of Bilstein HD's:

Front:
Cartridge Body Length: 432mm
Cartridge Body (outside) Diameter: 38.5mm

I left the shocks at work and didn't measure the rear since I'm not doing any special work to it.

Also just a note for those who would like to try to mix and match a few different parts... Since I came from a AE86 background I have decided purchased a set of KYB AGX shocks from a SW20 (Toyota MR2) and the diameter of the body is too large. The SW20 shocks are about 95mm shorter however the shock shaft is the same length. These shocks would of been perfect if the diameter was correct. I was thinking about making my own casing with a larger inside diameter that will accept the KYB's, however it might not be worth the time if the G60 cartridge will work. Just a note for future reference.