full coilover question

[sdub]

i think i read somewhere that if you were going full coilover suspension the maximum outer diameter of the springs could only be 2.5 inches.

is this true?

can just the rear strut mount on an e30 support the full weight?

what is the unsprung height of the coilovers people use?
or
what aftermarket coilovers do people use?

i'm sure this is all covered somewhere but i couldn't find it...
flame if u must

[CabrioPunk]

Racing? Need a cage to tie into.

Looking for low, cheap you go with JOM or on up to GC and the other brand names. That's ride height adjustability. GC can build according to your application.

[Jafxod]

Budget? You cant run a true coilover in the rear without serious modification.

[bmwguy325is]

The real question is what do you REALLY want to do with the car? DO you just want to roll up to WalMArt and look kewl for your friends or go faster in the corners?

[etxxz]

the difference between a true coilover a regular e30 geometry is still the driver. nothing out of the ordinary happening with mine at my spring rates.

you would need some nice reinforcements since its not uncommon for that rear tower to break. The spring is still up to you, you care about the OD, at 2.5" you're talking ID surely. I run 2.8" (ID cosmos) but that's cause its what i have, and my widest rim is 8" et41 and not even my r-comps rub... specially now with 15mm spacers lol

bmwguy hit the money. what do you want to do, set a target, and come up with a smart approach. save ur moneyz

[bmwmech1]

Scroll through the latter portion of the build thread in my sig and see how much I had to do to change the rear to coil on shock... It's quite elaborate, work-wise and pretty salty, price-wise. It can be done, but as has already been said, determine your use and then map out your solution...

Garey

[tttoon]

I have AST Sportline 2's on my car, and so far have driven it without mods to the rear shock tower, just reinforcement plates bolted on top. So far no issues (2 months on the street). The e30 shop I bought the set from in Holland (bas roos autosport) said the reinforcement was not necessary. He builds and repairs e30s for a living. I do not think euro e30s are different from US e30s.

With that said (just what I heard and my limited experience so far) I do intend to reinforce the towers with a brace welded to the frame at the subframe mounting points next month. That would not be crazy expensive and do the job for mixed street and track use. A full cage is not necessary (if you don't need/want it for full on racing) imo. Of course rear coilovers and a full cage go hand in hand frequently.

edit: and I have 60mm springs on mine, the only issue with clearance is the breather tube in the passenger rear wheel well, which ideally should be rerouted to inside the trunk. vs. Tire there are less clearance issues in the back than up front

[sdub]

ok sounds like i will be saving for a gc kit!

thanks for the response
i want to drive the car fast as shit around them corners and be pretty low, but i'm still pretty broke so thats where i'm heading i guess.

[etxxz]

don't have to be low to be fast. you have ot be a good driver. infact, being low here in CA is a PITA. good tires, stiffer suspension, good front sway bar, bushings, camber work. you're set! this is more than a lot of people do even for split track use. good tires will make as much difference as suspension. so prioritize if you're broke. suspension work will give you response.

[sdub]

got the tires on the way already and alot of the roads here (black hills) are insanely nice because all the tourist dollars pay for it.

i'm just looking for a stiff option so i'm not rubbing on the tires at all.

[tttoon]

This is what I ended up getting done to my car, cost me $350 for the fabrication guy. The towers are reinforced and tied to the diff mount now.

[Active16Bits]

:O Let's see those Centras on the car.

[tttoon]

haha only have the one sadly