E30 Megan Coilovers thread!

[SkiFree]

Pray ^

No you don't want to just pray.... I must be a glutton for punishment for sticking my head back in here.....


ANY minute variation in angle at the base exponentially affects camber.

Any proper welding at the base of the strut should be done on an appropriate jig (one that would not only be made to the correct strut angle, but also to limit any change of angle that would potentially take place due to the welding itself [ESPECIALLY if you're not welding ALL the way around the tube]). As a minor aside, I'm not sure, but it appears that the megan and bc tubes are stainless steel, which is of course not ideal to weld to the mild-steel base in the first place (especially considering how critical this weld is and how much shock it will endure).

On top of that, if the welding is not done around the entire base then over time (depending on usage) the degree of angle will change anyway ( I've seen this happen on a number of cars with this style setup ). The only way to counteract this is to weld reinforcement plates on either side of the strut-tube (while on the jig of course). The best visual example of this is to look at the over-size strut tubes used on IE's stg. 3 race c/o setup on the 2002 ( http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/2002...cecoilovr.html ).

Obviously this is all a pretty involved process to do correctly and I'd think you'd be charged accordingly by any decent welder ( for you style guys, think of it like a paint job - the paint is only as good as how much prepwork went into it). Could you skip much of this and still have a low car that rides ok on the street? Sure, but it still wouldn't mean it's done correctly (just like a Maaco paint-job). This is one of the many reasons why I'd still consider an IE, GC, or RE weld-on ring style kit over anything like the Megan/BC setup.

[EDirtyZ]

Pray ^

[johnjohnsons54]

Quick question. How do I make sure the strut is welded on with the perfect alignment so that the entire coilover will bolt up perfectly to the car? I'm having a separate shop do the welding so I won't be able to have the welding done with the coilover on the car

[EDirtyZ]

I'm featuring your link Panch! Thanks bro!

[Panch007]

I installed a set of these a while ago and finally put up a detailed write-up from start to finish.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=256774

[fatphos]

i have megans installed in my four door....A.K and a friend helped out... they re AWESOME...so BUY IT.... NO.... "ifs...buts...ands" "just do it".

im 232lbs..bigger than most you twigs out there.... it handles amazing... so uncross your legs boys..start walking like a man:)

Sebo? Glad to hear that you got it on already! Glad that you're enjoying them as well as your car.

I'm in the process of doing 5 lugs using e36 m3 in the front and 318ti on the rear and I'm thinking putting coilover using megan. Do you guys think I can just purchase megan coilover for e36 m3?

If you need E36 coilovers, hit me up!

Don't look like they can go low enough

You could slam it till the point of where your exhaust is dragging the ground. But at that height, it's not even drivable. See photos of my car, I could go lower if I wanted, but it's already dragging the exhaust over little bumps and banging the skid plate.

After these are welded in are the shock portions replaceable? What do u do when they need to be revalved?

Yea that portion is replaceable. If it's still covered under warranty, then they'll replace them for you.

[SkiFree]

Did you install a generic 8k/8k kit or actually try proven rates?
If I were to build a track car or daily/auto-x, even cheaply, I'd also go with a proven setup as you mentioned.

For posterity I'll answer this, and then stay out of here, it's nauseating.

Yes we tried multiple commonly used race set-up spring rates along with the strangely chosen original 8k/8k.

[RawToast]

Don't look like they can go low enough

[Snou52]

After these are welded in are the shock portions replaceable? What do u do when they need to be revalved?

[EDirtyZ]

Yea I think you'd have to purchase the e36 m3 ones if I'm not mistaking.

[e30jieve]

I'm in the process of doing 5 lugs using e36 m3 in the front and 318ti on the rear and I'm thinking putting coilover using megan. Do you guys think I can just purchase megan coilover for e36 m3?

[johnjohnsons54]

This man has a point! I just started tearing out my suspension to make room for the Megans this aft. Hopefully welding happens tomorrow or on thurs.

Another good link for those who aren't understanding the welding portion: http://emeraldcoastdrifters.com/2012...signs-bmw-e30/

Also the Megan USA site has plenty of solid tips for properly setting spring preload, ride height, and general install, including torque specs. It's under the "tech" section.


PS I'm 6'3, 245lbs :finger:

[obes]

I'm a fan of the Megan's for e30's.
Friend has them and they ride and handle so confidently and awesome.
They don't lose shock travel either when adjusting heights like many other traditional coilovers.

GC is great because of the customization of valving, springs, great plates, and cool other products they offer and are race proven. not really about show.

With that said, I'd probably choose the Megan's if I had to do it again becaus I'm not out to win any races and the cost is great

i have megans installed in my four door....A.K and a friend helped out... they re AWESOME...so BUY IT.... NO.... "ifs...buts...ands" "just do it".

im 232lbs..bigger than most you twigs out there.... it handles amazing... so uncross your legs boys..start walking like a man:)

[broach328]

yeah its a snug fit. do i really need to post pics? haha

[Ant_e30]

you cut the stock strut tube 50mm up from the bottom where it meets the knuckle. its in the instructions for all of these types of coilovers. then the new ones tightly slide over and get welded at the bottom near the knuckle.