Is anyone (besides the dude that works at MCS) running MCS coilovers?

[burkey001]

Hi,

Like the thread says, is anyone (besides the MCS dude) running MCS coilovers in their E30?

Reason for asking... You happy with them, are they as good as you'd be lead to believe they are? Comparing to?


Currently have AST 4210, looking to change to MCS 2 way remotes.

Interested in whether people actually use the nitrogen pressure level as a tuning aid and their impressions.

feedback welcomed...

[acolella76]

Kind of quiet in here lol. We've only made 2 other E30 setups, and I don't know that they went to forum goers. I know there's some people on here running MCS on their E36 or E46, maybe they will chime in? I will keep my opinions on ASTs vs MCS to myself

But I will say that having adjustable can pressure is nice. It's kind of like adding spring rate when you're adding more pressure, so it's a helpful tool. Also if it's raining you don't need to change spring rates or make serious adjustments... just take out about 20lbs of pressure and maybe go one click softer on all four corners.

[SkiFree]

See, the thing is there are sales guys that'll try and hawk their parts all day long and then there's guys like Alex who would tell it to you straight. You have to consider no one is going to have a greater amount of experience as the one who made the part in the first place.

Consider it like talking to a car salesman about a certain car verses talking to the engineer who designed the car.

[burkey001]

Thanks Alex.

I'm quite used to the idea (and reality) of tweaking air pressure as spring rate tuning, but on mountain bikes. I can only imagine it's a similar principal is also just great for cars.

I have no issues with my AST's, they have been great for me. The only reason is building another car, so the "faster" one gets the "better" shocks.

I find it hard to believe but I will actually be buying these from the local distributor in Australia, provided we reach a good deal. For the first time EVER the local disty is broadly competitive with shopping from a US source. Kudos to them.

[Bimmerman325i]

I have MCS non-remote doubles on my E36, upgraded from TCK Doubles. I also have had AST 4100 on my Subaru, but that isn't a good point of comparison. The few E36s with ASTs I've driven (4100/4150/4200) were also very good, but I didn't pay enough attention when driving them to the shocks vs other things. I have not played with nitrogen pressures either.

The MCSs are incredible. The most impressive thing to me is their ability to absorb and control bumps as if they weren't there, they are leaps and bounds above the TCKs in that regard. The tuning range is almost unbelievable. On near full soft the car rides better than stock (with 650/750 rates), but a couple clicks and the car is ready to go for track/autox. The platform control these things have is mind blowing, especially since there is no ride penalty either.

Not sure if that helps, but I'd buy them again, over ASTs. I liked my ASTs, and have always been impressed with the AST cars I've driven. There have been some well-publicized failures and issues with ASTs as well, but the newer 4150 shocks are supposed to solve them. Either setup will work well, I would lean towards the MCSs unless budget is a concern.

[burkey001]

Alright... 2 way remotes it is.

I figure this topic is now closed. Given these dampers have a value above the average cost of an E30 I assume the market is likely quite small :)

I really like my AST, so am looking forward to being wowed.

thank you

[acolella76]

See, the thing is there are sales guys that'll try and hawk their parts all day long and then there's guys like Alex who would tell it to you straight. You have to consider no one is going to have a greater amount of experience as the one who made the part in the first place.

Consider it like talking to a car salesman about a certain car verses talking to the engineer who designed the car.

I appreciate the kind words :)

The MCSs are incredible. The most impressive thing to me is their ability to absorb and control bumps as if they weren't there, they are leaps and bounds above the TCKs in that regard. The tuning range is almost unbelievable.

Thanks, I'm always happy to hear what people think about our shocks.

Alright... 2 way remotes it is.

I figure this topic is now closed. Given these dampers have a value above the average cost of an E30 I assume the market is likely quite small :)

I really like my AST, so am looking forward to being wowed.

thank you

Great! Welcome to the "my shocks are worth more than my car" club! :D

[burkey001]

@acolella76 hopefully you see my custom 2 way order come across your desk / bench soon...

If you're building 2 way's with m3 strut tabs, they're my dampers! :)

[burkey001]

Well they have arrived. Acolella did a good job assembling them :)



Those canisters are biiiig. Still assessing best place to put them and safest way to route the hoses.


All fits in quite well. Acolella, I do have some feedback too :)

[robgoesvroom]

did you decide to go with 5 lug E30 M3/E36 M3 setup or stick with E30 4lug? They look amazeballs

[burkey001]

I stuck with 4 lug, no regrets.

Dampers are amazing. Worth the price of admission.

[Eric]

But I will say that having adjustable can pressure is nice. It's kind of like adding spring rate when you're adding more pressure, so it's a helpful tool. Also if it's raining you don't need to change spring rates or make serious adjustments... just take out about 20lbs of pressure and maybe go one click softer on all four corners.

What type of gas do you add/subtract? Not a very common thing to have a nitrogen cylinder to add a few pounds when needed!

[acolella76]

We use nitrogen, there are a few companies that sell portable kits that include a tank, regulator, etc. in the 300-400 price range. Not saying that it's cheap, but I did see lots of these kits at NASA Nationals this past weekend. Regular air can be used if you're in a pinch, but we recommend using nitrogen for long term use.

[burkey001]

The canisters are a bit of a bear to mount. Had to get a new strut bar made up with some mounting provisions. Glad I did.


Surprised I was supplied GC plates, I was expecting Vorshlag (better IMO).
Regardless, hands down better than my AST 4210. Back to back in two E30's, one MCS 2 way the other AST 2 way. MCS rides better, feels a little more composed and controlled.

MCS rides smoother (handles sharp edge bumps better, takes dips better, feels better on turn in) on 10 and 12KG/MM springs than AST does on 8 and 10KG/MM

[Liquidity]

Those brakes gotta have the clamping force of a bench vise. Jesus.