Another Coilover Thread

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  • Sykohtic
    Wrencher
    • Nov 2013
    • 203

    #1

    Another Coilover Thread

    So this is a question that has been answered in pieces across several threads according to search. I kinda wanted to center in a single thread and really get all the options out there.

    So my car will be going coilovers within the next year. After sitting down and talking to 42 Autosports in Concord, NC, this is the first step towards the full build. So the question is obvious, which set to go for?

    *Note: If a option has a dash and "recommended for removal" notice beside it, that option has had a valid point brought against it. If another member seconds the removal of said option, it will be removed. Likewise, if an option noted as such garners substantial defense to counteract the claim, its notice will be removed/it will be reinstated to the list.*

    Ground Control
    Megan Racing - recommended for removal from list by Benjamin_Button. REASON: More appearance focused than performance.
    BC - recommended for removal from list by Benjamin_Button. REASON: More appearance focused than performance.
    Bilstein
    H&R
    +KW
    +AST Suspension **Expensive, but if you have the money...**

    These are just the ones I know of off the top of my head that are up for consideration. If you know of any other good setups, place them in the thread and I'll look into them, and potentially add them to the OP.

    *Note: Racelands are being left out of this one. Just deal with that restriction from the start. Discern the reasoning for their exclusion yourself.*

    *Note: Per information by NitroRustlerDriver, Megan and BC coilovers are the same product with different finishes.*

    Criteria for Selection:

    1.PERFORMANCE- Obviously, when selecting a coilover system, the performance derived from the system is key. But beyond simple straight up performance value, include in this part things like how well the system accepts adjustments, how relevant are your adjustments, how adjustable are they to the purpose you need them for, etc. Ride quality is also a thing to consider, though overall performance does preside over it in this scenario.

    2.QUALITY- Quality is important with a coilover setup. It has to be able to take the beating placed on it when pushing it hard around a track, hammering down a back road, and beyond. Think about the quality of not only the product, but all of the hardware that goes with it. If the system comes with camber plates, are they good quality and design? How does the mounting hardware look and feel? Does it go together well and how how its supposed to? And beyond. This could really be part of the performance criteria as well.

    3.VALUE AND COST- The all deciding factor in most builds, cost and value tends to play a huge role in selection. It is also directly related to performance in some ways. A system that costs less and performs only slightly less well than the top contender might be a better value than the top contender as it all becomes relative. This also brings the quality category into question. What system offers the best quality in all aspects for the best value of cost, for example. Bringing performance back into question, for the cost and best value, which system is most adjustable? Which offers the most in terms of setting them up the way you want? One of the all important themes of going full coilovers is the amount of adjustability they give you. Another is how much modification you need to do to your car to make them work. Take all of this into account.

    4.APPEARANCE- We all knew it was coming, which system looks the best and provides the best look for the car? All three of the above categories are exponentially more important when selecting coilovers, most of us will agree, but appearance does play a small, though quite marginal factor. This is entirely subjective, just looking for opinions.

    Obviously, this can all be a relative assortment of categories if you dont know the purpose which you're equipping your car for. Personally, in this situation, my car will be reasonably aggressive, but not 100% track car. It will be a sort of weekend warrior, streetable with a performance focus.

    Please let me know what you think, and be sure to let me know also if there's anything to be added to the OP that I missed. Thanks in advance guys and girls.
    Last edited by Sykohtic; 12-14-2014, 11:20 AM.
  • Sykohtic
    Wrencher
    • Nov 2013
    • 203

    #2
    So I'm guessing no one knows how to answer? Lol

    Comment

    • aintnothang
      Mod Crazy
      • Aug 2008
      • 743

      #3
      There's also kw

      Comment

      • Sykohtic
        Wrencher
        • Nov 2013
        • 203

        #4
        Originally posted by aintnothang
        There's also kw
        At least that's a response lol thanks

        Comment

        • RedReplicant
          Wrencher
          • Oct 2009
          • 270

          #5
          We cannot answer this without your actual budget.
          91 318is - Gone
          16 VW GTI
          07 Aprilia Tuono

          Comment

          • FRODADDY
            Advanced Member
            • Feb 2012
            • 144

            #6
            I just ordered the KW V3.
            I am still a little worried concerning the proper setup.
            Hope to have it in the car in the first week of January.
            1990 kashmir beige BMW e30 327i
            1993
            muggello rot BMW e36 M3 Gruppe A Euro
            1990 GP weiss Porsche 964 C2
            1997 schwarz II BMW e36 328iS supercharged

            Comment

            • ThatOneEuroE30
              R3V OG
              • Dec 2013
              • 8626

              #7
              Just about the best money can buy



              1989 325is l 1984 euro 320i l 1970 2002 Racecar
              1991 318i 4dr slick top


              Euro spec 320i/Alpina B6 3.5 project(the never ending saga)
              Vintage race car revival (2002 content)
              Mtech 2 turbo restoration
              Brilliantrot slick top "build"

              Comment

              • Sykohtic
                Wrencher
                • Nov 2013
                • 203

                #8
                Originally posted by ThatOneEuroE30
                If I'm honest, I clicked that link expecting to find systems that were really good and really overpriced. But In all honesty, that's actually not totally outrageous, all things considered. Definite adding them to the thread at least, even with the premium. Looks like i have a new dream present for Christmas lol hope youre watchin, big fat Bovarian Santa Clause....

                Comment

                • Sykohtic
                  Wrencher
                  • Nov 2013
                  • 203

                  #9
                  Originally posted by FRODADDY
                  I just ordered the KW V3.
                  I am still a little worried concerning the proper setup.
                  Hope to have it in the car in the first week of January.
                  Are you going to be setting them up yourself or having a shop do it for you?

                  Comment

                  • FRODADDY
                    Advanced Member
                    • Feb 2012
                    • 144

                    #10
                    I will do that by myself.
                    I am already used to it as my M3 has the KW Clubsport.
                    Last edited by FRODADDY; 12-10-2014, 10:17 PM.
                    1990 kashmir beige BMW e30 327i
                    1993
                    muggello rot BMW e36 M3 Gruppe A Euro
                    1990 GP weiss Porsche 964 C2
                    1997 schwarz II BMW e36 328iS supercharged

                    Comment

                    • Sykohtic
                      Wrencher
                      • Nov 2013
                      • 203

                      #11
                      Originally posted by FRODADDY
                      I will do that by myself.
                      I am already used to it as my M3 has the KW Clubsport.
                      So you're happy with the level of adjustment, the performance capabilities, etc. of them? First hand experience is very welcome indeed lol

                      Comment

                      • Sykohtic
                        Wrencher
                        • Nov 2013
                        • 203

                        #12
                        Originally posted by RedReplicant
                        We cannot answer this without your actual budget.
                        I think I can answer this with: based on the criteria and information I gave you, a budget-per-say isn't a required factor.

                        If you take the purpose I detailed in the OP, then run that through the criteria, it tends to narrow the options to a specific price range anyway.

                        For example, ThatOneEuroE30 pointed out AST suspension's kit. By all means, that's an awesome setup, and I would LOVE to be able to put that on my car. However, based on the fact that I'm not building my car to be all an all out racecar, that setup is probably overkill for my particular purpose, and so while it checks boxes in performance, quality, and appearance, the cost would be unjustified in this situation.

                        Does that help?

                        Comment

                        • RedReplicant
                          Wrencher
                          • Oct 2009
                          • 270

                          #13
                          GC with Koni SAs.
                          91 318is - Gone
                          16 VW GTI
                          07 Aprilia Tuono

                          Comment

                          • AndrewBird
                            The Mad Scientist
                            • Oct 2003
                            • 11892

                            #14
                            Megan and BC are the same, just different colors.

                            Comment

                            • Benjamin_Button
                              Grease Monkey
                              • Mar 2014
                              • 384

                              #15
                              Take Megan an BC off your list if you want "perform and quality" in my opinion. Are you actually into performance driving or just another stancer? Not everyone needs coilovers but seems like everyone wants them.
                              ~Stay Thirsty~

                              Comment

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