Suspension Setup Help

[gespinal0301]

Hey guys, I know this question has been asked a million times by now and I've read most of the posts about setups, but I'm still unsure of what I should do. I want height adjustability, but I don't know how to weld so coilovers are out of the question. I've seen the GC coilover conversion, but I've heard mixed things about them. So I guess my question is what setup up should I run for a DD that takes some corners pretty hard. Also, what parts should I replace once I pick the suspension setup, everything is 20 years old OEM so it's about time I change everything out I have a 91 318is if that makes any difference. Any help would be appreciated there's just a lot of information out there and I'm just getting confused, thanks everyone!

[Mr. Tasty]

Hey guys, I know this question has been asked a million times by now and I've read most of the posts about setups, but I'm still unsure of what I should do. I want height adjust ability, but I don't know how to weld so coil overs are out of the question. I've seen the GC coilover conversion, but I've heard mixed things about them. So I guess my question is what setup up should I run for a DD that takes some corners pretty hard. Also, what parts should I replace once I pick the suspension setup, everything is 20 years old OEM so it's about time I change everything out I have a 91 318is if that makes any difference. Any help would be appreciated there's just a lot of information out there and I'm just getting confused, thanks everyone!

There are not any mixed feelings on the Ground Control Coil over conversion. It is one of the best selling setup with no complaints. No welding is really needed for the conversion, unless you feel the material around the cut off OEM collar is not sufficient or want M3 sway bar end links. I would recromend calling Ground Control. They are very helpful and knowledgable in the e30 field. They will make sure to set you up right.

As for replacing the older suspension components. I would recommended replacing everything at the same time. It may cost more, but you will be happier knowing everything is new. The OEM parts are most likely very worn and may not be susceptible to removal and re installation.

Parts I would recommended replacing with new coil overs;
Front:
-Control Arm bushings (Lollipop)
-Control Arms
-Tie Rod Links (Inner and Outer)
-Sway Bar End links
-Sway Bar Bushings

Rear:
-Rear Sub frame Bushings
-Trailing arm Bushings
-Sway Bar End Links
-Sway Bar Bushings

[gespinal0301]

There are not any mixed feelings on the Ground Control Coil over conversion. It is one of the best selling setup with no complaints. No welding is really needed for the conversion, unless you feel the material around the cut off OEM collar is not sufficient or want M3 sway bar end links. I would recromend calling Ground Control. They are very helpful and knowledgable in the e30 field. They will make sure to set you up right.

As for replacing the older suspension components. I would recommended replacing everything at the same time. It may cost more, but you will be happier knowing everything is new. The OEM parts are most likely very worn and may not be susceptible to removal and re installation.

Parts I would recommended replacing with new coil overs;
Front:
-Control Arm bushings (Lollipop)
-Control Arms
-Tie Rod Links (Inner and Outer)
-Sway Bar End links
-Sway Bar Bushings

Rear:
-Rear Sub frame Bushings
-Trailing arm Bushings
-Sway Bar End Links
-Sway Bar Bushings

Should I also throw in rear shock mounts and strut mounts?

[Mr. Tasty]

Should I also throw in rear shock mounts and strut mounts?

yea, rsms are ideal, same from the front shock tower mounts.

[Mr. Tasty]

And obviously add some sort of shocks and struts, but that depends on what spring rates you go with. I would really give them a call and explain what you want out of the suspension.

[gespinal0301]

yea, rsms are ideal, same from the front shock tower mounts.

Yeah I plan on doing everything towards the end of summer once I have the money saved, but I just want to get all the information I need to make a smart purchase I'll talk to GC during the week. I looked on pelican parts for the mount the only have boge and OEM replacements, but I'll look for rsms thanks for all the advice it helped out a lot!

[Mr. Tasty]

Yeah I plan on doing everything towards the end of summer once I have the money saved, but I just want to get all the information I need to make a smart purchase I'll talk to GC during the week. I looked on pelican parts for the mount the only have boge and OEM replacements, but I'll look for rsms thanks for all the advice it helped out a lot!

RSMs
Rear Shock Mounts

GC and turner have after market ones with replaceable bushings.
I think some people upgrade to OEM e46 convertible ones.

No problem. :up: