Best Suspension Setup??

[HooptE30]

To clarify, this is not a coilover vs shock and spring vs 5 lug vs ECT comparison. i just need help finding the most practical suspension setup for ME. Now i was set on getting ground control coils for the longest time, but a friend of mine who does auto-x and is very knowledgable in the e30 field suggested a well put together shock and spring combo would be better suited for my applications. Additionally, i would have to go through extensive trial and error tuning to be able to properly utilize the coils. Right now my 1990 325is is my DD for driving around San Diego. However I do plan to track and potentially drift my car on the weekends once i get everything dialed in. With that being said, i was originally looking to get GC coilovers with something like 550 front springs and 750 back. Right now I'm on HR/Billy combo. I understand i can't just replace the shocks/springs and hope to track the car. I have many further intentions that I hope to accomplish after my suspension such as sway bar replacement, control arms, ect. Additionally, i plan to get a set of 16" wheels in the near future and do appreciate a well stanced car. I guess my question is, what would be my best shock/spring setup thats comparable to the spring rates I wanted on GC'S that'll make my car drive on its rails, and have a nice stance?

[MrBurgundy]

I personally love my H&R race/bilstein sport combo. They have a progressive spring rate, so its not so harsh if you're driving on a decent road, since you still want to daily this car.

There's my 2 cents.

[HooptE30]

I personally love my H&R race/bilstein sport combo. They have a progressive spring rate, so its not so harsh if you're driving on a decent road, since you still want to daily this car.

There's my 2 cents.

Yeah my H&R race/bilstein combo is kinda shot so its hard for me to compare it to a freshly built one. The roads in san diego aren't the worst compared to where some people live, just gotta keep your eyes peeled for construction and potholes

[MrBurgundy]

Yeah my H&R race/bilstein combo is kinda shot so its hard for me to compare it to a freshly built one. The roads in san diego aren't the worst compared to where some people live, just gotta keep your eyes peeled for construction and potholes

I think your best bet is to make friends with people who have different setups and ride in their cars. Turner sells fixed camber plates too that work really well to get rid of understeer with spring shock combos

Also, I've only been in e30s with that setup, so I can't compare it to anything else.

[HooptE30]

anyone have experience with custom valved bilstein/koni and IE3 springs? I have bilstein sports right now that i might get revalved depending on the cost relative to what konis would be.

[citizen_insane]

Yeah my H&R race/bilstein combo is kinda shot so its hard for me to compare it to a freshly built one. The roads in san diego aren't the worst compared to where some people live, just gotta keep your eyes peeled for construction and potholes

I went from the H&R Race/Billy combo to the GC drop in setup with the custom Konis and 440/650 springs and it's night and day. The GC setup is less harsh, has less body roll and handles much better.

I would never recommend the H&R/Billy combo to anyone considering the GC setup, it is MUCH better.

[HooptE30]

I went from the H&R Race/Billy combo to the GC drop in setup with the custom Konis and 440/650 springs and it's night and day. The GC setup is less harsh, has less body roll and handles much better.

I would never recommend the H&R/Billy combo to anyone considering the GC setup, it is MUCH better.

Yeah im sure GC is much better, no doubt. The only issue for me is that i would have to extensively tune and corner balance the car to actually utilize the coilovers how they should be. Once i get everything mint, im likely going to be taking the car to the track when i get the chance, but im not sure investing in coilovers at this time would benefit me. I guess i could look into more affordable options as well such as BC Coilovers or CATuned for my car right now. Haven't heard any reviews about CA Tuned's Coils though.

[HooptE30]

Also im fairly used to the "harshness" of billies. Definitetly not the best ride when it gets bumpy, but you gotta deal with what you have. I was hoping a new setup might perform better, and i can always eliminate some of the body roll with new sway bars, strut bars, ect... just not to the extent of coilovers probably