Coilovers
- Thread starter agw_01
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I've only ever had two sets of coilovers, one set was AVO and they were horrible. Really stiff and leaked within about 6 months of fitting them. The others were H&R which were amazing, much flatter in the corners and somehow even more comfortable than standard. Still don't understand that.....
How much does it cost to get coils set up properly these days? I think that's where you will see the biggest gains, but at a cost.
I bought Eibach springs for mine, and after riding in the same car that had fairly expensive coils on that weren't set up, i'm glad I did.
I bought Eibach springs for mine, and after riding in the same car that had fairly expensive coils on that weren't set up, i'm glad I did.
Many of the cheap suspension kits on the market are aimed at giving a 'stance' rather than a solid well sorted set up it would seem and they tend to be a compromise because of this. As has been said a 'stiff' ride does not mean good handling and often on bumpy roads it means the exact opposite. If you plan to do track and road work then a setup that allows you to tweak the settings based on the different needs is good, though not sure what sort of options are available at this end of the market. I am far from an expert on such things but I do know what makes a good setup to drive and passenger in.
On the road a setup with good damping capabilities will probably offer the most real benefit as you want to be able to aim for an apex without the constant worry that if you come across a bump, which you will, that its going to fire you off into the hedge without a moments notice. No point fitting such things either if you don't get it set up by someone who knows what they are doing and is able to build in the set up that suits you best and your needs best.
On the road a setup with good damping capabilities will probably offer the most real benefit as you want to be able to aim for an apex without the constant worry that if you come across a bump, which you will, that its going to fire you off into the hedge without a moments notice. No point fitting such things either if you don't get it set up by someone who knows what they are doing and is able to build in the set up that suits you best and your needs best.
The best example of damping I think I have come across was in the Group A Scooby I drove at the Phil Price Rally School a couple of years ago. He has a small 2 mile'ish stage that you drive around and which he takes you around at pace and that car simply glided like a magic carpet on what was a pretty rough stage with huge pot holes and ruts. Very impressive stuff really.
Not sure what Eibach are like on other cars but they are far too soft on the Saxo/ 106. Apparently, they can easily bottom out when on track or fast road use.
It's all about the valving... rebound, compression etc... inside of the damper. The spring rate of course helps too.
Suspension design is a black art really.
You aren't going to be driving some "sorted" car just by bolting a load of the off the shelf components to it. It may make it look low and handle better than stock but take it on a track and you'd soon realise it was crap.
It's often best to stick to manufacturer upgrade parts, from like say, a higher model of the car. Because you can be sure then that they've spent at least a month or two honing the suspension settings. Obviously this solution depends on your car though.
Suspension design is a black art really.
You aren't going to be driving some "sorted" car just by bolting a load of the off the shelf components to it. It may make it look low and handle better than stock but take it on a track and you'd soon realise it was crap.
It's often best to stick to manufacturer upgrade parts, from like say, a higher model of the car. Because you can be sure then that they've spent at least a month or two honing the suspension settings. Obviously this solution depends on your car though.
Soldato
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Get Konis and then check the drop links on the front and rear ARB are good. Any compliance there will show as body roll before the ARB's load up.
Perhaps they didn't factor in the weight of all the ICE or 18in alloys when they designed them.Not sure what Eibach are like on other cars but they are far too soft on the Saxo/ 106. Apparently, they can easily bottom out when on track or fast road use.
Agree with Simon, go for Konis and some Eibach proline/sportline springs. I know some Konis come with Koni springs but have been told that they are pretty hard and it's nice to get the Eibachs with them.
Generally very highly regarded, unlike manufacturers like GMax, Apex, who generally make springs to go as low and stiff as possible, Eibachs tend to be more about the ride and handling. Prolines won't lower the car much at all, Sportlines do drop things a little, but they both seem to offer about the same when it comes to ride/handling.
If you do go for full on coilovers then H+R are always recommended by the Clio guys, seem to give the car a really good ride (some say more comfortable than standard!) and just generally improves things.
*edit* just seen eidolon recommend H+R and also has experienced the improved ride
Not sure what Eibach are like on other cars but they are far too soft on the Saxo/ 106. Apparently, they can easily bottom out when on track or fast road use.
Generally very highly regarded, unlike manufacturers like GMax, Apex, who generally make springs to go as low and stiff as possible, Eibachs tend to be more about the ride and handling. Prolines won't lower the car much at all, Sportlines do drop things a little, but they both seem to offer about the same when it comes to ride/handling.
If you do go for full on coilovers then H+R are always recommended by the Clio guys, seem to give the car a really good ride (some say more comfortable than standard!) and just generally improves things.
*edit* just seen eidolon recommend H+R and also has experienced the improved ride
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Superb stuff guys, some very useful information in here!
With regards to the stiffer anti-roll bars, I'm not aware that aftermarket versions are available for my car. However, the front ARB drop links are polybushed, along with the mountings for the front and rear ARBs. Just the rear ARB droplinks that are left.
I also have front and rear strut braces... but strut braces won't help with the bodyroll, probably make it worse if anything.
So, you guys are saying that Koni adjustable shocks with a decent spring should do a decent job? Is it the Koni red or yellow which is adjustable?
Thanks again
With regards to the stiffer anti-roll bars, I'm not aware that aftermarket versions are available for my car. However, the front ARB drop links are polybushed, along with the mountings for the front and rear ARBs. Just the rear ARB droplinks that are left.
I also have front and rear strut braces... but strut braces won't help with the bodyroll, probably make it worse if anything.
So, you guys are saying that Koni adjustable shocks with a decent spring should do a decent job? Is it the Koni red or yellow which is adjustable?
Thanks again
the H&R coilovers on my current mr2 are so much more comfortable than the tein's i had on the last one. like others have said, very comfortable, probably more so than the standard bilstein setup
Teins are made for Japanese roads thats why they are the way they are
Associate
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Had Avo coilovers on my Nova turbo for 2 years then they started to leak and a rebuild would cost more than new ones! Now running Spax RSX, lasted a lot longer so far and ride comfort is similar.