Coilovers for DC5R

[Anthony38]

hey dudes...

120k later I convinced my shocks on my bone stock DC5R are on the way out, just don't handle the way it use too.

I've decided to bite the bullet and get myself a decent set of coilovers. After some reading the more popular brands set are Buddyclub N+, Teins Flex, Tein Monoflex and tanbe sus Pro seven. I am leaning towards Tein Monoflex and possibly Tanabe as I have read they are pretty good for the streets. I've ruled out Buddyclub as I've heard sometime down the track they become noisy and as for the flex's they are no longer produced.

What do you guys suggest? the monoflex are highly recommended but does anyone know how Tanabe are?

I am aware that once installed I would have to get a alignment done, but is there anything I have to consider? Any other parts I need to get if I primarily after approximately 1.5" drop both front and rear?

Approximately how much should I set aside to get them installed?

I greatly appreciate the input, I can't wait to experience the coilovers everyone are raving about!?!?

[omgzilla]

I am aware that once installed I would have to get a alignment done, but is there anything I have to consider? Any other parts I need to get if I primarily after approximately 1.5" drop both front and rear?

Its a good idea to get a camber kit to help correct your wheel alignment. Once you lower it you will have excess negative camber.


Approximately how much should I set aside to get them installed?

Most places should only charge $300-$400.

[Anthony38]

Would I have to get a camber kit even though I am looking for drop approximately 1-1.5"?
Seeing that getting coilover is going to burn a little hole in my wallet I might out it off for a little while.

[omgzilla]

You can go without the camber kit, but you'll have increased tyre wear on the inner edges. You can help keep more even wear by rotating the tyres regularly, but again that will cost money every time you're at the tyre shop getting tyres 'flipped'.

With any level of lowering, the camber will become more negative. How much you're able to (if at all) adjust the standard components to correct the negative camber is the issue.

Usually the OEM components don't have enough range of adjustment to correct the camber, so the suspension arms are replaced with aftermarket ones that have a bigger range of adjustment.

Camber kits range from around $100 to $300 for each kit (front and rear), depending on quality and design.

Whiteline (http://whiteline.com.au/search.php) has kits for front and rear consisting of rear adjustable arms and front 'camber bolts'. Both kits will cost you a total of $200. - Less than forking out for tyre rotations every few months or new tyres...

[rossirider]

I know with the buddyclub N+ you don't need a camber kit as you can adjust the camber with the shock. I have a set of Buddyclubs and they don't make any noise at all because they don't have pillow ball mounts. The shock arm is set lower than the teins so that your steering arm rod isn't at such a crazy angle. I can't comment on the other shocks that you are looking into though as I have no experience with them.

If you are worried about tire wear, get a non directional tire so you can swap it back to front and left to right.

Its not really the camber that will eat your tires. It's the toe settings you have to look out for.