I know how much everyone loves Jap "Coilovers"

[JohnL]

I thought I'd posted that link a few times (maybe it was on another site...).

Most 'coilovers' are a triumph of marketing expertise over engineering competance, you don't necessarily get what you pay for...

The quality of a seriously good damper will not only show up in handling, but also in longevity. Good dampers last a long time, and are the foundation of any good (or bad...) suspension set up. They are more important than the springs.

Koni dampers aren't that expensive. Even once you pay for a set of stiffer springs on top the're still competitive on price with most of the aftermarket 'coilovers'. My understanding is that Bilstein are more expensive (and you might need to order them?), but they won't be prohibitvely expensive compared to the more expensive 'coilovers' (especially considering what you get for what you pay, arguably the best damper short of top shelf specialised racing units such as Penske etc. Stock on Porsche for a good reason....).

[STiR]

In my own experience I have used the following on different cars:
1. Bilstein PSS9 on STi and s2000
2. DMS 40mm Gold and 50mm tarmac rally on R34 GTR V-Spec
3. KYB race shocks from suzukisport on suzuki ignis sport
4. Koni adjustable shocks on WRX hatch
5. TODA FIGHTEX DA on EG civic
6. Numerous TEIN coilovers on other cars

Value for money, you can't beat a KONI with matched spring (must have the shock dyno tested to determine appropriate spring rate, but gets expensive then).

Best performing shock would have to be the PSS9, however stock springs are too soft for real track work. Combined with eibach race coils they are excellent, quiet and don't need to be serviced.

So far I've been very imperssed with the finesse of the TODA FIGHTEX shocks. The ride is not harsh at all in my civic, despite having reasonably firm springs (8.7k F 7.x k rear, measured).

The DMS perform very very well on the GTR, however they are noisey in their operation and do require regular servicing and/or rebuilding.

Base model TEIN stuff we came across was just junk. Their more expensive ones are decent I hear, but I'd rather buy bilstein.

Friends use KW in their cars (variant 3) and they seem to be an excellent option to bilstein as well. Used on Manthey's Nurburgring 24hr winning Porsches.

For Honda - buy KONI, Bilstein or FIGHTEX. Because they are proven to work and last.

[nigs]

hahaha crap thing go fast for way less
where can i get some 6-7k coilovers in brisbane?

I'll sell you my D2's for 6k!
There's purple and shiz. Offer almost zero body roll. It's like driving on solid rods welded to the strut and LCA. HECTIC ULEH.

[90LAN]

I'll sell you my D2's for 6k!
There's purple and shiz. Offer almost zero body roll. It's like driving on solid rods welded to the strut and LCA. HECTIC ULEH.

i would thats a good deal nigs
but my car would handle like a boat of Moreton Island
and when i decide to turn the rear ass will slide out all the time
because it cant handle the power

[tekung89]

coilovers..people will never understand

[JohnL]

coilovers..people will never understand

That'll be the people who buy them...

[nigs]

LOLOLOLOL.

Would you guys like a soap box with that?

[CB7_OWNER]

OOoo thank god i have koni yellows.. good read =)

[tony1234]

Interesting read.BTW i have Bilstein/Eibach.excellent setup for the Euro.I keep trying to tell the guys with Euros that this is the way to go, not coilovers.

[JohnL]

Tony,
Good choice.

Note that any spring with the same spring rate and length will behave and drive the same as the Eibach springs. Springs are springs, and the only difference between any two of the same rate and length will be resistance to saggging (or fracturing, rare but does happen).

[STiR]

the difference between a quality spring and rubbish is that when you test the rates out of the box you'll find you got what you paid for... And that they're the same left and right!

And test them after a year... Sagging is a problem if you drive fast and push hard.

[Frankie]

Does any one know where there is a shock dyno to test the shock i have on my car at the moment