Coilover kit recommendation for 95% street 5% track
05-28-2011, 12:45 PM
#1
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Coilover kit recommendation for 95% street 5% track
I'm interested in picking up a coilover kit for my AP1 and I wanted to get some opinions from you track guys. I plan to use the car mainly for street driving, but I want to take the car to occasional auto-x and track day. I love the way the stock suspension feels on my AP1, but would like to lower the car slightly (1.5-2 inch drop) for aesthetic reasons. At the same time since I'm spending money on suspension, I would love to get some improved performance out of the car. I'm currently running and plan to continue running a staggered 17x7.5 - 17x9 staggered setup for my wheels. I'd love to keep the car feeling super nimble, easy to rotate, control slides, etc. Honestly, the car feels great with the OEM setup, but if it could feel even better, that'd be awesome. Here's a summary of the things I'm looking for with suspension:
1. Maintain comfort for everyday street driving. Not looking to get rattled to death on the street.
2. Costs 2k or less USD.
3. Ability to lower car 1.5-2inches
4. Kit should be rebuildable/servicable - preferably in the US
So far my research has led me to the KWV3, AST 4100, Bilstein PSS9, Tein Monoflex, HKS Hypermax III. I'm hearing mixed things about all of these kits and would really like to get feedback from guys who have first hand experience. Thanks in advance!
1. Maintain comfort for everyday street driving. Not looking to get rattled to death on the street.
2. Costs 2k or less USD.
3. Ability to lower car 1.5-2inches
4. Kit should be rebuildable/servicable - preferably in the US
So far my research has led me to the KWV3, AST 4100, Bilstein PSS9, Tein Monoflex, HKS Hypermax III. I'm hearing mixed things about all of these kits and would really like to get feedback from guys who have first hand experience. Thanks in advance!
05-28-2011, 06:13 PM
#5
I have also heard a lot of good things about the Bilstein's and if you look hard enough you can get a pretty good deal on them. I know some people got good pricing with a Black Friday sale, but that is a ways away.
05-28-2011, 06:56 PM
#6
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95% daily driving? Bilstein PSS9 for a comfortable sporty ride.
You can take any suspension setup to the track. Plenty of guys run OEM suspension and have amazingly fast lap times with the right tires and alignment settings.
You can take any suspension setup to the track. Plenty of guys run OEM suspension and have amazingly fast lap times with the right tires and alignment settings.
05-28-2011, 07:25 PM
#7
I agree with the rest here; for a 95% street car I think the Bilstein PSS9 is your winner. If that 95/5 ratio were to become 60/40, I think the KW V3 and AST 4100 would be the front runners for your purposes at that point.
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05-29-2011, 11:26 AM
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Thanks for the feedback everyone. With the Bilstein PSS9 kit the spring rates are supposed to be
Fr: 345 lb with 85 lb helper springs Rr: 285 lb
I'm reading that my 03 AP1 came with ~240/230lb springs stock. Does this mean with the PSS9 kit installed, my car would have more of tendency to understeer if all other factors like alignment, wheels/tires, and sway bars stayed the same? Anyone had experience changing out springs on a PSS9 kit without getting them revalved? I'm thinking something like 400lb linear springs all around.
Fr: 345 lb with 85 lb helper springs Rr: 285 lb
I'm reading that my 03 AP1 came with ~240/230lb springs stock. Does this mean with the PSS9 kit installed, my car would have more of tendency to understeer if all other factors like alignment, wheels/tires, and sway bars stayed the same? Anyone had experience changing out springs on a PSS9 kit without getting them revalved? I'm thinking something like 400lb linear springs all around.
05-29-2011, 12:53 PM
#9
Thanks for the feedback everyone. With the Bilstein PSS9 kit the spring rates are supposed to be
Fr: 345 lb with 85 lb helper springs Rr: 285 lb
I'm reading that my 03 AP1 came with ~240/230lb springs stock. Does this mean with the PSS9 kit installed, my car would have more of tendency to understeer if all other factors like alignment, wheels/tires, and sway bars stayed the same? Anyone had experience changing out springs on a PSS9 kit without getting them revalved? I'm thinking something like 400lb linear springs all around.
Fr: 345 lb with 85 lb helper springs Rr: 285 lb
I'm reading that my 03 AP1 came with ~240/230lb springs stock. Does this mean with the PSS9 kit installed, my car would have more of tendency to understeer if all other factors like alignment, wheels/tires, and sway bars stayed the same? Anyone had experience changing out springs on a PSS9 kit without getting them revalved? I'm thinking something like 400lb linear springs all around.
