Stock vs. CR with Swift Spec R vs. KW V3 Review
01-22-2014, 08:52 AM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Stock vs. CR with Swift Spec R vs. KW V3 Review
Posted this under suspension forum but I think this review is more appropriate here - Mods if you could please delete the other thread that would be great. Thank you
Hey guys,
I have been through some suspension testing and I wanted to write a review regarding two of the most discussed suspension setups.
This review is from a daily driver / weekend + canyon warrior stand point. You can find track reviews out there but this is purely from the perspective of driving a performance car through the canyons and normal streets. I wanted my car to handle even better than stock, sit slightly lower, but still have comfort for daily drive without sacrificing performance. I also live in LA where the roads are the worst of any roads in any state I've been to - it's that bad!
First off, having daily drive 2 AP2s prior to building my weekend car, I am very familiar with the stock AP2 suspension. Admittedly, the S2k is one of the best handling cars ever made - ever. But there are things that the stock suspension can't do for me. First, the car sits too high from the factory - most of you would agree. Second, the softness of the suspension also translates to the car "hopping" over speed bumps, or really any imperfections on the road. It's not unbearable by any means, but I knew a good suspension setup will help with this issue. Second, the body roll is noticeable on the stock suspension.
CR with Swift Spec R
-I have driven a stock CR and I can tell you that the Swift Spec R takes what is already a great suspension setup and makes it even better. The CR has a stiff suspension setup so for daily driving you experience more of the road which is good for spirited drives but bad with pot holes. But of course, I still don't consider it bad for daily at all - however, with the Swift Spec Rs, the springs seem to help a lot of that harshness and the car seems to absorb more of the roads' imperfections. The ride is still very stiff but in a good way - it seems that the springs also help eliminate some of the body roll. If you combine this with the AP1 sway bars or CR sway bars you're looking at a really sweet daily drivable setup in the $1500 range. The CR shocks can be had new for $1100-$1200 and the springs are about $350. Swift had build the Spec R springs for the CR shocks so you know it will be a great combination. For its price range, I don't think any coil overs will beat the experience - especially if you don't like spending hours adjusting ride height, and dialing in the suspension. Just slap them on, align the car, and you're done!
[attachment=52559:Photo Jan 20, 12 37 01 PM.jpg]
KW Variant 3
-I had my CR/Swift setup for about 1 month and did two nice canyon runs with it before making the very big mistake of driving my friend's AP2 with KW V3s and Eibach Sway bars. The first impression was: comfort! The KWs are two ways adjustable (rebound and compression) and my main reason to go with them is because of the LA roads. While Santa Monica has very nice roads and great canyons for driving, my work sometimes takes me through LA and bad is an understatement.
My first impression of the KW (at factory setting) is wow - plenty of grip, smooth ride, and more predictable. The KW lets you get to your limit and know when the car will reach that point and it does it with precision. The other advantage is that it eliminates even more body roll. I prefer my car to not feel "loose" on the road - that's why I'm going to add sway bars as well. We spent over an hour and a half adjusting the ride height and the compression / rebound. My setting landed at rebound 12 front 14 rear (KW recommends 10 f 12 r for street / track combined use). The compression is left at the recommended 5 from full stiff (out of 14).
I will add more to this review after I get more seat time with the KW but so far I'm loving it. Now, the question is, if I didn't get them in a trade, would I have still bought them? The answer will come in the next part of the review.
[attachment=52558:Photo Jan 20, 12 35 12 PM.jpg]
My KW V3s are now set at just slightly over 1 finger gap in the rear and slightly over 2 in the front (Voltex Kit makes the front extremely low)
Hey guys,
I have been through some suspension testing and I wanted to write a review regarding two of the most discussed suspension setups.
This review is from a daily driver / weekend + canyon warrior stand point. You can find track reviews out there but this is purely from the perspective of driving a performance car through the canyons and normal streets. I wanted my car to handle even better than stock, sit slightly lower, but still have comfort for daily drive without sacrificing performance. I also live in LA where the roads are the worst of any roads in any state I've been to - it's that bad!
First off, having daily drive 2 AP2s prior to building my weekend car, I am very familiar with the stock AP2 suspension. Admittedly, the S2k is one of the best handling cars ever made - ever. But there are things that the stock suspension can't do for me. First, the car sits too high from the factory - most of you would agree. Second, the softness of the suspension also translates to the car "hopping" over speed bumps, or really any imperfections on the road. It's not unbearable by any means, but I knew a good suspension setup will help with this issue. Second, the body roll is noticeable on the stock suspension.
CR with Swift Spec R
-I have driven a stock CR and I can tell you that the Swift Spec R takes what is already a great suspension setup and makes it even better. The CR has a stiff suspension setup so for daily driving you experience more of the road which is good for spirited drives but bad with pot holes. But of course, I still don't consider it bad for daily at all - however, with the Swift Spec Rs, the springs seem to help a lot of that harshness and the car seems to absorb more of the roads' imperfections. The ride is still very stiff but in a good way - it seems that the springs also help eliminate some of the body roll. If you combine this with the AP1 sway bars or CR sway bars you're looking at a really sweet daily drivable setup in the $1500 range. The CR shocks can be had new for $1100-$1200 and the springs are about $350. Swift had build the Spec R springs for the CR shocks so you know it will be a great combination. For its price range, I don't think any coil overs will beat the experience - especially if you don't like spending hours adjusting ride height, and dialing in the suspension. Just slap them on, align the car, and you're done!
[attachment=52559:Photo Jan 20, 12 37 01 PM.jpg]
KW Variant 3
-I had my CR/Swift setup for about 1 month and did two nice canyon runs with it before making the very big mistake of driving my friend's AP2 with KW V3s and Eibach Sway bars. The first impression was: comfort! The KWs are two ways adjustable (rebound and compression) and my main reason to go with them is because of the LA roads. While Santa Monica has very nice roads and great canyons for driving, my work sometimes takes me through LA and bad is an understatement.
My first impression of the KW (at factory setting) is wow - plenty of grip, smooth ride, and more predictable. The KW lets you get to your limit and know when the car will reach that point and it does it with precision. The other advantage is that it eliminates even more body roll. I prefer my car to not feel "loose" on the road - that's why I'm going to add sway bars as well. We spent over an hour and a half adjusting the ride height and the compression / rebound. My setting landed at rebound 12 front 14 rear (KW recommends 10 f 12 r for street / track combined use). The compression is left at the recommended 5 from full stiff (out of 14).
I will add more to this review after I get more seat time with the KW but so far I'm loving it. Now, the question is, if I didn't get them in a trade, would I have still bought them? The answer will come in the next part of the review.
[attachment=52558:Photo Jan 20, 12 35 12 PM.jpg]
My KW V3s are now set at just slightly over 1 finger gap in the rear and slightly over 2 in the front (Voltex Kit makes the front extremely low)
01-22-2014, 11:43 AM
#2
I bought KW's outright, and still think they're worth it.
My OEM suspension was tired and one of the shocks was leaking. The difference in comfort AND response after the first drive on the KW's and I was sold. So much less body roll, steering input is so much more crisp and precise, and all the while bumps / road undulations are infinitely more comfortable. No bounciness, just quick and smooth damping. You definitely get what you pay for with the KW V3's.
My OEM suspension was tired and one of the shocks was leaking. The difference in comfort AND response after the first drive on the KW's and I was sold. So much less body roll, steering input is so much more crisp and precise, and all the while bumps / road undulations are infinitely more comfortable. No bounciness, just quick and smooth damping. You definitely get what you pay for with the KW V3's.
01-22-2014, 12:42 PM
#4
Posted this under suspension forum but I think this review is more appropriate here - Mods if you could please delete the other thread that would be great. Thank you
Hey guys,
I have been through some suspension testing and I wanted to write a review regarding two of the most discussed suspension setups.
This review is from a daily driver / weekend + canyon warrior stand point. You can find track reviews out there but this is purely from the perspective of driving a performance car through the canyons and normal streets. I wanted my car to handle even better than stock, sit slightly lower, but still have comfort for daily drive without sacrificing performance. I also live in LA where the roads are the worst of any roads in any state I've been to - it's that bad!
Hey guys,
I have been through some suspension testing and I wanted to write a review regarding two of the most discussed suspension setups.
This review is from a daily driver / weekend + canyon warrior stand point. You can find track reviews out there but this is purely from the perspective of driving a performance car through the canyons and normal streets. I wanted my car to handle even better than stock, sit slightly lower, but still have comfort for daily drive without sacrificing performance. I also live in LA where the roads are the worst of any roads in any state I've been to - it's that bad!
My first impression of the KW (at factory setting) is wow - plenty of grip, smooth ride, and more predictable. The KW lets you get to your limit and know when the car will reach that point and it does it with precision. The other advantage is that it eliminates even more body roll. I prefer my car to not feel "loose" on the road - that's why I'm going to add sway bars as well. We spent over an hour and a half adjusting the ride height and the compression / rebound. My setting landed at compression 12 front 14 rear (KW recommends 10 f 12 r for street / track combined use). The compression is left at the recommended 5 from full stiff (out of 14)
01-22-2014, 01:06 PM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
Thanks for bringing the typo error to my attention - it has been fixed.
As for the states I grew up outside of Seattle and we drove to Oregon and British Columbia a lot. I made multiple trips to SF and LA going down the coast (actually picked up my 2nd S from Seattle and brought her down to SoCal).
I spent a couple summers in Houston and 3 months in Miami back in early 2000s. I also picked up my Evo X from Houston and drove her home and got to know Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona pretty well haha - that was a fun drive. I've been all over California and different parts of Texas as a part of what I do - we scout locations for shoots in a lot of small and rural places.
I also lived in NY/Brooklyn for a year. In any case I've traveled a lot in the US but still need to visit the mid west and more of the southern states. Been thinking about doing a cross country roadtrip with the family for a while now. I want to make that happen in the next two years haha.
As for the states I grew up outside of Seattle and we drove to Oregon and British Columbia a lot. I made multiple trips to SF and LA going down the coast (actually picked up my 2nd S from Seattle and brought her down to SoCal).
I spent a couple summers in Houston and 3 months in Miami back in early 2000s. I also picked up my Evo X from Houston and drove her home and got to know Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona pretty well haha - that was a fun drive. I've been all over California and different parts of Texas as a part of what I do - we scout locations for shoots in a lot of small and rural places.
I also lived in NY/Brooklyn for a year. In any case I've traveled a lot in the US but still need to visit the mid west and more of the southern states. Been thinking about doing a cross country roadtrip with the family for a while now. I want to make that happen in the next two years haha.
01-22-2014, 01:08 PM
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
I bought KW's outright, and still think they're worth it.
My OEM suspension was tired and one of the shocks was leaking. The difference in comfort AND response after the first drive on the KW's and I was sold. So much less body roll, steering input is so much more crisp and precise, and all the while bumps / road undulations are infinitely more comfortable. No bounciness, just quick and smooth damping. You definitely get what you pay for with the KW V3's.
My OEM suspension was tired and one of the shocks was leaking. The difference in comfort AND response after the first drive on the KW's and I was sold. So much less body roll, steering input is so much more crisp and precise, and all the while bumps / road undulations are infinitely more comfortable. No bounciness, just quick and smooth damping. You definitely get what you pay for with the KW V3's.
Thanks, I think you can't really go wrong with either one. I think the best route is $1500 or under = CR / Spec R and $2300+ you can't beat the KWs.
01-22-2014, 06:31 PM
#7
Registered User
I took my KW V3's for granted and sold them.. didn't think I would notice a difference but I was wrong. They were great over bumps, dips and would absorb everything really well. My BC's are a little too "bouncy" in comparison. Even though I did save some cash by downgrading, if I had to do it again I would have kept them. Nice review 
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EDIT: 1,000th post!
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01-23-2014, 05:29 AM
#8
Originally Posted by yamahaSHO' timestamp='1390426952' post='22978354
Exactly what states have you been to?
As for the states I grew up outside of Seattle and we drove to Oregon and British Columbia a lot. I made multiple trips to SF and LA going down the coast (actually picked up my 2nd S from Seattle and brought her down to SoCal).
I spent a couple summers in Houston and 3 months in Miami back in early 2000s. I also picked up my Evo X from Houston and drove her home and got to know Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona pretty well haha - that was a fun drive. I've been all over California and different parts of Texas as a part of what I do - we scout locations for shoots in a lot of small and rural places.
I also lived in NY/Brooklyn for a year. In any case I've traveled a lot in the US but still need to visit the mid west and more of the southern states. Been thinking about doing a cross country roadtrip with the family for a while now. I want to make that happen in the next two years haha.
Sounds like you've mostly traveled southern states (nicer roads). Come to the midwest and you'll change your opinion. However, there really is no reason to visit the midwest... You're not missing a thing. I grew up military and am currently military which has had me moving a lot. Some of the worst roads I've ever been on are right here in Nebraska.
01-23-2014, 07:43 AM
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
I took my KW V3's for granted and sold them.. didn't think I would notice a difference but I was wrong. They were great over bumps, dips and would absorb everything really well. My BC's are a little too "bouncy" in comparison. Even though I did save some cash by downgrading, if I had to do it again I would have kept them. Nice review
EDIT: 1,000th post!
EDIT: 1,000th post!
Sounds like you've mostly traveled southern states (nicer roads). Come to the midwest and you'll change your opinion. However, there really is no reason to visit the midwest... You're not missing a thing. I grew up military and am currently military which has had me moving a lot. Some of the worst roads I've ever been on are right here in Nebraska.
01-23-2014, 09:08 AM
#10
Originally Posted by s1mba' timestamp='1390447886' post='22978841
I took my KW V3's for granted and sold them.. didn't think I would notice a difference but I was wrong. They were great over bumps, dips and would absorb everything really well. My BC's are a little too "bouncy" in comparison. Even though I did save some cash by downgrading, if I had to do it again I would have kept them. Nice review
EDIT: 1,000th post!
EDIT: 1,000th post!
Sounds like you've mostly traveled southern states (nicer roads). Come to the midwest and you'll change your opinion. However, there really is no reason to visit the midwest... You're not missing a thing. I grew up military and am currently military which has had me moving a lot. Some of the worst roads I've ever been on are right here in Nebraska.
We have freezing temperatures and salt... and poor road upkeep in my area. I lived most of my younger days in the south and I miss those roads. It doesn't take long for my my S2000 to wear me out on our roads with KW's. It's not enjoyable after 10 minutes of driving.