Posted By: Fre3_D0om
Help me choose - 14/06/2023 19:11
So I am quite new to this vast sea of various modifications available. One such unknown territory are suspensions.
I am looking to change my original suspension. The shocks are quite old, the springs as well and the strut mounts definitely need changing. After some looking around here and there, I have come to the conclusion that these are my options:
1. Bc racing kit
I have no idea how good this is any kind of way. I've seen people talking about it but never actually mention how it is. Is it at all comfortable? Is it really harsh? Does the Coupe handle like a dream with it? Is it worth the extra money for it?
As I am looking to build a slightly modified Coupe, with some handling mods here and there and some engine mods are also in my view, I want to enjoy it on the public roads. I don't plan to attend many track days with this car, as I already participate in a racing series and don't really see the need to trash my own personal car around a track when I am already paying money to trash another shitbox around some bends.
So.. yeah. Let's get back on topic. Are the BC racing coilovers a good choice if I am looking for comfortable-ish ride and good handling?
Or should I only consider them if I am seriously thinking about making a performance car?
2. Rear B6 Bilstein + Front TRW/Monroe with some Eibach lowering springs
This seems to also be a fan favorite of the forums and also something which is actually available here in Romania.
It is cheaper and a mish mash from a few brands. I obviously don't expect these to be nearly as good as the BC's but I am curious how good they actually are.
Are they good enough for a Sunday drive when the weather is clear and you have an open set of twisty bends in front of you? What about a track day? Is it enjoyable or should I just not bother?
Are they comfortable enough to go for a long trip with them?
3. KW V1 coilovers
These seem to be slightly cheaper than the BC's but are pretty much never mentioned here. Why is that?
I have tried some KW coilovers before (on the race car, which I mentioned earlier, it's a e46 330) and they were really good. No idea how they handle on the Coupe or on public roads.
4. D2 Racing kit
Another set of coilovers which people on here seem to ignore. Only found some really old posts mentioning these.
After a quick google search, they seem to a be an alternative for the BC racing kit.
These also have an advantage over the others, as I have found a supplier who is asking a reasonable 640£ for them, brand new.
Same questions: How do they handle on road, track, city etc.?
5. Osrav KGA 379
These seem to be the holy grail of all that is holy according to this sub. Why exactly? What makes them so special? Besides, obviously, the stupid long shipping time.
Why are these so looked up to? Does this set make the car incredibly good to drive for any kind of occasion? Whether that is a track day, a relaxing Sunday evening drive or a "stroll" through traffic?
Please do tell me, so that I can better understand the reasoning behind them.
Also, regarding the Osrav set, I can't seem to find any information regarding the springs they offer. There is a separate spring set from Osrav called KSM 330 (if I recall correctly) but can't seem to find how much they actually lower the car.
If that is a mystery for everyone else as much as it is to me, I'll just stick with the ol' reliable Eibachs.
I might have missed some info so I'll leave it all here at the end to make it easier for everyone to follow.
Car: 20v turbo
Used for: Public roads, sporty driving, occasional track days
Suspension should be: comfortable on long journeys, good performance on twisty roads; can handle bumps well (this especially since the roads here in Romania are quite terrible)
Budget: around 1000£, preferably lower as I want to buy other chassis strengthening tools, such as a strut bar, firmer rear ARB and all other things Nigel mentioned in his lengthy post about what to change when looking to improve handling (I am aiming for a fast road car type of setup)
I am looking to change my original suspension. The shocks are quite old, the springs as well and the strut mounts definitely need changing. After some looking around here and there, I have come to the conclusion that these are my options:
1. Bc racing kit
I have no idea how good this is any kind of way. I've seen people talking about it but never actually mention how it is. Is it at all comfortable? Is it really harsh? Does the Coupe handle like a dream with it? Is it worth the extra money for it?
As I am looking to build a slightly modified Coupe, with some handling mods here and there and some engine mods are also in my view, I want to enjoy it on the public roads. I don't plan to attend many track days with this car, as I already participate in a racing series and don't really see the need to trash my own personal car around a track when I am already paying money to trash another shitbox around some bends.
So.. yeah. Let's get back on topic. Are the BC racing coilovers a good choice if I am looking for comfortable-ish ride and good handling?
Or should I only consider them if I am seriously thinking about making a performance car?
2. Rear B6 Bilstein + Front TRW/Monroe with some Eibach lowering springs
This seems to also be a fan favorite of the forums and also something which is actually available here in Romania.
It is cheaper and a mish mash from a few brands. I obviously don't expect these to be nearly as good as the BC's but I am curious how good they actually are.
Are they good enough for a Sunday drive when the weather is clear and you have an open set of twisty bends in front of you? What about a track day? Is it enjoyable or should I just not bother?
Are they comfortable enough to go for a long trip with them?
3. KW V1 coilovers
These seem to be slightly cheaper than the BC's but are pretty much never mentioned here. Why is that?
I have tried some KW coilovers before (on the race car, which I mentioned earlier, it's a e46 330) and they were really good. No idea how they handle on the Coupe or on public roads.
4. D2 Racing kit
Another set of coilovers which people on here seem to ignore. Only found some really old posts mentioning these.
After a quick google search, they seem to a be an alternative for the BC racing kit.
These also have an advantage over the others, as I have found a supplier who is asking a reasonable 640£ for them, brand new.
Same questions: How do they handle on road, track, city etc.?
5. Osrav KGA 379
These seem to be the holy grail of all that is holy according to this sub. Why exactly? What makes them so special? Besides, obviously, the stupid long shipping time.
Why are these so looked up to? Does this set make the car incredibly good to drive for any kind of occasion? Whether that is a track day, a relaxing Sunday evening drive or a "stroll" through traffic?
Please do tell me, so that I can better understand the reasoning behind them.
Also, regarding the Osrav set, I can't seem to find any information regarding the springs they offer. There is a separate spring set from Osrav called KSM 330 (if I recall correctly) but can't seem to find how much they actually lower the car.
If that is a mystery for everyone else as much as it is to me, I'll just stick with the ol' reliable Eibachs.
I might have missed some info so I'll leave it all here at the end to make it easier for everyone to follow.
Car: 20v turbo
Used for: Public roads, sporty driving, occasional track days
Suspension should be: comfortable on long journeys, good performance on twisty roads; can handle bumps well (this especially since the roads here in Romania are quite terrible)
Budget: around 1000£, preferably lower as I want to buy other chassis strengthening tools, such as a strut bar, firmer rear ARB and all other things Nigel mentioned in his lengthy post about what to change when looking to improve handling (I am aiming for a fast road car type of setup)