I'll try to fill in as many details as possible so that hopefully you guys will be able to make a firm recommendation.

Car is an '06 IX SE, it will be used for daily driving. If it goes to a track it will be a drag strip, not a road course. But for the most part it will just be used for "fun street driving". I'm not any kind of super skilled driver, so my definition of this is basically when I'm on a curvy road and the speed limit is 60 but the turn says "35mph" I keep going 60

My goals are to a) be able to set the ride height (lower than stock obviously, but not insanely slammed) b) improve handling (ie. reduce roll) and c) not increase noise or ride harshness.

I have realized through personal experience that there is a big difference between "throwing in a set of Eibachs" and going with a quality coilover system. I'm not looking to do this on the cheap, nor to cut any corners, I just don't want to pay the discomfort price for performance that I will never use.

In the past on cars like a G35 or IS300, getting a set of Tein coilovers seemed to be a no-brainer. The factory suspensions were ok, but nothing to write home about. But with the Evo's much-better-than-average factory suspension I am wondering if there is actually a possibility of going aftermarket and degrading the handling. My sights are set somewhere in the Tein SS or Tein Flex range. My thoughts based on others' comments are that the Flex would be a little too harsh for what I want. What I'm not clear on is if the Tein SS would actually offer an improvement in handling over stock?

And finally, when going with a coilover setup like this, is there anything else on the car that is going to be thrown out-of-whack (technical term, look out)? For example, would a different set of sway bars be necessary to maintain the proper over/under steer balance, etc? Or can I safely just swap the coilovers and do nothing but improve all aspects of the performance?

Sorry this turned out to be kinda long.

Thanks for reading!

 

I have been very happy with my Megan Racing Track Series. But you might want to check out their street series.

In regards to "out of whack" - no with adjustable c/o's you can set the front or rears as stiff or soft as you wish.

Megan Racing Track Series:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=202023
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=180536
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=218678

From mievo.net:
http://www.mievo.net/talk/showpost.p...7&postcount=16

PS -- a good alignment is a must post install!

 

...and corner weight!

 

Look into jic flt-a1s perfect for street and track racing. They improved my handling alot compare to stock. I don't even think I will ever go back to stock.

 

We are running a special on the Helix DNA's for $949. They are well suited for your purposes (adjustable height / dampening, good handling, comfortable ride, and doesn't break the bank). If you are looking for something a bit spendier the HKS Hipermax LS series systems are pretty decent but ride a bit harsher than the DNA's. On the upper end of the spectrum there's the Zeal Function series coilovers which feature both good ride quality as well as on-track performance. If you're looking for primarily a track setup (which obviously you're not) the Super Function R's, Peaks, and Aragostas are well suited.

Cheers,

Gary
Gruppe-S

 

Buddy Clubs are nice. i hear that HKS are good. Ohlins but they're expensive. whatever you go with, be sure to get them muellerized!

 

Thanks for the responses guys!

Any thoughts on the Tein's in particular? Reading other threads on here it seems like lots of people feel that if you are going to spend the money on the Flex's (especially with the EDFC) then you could get something a lot better for not too much more money. There aren't a lot of reviews on the Super Streets though, but the ones that I do see seem positive. The comments make it sound like the ride is actually more comfortable than stock, but yet the handling is still improved. That sounds ideal for me, but is that really possible? Is that a realistic request to find something that actually rides nicer than stock but improves cornering (granted, it might take two different settings on the coilovers to achieve these two traits)?

Thanks again!

 

Megan Track Series will be my next mod...

 

i second the jic

 

back from the dead im wondering about the megans as well.....

 

We're offering quite a few coilovers right now!

Street:
Helix DNA - $949 Shipped
HKS Performer - $1599 Shipped

Track
KW's - $1899 Shipped
Zeal Super Function R's - $2499 Shipped



Cheers,

Gary
Gruppe-S

 

i havent ran any but i was at a d1 event and was talking to someone from tanabe about a high tech system like teins where you can control it from the interior. sounded like it had alot to offer you might check and see if tanabe offers anything i know they sell good product

 

I have Zeal Xs coilovers on my IX SE and they ride superbly comfortable with much better controlled manners than stock. I transplated them from my viii and after some 30k miles they're still going strong. Those coilovers has to be my best modd todate.
gl

 

I would go with at least the KWs, preferabley Ohlins.

 

mhhmmm.... maybe i should reiterate.... i dont car about funky buttons.... name brands. or anything that was track proven..... I dont Auto X my car.... im looking for an ajustable damping and camber coiover that i can use on my evo for drag purposes..... i was thinking the flex. but doesn really seem like there worth it...