Make the Evo's rough ride less rough
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 42
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From: Eastern Virginia
...maybe its a good time to sell my setup
fyi, if you're looking for something smoother on regular streets/rougher roads, nothing with a stiffer suspension is going to do that for you. while most coilovers can handle streets they're designed for glass smooth tracks.
when i went to the gtworx springs + bilstein HDs, i immediately noticed both the stiffer spring from the gtworx (felt more bumps than I did on stock suspension) and also the fact that those bumps were getting damped out better by the bilsteins. swift spec r's, while they're definitely the better performance choice, are gonna be even more jarring than gtworx or stock, even though they're going to be damped better.
i remember how the stock springs and kyb dampers felt, especially over potholes. it didn't even feel like there was a suspension. I think GTWorx springs + MR bilsteins may be a good choice for you
fyi, if you're looking for something smoother on regular streets/rougher roads, nothing with a stiffer suspension is going to do that for you. while most coilovers can handle streets they're designed for glass smooth tracks.
when i went to the gtworx springs + bilstein HDs, i immediately noticed both the stiffer spring from the gtworx (felt more bumps than I did on stock suspension) and also the fact that those bumps were getting damped out better by the bilsteins. swift spec r's, while they're definitely the better performance choice, are gonna be even more jarring than gtworx or stock, even though they're going to be damped better.
i remember how the stock springs and kyb dampers felt, especially over potholes. it didn't even feel like there was a suspension. I think GTWorx springs + MR bilsteins may be a good choice for you
I think some custom valved Ohlins would make for a nice ride but they're pricey. I would still recommend the MR Bilstein, even if you choose to revalve them to a softer spring it would still be considerably cheaper than a set of coilovers that could offer the ride quality that setup is capable of. Sets are regularly listed in the Marketplace section of Evom.
Last edited by nudge120; Apr 29, 2012 at 11:42 PM.
well don't just take my word for it, i've never even ridden in an MR, that's just my guess from what i've heard - that it's a little more comforatble than bilstein HD's, and that gtworx springs are definitely softer than spec r's - there may be better spring and better damper options
I know it seems weird but like I said it's my "get away" car and when I "get away" I take trips to nags head and hatteras so I'm on the highway for a while and was trying to see if you guys had any suggestions or ideas to maybe make it a smoother ride thats all. Even tho I don't race it doesn't mean I can't or shouldn't try and make it more comfortable for me you know?
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Massachusetts
Regarding suspension stiffness, I'm a madman that no ride (not even go-karts with no suspension) is stiff enough to me. However, I see nothing wrong in desiring a comfortable ride for DD.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 42
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From: Eastern Virginia
No doubt it's a significant difference for Evo enthusiasts like us. But I wonder if Tein with lowest damping setting can provide an even smoother ride.
Regarding suspension stiffness, I'm a madman that no ride (not even go-karts with no suspension) is stiff enough to me. However, I see nothing wrong in desiring a comfortable ride for DD.
Regarding suspension stiffness, I'm a madman that no ride (not even go-karts with no suspension) is stiff enough to me. However, I see nothing wrong in desiring a comfortable ride for DD.
l8r)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Virginia
You'd need to start with a good quality coilover and then put relatively soft springs on them and then get them valved properly. The odds of getting that combo right are slim. As has been mentioned ad nauseum, your best bet is a set of Bilstein struts (HD or off an MR) matched with a good spring (Swift, GTWorx). I run Bilstein HD struts with Swift Spec-R springs and my Evo is now the smoothest driving car I own. IMO the step-linear nature of the Swift springs make them a perfect combination of smooth street ride and good performance.
l8r)
l8r)
You'd be surprised the difference. I thought the KYB/Teins were decent until I put the Bilstein/Spec-R's on. Before I'd hit bumps and it was jarring and it dove into corners. Now the bumps are smooth and it corners like a shifter kart. I almost bought KW3's, I couldn't be happier that I spent 1/3rd the money and got exactly what I wanted.
I didn't find the KYB's harsh, just too pogo-stick(ish), if that's a word. Really annoying over certain stretches of interstate in the Chicago area.
l8r)
