Auto-X and occational HPDE's
 

So I know there are a lot of threads asking which coilover is the best. I am trying not to do that here, but I would like to be pointed in the correct direction. Like the title states I plan on mostly auto-xing the car with maybe 2-3 HPDE's a year. I have a set of 18x9.5 wheels that I plan on wrapping with a set of R-compounds. I don't really care about purpose building the car for a certain class, I just really want g-force pulling grip!! The only downside is I plan on daily driving the car with stock wheels and tires. Will that limit me in my selection on spring rates? What spring rates should I be leaning towards? What brands of coilovers have auto-xers had good product support, and good luck with(pm me if you don't want to turn this into a better than thread)? I have access to a alignment rack and scales so money for alignments is not a worry for me(it pays sometimes to be a tech). FYI Daily driving comfort isn't an issue, creature comforts, I drive an RS LOL! thanks in advance for all the help!

-Craig

I've seen rates as high is 14/16k for autox, and that is damn stiff for a dd car, in my opinion. I have a set of Ohlins R&T that has about 9k front and 11k rears, I think is a good balance for dd, autox and track days. The thing about coilovers is you can revalve them so you can change the spring rates as you see fit. Start with your budget, and see what you can afford on the market. I really like the Stance, KW s, and the Pic Performance setups if your budget is in the $1500-$2000 range!

Motorsports Performance Group could help you with Stance if you're interested. Pm Pete Tiebout!

I hope Andrew at GT Work finds this thread!

Good luck.

I am concerned when the price is below $1,500. I am looking around the $2,000-3,000 range, I believe Motons and JRZ's would be overkill for me. Is there anywhere to purchase and order at specific specs and spring rates(pm me shop/supplier info)? Are they not having supply issues with Ohlin RT's? Sort of sketchs me out, when I was reading other posts. I am sort of leaning towards KW's, any thoughts?

^^ Like you said, this has been covered a ton...
KW's aren't in the 1500-2000 range. Common misconception as the coilovers alone are $2k, but they don't come with all the hardware needed. So add another $500 or so for street versions.
And if you want custom valved ones like robispec does, you're talking more yet - like $3000-3500.

I ran the PIC Performance ones before and was not a fan of them. They're spring rates are pretty high and ride height is pretty low - neither of which is ideal for DD. So keep those factors in mind.

- A popular selection are the MR Bilstein's. I'm sure others will recommend these.
- Mueller will custom build you JIC's for 2k. That includes custom rates and all the hardware.
- Also, keep in mind that springs are much cheaper and do quite well once mated with a Rear Swaybar.

Motons and JRZs ar way more than 3k my friend, and completely overkill for a dd setup...at least that is my opinion. If you could save alittle more, I'd say get the new Ohlin DFVs. Great coilovers at about $3,500!

AST is another great option for you to consider. You would be in well under $3k too (without tops).

Great valving, great build quality, great stateside support. Essentially built to order as well.

KW's are great, but off the shelf they need some massaging of the spring rates and can't support the really high spring rates. For street tires they are really great for the price.

Ohlins are great of course, but over $3k.

JRZ are in the top tier, no question. We share shop space with JRZ USA and have learned a ton of shock tech just from hanging around their east coast race engineer.

Let me know if you have any questions! We have experience with most options out there.

- Andrew

^^ Just call Andrew and buy what he recommends! :thumbup:

I agree, that's what I was trying to say. I could manage anywhere from $2,000-$3,500. But I can't afford JRZ's or Motons.

Thanks for all the support. I am currently running swift springs with a whiteline rear bar. Front bar and roll center kit is also being purchased when I find the right coilovers. I have done a lot of research on just springs and bars, but I am set on a good set of coilovers.

Bilstein PSS9's ;)

Do you want a set of affordable top of the line coil overs?

I have a buddy selling some low mileage Motons right now. I've driven the car with the Motons and they are no doubt superior anything I've had. I'm half temped to sell my setup and get his!

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sa...uspension.html

Ugh...why in the world would you use JIC springs on Motons? They aren't the highest quality springs.

Bilstein PSS9's are a good option as well, but on the soft side. Awesome daily driver comfort though.

- Andrew

You should sell me your DFV's to buy the Motons{thumbup}

I heard these are pretty soft. I have considered these, are they good for auto-x? Is there anyone that sets these up specifically for Evo's?

They won STU 1st and 2nd place for the 2009 Solo Nationals... (PSS9's)...

I am sure they were not on the stock rates or valving... but for a single adjustable to beat out cars I'm sure had 2-3x the money spent on shocks and double adjustables... that is amazing in itself.

They are a little soft off the shelf....but they can be revalved to handle anything. New springs and custom valving adds to the cost though.

Great damper technology, and in reality the off the shelf rates are pretty decent, it's just the valving is so good people that are used to ultra stiff bouncy shocks don't know what to make of the Bilsteins.

- Andrew