Use is mainly for socal tracks. Are ohlins worth the extra $$$?

 

Good question, can't wait to read some reviews/opinions people are going to post up Which kw's were you looking at btw? Clubsports or V3's?

 

which KV's and which Ohlins?

 

V3's vs dfv

 

i think he's talking about

RobiSpec v3 ClubSport's vs. DFV's

 

at the same level the ohlins always wins, and close second is the AST. other brands are not known here LOL
Like Reiger or Profelx etc. AST is just came in not long ago.
KW is a great suspension and it is a good alternative if you dont want to spend extra for Ohlins. But since the AST is here in states now, it is def. kick out the second place KW.

so I think this is how its stands in order:
Ohlins
AST
KW
JRZ

also in suspension or other parts in the motor-sport world, you will get what you pay for. I did never run Robi's KW, but i had a KW V3. but it irrevelant since you can customize all of these suspensions . You need only to talk to them what you want to do and so . Simply questions and simple answeres. You will be happy either way . Best to talk to is GTworx- Andrew he is in this forum.
I would pick the Ohlins or the AST before the KW.

Rob

 

Let's not forget the tuning services Robert provides with his v3s. He helps with spring selection based on your weights and aero, custom valves the shocks, and will come out to corner balance and align your system, plus free alignments at track events he's at.

 

yes that is what i said , these suspensions are all can be customized. Besides you should corner balance and wheel alignment your car after coilover install anyway. If you dont do that , you make more damage in handling then good. Maybe feels faster but in reality is quite the opposite.

 

I'm planning to get Öhlins DFVs. "You get what you pay for!" Heard Rob say that on many threads...it's the damn truth.

 

Had the Robi Spec Club sports I loved them track and off track they are perfect!!

 

i wish would be other wise, but it is proven and proven again. There is a reason why cost something more then others . and that is a truth at least 90% in these cases.
Now in the other hand sometimes you buy something what you do not really need and the less item would be sufficient for your needs. But to judge that from the other side of the net is nearly impossible. Many many guys say i will do this and that , but they never do, so for those the lesser suspension is more the enough.
I like Robi, he is a great guy and does amazing job. KW are stellar coilovers. But I think the Ohlins and the AST are better choice from different reasons.
The reason i do not comment on JRZ because i never had those. But i saw many good results from them.

 

I think spring rates and usage should be considered before suspension brands. KW (custom spec rates) vs Ohlins Off The Shelf spring rates.

Since you're doing trackdays I think the off the shelf spring rates of the ohlins are too soft. You would probably want something in the neighborhood of 600lb front and 700lb rear. And since you specified MAINLY track use I would go even higher maybe 700lb F & 800lb R. And can these shocks be valved to handle higher rates?

I know CBRD offers uprated spring rates and valving for pretty much the same cost of the OTS units.

To me the added benefit of the Ohlins are that they are inverted monotube oppose to the twin tube design of the KW's. Monotubes offer larger pistons, oil control and better heat dissipation and since they are inverted offer a more durable construction for street use.

Also the price doesn't seem so different if you factor in camber plates to the KW's. So all in all I think we are looking around $3k+/- coilovers here. Which also brings in AST 4100's.

As I mod my X I feel that proven paths haven't been established yet like it has for the VIII's and IX's. So I do my best to follow builds from shops. Vorshlag has been testing AST shocks for the X starting with the 4000's but moved up to 5000's. If it works for them great but it's out of my comfort zone for price range. CBRD replaced their KW's on their X with Ohlins with great results.

Ultimately, first hand experience is king and in the VIII world where I have driven KW's and Ohlins, I really liked the feel of the Ohlins. And since the Ohlins have the construction I like and had some favorable review I think they are the ones I am leaning towards. I doesn't hurt they look pimp too.

 

I was in the same boat as you, choosing between KW's and Ohlins. I did a lot of research and talked to people who have driven both. Everyone is happy with either coil over, but the reason I am going with KW's is because I was talking to a guy who got the Ohlins DFV.. He chose them because they won best coil over by Team Mitsubishi Ralliart.. And one already needs to be rebuilt. The reason is because they have no dust shields. I can't tell you a whole lot more than that but you may want to take it into consideration.

Also if you do some good shopping around you can get them much MUCH cheaper than Ohlins.

 

^ Ohlins do come with dust boots. The pic below is a set we did for a customer last year. These are the "new" DFV Ohlins (Swedish, not Japanese). Definitely an improvement over the "old" Ohlins.



They do need custom spring rates for the X especially if you're hitting the track a lot. Depending on tire size/choice, the 12k/14k would be an aggressive set-up that would work perfectly at the track. Verify from your vendor if you are indeed getting custom spring rates AND valving. Custom valving is not always required but for the more aggressive set-ups it may be and we might recommend it.

We've done more Ohlins for the X than KW, whereas we used to do more KW for the older EVO. I think more people are catching on that they are worth it. Awesome shocks.

- Andrew

 

Matt4, why choose to share limited information? Its hard enough for people on these forums to try to get 1st hand information to make better decisions.

And it doesn't help when tidbits like "I did a lot of research......but because a guy you know had to rebuild one ohlins shock and you attribute it to them coming without dustboots"

Did he hit a pothole? That is more likely a reason for a rebuild. If the boots were missing did the shaft get scored which compromised the seal?

Please don't take this the wrong way but when people do searches for OHLINS EVO X this is what they will see. It can be very misleading.

GTWorx thanks for chiming in. I can always look to you guys for sound advice.