Besides ride height adjustability, is there a significant difference in performance between the works/ohlins stage 1 and works/ohlins stage 2...assuming spring rates and damper settings are the same?

 

Yes, The Stage I is designed for street use and mild spring rates up to 5kg. The Stage I is a non-height adjustable OEM style replacement that is comparable to the MR Bilsteins, with the added feature of damping adjustment. The ride is very comfortable, however our track enthusiast customers tend to prefer a more aggressive system.
-Spring rates are limited w/ this system since it is not a full coilover setup.
-Best suited for the street customer who owns a GSR or RS and wants an MR Bilstein setup w/ superior damping.

The Stage II is a full coilover system w/ height adjustment and damping. Stage II is designed for more agressive spring rates (typically 6-10kg).Body Roll is significantly reduced compared to OEM style struts.
-Spring rates can be customised as well giving more range of adjustability.
-The other advantage of this system is that the coilovers can easily be re-vavled for higher spring rates if needed.
-Best suited for the Evo owner that tracks/ auto-X their car yet still drives it on the street.

If you have more questions feel free to call us M-F from 10am-6pm.

Off to SEMA....

 

Shock dyno results show similar trends in damping characteristics, but (as Kirk mentioned) on a different scale. I'm using the WORKS/Ohlins Stage I setup on my car, but haven't had the opportunity to really push it on track yet. On the street, they are very friendly from soft through medium settings (very soft settings allow a little too much body roll for my liking). Much friendlier than the OEM KYBs despite having the stiffer WORKS Ride springs. The medium through stiff setting really solidify the chassis and start bringing things towards a coilover feel. For true track fanatics, you'll probably eventually want the coilovers (Stage II, III, IV, etc...). However, for occasional track/auto-x visitors (such as myself), the Stage I is perfect.

 

Thanks Kirk and Jamie for the info.

 

Off topic...

Kirk, this is your cousin Mike. See you when you get back from SEMA and have a safe flight.