suspension overhaul - Shocks vs coilovers Qs and advice needed

[CWY_M5]

So I'm replacing my thurst arms and control arms.

I understand now changing suspension (struts) is not much more work, but I'm debating whether I should go with stock or coil overs.

Can someone offer some advise or opinions on stock struts vs. coil overs? PRos and Cons?

If Coil Overs, what's the best option that requires minimum "customization"? And of course, easy to the wallet?

Lastly, I'm in Chicagoland area, if I want to pick up a set, where's the place to go?

Thanks all in advance.

BTW, I saw Dave's Diablo on Friday, Diablo is an "understatement"!!! If you haven't seen it, it's being tweaked as we speak to have all the toys, including air horn that will BLAST people away.

[Lscman]

Your inquiry about coil-overs vs standard suspension is so broad that it would take a dozen threads several pages long to cover it. This question has been asked and answered many times.

It might make more sense to use the search function than try to rehash.

[wilsodh]

Originally Posted by CWY_M5

BTW, I saw Dave's Diablo on Friday, Diablo is an "understatement"!!! If you haven't seen it, it's being tweaked as we speak to have all the toys, including air horn that will BLAST people away.

Unfortunately she's been sitting for way too long waiting for the switch panel.. the project has taken about 5 times longer than we thought. Had I known this, it would have been a winter project!

Dave

[CWY_M5]

It might make more sense to use the search function than try to rehash.

Agree, and have done that. I am thinking coil-over set is the way to go. Else why bother touching it really.

Now the question is - WHICH ONES? too many choises. I see GC, H&R, PSS9, Dinans, etc.

I'm sure each have their pros and cons - here's what I'm looking for:
- Comfortable ride, do NOT want stiff and uncomfortable ride compare to stock
- Easy to install, meaning no modifications left and right. Hopefully an assy I can do a direct swap
- Easy adjustment - not that I will do too much adjustment (each time you adjust, you need an alignment, right?), but the idea of having to tear up the rear deck to adjust means might as well stay with stock?
- lastly, of course, cost... and hopefully I can pick one up this week locally


Thanks all.

[TiSiBeast]

Originally Posted by CWY_M5

Agree, and have done that. I am thinking coil-over set is the way to go. Else why bother touching it really.

Now the question is - WHICH ONES? too many choises. I see GC, H&R, PSS9, Dinans, etc.

I'm sure each have their pros and cons - here's what I'm looking for:
- Comfortable ride, do NOT want stiff and uncomfortable ride compare to stock
- Easy to install, meaning no modifications left and right. Hopefully an assy I can do a direct swap
- Easy adjustment - not that I will do too much adjustment (each time you adjust, you need an alignment, right?), but the idea of having to tear up the rear deck to adjust means might as well stay with stock?
- lastly, of course, cost... and hopefully I can pick one up this week locally


Thanks all.

You really only have a few choices. H&R has been less than satisfying to many people. Cost is low, but quality and ride are not fantastic. Dinan does not offer a true coilover system, they have spring setups. Both the GC and PSS9's are nice quality, GC is working on a new system as we speak that will allow adjustment of the rear's without removal from the car. If you want to run 275's up front, GC is the only one that will clear it. The other option is KW Variant's, decent product as I understand but I don't know a lot about them. Hope this helps.

[doug]

Based on your priority for ride comfort as well as scope and cost containment you probably want to look at Koni FSD's, and keep the stock springs. Board member Need4Spd went that route, and AFAIK he's quite pleased w/ the result.

[gra8fuldd ed]

Originally Posted by TiSiBeast

You really only have a few choices. H&R has been less than satisfying to many people. Cost is low, but quality and ride are not fantastic. Dinan does not offer a true coilover system, they have spring setups. Both the GC and PSS9's are nice quality, GC is working on a new system as we speak that will allow adjustment of the rear's without removal from the car. If you want to run 275's up front, GC is the only one that will clear it. The other option is KW Variant's, decent product as I understand but I don't know a lot about them. Hope this helps.

Are you 100% sure about your above statement that is BOLDED and Underlined ? I could swear that there are at least 3 members here that have the Bilstein PSS9's and are running 275's Up Front on 9.5" OEM Wheels up front without any rubbing issues. I believe that they are also using a 3mm spacer which can be gotten from TireRack as well.

PLEASE correct me IF I am dreaming about this.

[TiSiBeast]

Originally Posted by gra8fuldd ed

Are you 100% sure about your above statement that is BOLDED and Underlined ? I could swear that there are at least 3 members here that have the Bilstein PSS9's and are running 275's Up Front on 9.5" OEM Wheels up front without any rubbing issues. I believe that they are also using a 3mm spacer which can be gotten from TireRack as well.

PLEASE correct me IF I am dreaming about this.

From everything that I have heard and seen, this is the fact. If I am wrong, that would be a great thing as I love the PSS9 coilovers but I run 275's up front. Is there anyone that can verify 100% one way or the other?

[TiSiBeast]

Here is a thread from a few days ago with pictures of clearance with 275's on PSS9's.

More pictures of clearance with PSS9 and 9.5F

As stated in the thread this limited clearance (3-4mm) is with a 10mm spacer. I for one am not comfortable with any spacer that puts you outside of the hub centric portion of the wheel. So in short, it can be done with PSS9's, however at what cost to safety?

[CWY_M5]

Koni FSDs it is. I can't justify the $$ delta between the KONI FSD damper and the complete Coil Over kit. More than double (TireRack has Koni FSD for $816 shipped).

Now, the question is, should I include the Eibach spring kit? What advantage do I get from a lowered suspension? I understand lower CG, but ride quality wise..?? I mean I don't know that I want my car to be lower than stock given I do get snow 6 months out of a year in Chicago (yeah, I drive it when I'm feeling crazy).

Anything else I should replace at 95K miles? Mounts? Boots? After this, I'll have a completely NEW front end. can't wait.

Chino