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Spend or save?arthurbrown
@GUEST
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Dec 10, 2005 16:28:16 GMT
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For a while now I've thought the suspension in my bimmer a bit on the soft side. Sporty, undoubtedly, but it could still do with being a bit MORE sporty. And (more importantly ;D ) closer to the ground. Far too much air betwixt wheel & arch.... Now the dilemma is this... I was gonna save up for some full-on adjustable coil-overs, as I believe that if a job is worth doing, it's worth doing properly. However, my 'coil-over pot' has not really grown any closer to the frankly extortionate £900 required. Do I bosh in a set of FK 60/40 lowering springs & matched shocks that I can get imported from der fatherland for £170, or stick with the standard set up / 'you should hit that with the stick, mate' comments. Anyone any experience of replaceing already pretty good stuff with FK or similar? Your thoughts please!
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Last Edit: Dec 10, 2005 16:30:22 GMT by arthurbrown
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Dec 10, 2005 16:38:45 GMT
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if the shock are ok just buy springs
spax are good for 70-100 a set
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2001 HONDA CT110 (NOT RCV)
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Spend or save?arthurbrown
@GUEST
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Dec 10, 2005 16:39:54 GMT
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I'm not going down the road of mis-matched shocks & springs (again). It's a silly game.....
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Dec 10, 2005 17:00:01 GMT
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but looking yer pic it doesnt look that bad just slight front ;D
leave it for now till yer can buy what you want
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2001 HONDA CT110 (NOT RCV)
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Dec 10, 2005 17:21:07 GMT
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Bilstien shocks always work well on BMWs and get the best coils you can, I've got a set of PI -30mm springs on my E32 and they're perfect. Coil overs are best left for track use or if you have to get it as low as possible.
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Mr K
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,993
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Dec 10, 2005 17:28:12 GMT
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Thats like a 4x4!!! lol
I agree with StuyIzz, shocks and springs!
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Stu
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,913
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Dec 10, 2005 17:42:28 GMT
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Interesting topic, my mate has an E30 325i Sport with standard suspension and wanted to lower/stiffen it up a bit. Apparently though he's read a lot of info to suggest that lowering them can wreck the handling balance of the car and cause a lot of wear on other parts - probably CV's, bushes etc I expect? Presumably that's if you take it to the extreme though? Sure -30mm or something would be alright? In answer to your question though, not sure, I would try and save for the best kit you can but consider whether you really need coilovers - them seem rather steep price wise!
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'89 BMW E30 325i Sport, '04 MINI Cooper S, '09 Volvo V70 D5
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Dec 10, 2005 17:59:07 GMT
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You could get away with fitting a set of bilstein shocks with your standard springs. It wouldnt lower it obviously but the handling would be much improved. Shocks are normally getting past their best after 20,000 mile and replacing them makes a hell of a difference. I wouldnt consider just fitting springs by themself unless you are only bothered about the looks. I wouldnt even consider coil overs on a daily driver as you would never get the chance to appreciate them unless you also use it for track days. The majority of cars I have modified I have got a matched set of springs and dampers from the same source if not the same make as an unmatched set can end up making it worse.
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mrj
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,662
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Dec 10, 2005 19:01:18 GMT
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So if you want to go for the FKs, i can give you some contacts in the UK which could make you a good deal.... (i have been working for FK in the past) and the suspensions are pretty good (not talking about lexus lights and all the stuff, i don't like them at all). The FK coilovers are not very harsh, they don't have a race-track setup... perfect for a daily driver... cheaper alternative is a kit with a height adjustment for the rear (in fact they have the rear springs from the coilover kit with the adjustable collars), this kit is fantastic, i once had the chance to drive such a car.... this kit is either available with or without shocks, bilsteins are a good choice and are not too expensive.... i wouldn't use the standard shocks, even if they are still fine, they will be gone after a couple of weeks...
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- 1971 VW 1600 TL Fastback - 1978 Passat GLS Variant - 1980 Audi 100 5E - 1981 VW aircooled panel van (sold) - 1983 VW Jetta Mk.I - 1984 VW Polo Coupé - 1984 VW Passat hatchback - 1987 VW Passat Variant - 1987 VW Passat hatchback - 1988 VW T25
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Nick
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,483
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Dec 10, 2005 23:55:15 GMT
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ive got spax on the 318, get spax they are awesome, better than the konis ive had better than the avo's ive had.... full on adjustable coilovers i don't think is worth it unless its a track car (is it)!
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idea stolen from rattely eddie.
this weeks car count "5"
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