Hello boys and girls, want to get your honest opinion on suspension. I originally had standard shocks with eibach springs fitted to my `99 UK Classic, i have now had some coilovers fitted. My problem is, the coilovers handle so much better, but the ride is soooo stiff, but with the eibachs the ride was much nicer, but had a load more roll and pitch to it.
What do you think is the better option?
I havent had the coilovers setup up properly yet, but i dont think they are going to get much more compliant (they are set on softest setting).
Should i sell the coilovers and get shocks and springs or what?

HELP

Cheers guys

 

Only you can decide that one, kids being sick in the back, fillings falling out, etc.....
I've gone for a Whiteline set-up with standard struts and springs. The adjustable anti-roll bars allow either stiff track ride, or supple standard settings, plus one in the middle.... I may eventually go for coil-overs, but not super-stiff ones.... The adjustment should do something useful not be left on minimum.... what make are they so we can avoid them ?

DunxC

 

Most coilovers are MUCH stiffer than stock springs, however as most come in the stock spring sizes, you could get some softer than current coilover springs that are still stiffer than those for the stock struts

Example for front springs for an 03MY
WRX 163lb/in
WRX PD option 196lb/in
STi 224lbin
STi PD opt 269lbin
AST's 400lbin
D2's 420lbin

Simon

 

cheers for the reply guys. I will definately look into the spring rates, i didnt even think about that.

 

I promise you that a decent coil-over can be made to ride like stock or upwards of that!
You simply need the right parts. The damper must be able to be adjusted to cope with the spring rate fitted, and this is where many go wrong.

For a good road ride with a bit of zest, try 50/40 spring rates (stock is about 40/30) A good set of Coils will dampen those easy and accuratly.

I tried several rates and find (for me) the 50/40 is great for road and track.

The real question is:
You you need coil-overs or will good stock parts and good springs do a better job for you?

Roll of the body is corrected by uprated anti-roll bars. The suspension spring rates will affect this too.

If you went for a ride in my well tweeked Sti V3 you would feel you could drive straight to the south of France this evening in it with comfort.

Graham

 

Cheers for the reply graham, what do you mean by the 50/40 thing?
Sorry if that sounds a bit of a stupid question

 

Those are the spring rates in metric.

A golden rule is to have the rear springs about 80% of the front rates.

Some springs are still in imperial, so it can be a bit confusing.

Others are metric with another factor, ie you can see 50/ 40 as 5/4 it is Newtons verses Kg.

The supplier should sort it for you.

 

So is it 50 N/mm which is the same as 300 lbs/ins and 40 is 250

 

240, is it not

 

i went for kyb adjustable shocks, top bit of kit, handels like a dream, and while its not as smoth a ride has standards its no where near as bad as coilovers