[beau@performanceshockinc]

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

Now they're waiting on the new kit systems coming out this month (end of January) so that they have the newest technology possible for the 1M. Then they'll come out with pricing for us.

Jeff said: "PSI is the only shop [known to Ohlins USA] to use TTX46 in the front and TTX36 in the rear, but again that's only for the M3 and not the 1M. It is not geared to be a "street legal" 1M product, and is not a kit specifically engineered for the 1M. If you do get the TTX systems, dealers should be informing you that they are not street legal systems, and all Ohlins warranties are out the window. That's why we're working on this system in the first place".

This is coming directly from Jeff at Ohlins (direct quote). If you want to call them, please do. This is a project very close to him, and he's been excited to see this product coming to market!

No doubt about it that Ohlins is on top of their game. The engineering, testing/R&D, production/manufacturing quality that goes into every Ohlins product is the reason they have secured countless numbers of World championships over the course of the companies history, since 1976 It's why we push it, because we believe in the product and why we have chosen to build application specific kits using Ohlins components.

Yes, we have developed a complete TTX kit (TTX46 front strut and TTX36 rear damper)for the E92 M3. It is sold as a competition product, not a street product. That being said, many enthusiasts still will go ahead and and install motorsport product on their vehicles even though it is sold as a 'competition use only product' with the understanding that it will require increased maintenance over a standard aftermarket replacement suspension. Just because a suspension carries a heavy price tag, doesn't mean it is maintenance free. This 'kit' that you speak of is born of 'MOTORSPORT' parts and will not carry a warranty either, as it is NOT a Road & Track kit. Being a motorsport product, it will only be available through approved Ohlins 'Motorsport' dealers.

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

Are you ordering the TTX kits from PSI? "Raceline" is a PSI term, not really an Ohlins term. According to Ohlins, PSI's Raceline kit's are basic 2-way adjustable TTX36 kits built in-house at PSI. Those kits are not exactly street warrantied kits, and are not backed by Ohlins (they're backed by PSI). Road and Track is what we're developing at Ohlins now (speaking for the 1M, of course), and we're also improving on the other kits specifically for the 1M, through shake rig testing. In fact, all of these 1M kits will all be shake rig tested at Ohlins USA in Henersonville, NC.

Yep, Raceline is a PSI term, it's what we call our line of application specific kits . The components used within our kits depends on the application. For the M3, we offer a complete TTX kit (TTX46 front strut/TTX36 rear damper). We also offer an 'inverted' 36mm front strut which is double adjustable paired with either a TTX36 (piggyback) or ILX36 (inline) rear. And yes, these are not street warrantied kits and are NOT backed by a warranty from Ohlins. BTW, a "basic" TTX 2-way damper is anything but basic. The TTX36 is a super powerful damper and highlights some of Ohlins latest technology! Again, a 'Road and Track' kit is NOT what is being developed for your car, if that is what you are being told, that is simply incorrect information. The only Ohlins approved Road & Track kits are as follows:

BMSMI00 BMW 3-series E90 (non-M)
BMSMI10 BMW Mini R50/53
BMSMI20 BMW Mini R56
HOSMI20 Honda S2000
HOSMI30 Honda Civic (FD2)
LOV1-4D00 Lotus Elise
MASMI20 Mazda NA/B Miata
MASMI30 Mazda NC MX5
MASMI00 Mazda RX8
MASMI10 Mazda RX7 (FD)
MISMI00 Mitsubishi Evo 7-9
MISMI10 Mitsubishi Evo 10
NISMI00 Nissan 350Z
NISMI10 Nissan R34 Skyline
OPV1-4E00 Opel Speedster/Vauxhall VX220
POF5J01/6J01 Porsche 997GT3RS (this kit utilizes TTX46 strut/TTX36 (ILX) rear)
SUSMI00 Subaru Legacy
SUSMI10 Subaru Imprezza (GRB)
SZSMI00 Suzuki Swift Sports
VWSMI00 VW Golf (Mk5)

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

Trust me, when we're all done...PSI will be using these kits exclusively for the 1M, unless they've already done the development on their own (which could be the case). Again, it would be worked backed by the vendor PSI, and not directly by Ohlins.

Please do not speak on our behalf as to what we would use or not use, and yes, it would done by us an not Ohlins. It should be worth noting here that we are the ONLY other authorized service centers for Ohlins Road & Track product, besides Ohlins USA.

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

To answer your last question, Ohlins is planning on using the development work to release suspension setups for the 1M across all of their lines; that includes TTX as well (but that suspension is NOT recommended for the street).

Hmmm....that is kinda strange since the Porsche Road & Track kit is TTX based.

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

That will help them tune in each suspension setup, and dial them in specifically for each of the popular tracks in the US (that's the goal). So if Joe Smoe says: "hey i'm going to Road American", or "Barber or "Laguna"...than the Ohlins guys will be able to tell them a good starting point, based on (and depending on) collected information from race teams (including some of the professional Indy teams).

Unless you are taking your car to those tracks and collecting data with it that will not apply. Data taken from an Indy Car will not relate to a 1M in any way at all.

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

These kits will be available in either 2 or 3-way adjustable models. Don't be worried if you can only get the 2-ways at first, because Ohlins is saying that you can always upgrade later to a 3-way if that's what you want to do later. That's really good news for people who want to keep costs down, and get into an Ohlins setup.

Absolutely true, for about 500.00 per damper you can upgrade to a 2-speed adjuster cylinder head in the canister.

Originally Posted by v1k0d3n

That's a GREAT question. First off, these kits are made to require less maintenance vs. the TTX series. I don't know the exact miles, but I think you will be pleased by getting more than you described. I will talk with them again soon and get a more specific number for you. I'm pretty sure that you won't need to pay $400 for a complete rebuild either. If anything, like with all other shocks of this type, you'll want to change out the oil and service them, but it should be at more acceptable intervals with this kit. I think that's another reason their excited about it...is because it fits exactly what we're all looking for...performance...but streetable. They already have the TTX for the high end performance folks (who want to pay for rebuilds annually etc). These are supposed to be great performance, but for folks like us...

400.00 for a complete re-build of 4 dampers is cheap, like in the gutter cheap. Typical re-build on a 46HRC damper (used in STaSIS Motorsport kit) runs about 200.00 per damper. An inverted front strut could be be more depending on the condition of the DU bushings and grease in the strut casing. We see a lot of them (STaSIS MS)come through our shop. An 'acceptable service interval' is pretty subjective as there are many variables involved (environment, level of abuse, mileage, etc.). If anything the TTX could see longer service intervals. Due to it's pressure balanced system, the N2 pressure is around 40 psi, vs. 175 psi in a monotube design, resulting in reduced wear and drag on all internal seals.

Bottom line, Ohlins makes a great product and so does Performance Shock. At the end of the day, our goal is to provide enthusiasts with a product that is second to none. We are one of Ohlins USA's largest automotive dealers and we stand behind the product and will continue to push the brand into new markets. Thanks for your time.