KW DDC Coilovers

[AndyW]

So, I know they are pricey, but I really like the idea of being able to push a button and switch between street and track mode for the suspension. The real question is...are the coilovers themselves decent (forgetting the DDC coolness for a moment). Anyone with experience with these or other electronically adjustable suspensions? Thx.

[Apex1.0]

I have had tons of different suspension setups on different cars. I never had an electronically adjustable aftermarket system. I don't think I would go that route.

Good shock valving (non adjustable) can cross over from street to track with decent results. I would go that route if you really don't want to fiddle with knobs. Other wise I would go with a quality manual adjustable system and make the changes from street to track. FWIW

[OkieSnuffBox]

KWs typically run very soft rates for any type of sticky tires and track work.

That's why you see companies like RCE take KWs, revalve them for stiffer rates to stand up to 200TW tires.


If you're really going to the track, a few clicks shouldn't be a big deal since you should already be checking your wheels, retorquing studs/wheel bolts, and just a general inspection of the car before hitting the track.


The really cool stuff is the Tractiv ACE valve with semi-active damping.

[spxxx]

Pickup some high quality monotube shocks (MCS, Ohlins, Bilstein) or KWCS (twin tube) and pop your hood/trunk and you can swap from track spec to street spec in 2 minutes.

[AndyW]

Thx for the replies...but you guys are all channeling James May... What I was looking for was the Clarkson answer.

I agree with all of you, that those solutions exist...but, as I like to say, there is a fine line between laziness and efficiency, and I try to ride that line as closely as possible...

I figured if I was already shopping in the 2000+ pricerange, the pushbutton convenience seemed cool, was just unsure of the quality of the bits that mattered. Since this car will remain a "trackable street car" for several years vice a dedicated track car, this seemed like a cool option.

[AndyW]

Said another way from my perspective:

KW DDC ~ $3400

KW CS ~ $3000

Not much difference for a pretty cool feature IMO if the hardware parts aren't too far apart in quality/performance...

[Apex1.0]

I would take the CS every day of the week. However, I see your point, the DDC is cool. Its especially cool if they work as well as other track ready adjustable coil-overs.

It looks like you may be blazing a trail here. Go for it!!! Its only money.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Do yourself a favor, if you're seriously considering spending $3k+ on a set of coilovers, remove them from your cart.

At that price range, I would be looking at MCS or JRZ, without even hesitating.

[AndyW]

Originally Posted by Apex1.0

Its especially cool if they work as well as other track ready adjustable coil-overs.

Yep...this is the crux of my question.

Originally Posted by Apex1.0

It looks like you may be blazing a trail here. Go for it!!! Its only money.

Heh...don't think i'll do it this season, other purchases needed (tires, GoPro, HANS)...planning for upgrades for next fall/winter.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Originally Posted by Apex1.0

I would take the CS every day of the week. However, I see your point, the DDC is cool. Its especially cool if they work as well as other track ready adjustable coil-overs.

It looks like you may be blazing a trail here. Go for it!!! Its only money.

You don't even own a 1 series, how in anyway are your comments relevant?

Jesus, I was hoping this wouldn't be as bad as the Subaru groups, it's even worse.

[Apex1.0]

Hahaha

I have a little bit of experience with aftermarket suspensions for street and track. Thought I would share.

However, you are right.... please school me on how the application affects this conversation. I mean kw clubsports must be radically different for the 1 series than any other application, right?