Coilovers or Springs...what about Wheels?

[BMWeber]

Originally Posted by ktdw

Thanks for the responses. Why is it recommended to change the shocks if you change the springs?

Also, can you explain a little why coilovers are more complicated? It seems that coilovers are bought in a kit, and that all is necessary is the install. But for springs and shocks, you need to do a lot more thinking about which springs go with what shocks, etc.

1. factory shocks do not have enough dampening and shocks like bilstein sports are shorter so you don't bottom out the shock easily with lower springs.

2. most coil over kits have adjustable shocks and spring perches so you have to play around with them to get the ride height at each corner where you want and the proper dampening for your personal likening and environment.

[hellrotm]

I suggest getting coilovers, best looks and performance.

But if your are just using your 1er as a daily driver, you could just put in some Eibach pro-kit springs. You don't have to get new shocks. Pro-kit springs are actually R&D to work with the stock shocks.

[groovyjay]

Originally Posted by BMWeber

a lot of these coil over kits for the street give you no measurable performance gain but cost more.

So very true! :drinking:

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by groovyjay

So very true! :drinking:

This probably is true when you look to buy a coilover for the least amount of money. You do get what you pay for typically. Buy KW V2/V3 or Bilstein PSS9 and you'll notice big differences: less squat under acceleration; less dive under braking, hardly any body roll during cornering, far better dampening over both high and low frequency bumps; better high speed stability and not just because the car is lowered 25mm or more. It's well spent money for something you notice every mile traveled, and the car looks great lowered a bit too.

[WAY]

I am waiting for someone else who knows what they are doing to put on a set of coilovers. Then I will copy their setting as baseline and modify it as needed at the next track day. That way I am not starting from scratch.

[white911]

First, I absolutely agree with what BMWeber stated upgrade springs and shocks. Stock sways should be adequate. I can't understand the hype with H&R which we have on the C2 and they don't seem to be Bilstein quality. I have tried Eibach; but, the Eibach were too soft and overly lowered the car, and the either the spring or the shock would bottom. On the 911 we use JRZ and RSR struts and this provides an ideal package. I don't want to go through the learning process I did with the 911s.

[Impulse]

i plan on V3's. It will be my DD and weekend autoX car.