Coilover Conversion kit

jafo1701 · 09-21-2016, 04:37 PM

I just did a coilover conversion kit from HP Autowerks. I was running Swift Sprec R springs, Dinan Camber plates with Koni sports and M3 bits. The problem was the I had less then a .25" clearance between the fender/quarter panel and the passenger side wheel. The Driver side was fine, around .5 inches. On the last track day I damaged my quarter panel and front bumper cover due to that lack of clearence. After I DIY'd a fix, my choices were to go with a shorter in length and height tire or risk it again. After thinking it over I figured I could go with a coilover set up and raise the passenger side about .3 inches, which would give me enough clearance. Then I noticed on the HP autowerks site they had a coilover conversion kit. Since I had the Koni sports already and after talking with Harold at HP I decided to go with the kit. I maxed out the spring rate with the Koni sports at 336/672. I left the Konis' at their current levels and with the help of a friend at his shop got them installed. Let me tell you their was a noticeable difference. Despite the higher spring rate the car was smoother on the street and absorbed the road bumps much better. I was able to get that extra .3 inch clearance on the passenger side, so no more rubbing at all.

Here's a pic of the rear end. The kit is top notch, swift springs and Ohlin ride height adjusters.

Overall I couldn't be happier, although I won't have a chance to test it on the track till next year. I'll be posting up a for sale thread on my current swift spec r springs soon if anyone is interested. If anybody want's to go coilovers and already has the Konis or anyother after market shocks/struts, talk to Harold at HP and he'll steer you in the right way. Also thanks to Harold for putting up with my annoying phone calls during our install.

HP Autosport · 09-26-2016, 08:39 PM

Glad to help anytime!

A lighter and smaller spring(coilover spring is much smaller and lighter than the spec-R) so a better ride is expected as there is less work the struts and shocks have to do.

That is the beauty of a true coilover system or conversion in your case, is the ability to adjust ride height at each corner.

Do post a photo of your car for everyone to see.

jafo1701 · 09-28-2016, 04:23 PM

MightyMouseTech · 09-28-2016, 04:49 PM

Sorry, was it the front fender or the rear 1/4 panel that was rubbing? Front tires look a little big, are you running 235/40/18's up front?

jafo1701 · 09-28-2016, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Sorry, was it the front fender or the rear 1/4 panel that was rubbing? Front tires look a little big, are you running 235/40/18's up front?

It was the passenger front tire. I had clearance on the driver side. It was literally a quarter inch I needed to clear the passenger side to get enough clearance. Those are 235/40/18. I think the angle makes the tires look bigger up front then they are. Here's a side angle. Once I get in the car it drops the driver side 1/8 of an inch.

MightyMouseTech · 09-29-2016, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jafo1701

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Sorry, was it the front fender or the rear 1/4 panel that was rubbing? Front tires look a little big, are you running 235/40/18's up front?

It was the passenger front tire. I had clearance on the driver side. It was literally a quarter inch I needed to clear the passenger side to get enough clearance. Those are 235/40/18. I think the angle makes the tires look bigger up front then they are. Here's a side angle. Once I get in the car it drops the driver side 1/8 of an inch.

Ah, that's what I thought. Next time you get new tires, may want to go with a 245/35 in the front, should fit much better.

jafo1701 · 09-29-2016, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Ah, that's what I thought. Next time you get new tires, may want to go with a 245/35 in the front, should fit much better.

The 235/40/18s are a bit tall, but they don't make any extreme performance tires in 245/35/18. Unless I go R comps or Michelin PSS, which I don't want to go Rs and MPSS don't have the grip I want for my track days. So I'll have to stick with 235s for now.

mike082802 · 09-29-2016, 04:28 PM

federal rs-r tires 245/35

jafo1701 · 09-29-2016, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike082802

federal rs-r tires 245/35

Never heard of em....I'll check em out.

seagrasser · 10-07-2016, 10:47 AM

is this the koni conversion kit on their website?

jafo1701 · 10-10-2016, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seagrasser

is this the koni conversion kit on their website?

Yes

09-21-2016, 04:37 PM	#1
jafo1701 Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, 2016 VW GTI Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	Coilover Conversion kit I just did a coilover conversion kit from HP Autowerks. I was running Swift Sprec R springs, Dinan Camber plates with Koni sports and M3 bits. The problem was the I had less then a .25" clearance between the fender/quarter panel and the passenger side wheel. The Driver side was fine, around .5 inches. On the last track day I damaged my quarter panel and front bumper cover due to that lack of clearence. After I DIY'd a fix, my choices were to go with a shorter in length and height tire or risk it again. After thinking it over I figured I could go with a coilover set up and raise the passenger side about .3 inches, which would give me enough clearance. Then I noticed on the HP autowerks site they had a coilover conversion kit. Since I had the Koni sports already and after talking with Harold at HP I decided to go with the kit. I maxed out the spring rate with the Koni sports at 336/672. I left the Konis' at their current levels and with the help of a friend at his shop got them installed. Let me tell you their was a noticeable difference. Despite the higher spring rate the car was smoother on the street and absorbed the road bumps much better. I was able to get that extra .3 inch clearance on the passenger side, so no more rubbing at all. Here's a pic of the rear end. The kit is top notch, swift springs and Ohlin ride height adjusters. Overall I couldn't be happier, although I won't have a chance to test it on the track till next year. I'll be posting up a for sale thread on my current swift spec r springs soon if anyone is interested. If anybody want's to go coilovers and already has the Konis or anyother after market shocks/struts, talk to Harold at HP and he'll steer you in the right way. Also thanks to Harold for putting up with my annoying phone calls during our install. Last edited by jafo1701; 09-21-2016 at 04:50 PM..
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09-26-2016, 08:39 PM	#2
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3847 Rep 54,376 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	Glad to help anytime! A lighter and smaller spring(coilover spring is much smaller and lighter than the spec-R) so a better ride is expected as there is less work the struts and shocks have to do. That is the beauty of a true coilover system or conversion in your case, is the ability to adjust ride height at each corner. Do post a photo of your car for everyone to see.
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09-28-2016, 04:23 PM	#3
jafo1701 Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, 2016 VW GTI Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)
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09-28-2016, 04:49 PM	#4
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Sorry, was it the front fender or the rear 1/4 panel that was rubbing? Front tires look a little big, are you running 235/40/18's up front?
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09-29-2016, 04:28 PM	#8
mike082802 Major 114 Rep 1,004 Posts Drives: 2010 135 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: ny iTrader: (2)	federal rs-r tires 245/35
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10-07-2016, 10:47 AM	#10
seagrasser Private 7 Rep 66 Posts Drives: E82 M sport Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Lynnwood iTrader: (1)	is this the koni conversion kit on their website?
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