Shocks/Struts VS Coilovers

[JimN9NE]

Need a new suspension. Anyone chime in, pros and cons would be great.

[Hermes]

Most important question, how much are you willing to spend?

my choice:



TC Kline Racing Smart Design D/A Coilover
http://www.tcklineracing.com/webdocs...Details165.cfm

[az3579]

Shocks/struts
Con: Fixed, non-adjustable
Pro: Cost is overall cheaper

Coilovers
Con: More expensive
Pro: Adjustable

[JimN9NE]

im looking to spend no more than 1200 on the suspension. I have narrowed the searches to Koni Yellow/Eibach Pro-Kit Springs for the shock/strut combo and for the coilovers i have done little to no research on them. I have heard of KW Varient 1 Coilovers not sure how they ride though. I am looking for something a little lowered than my zhp and still retain ride quality, i wont be tracking and i have been scared away on many forums about a "bouncy ride," i def do not want it to bounce or feel "floaty."

Which of the two set-ups are more comfortable?

[Hermes]

from what you will need in ride quality I would say coilovers are not necessary for you. Just look for a comfortable quality spring/shock combo in your price range. Koni's are a great choice, as for springs I'm not sure what rate you're looking for.

[JimN9NE]

Ya i figured Coilovers seemed a little unnecessary but just wasn't sure, don't want to get the wrong suspension kit. Rather get the right one the first time. But ya i have seen Koni Sport (Yellow) and Koni FSD and not sure the difference. As for the Eibach Spring, i am sold with them as i love the height i have seen on other peoples cars.

[Crickett]

I, too, have been contemplating this for my eventual suspension refresh. I know the advantage of coilovers is their adjustability, but what does that adjustability gain you for a DD? (Yes, I'll probably do the occasional autocross & maybe even a HPDE at some point, but 99.99% of my ZHP's duty will be street.) I know you generally have a larger range of ride height adjustability, so you could dial in just the right amount of lowerz for asthetics. The ride height adjustability also gains you the ability to cornerbalance the car; is there any DD advantage to that? Better / more even tire wear?

The nerd in me is attracted to having the ability to tweak as much as possible on my car, but I think the (slightly) more practical side of my head thinks an H&R Touring Cup Kit would serve me quite well . . .

[JimN9NE]

good points, totally agree. Most likely going with Koni Yellow/Eibach Pro Combo.

[BCS_ZHP]

So I did an OEM refresh on my coupe back in Oct, reused the springs but replaced everything else - upper shock mounts, rear upper shock mounts, shocks & struts, spring mounting perches, new bump stops, etc. The total was about a grand in parts, the ride is great but it sits up like its an all-wheel drive. Given the choice again, I'd do coil overs and pick one like the PSS or KW1 that has near factory ride quality/comfort bit is adjustable for height. As a DD, I don't need the adjustability in stiffness, I'm an old geezer (per Mr. Wilson) and prefer not to rattle my tooth fillings.

[Hermes]

another option that has become common with "older" BMW owners that want a drop, E9x and later upper spring perches... like 0.75-1.25" drop in front with no other mod. Not sure about exact amount but my buddy did it to his E30 and it looks amazing with his Billy HD's

p/n: 31 33 6 764 093


it should work the same way with our cars but not sure

edit: Manny's eta