convert from coilovers to Shocks/Struts

[240pop]

I've got a set of coilovers on my S14 now, and while it handles better than anything else I've driven, I'd really like a quality ride...smooth, quiet, comfy.

I'd like a car that handles well, but comfort is number one. The roads here in Omaha are absolutely horrible. I drive a 2006 Toyota Avalon back and forth to work and the roads make that ride terribly.

Has anyone transitioned back to struts and shocks?

Is there a better coilover setup? I've heard that the tanabe coil overs get the best reviews. Has anyone reviewed the sustec pro 5 or 7?

[adrianfromthecastle]

coilovers are generally intended for a stiffer ride that allows custom adjustments to suit the type of agressive driving that will be happening.

Usually the reasons why they're so uncomfortable is because of the stiffer spring rate matched with the harder damper rate.

What coilovers do you currently have? and what are the spring rates? My suggestion would to either switch to a softer spring rate (I'd call up your coilover manufacturer and see if your dampers can handle a softer spring rate, this is assuming your dampers are adjustable and you've already tried to set it to soft), or get a whole new coilover set up with a softer spring rate set up intended for street/ daily driving purposes instead of track spec purposes.

[240pop]

Thanks Adrians,

I've got kSports, don't know the model, they came with the car.

I adjusted them to the softest setting last night, and they're still stiff.

I'll look into softer spring rates, but do I have to get ones from the same manufacturer or can I use another brand?

I'm going to call Jensen Tire and see if they have recommendations too.

[adrianfromthecastle]

you can use a different brand, BUT, the spring size (diameter, and preferably hieght) must be the same specs as original. Generally speaking, no two coilover springs are the same. But companies like Swift Springs offer custom springs (custom rates as well as sizes).

Also, find out exactly what the softest possible rates that those Ksport dampers can handle by contacting them (if possible). I'm saying this because it may void waranty (if any) or you can blow your dampers easier by having too soft of a spring rate.

[crackler]

Hypercoil or eibach both sell springs in a wide variaty of sizes. From what I have heard from people I trust that know more than me, is that hypercoil have tighter tolerences on their rates.

Find a dealer, and tell them what the spring free length and inside diamater are. Those are the two critical measurments. You can change free length to gain / loose pre load.

But most of your crappy ride is due to the crappy valving your shocks have. just my .02

[adrianfromthecastle]

But most of your crappy ride is due to the crappy valving your shocks have. just my .02

that's like general consensus... but I gave it the benifit of the doubt, lol.

[240pop]

I called kSport and they made a few suggestions. They first wanted me to remove any preload.

So i tried that, but there wasn't any preload. once I got the weight off the springs and loosened them, there wasn't any load at all.

I turned the dampening all the way down.

Then they suggested moving the rear springs to the front and replacing the two front springs with softer 5kg for the rear. I haven't done that yet.

Jensen tire was as useful as an iceberg at a titanic re-enactment...they had no clue what I was talking about when I asked to check on putting struts back in to replace the coilovers (idiots).

kSport also mentioned that they'd revalve my coilsovers for me. I'd say I'm completely satisfied with customer service from them. Especially considering I bought the car with the coilovers on it.

So if anyone wants a stiffer ride, I'd consider trading straight across, so long as the struts are in decent shape.

[adrianfromthecastle]

I called kSport and they made a few suggestions. They first wanted me to remove any preload.

So i tried that, but there wasn't any preload. once I got the weight off the springs and loosened them, there wasn't any load at all.

I turned the dampening all the way down.

Then they suggested moving the rear springs to the front and replacing the two front springs with softer 5kg for the rear. I haven't done that yet.

Jensen tire was as useful as an iceberg at a titanic re-enactment...they had no clue what I was talking about when I asked to check on putting struts back in to replace the coilovers (idiots).

kSport also mentioned that they'd revalve my coilsovers for me. I'd say I'm completely satisfied with customer service from them. Especially considering I bought the car with the coilovers on it.

So if anyone wants a stiffer ride, I'd consider trading straight across, so long as the struts are in decent shape.

well considering that they've recieved a lot of complaints on their coilovers, I'm sure they've tried to compensate by giving better customer support, lol. zer...age=1 (its an interesting read. Ksport chimes in on pg 3)