KTS Coilovers??

[MagikDragon]

I'm in the market for a coilover system, and I've read nothing but great things about KTS. The only thing is those were all initial reviews. what about long term feeling about these coilovers. any pros and cons and if u dont recommend these what would be a good alternative? thanks guys.

Dragon

[naed240sx]

I have had them for at least 3 or 4 months now on my s13. They have a huge amount of adjustability, are very well built and have good spring rates. The shock is 15 way adjustable, and the difference between 0 clicks and 15 is huge. They were at first pretty bouncy, but after they broke in, the ride got much better. However, I am not going to lie that the spring rates are comfortable. They caused my stomach to hurt after relatively short drives after first getting them, and will make long distance trips not so smooth. I am used to it now, and do not really mind, except driving around downtown sucks, becaue I drive very slowly over bumpy roads. I am much more confident while cornering in my car with the kts, unless the road is very bad. I have stock sways and body roll is almost gone, and steering is very responsive. I really do not have any complaints other than the stiffness issue, but most coilovers are 8/6 anyways.

[MagikDragon]

do you have any rubbing or clearance issues, what size tires are you running, and how much lower are you than stock? thanks for the great review.

[naed240sx]

I am running 16x7 +32 front and 16x8 +35 rear. 205/55 up front and 225/50 in back. No rubbing at all. The rear lower coilover mounts come very close to the axle cv joints, but do not touch. My car is lowered about 2" up front, and slightly less in rear. To give you an idea of cleance, I tried mounting the 16x8 up front the other day, and they would rub on the collar of the coilover. If they were +30s, it probably would have cleared.

[MagikDragon]

yeah i have 18X8's im just wondering if i can clear them.

[naed240sx]

What offset? My 16x8+35 would have cleared up front, but my yoko es100 tires have a huge rim protector bar that was touching. So if you have 18x8 +35, with a tire that does not stick out farther than the lip of the rim you will be fine. If your tire does protrude farther than the rim (as most do), then you would want something less than a +30 offset. You can always run spacers. Your rims will have plenty of cleance in the rear as long as they are less than +40 offset.

[MagikDragon]

i have no idea they are stock g35 18 inch rims. i think they'll clear otherwise i have some 5mm spacers i can try w/ some new nismo lug bolts.

[SmithSR]

on front 18x8 +30 clears coils with a 225/40-18 tire.

Good luck

[grimple1]

I asked SPL:

"I was wondering if there would be any fitment issues with the 5zigen FN01RC 17x8 +35's and the KTS coils. I read on NICO that there would be issues and wanted to check with you before ordering. If there is a problem, any suggestions?"

Spl told me the following:

"You will probably need a 5mm spacer, but it depends on the size of the tire and camber. With a small tire (eg. 215) and little camber you might be able to run without a spacer. However in most cases you will need a spacer…"

Hope this helps... /shrug

[naed240sx]

That is pretty much in agreement with what everyone here is saying. Dont run a 215 though. What would be the point of that? Just use spacers or get some +25 or +30s.

[MagikDragon]

thanks guys, yeah im runnin a 225 tire up front so thats good. I have some 5 mm spacers that i bought a while ago just incase so that works. these sound like a good choice. when I'm ready to drop the money I think these will be the ones I'll be getting.

[grimple1]

Dont run a 215 though. What would be the point of that?

I agree. Don't run the small tire. 225/45 would be my absolute smallest. I've got 225/45 on my car and wish i'd went a little bigger. Specially in the rear.

[Bronze MFP]

yay, another thread to plug KTS coils!

i've had mine for at least 6 months and still love the hell out of them. The ride can be a bit harsh over neglected roads, but if your roads are fairly smooth, you shouldnt have a problem. Ride height = slammedno rubbing issues really... some of the plastic splash gaurds are scuffed a littel, but nothing major. wheels/tires are 16x7.5 32 offset front with a 225/50/16 tire, no rubbing, but it's damn close. rears are 16x8.5 with a 245/45/16 tire, plenty of room left.

I think a lot of the harsh ride can be tuned out through the damper setting, currently mine are at 8 out of 16 and that seems to be the best for me. It seems to vary with ride height ratio you have the front's and rears set at ( I.E. weight distribution)