M35 COILOVERS VS. AIRBAG SUSPENSION...

[rookie55]

I was hoping to get some input about whether or not airbag suspension would be a good idea or if it is better to go with coilovers.

Any information would be great!

[a.blanco0905]

I believe that for the type of stuff you're doing with your car (performance) you should stick with coilovers... I woudnt put (or trust) an air suspension on my Z32 in a million years, that just sounds unsafe, lol... air is more like for show imo, i.e. VIP.

[CGinev]

Unsafe? What are you smoking Blanco? I've had air on one of my customer's turbo G35s for 2 years now. He daily drives it, drags it, even auto-crosses it! Nothing unsafe about it. Granted, performance wise, he'd be better of on coilovers, but he can still do all those things.

OP...what are you looking to get out of your suspension? Coilovers are a great option for most people...performance, looks, etc. Air is another great option that gives you the benefit of adjustability on the fly. It all comes down to your needs.

[a.blanco0905]

Lol... I'm not putting bags on my performance (tracking) car, that's my opinion... it sounds unsafe.

[EniGmA1987]

Don't the upper end Tein coilovers have an electronic adjustment control you can get to do adjustments on the fly as well?

[rookie55]

I really would like the option to adjust on the fly, but I was worried about the durability and how long the bags would last. I will take a look at the TEIN coilovers to see if they offer adjustable coilovers.

[kermit the guy]

It all depends on what you want ! I have been on the scene for awhile now all my cars and trucks have had air ride systems on them ! My buddy's have air on thier SRT 8 magnums and chargers and 300Cs with no complaints when the track or race ! More stability and when your cruising the ride is oh so sweet! My M is the only ride I haven't bagged cause of finance problems just finished with a divorce ! But I've had my truck bagged for 3 years and had no problems and my buddy has my truck now for about 3 years and no problems still, my magnum 4 years and nothing except a little valve i had to replace ! It's all up to you bags are really nice cause u can slam it and drive really low and when there is an obstacle u can just pop it up no problem! With coilover s it's just you have to manually change the height of your car ! It's cheaper then bags tho!
So it's all on what you want ! I LOVE bags on my vehicles! Hopefully my M gets air soon!

[CGinev]

I meant ride height adjustable, not dampening.

[EniGmA1987]

Oh ya thats right, it is just damping adjustment, not height.

[IMISMYG]

Why dont you just do what im doing and add coilovers to your air setup. Then you have the best of both worlds. Slam whenever you want and control dampering when your ready to hit the track. Chris with your setup can you do both?

[CGinev]

Yes....it's D2 coilovers with bags on them.

[CPJ LB]

It all depends on what you want ! I have been on the scene for awhile now all my cars and trucks have had air ride systems on them ! My buddy's have air on thier SRT 8 magnums and chargers and 300Cs with no complaints when the track or race ! More stability and when your cruising the ride is oh so sweet! My M is the only ride I haven't bagged cause of finance problems just finished with a divorce ! But I've had my truck bagged for 3 years and had no problems and my buddy has my truck now for about 3 years and no problems still, my magnum 4 years and nothing except a little valve i had to replace ! It's all up to you bags are really nice cause u can slam it and drive really low and when there is an obstacle u can just pop it up no problem! With coilover s it's just you have to manually change the height of your car ! It's cheaper then bags tho!
So it's all on what you want ! I LOVE bags on my vehicles! Hopefully my M gets air soon!

thanks Kermit...i was curious to know how much of a weight difference is added by having the bags system??? I guess if one is racing their cars, wouldn't this 'hurt' their times??? but of course, if one is already pushing 400+ hp, then a little weight won't hurt much... just thinking...

[mexillis]

Pro touring is a great example of bags and power on a track.

[a.blanco0905]

Coilovers ftw imo...

[06M4.5]

for more info on air suspension and power take a look here:

http://www.ridetech.com/

[rookie55]

I really appreciate the input everyone! At least now I have some different aspects to think about. Are there any specific brands that have air bag kits that I should look for or should stay away from?

[CGinev]

D2, UAS, Air runner if you're baller.

[rookie55]

Holy sh*t... I didn't realize that some of those kits are around $4500!! Including installation charges, I would spend more on that than I would a turbo! haha. I guess I need to save up, I am one of those people that would rather have the best of the best instead of having to replace stuff in a year or two. The Air Runner kit says there is minor modifications needed, so I probably wouldn't go with those, but the UAS system seems to be the best bet.

[a.blanco0905]

^Gotta pay to play bro...

[rookie55]

A.Blanco- I hear ya, o gotta have about $17k invested already! It's worth it in the end though!!

[CGinev]

Holy sh*t... I didn't realize that some of those kits are around $4500!! Including installation charges, I would spend more on that than I would a turbo! haha. I guess I need to save up, I am one of those people that would rather have the best of the best instead of having to replace stuff in a year or two. The Air Runner kit says there is minor modifications needed, so I probably wouldn't go with those, but the UAS system seems to be the best bet.

1) If you spend less than $4500 on a turbo kit, pass on it.

2) minor modification on the air runner kit means drilling a small hole in the rear spring cups so you can bolt the bag down. You have to do that on all the kits. When they say minor, they really meant minor. The air runner kit is nice, but definitely not worth the money. Personally, the D2 kit upgraded with electric valves and switch box is a great way to go. UAS is a great alternative as well.

[rookie55]

CGinev- yeah I agrees completely! I have found a bunch of complete crap turbo kits for around $1200 that would probably not even supply enough boost to notice a difference on a Chevy Aveo, let alone the M35. I am not a fan of "universal" kits, that's another way of saying "eh.. It might fit... Might not..." As far as the Air ride, I think the UAS would be the best way to go. I just need to put some $$$ aside for it.

[kermit the guy]

Air is the way to go right blanco!

[a.blanco0905]

It depends.. if you're building a horsepower freak I'd stick with coilovers, if you're going VIP... by all means air for stuntin'.

[CGinev]

^^I agree.

[rookie55]

UPDATE: I have decided to go with the UAS system with the AccuAir e-Leveling. I should be ordering it next month (October 2011) so I will keep everyone posted!!

[kermit the guy]

nice !!!!!!! im going to go coilover + bags hopefully !!!!

[fat3oy]

electric turbo kit plus a tornado FTW!

but I seriously like coilovers, not for looks, but for damper, i think with the right sze wheel coilovers just feel so much better than bags... but for looks, bags are so damn baller...

I'd go cheap myself...

and for those of you who said bags dont work well with performance focused cars are kind of narrow, i've seen many a cars do damn well in TA, Drag, and Sprint. I honestly dont see an issue other than maybe weight and stiffness, but damn it has to be minute...

[The Bodyguard]

Good thread! Very informative... Almost hooked on the idea of getting air, lol! I do want to go LOW and for now I will start with D2 coilovers and follow with air down......the road hopefully!!

[06M4.5]

I need to take a ride in a M with an air system.

I was always told that it's best to keep the speed on the low side with air.