I have a 91 240sx SE which is in need of some new struts/shocks. I've been researching preferred combos and suggestions, but I would like to know your opinions on what I am considering to purchase.
Some info: -My 240 is my daily driver during the summer/fall, so it will mostly be a street set-up. Also, it's possible that I might attend a few open drift track days.-I plan on going KA-T soon. -My budget for suspension right now is around $1100.- I do not want to be "slammed", the roads around here do not allow for that nor does my driveway. lol. A 2" drop is far more than enough.
At first I considered the Koni yellow + RSR race spring set up, but for $100 more I can purchase the koni yellow + ground control sleeve kit for $899 from modacar.com. Has anyone had any experience with them? My strut mounts are pretty worn, so I was also looking for some decent pillow ball mounts, any suggestions?
I also considered to just buy coilovers and save myself from the hassle, but I've read numerous comments about how harsh coilovers are and that it's over-kill for daily driving . If i were to buy coils I was considering the Stance GR+ Pro.
So, what are your views about my situation? If I go with the koni/ ground control setup will it be able to perform at the occasional open drift days or should I just buy coilovers?
I really would like to purchase something tomorrow. My 240 has been sitting for the past two weeks waiting for me to make up my mind.
s13 Suspension Upgrade Path Help
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simmode1
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Re: s13 Suspension Upgrade Path Help (Feadz)
I'd go with the Stances. Just because you can slam, doesn't mean you have to, but it's nice to have the option. Also the GR+ pros have a great reputation in regards the their ride quality and comfort compared to some other entry level coilovers.
I used to think Koni yellow's/ Ground Controls were a great setup. But now I think they are over hyped. I saw a full install of that setup over at KA-T.org and it cost about $2000 in parts and labor to do it right. For that price you could get some competition level coilovers and istall them more easily.
I've had two different strut/spring setups on my two 240's and both have been very dissatisfying. I think a well choosen entry level street coilover should meet you needs just fine. It is exactly what I plan to do as well.
GR+ Pro's for my s14 to keep it relatively comfyGR+'s for my s13 to slam it, but stay more comfy than other harsher setups.
I used to think Koni yellow's/ Ground Controls were a great setup. But now I think they are over hyped. I saw a full install of that setup over at KA-T.org and it cost about $2000 in parts and labor to do it right. For that price you could get some competition level coilovers and istall them more easily.
I've had two different strut/spring setups on my two 240's and both have been very dissatisfying. I think a well choosen entry level street coilover should meet you needs just fine. It is exactly what I plan to do as well.
GR+ Pro's for my s14 to keep it relatively comfyGR+'s for my s13 to slam it, but stay more comfy than other harsher setups.
I have run different spring shock combos in the past. Then I spoke to the fine folks at Tein.
Buy coilovers. I personally, have no need for mega adjustable dampers. 90% of people with coilovers have no need for mega adjustable coilovers. I look at it as gimmicks. I give a damn about gimmicks. (like a certain oil brand I can think of...) Buy coilovers. If they come with some bells and whistles, that's good. But unless you actually know the consequences of turning the knobs, all the dampening adjustment in the world is pointless. More's the better does not neccessarily apply.
My coilovers ride a bit stiffer than any spring and shock combo I have owned. But the ride is never bouncy and very well damped for the speeds and roads I drive. But by far the best reason to go with coils, is quite simply, the suspension travel. With lowering springs and shocks, short of the Koni's and maybe some high end Bilsteins (feel free to correct me if I am wrong), you are limited to literally a couple of inches of TOTAL suspension travel. The coilover is much more effective over a greater range of height adjustment.
Buy coilovers. Furthermore, any quality brand of coils should be available to overhaul with companies like Tein and Eibach offering many different spring rates and the ability to match the dampening to different spring rates all at a reasonable cost. If you need to ship the product to some other country for service or warranty work or correspondence requires too much effort, look into a different brand. Sorry for going on so long. I am baking a cake.
Buy coilovers. I personally, have no need for mega adjustable dampers. 90% of people with coilovers have no need for mega adjustable coilovers. I look at it as gimmicks. I give a damn about gimmicks. (like a certain oil brand I can think of...) Buy coilovers. If they come with some bells and whistles, that's good. But unless you actually know the consequences of turning the knobs, all the dampening adjustment in the world is pointless. More's the better does not neccessarily apply.
My coilovers ride a bit stiffer than any spring and shock combo I have owned. But the ride is never bouncy and very well damped for the speeds and roads I drive. But by far the best reason to go with coils, is quite simply, the suspension travel. With lowering springs and shocks, short of the Koni's and maybe some high end Bilsteins (feel free to correct me if I am wrong), you are limited to literally a couple of inches of TOTAL suspension travel. The coilover is much more effective over a greater range of height adjustment.
Buy coilovers. Furthermore, any quality brand of coils should be available to overhaul with companies like Tein and Eibach offering many different spring rates and the ability to match the dampening to different spring rates all at a reasonable cost. If you need to ship the product to some other country for service or warranty work or correspondence requires too much effort, look into a different brand. Sorry for going on so long. I am baking a cake.
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simmode1
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Re: (gumby74)
Some ppl like the flame and claim that unless you car sees lots of track time, then there is no point in getting coilovers. I disagree. Not every coilover system is engineered for track performance. Many entry level systems are built for what the common enthusiast will use them for: driving around on the street and looking good.
How well your coils handle on the track and on the street will depend alot on how you set them up and if you bought something with decent quality.
Re: (gumby74)
im using basics with the solid upper mounts. love them!
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Ohio_S13
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Re: s13 Suspension Upgrade Path Help (Feadz)
Whats up glad to see someone from the Yo...
I have a question for you...have you replaced/upgraded any of the other suspension parts like the the tension rods, links in the rear, or tie rods? You should really consider replacing these 1st as they are pretty weak and can break easier than the struts/springs. These parts are cheaper also. You should then look at your brakes and decide if you want to go 5-lug.
As far as coilovers go for the 240sx (or any car) if you can get the money go with KWs (which I have)....which can be easily tuned to ride on North East Ohio streets and also perform flawlessly on the track. They are designed to work with the stock upper mounts also but you get Cusco camber plates in the front. Tanabe, Stance, SPL are good...I like Koni's but I do not trust "custom" damper holders or anything by GC because after a little while the thread will crust up (especially around here)....unless you have them treated.
Sorry for the long post but you want to upgrade the smaller suspension pieces 1st before getting a coilover suspension.
I have a question for you...have you replaced/upgraded any of the other suspension parts like the the tension rods, links in the rear, or tie rods? You should really consider replacing these 1st as they are pretty weak and can break easier than the struts/springs. These parts are cheaper also. You should then look at your brakes and decide if you want to go 5-lug.
As far as coilovers go for the 240sx (or any car) if you can get the money go with KWs (which I have)....which can be easily tuned to ride on North East Ohio streets and also perform flawlessly on the track. They are designed to work with the stock upper mounts also but you get Cusco camber plates in the front. Tanabe, Stance, SPL are good...I like Koni's but I do not trust "custom" damper holders or anything by GC because after a little while the thread will crust up (especially around here)....unless you have them treated.
Sorry for the long post but you want to upgrade the smaller suspension pieces 1st before getting a coilover suspension.