Suspension review

[Dori Dori]

For those that don't know, I have KYB Buzz Spec struts, Tein PBMs (front), Ground Control coilover kit (450/f, 350/r), and the SPL tension rods. The install went smooth, everything fit perfectly. I wanted to take pictures, but my digi-cam was/is M.I.A. Sorry Exar.

The review:Wow, everything I wanted in my suspension goals is there! I wanted firm, but not too stiff. I wanted low, but not too low. And I wanted to get rid of that damn slop in the steering (and the shimmy).

With the Ground Controls height set about halfway in the front and about 1/3 down in the rear, the car looks very nice. I have my dampening currently set at '2' in the front and '4' in the rear. The car feels perfect, to me, for my street setup. On smooth/semi-smooth roads, the car rides almost like a normal car (roads that would have bounced me around with my Tein RA"s). Until you hit a bump or a corner, it's hard to tell that anything has been done. On bumpy roads, it's harsh; but not 'I'm gonna vomit' harsh. There isn't much body roll at all, but since my tires kinda suck, I can't really say. Which is also why I can't really push my car right now either...the tires just roll over.:-\ With the dampening on the struts turned up though, everything changes. The car becomes pretty firm. I can't wait to do an auto-x or track-day with some good tires on this car (too bad So-Fla sucks for auto-x right now).

I also wanted to comment on the tension rods. A lot of people make false assumtions on these and will tell you that your car will be 'so rough' and you'll feel everything through the steering wheel, or that they are very loud. BS. The steering feels awesome. I feel much more connected with the road. I wouldn't dare say that these are rough by any means...I'd just say there is a little more feedback from the steering. Nothing to worry about. Noise...even if it increased a little (I can't really say since I put PBM's in the front too), it can't be too loud considering that coupled with my pbm's, there is hardly any road noise increase! Performance tires make more noise than this. Lastly, the quality of the SPL tension rods was top-notch and the price can't be beat. I highly recommend these.

Overall, I have no real complaints. I got exactly what I wanted. Stiff, but not killer street setup that can be kicked up a good notch or two for race days. Eventually, I will get my adjustable upper control arms and foward links (oh, and get around to installing that damn hicas-lock bar)...I can really feel the slop in the rear now. I was gonna do my wheels/tires/brakes first though, but I might have a change of heart on that now! Questions or comments welcome.

:beer

[Jays90240SX]

That's a VERY good write up!

How is it having coilovers if someone can't go on the scales to make sure the corner weighs are the same? Does it matter that much?

That seems like a nice setup, not OVERLY expensive, although I know the BUZZ shocks can't be had here, well, I haven't found any.

good stuff!

Definetly take some pics when you can!

[Dori Dori]

The way I set up my coilovers is that I measure each of the jackpoints on each corner of the car and then I make the car as even as possible (by setting the jack to the desired height and matching the other side). That should give the car characteristics similar to stock. No, it's not corner weighed, but It's fine for now. It's no different than buying springs. I will eventually get the car corner balanced (got a friend that does it), but if it comes out all goofy (one corner NOTICABLY lifted), I may just lower it back.:o Our car is pretty balanced though...I think the driver is the only thing that f's it up!

I don't know anywhere to get Buzz Specs...I got lucky on ebay. They are the same as GAB super strokes though and those can be had. You could save money and get AGX's, but AGX's don't like to go to low (just something to remember). For my entire setup, I paid $1210 (remember, that's including tension rods), and I am VERY happy with it. No regrets here!