CSL suspension improvements

[bryce]

So.. I nearly sold my CSL yesterday because Im never using it, but I bottled it because I love it too much and dont know what Id replace it with.

Maint reason for not using is the uncomfy suspension. I put kw v3s on it about 2 years ago, and despite it looking amazingly aggressive and nice and tight in the corners its like a bloody go kart. If I slacken the susp. off a bit it turns it a bit too 'boaty' and floaty.

Now Im thinking, rather than getting rid for that reason - Im prepared to spend a bit more ££ on a decent set up as I dont want to go back to standard ride height but keep the pointy sharp handling - even if its just the same as stock handling.

Been a long time since Ive been on here, so not sure what options / new options are available. Last I knew there was the Intrax thats meant to be the dogs - but how is it comfort wise or am I buying the same as what Ive already got just a bit more expensive. Any other options much appreciated.

Cheers lads
Bryce

ps. I'll be going camber plates to keep a better camber and probably just standard geo. I dont drive fast enough to need fast road.

[Sailorbaz]

Long time no see right enough Bryce, good to see you back on and giving in to the temptation of selling her.

I can't wait to stick some decent suspension on mine, having had it for over 4 years now I think it's long overdue. Will have to put some pennies away for it though.

I agree with the ride height on yours compared to mine (standard) for sure, at Moffat that year, yours looked more aggressive. Many miles are on it now, you into 5 figures yet? lol

[J13NY S]

Last I knew there was the Intrax thats meant to be the dogs - but how is it comfort wise or am I buying the same as what Ive already got just a bit more expensive.

That was one of the things I liked about the Intrax, its ride didn’t feel that different to standard.

[DazBlackCSL]

V3 are no different to STD like intrax if set up for that purpose .. Set them up properly

[titan]

V3 are no different to STD like intrax if set up for that purpose .. Set them up properly

What he said.

Although - to be fair - assuming the quality and internal friction of KW/Intrax to be the same, it depends what spring rates they come with. If you ask simpsons for the race spring setup on intrax, then they won't suit road/nurburgring, so its still possible to "sod it up" ;-)

Although I have no experience myself, I've heard from a few different people the advice of avoiding KW Clubsport and instead stick to the V3s because the clubsports use stiffer springs and become a bit harsh.

Basically its all one big compromise along the way. A dampers job is just to control the spring, but its the choice of spring rate which is all important. In an ideal world you've had one set of springs for road, another for track etc but its all starting to sound very "race team" - so instead people plump for a middle of the road spring and then just adjust damping to suit conditions.

when hooning around a long corner, the body roll you get is all to do with spring rate (and arb) and nowt to do with dampers. Dampers are just changing turn in characteristics and bump/rebound.

Would say thats my tuppence, turned into more like £2 ;-)

[glendog74]

V3 are no different to STD like intrax if set up for that purpose .. Set them up properly

+1

Although I have no experience myself, I've heard from a few different people the advice of avoiding KW Clubsport and instead stick to the V3s because the clubsports use stiffer springs and become a bit harsh.

Basically its all one big compromise along the way.

And that sums up suspension - a compromise. Problem is, many people like Bryce want their cake and eat it too, i.e. soft and comfortable when cruising - stiff and controlled when going for it. Sadly you cannot really have both (except with modern EDC systems?).

I would much rather have the latter in my CSL on track so i use KW Clubsport, and i'm prepared to accept a slightly stiffer ride than OEM on road.
:smokin:

[M5 Powered]

Why not consider going back to the standard oem setup, assuming you still have the struts and springs?

Best

Jonathan

[daniel_csl]

PSS10 are a softer setup than V3 imo. They feel a lot less aggressive.

[bryce]

Thanks for the 'expert' replies everyone. Still no real solution though...

V3 are no different to STD like intrax if set up for that purpose .. Set them up properly

How you got yours set Daz? I have tried fidling with the bump and rebound setting but cant seem to find a happy medium like standard.

That was one of the things I liked about the Intrax, its ride didn’t feel that different to standard.

Comfort and control wise? Any experience with other susp to compare?

I agree with the ride height on yours compared to mine (standard) for sure, at Moffat that year, yours looked more aggressive. Many miles are on it now, you into 5 figures yet? lol

I lovvvve :smt055 the way mine sits baz. Cars done 900 miles this year! What a waste hence the hasty sale and now solution looking.

And that sums up suspension - a compromise. Problem is, many people like Bryce want their cake and eat it too, i.e. soft and comfortable when cruising - stiff and controlled when going for it. Sadly you cannot really have both (except with modern EDC systems?).

Im not looking for a track set up car than rides like an S class. Just standard comfort with a low ride height.

Why not consider going back to the standard oem setup, assuming you still have the struts and springs?

Still got the old suspension but I think it sits the car too high.

PSS10 are a softer setup than V3 imo. They feel a lot less aggressive.

How are they for handling wise? Any experience on a CSL.

[s.mac]

I would speak to kw about a different spring rate, Im sure they will advise.
I run AST and there are loads of options for spring to suit what you are looking for

[bryce]

I would speak to kw about a different spring rate, Im sure they will advise.
I run AST and there are loads of options for spring to suit what you are looking for

Good point s.mac.

More interestingly though, I just checked out the AST's your talking about and in the description "They guarantee a comfortable ride".

Im pressuming youve got the sportline II. Much cost and why'd you buy?

[s.mac]

I went for AST as it wasn't full coilover at the rear, they also got good reviews when I asked about, I did ask about different spring rates but went for the standard ones with the kit. Steve Gill gave me a few options but I thought they were too much for road and track
Yes it is the sportline II and on full soft I would say they are OEM standard, full hard is way too much for road though, very easy to change!!
I got them from balance motorsport, I'm guessing £1600 to £1800 plus vat, I would need to check.
Im sure Daz changed his springs earlier this year and they made a difference.

[titan]

Don't go moaning about 'expert' replies and then be harping on about how you love the way it looks !! What do you want to do, look at your car or drive the thing?

Your question has been answered. You've got a kit, have a look what spring rates you are running, phone KW and get some softer ones.

FWIW I'm going to give intrax 1k2 a try. My reason has nothing to do with the quality of the kit (and my evo has a very pricey KW custom 3-way comp setup) - my reasoning is that you need to speak to someone who has had tonnes of experience and just knows what works.

When I spoke to simpsons they offered 3 different sets of springs - soft for road, very stiff for uk track/race, or somewhere in the middle which would suit the 'ring.

Conversely KW will be able to offer little advice for uk road or track because thats not their thing.

[bryce]

Thanks smac. So on full soft they take bumps and pot holes well but still handle like standard? Just checked price. £1900inc vodka and tonic

[bryce]

Don't go moaning about 'expert' replies and then be harping on about how you love the way it looks !! What do you want to do, look at your car or drive the thing?

Your question has been answered. You've got a kit, have a look what spring rates you are running, phone KW and get some softer ones.

easy now. By 'expert' I mean Joe Bloggs with a real opinion rather that the actual Expert who's trying to sell me something. And there was no solution offered until smac come along.

Why wont kw be able to offer much?