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    I Need Some Help With My Suspension Setup

    I have gone through the multiples of threads on here regarding suspension setups and they were all very helpful. I need to replace my suspension which is currently a Ground Control coilover setup. Currently, mechanic said he believes two shocks are blown (NYC roads) and the springs are way too stiff for the shocks (purchased car with current setup). The car will be used mostly on weekends and maybe 2-3 track days each season. I am of two mindsets, first is Dinan/Koni package which from research seems to offer the best ride/handling balance for a place like NYC. Second option is a TC Kline or TCK coilover setup but I am not sure if this is the wisest choice because I am considering it primarily because of the looks (allows for a slightly more drop) than the Dinan. I also plan on going down to 18 inch wheels from my current 19s. Budget is betweek 2k &3k plus install.
    Any thoughts on those who have gone a similar route? Also, when I purchased the car, the owner gave me some GC street camber plates which I never installed. If I go either route, is it advisable to install them (assuming work with either setup? I am assuming TCK/KW probably include their own in their setups. Thanks for any input you can share on this.

    #2
    If you are interested in simple with good adjustability and a little "stance" then KW v3s and move on. There are forum members with a great amount of hard won knowledge and I went down this road only to realize I didn't want to learn all the ins and outs of suspension mainly because I don't do this for a living and anything I learn is forgotten within a year or two. I have the KW v3s on two other cars I own but they aren't that "comfortable" but no coilover is. You won't need strut tower reinforcements with the KWs which is nice. If you want camber adjustment then I believe your GC camber plates will work with the KWs but I would call GC and verify. If not then Vorshlag should work. .

    If you really don't care about your appearance just go back to stock and forget about everything else as stock will provide all the performance and comfort you will ever need..
    Last edited by oceansize; 06-02-2023, 05:52 AM.
    3.91 | CMP Subframe & RTAB Bushings | SMG (Relocated & Rebuilt) | ESS Gen 3 Supercharger | Redish | Beisan | GC Coilovers & ARCAs | Imola Interior | RE Rasp | RE Diablo | Storm Motorwerks Paddles | Will ZCPM3 Shift Knob | Apex ARC-8 19x9, 19x9.5 | Sony XAV-AX5000 | BAVSOUND | CSL & 255 SMG Upgrades | Tiag | Vert w/Hardtop

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      #3
      I'm not sure I would recommend V3s. They are heavy and owners, who are not keen on suspension setup and adjustment, typically set them and forget it. It sounds like OP needs to stay as close to stock as possible and Koni/DINAN is a good option. For bad roads, OP needs all the suspension travel OP can get and a twin tube damper like the KONIs.

      The street GC plates should be fine as long as they are used with the E46 strut reinforcement plates. OP, you can stick with stock if you don't see yourself adjusting camber for autox/HPDEs.
      Last edited by Slideways; 06-02-2023, 05:41 AM.

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        #4
        Originally posted by oceansize View Post
        I I have the KW v3s on two other cars I own but they aren't that "comfortable" but no coilover is.
        Just goes to show how subjective suspension can be. I have V3s on my E36 and think they ride great.

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          #5
          Originally posted by stephen View Post

          Just goes to show how subjective suspension can be. I have V3s on my E36 and think they ride great.
          I do to but my local roads are great so I'm always hesitant to claim they are comfortable in all scenarios.
          3.91 | CMP Subframe & RTAB Bushings | SMG (Relocated & Rebuilt) | ESS Gen 3 Supercharger | Redish | Beisan | GC Coilovers & ARCAs | Imola Interior | RE Rasp | RE Diablo | Storm Motorwerks Paddles | Will ZCPM3 Shift Knob | Apex ARC-8 19x9, 19x9.5 | Sony XAV-AX5000 | BAVSOUND | CSL & 255 SMG Upgrades | Tiag | Vert w/Hardtop

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            #6
            Originally posted by Slideways View Post
            I'm not sure I would recommend V3s. They are heavy
            First time I've heard that argument against but in thinking about it they are likely a pound or so heavier per corner but unless you are a certified track rat chasing every ounce of lightness I can't see this being a real negative.
            3.91 | CMP Subframe & RTAB Bushings | SMG (Relocated & Rebuilt) | ESS Gen 3 Supercharger | Redish | Beisan | GC Coilovers & ARCAs | Imola Interior | RE Rasp | RE Diablo | Storm Motorwerks Paddles | Will ZCPM3 Shift Knob | Apex ARC-8 19x9, 19x9.5 | Sony XAV-AX5000 | BAVSOUND | CSL & 255 SMG Upgrades | Tiag | Vert w/Hardtop

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              #7
              PSS10s are πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘Œ. I currently have 550 lb/in linear springs in the rear, and paired with Turner camber plates and RE RSMs, this setup is very comfortable.
              E46 M3 TiAg/Black - Journal​, IG: sharkmar
              981 Cayman GTS Racing Yellow/Black
              C43 AMG Diamond Silver/Red​

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                #8
                Don't bother with coilovers if it just for the street and looks. The car is great as it came from the factory.

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                  #9
                  Koni/Dinan with TMS street camber plates and RE RSM's
                  '09 HP2S, '12 R12GSA, '00 Black 323iT, '02 Alpine 325iT (Track Wagon), '02 Alpine 330iT
                  Instagram @HillPerformanceBimmers
                  Email to George@HillPerformance.com

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                    #10
                    If you're thinking KW's you should look at ST Suspension. They're made by KW and as far as I know they're extremely similar builds minus the coating on the shock bodies for corrosion, something you could easily add to the ST's if you really want.

                    After my complete suspension refresh I opted for the ST XTA's (they come with their own camber plates) and I'd say they're similar to the KW's in terms of ride quality. The roads in northern California aren't the best but they're comfortable enough for me.

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                      #11
                      I’m wondering so I’ll ask, will Koni with stock springs (+ sway bars?) work for OP. No lowering but it seems lowering may be a bad idea anyway.

                      I can see how he may need the camber adjustment for track days even with no lowering, but maybe they can work with the above setup.

                      maw

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                        #12
                        Thanks so much for your input everyone. At this point, it sounds like a Dinan/Koni setup might be my best bet. I guess I wanted the best of both worlds (drop of a coilover/looks) and ride quality. I see TM selling a kit, https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...uspension-kit/ though out of stock.
                        Plan is to pair that with 18x9F (245/40/18)) and 18x10R(275/35/18) Apex ARC8 wheels.

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