Most liked posts in thread: Gauging Interest: FUNCTIONAL lowering springs for R53 and R56, and possibly coilovers

Unfortunately, the numbers suggest that if the R56 has any additional travel, it's minimal at best. Some of the numbers I've seen show it having only a few tenths of an inch more and then you're just getting into weight and balance issues.

With that said, I'm full support of this. Sounds like a cool venture.

I've worked with another suspension company to develop special "Function + Form" coilovers and it has been an awesome experience.

 

I'd be totally down with a set of better performing springs vs. the usual slap it down stuff people focus on (not that going low is bad at all - but here in Nashvega$, I need the pothole/uneven pavement clearance).

Had a set of M7 springs on my last R53 and while it looked good, they were not the answer for performance when actually pushed hard.

 

I would be interested in the coilovers if they included an adjustable camber plate.

 

You have my attention opcorn:

 

I'm listening...

 

Andy, I wouldn't do 10-15mm on the R53...you'll be on the bump springs. What most people need (but don't know it), is the 'regular guy' type spring. 5-10mm max...not look cool but it's the most you can before ruining performance*

* this info provided courtsey of Lee Grimes at Koni (not my opinion but his after years of SCCA/NASA support)

 

You certainly have my attention for the springs.

 

I'd be interested in the coilover. The lack of an adjustment knob wouldn't bother me as long as the shock curves match the spring rates. For the springs I would want linear narrow type 2.5" width springs. I would want the rear rate to be approximately 35% stiffer than the front rate. I would like the shocks to be an easily rebuildable type like a Bilstein. I wouldn't need camber plates but would like these to work with Vorschlag plates.

I can wait for these as I'm not looking to upgrade at this time.

 

I'd be interested in the coilovers that you're describing at that price point. I can't slam my car due to my driveway(my Impreza makes short work of it, my R53, not so much).

 

There was a hole in the R53 market for a linear moderate drop spring until TSW (now WMW) started selling theirs. H-sports were the spring to have for a few years (circa 2003-2007), but they're progressive. The same hole existed in the R56 market for about 2 years, but it seems performance drivers are gravitating towards the TSW, ABF 127-spec, and NM Engineering springs. I'm sure you're aware of the competition.

However, one thing that almost nobody offers is revised bump stops. Most spring manufacturers just recommend cutting the existing bump stop in half, but then the shock dust guard wiggles around, and it seems inadequate. Integrate a revised bump stop and you might be on to something.

 

I'm VERY interested. I don't have VW syndrome where the car has to be slammed just cuz. I really don't mind the stock ride height at all.

I have an R56 that I autox (in STX, just because I run street tires not R-Comps) and run HPDE's (considering running Enthusiast Class in RTA next year too). I would be all about a spring that would work with the stock shock and not slam the car but give me a better spring rate.

 

Well, if I wasn't on the wrong coast I'd offer mine up as a test mule.

 

Bummer. I was hopeful. Oh well.