Where i live the roads are bumpy, can't the KWv3 be setup so that it will handle those bumpy roads and when i want to put it on the track change it again accordingly?
Handling and ride quality are subjective, I do not know what you would consider objectionable. I do not like driving a R-53 on downtown streets because you hit the bump stops. In a R-56 I try to drive around the pot holes. Stiff springs and shocks that are valved for stiff shocks are not what you want for a smooth ride. What is acceptable to you is the question only you can answer. I do not know how stiff the dampers would be on there lowest settings with low rate springs. Damper stiffness, is specific to the springs. KW variant 3 front struts are adjustable from the top in center of the shock and from the bottom of the strut without disassembling any part of the suspension. The rears are also adjusted top and bottom. To adjust the top you take the shock out. That does not require doing a alignment. It is the two bolts at the top and one at the bottom. I do not even take them off the car, just drop them down.
My first post says that there aren't any coilovers that can be adjusted for ride height without jacking the car up to release the tension on the spring.
Colin is correct that KW uses twin tube as apposed to mono tube dampers on the MINI. The advantage of mono tube is it prevents the oil from getting air bubbles. The bubbles have the affect of making the damper softer. The advantage to twin tube dampers in the MINI application is that they are shorter. MINIs do not have a lot of room for long suspension travel. In general mono tube dampers are better, but high quality mono tube shocks still work very well. Koni still sells some twin tube racing dampers. Todays twin tube dampers (KW included) use a gas bag to maintain positive pressure on the oil to prevent the bubbles.
Thank you for being so discreet and not at all ironic, but those numbers are not for my understanding only. There is a whole forum who would like to see accusations like these to be documented and proven, not to mention that its fair (to say the least) to post in public the "proof" so that even KW can have the ability to answer. ColinGreene and ScottinBend don't you agree?
I dont see how its a accusation, its been proven out plenty.
Plenty of people have numbers and anyone serious about shocks knows this.
I dont want to sit here and argue about it though.
like scott in bend said, plenty of ways to find out for yourself.
That said if you want to call me out please at least spell my name correctly.
CarlB even on Dave.os TSW KWV3s they still soften up and float when driven hard.
I made mendra somewhat uncomfortable the last time we took daves car out. because it floats.
Another demerit to KW in my opinion is that they refuse to use a standard metric coilover spring so it makes it much more of a pain to tailor the shock/spring combo to the given application, you either have to make or buy upper spring hats and deal with that problem on already what i feel is over priced shocks. Especially given thats a cheaper to make twin tube.
More proof is that for KW's higher end stuff they go to a mono tube. So that says even to me they know the product is not the best.
I have also been told by many people dedicated to shocks that KW does not build anything below a clubsport in germany. Its all from Taiwan, Not to say this is bad, but you arent getting the "german quality" thats implied.
I believe that you have to document proof. The fact that you or a few others claim things, really means nothing! Numbers usually tell all the facts, ill be happy to see you document your testings and the reason you have come to this conclusion. I dont think im asking for a lot since you have tested and have come to this... right?
With all this being said, what is your opinion regarding the top suspension provided by Ohlins (ttx) that is using twin tube technology? Ohlins has gone wrong on this too?
Whos gonna be troubled if i call your name wrongfully? (childish argument!)
Who you trust means nothing to me, i know you, as you know me, so why should i trust your colleagues unless they give me the basis of trust?
Did not call anyone childish, but his arguments were and it seems yours too if you will continue that way!
If one helps to solve any of my issues i will thank, on the other hand, i see a racists approach to my origin and the way Greeks behave. You are in no position of knowing anything about it so do not make the mistake to mix a bad politicians behaviour with one of a civilian, or a whole nation's behaviour!
When you claim something, i would advise you to double check it before, because beein wrong makes you look sloppy, not nice. I have thanked many many times people that have helped me or not, in this forum or in others!
Giving doesn't work when one is continually asked for it, especially in such a manner! Sharing does not create any kind debt, obviously you feel differently about that... so sad!
Since you used the Greek word Ethos, let me tell you that my reply to your comments would be characterised by many as "katapeltis", check it out. :wink:
p.s. After reading all your comments, i wonder, are you really a founder? It is very strange if you are!
Im not asking you to do work for free, its an obligation for anyone that states views that accuse a product to public! You MUST provide details, in order to show that you are objective and therefore trustworthy. And all this is done because you respect the people that will read what you post and you want to share your expertise on things. Its as simple and noble as that!
I see that you are still bring up the name misspelling issue, well if its any comfort to you 1. of course i didn't misspell it on purpose and 2. since it is such a big deal for you, im editing my post pasting the correct name (i still think you are acting childish over this)
After saying all this, i will not come back commenting any of the issues we two have discussed, case is closed here!
Colin I have not experienced my shocks going soft, but I haven't had my car on the race track. I autocross about 12 to 15 times per year. I haven't had any problem on the Dragon. I intend to dyno my shocks this winter, because they are about 7 years old. As stated, I do not disagree with the general opinion that mono tube shocks are a better design, but there are high quality twin tube shocks that perform very well. My intent is not to cause a food fight, and I do not question your experience. I have not had the same experience and am very happy with the KWs. I understood they were twin tube shocks when I purchased them and bought them because they are shorter and had more travel for a lowered car.
Disassembly and Reassembly required...
