Suspension Brakes 1st Gen KW V2 too stiff..

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by KC Jr 54, Jan 13, 2011.

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  1. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

    Jun 3, 2009
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    I have a very good friend who dropped the coin for a set of TSW valved KW v2 coilovers, and after a year has had enough. For general info; they are paired with a set of Vorshlag Camber Plates, and AST rear top mounts (spherical bearing). Tires are 215/45-17 RE11s

    He has tried about every combo in settings, and the ride is just to stiff for him. Even me, and a 2hr drive.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    BUT i think he has set his mind to trying a different strut/shock combo. His biggest thing, he doesnt want to sacrifice the handling he has experienced with the v2s, but this is the DD.

    So, would the Koni Yellow or the FSDs be the best route, or maybe something else. Most likely going to pair either with the TSW Springs.

    PLEASE share your input.

    Dont ask about the v2 and all parts, they are spoken for :prrr:
     
  2. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    Sep 8, 2009
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    What spring rates is he running and what ride height?

    - Andrew
     
  3. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    The springs rates are the ones with the kit @ 6kg, and the ride height is set in the middle. Slight lowering, but he HATES rubbing and with thsoe size tires, doesnt allow much lowering.
     
  4. cct1

    cct1 Well-Known Member
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    raise the height, soften the dampening settings. He's not going to be able to have it both ways--ie have the ride comfort AND the handling. It's a compromise, and he'll have to adjust accordingly.
     
  5. Alan

    Alan Active Member

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    Tyler???

    I'll trade you my TSW softcore Ledas with 320# springs. Ride IS a little harsher than SS+, but not much. Shocks were rebuilt last year and front springs replaced.
     
  6. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

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    add in some assist springs to take the edge off.
     
  7. Way Motor Works

    Way Motor Works New Member

    May 4, 2009
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    Well the first thing I would do is ditch the rear AST mounts. Those are solid and not good for a street car, they have zero give.

    Second I would ask what is your ride height set at?
     
  8. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    AST are planned to come out, BUT he felt the ride to be a little harsh before this too.

    Ride height: (center of wheel to the bottom of the arch. His arches are in perfect shape)

    FD: 12.5" or (310mm)
    FP: 12.5"
    BD: 12.5"
    BD: 12.15" (corner balanced)



    So while still trying to trouble shoot the KWs. Will the Koni Yellows still be a little stiff, if paired with TSW Springs ? Will the FSDs offer any where near the performance of the KWs of current ?

    The assist springs are a good thing to think about, almost a progressive spring set-up..
     
  9. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    #9 andyroo, Jan 17, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 17, 2011
    increasing ride height (if you can) will help the most IMO, assuming the damping is dialed in.

    don't the KW's come with tenders all around?

    - andrew
     
  10. KC Jr 54

    KC Jr 54 New Member

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    Yes, this kit in particular was tenders on all four corners.

    I think he is playing with damping already, and i guess we can tackle the ride height in coming days.
     
  11. Mike

    Mike New Member

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    I can vouch for the fact that the ride can be improved a TON with a small increase in ride height. On my V3's, I raised the ride height about .3 inch after switching from 45 series tires to 40 series, and then scraping the bottom of my driveway one too many times. I did stop the scraping, but a most welcome side benefit was a MUCH more sophisticated ride, with no changes to the clickers.
     
  12. Onasled Racing

    Onasled Racing New Member

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    #12 Onasled Racing, Jan 19, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2011
    Agree with way about the top mounts. Also the those front camber plates are solid and in fact hurt the ride more then anything.
    If these front struts come with the helpers then TAKE THEM OFF! Would have no clue why anyone would have helpers in the fronts.
     
  13. M^Cubed

    M^Cubed Member

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    For when you are doing rally racing with extended length control arms... DUH!!!! :smilewinkgrin:
     
  14. andyroo

    andyroo New Member
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    #14 andyroo, Jan 19, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2011
    Why? I know most people aren't jumping their cars or lifting front inside wheels at the track, but i see it more as a convenience thing for a street car and don't see any reason to take them off (besides a mm or 2 of travel).

    It's a farily low rate tender for the KW's though.

    - Andrew
     
  15. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2009
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    Agree.
     
  16. TT_Zop

    TT_Zop Club Coordinator

    May 26, 2009
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    Update: As the owner of the KW problem, AST rear pillow ball mounts have been replaced with stock mount, ride hieght has been raised 1/4. Still rides like a pogo stick!
    I set the dampner adjustment to recommened settings, 9 clicks out in front-10 out in rear. Anymore sugggestions?
     

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