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HippoSleek · 04-19-2002, 06:59 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wav399 @ April 19 2002,04:41)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">So, do you think coilovers is the best of both worlds? Something that gives excellent handling and gets rid of that wheel gap on the S13 and is good for a daily driver.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Oh sure... if I had an s13!  ...that's one thing I'm pissed about - no GroundControls for the s14!

Coilovers are a good choice provided 1) you live in an area of smooth roads (since the spring rates are usually quite high) and 2) you don't drive hard enough to break things (getting them serviced in Japan can mean 4 months of down time and/or stock suspension).  The more I think about it, the more the money and rough ride are worth it.  My only problem is #2 is a possiblity and that would suck <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/butbut.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':but:'>

If I had an s13, I'd run custom rate GC's (probably about 300/250 - but I don't even know what stock rates are so this is a guess based on rates of other brands) with AGXs at about 1.5-1.8" of drop (depending on the approximate corner weights).  Without seeing the set up, I'm not sure if that drop would leave me enough travel; if not, I'd move it up a bit.  I think this would provide every good a ride as a full coil set up, get rid of ugly wheel gap, allow replacement of broken parts in two days, and offer the ability to order different spring rates ($50 ea.) if I wanted more or less stiffness.  I like the ability to adjust or replace things separately rather than needing a whole other $1500 system.  My total cost for that - $400+ for the shocks and probably around $400-450 for my custom rate GCs.  That's nearly half the cost of a full coil system which means that I could replace two shocks and buy 2 more sets of 4 springs to adjust my rates to conditions for about the same money as coils <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

If I didn't live in a city that beats the hell out of cars and wanted to go lower, I'd pick up the expensive short stroke GABs and use them.  I'm still cheaper than entry level Tiens (that I can't use b/c I live in the land of winter).  Plus, I can get those shocks rebuilt and revalved in the USA if/when I break them.

My final caveat is to take much of this with a grain of salt.  Why?  Because I beat the hell out of my car.  Most people replace the suspension b/c they want the look or better performance.  I am replacing mine soon b/c I have to - I have found it's limits and it is holding me back from driving faster on courses.  I like to use something to its limits before I upgrade!  If you are unlikely to abuse your car to the limits, I'd wager a basic spring shock or entry level coilover system would be sufficient.  Perhaps some kg/mm D21's or even Pro Kits (most JDM springs are too hard and low for comfortable daily driving, IMHO).

04-19-2002, 06:59 AM	#9
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0)	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wav399 @ April 19 2002,04:41)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">So, do you think coilovers is the best of both worlds? Something that gives excellent handling and gets rid of that wheel gap on the S13 and is good for a daily driver.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Oh sure... if I had an s13!  ...that's one thing I'm pissed about - no GroundControls for the s14! Coilovers are a good choice provided 1) you live in an area of smooth roads (since the spring rates are usually quite high) and 2) you don't drive hard enough to break things (getting them serviced in Japan can mean 4 months of down time and/or stock suspension).  The more I think about it, the more the money and rough ride are worth it.  My only problem is #2 is a possiblity and that would suck <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/butbut.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':but:'> If I had an s13, I'd run custom rate GC's (probably about 300/250 - but I don't even know what stock rates are so this is a guess based on rates of other brands) with AGXs at about 1.5-1.8" of drop (depending on the approximate corner weights).  Without seeing the set up, I'm not sure if that drop would leave me enough travel; if not, I'd move it up a bit.  I think this would provide every good a ride as a full coil set up, get rid of ugly wheel gap, allow replacement of broken parts in two days, and offer the ability to order different spring rates ($50 ea.) if I wanted more or less stiffness.  I like the ability to adjust or replace things separately rather than needing a whole other $1500 system.  My total cost for that - $400+ for the shocks and probably around $400-450 for my custom rate GCs.  That's nearly half the cost of a full coil system which means that I could replace two shocks and buy 2 more sets of 4 springs to adjust my rates to conditions for about the same money as coils <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> If I didn't live in a city that beats the hell out of cars and wanted to go lower, I'd pick up the expensive short stroke GABs and use them.  I'm still cheaper than entry level Tiens (that I can't use b/c I live in the land of winter).  Plus, I can get those shocks rebuilt and revalved in the USA if/when I break them. My final caveat is to take much of this with a grain of salt.  Why?  Because I beat the hell out of my car.  Most people replace the suspension b/c they want the look or better performance.  I am replacing mine soon b/c I have to - I have found it's limits and it is holding me back from driving faster on courses.  I like to use something to its limits before I upgrade!  If you are unlikely to abuse your car to the limits, I'd wager a basic spring shock or entry level coilover system would be sufficient.  Perhaps some kg/mm D21's or even Pro Kits (most JDM springs are too hard and low for comfortable daily driving, IMHO).