Megan Racing Coilovers are NOT Apex'i N1 ExV coilovers: true story

[Siizzzoooo]

I previously ran Megan Racing coilovers on my S14. I liked them, they were smooth, soft, and height adjustable; perfect for daily driving.

Megan Racing Coilovers $850 shipped Vs. Apex'i ExV Coilovers $1080 shipped

$330 dollar difference!

As we all know, theres all this hearsay about the Megans and Apex'i, as well as many others, being the same exact coilover, but renamed. Yes, yes, we all know they both have almost exact specs, 32 way adj, 8k,6k spring rates, 44mm piston...etc..

Well, just for shits and giggles, I decided to buy the Apex'i just to SEE if there was any truth or if I was just throwing away money.

Anyways, here's the review

Arrival: First impressions
The ExV coilovers are significantly heavier. Good sign for me

Install:
Just as easy as any other coilover, no problems at all.

First drive:
Provided that both coilovers have the same spring rates,

-the ExVs are significantly stiffer than the Megans!
-Dampening is more solid and rebound is excellent
-Hugs turns with significantly less body roll than the Megans

Logan @ Aspec previously stated that they are valved totally different than the Megans, which is apperent here.

So if you want to put it like this, yes they look the same, but internally they are different.

Hopefully you guys found this informative, and add this coilover as another good buy.

I've driven on KTS coilovers and I would have to say that they absolutely are up to par with them.

Overall I am VERY satisfied with my purchase.

I know this is brief, but I can answer any questions you guys may have.

[Nachtmensch]

good info :thumbsup:

[punxva]

bout damn time some1 did a test on these knock-offs, because thats what megans seem to be.

[richardxfeng]

Good Job!

Thank you!!

[KwKouki]

I think the argument between apexi/megan is similar to the mercedes/chrysler crossfire. Pretty much the same build, but not exactly the same car.

[S14DB]

So, how wet do the springs get with all the dampening?

[HyperTek]

good testing. Now it is really considered that they are not the same. How did that rumor come along in the first place? How worn where the megans tho? maybe the new apexi's were really fresh they didnt have time to be broken in yet, which could explain the difference in feel?

[WILDACEX187]

how do they go over bumps on the lowest dampening? do they have helper springs? i've had tein SS coils for almost 2 years now and love them but just want to get some input on the apex.

[Siizzzoooo]

Originally Posted by HyperTek

good testing. Now it is really considered that they are not the same. How did that rumor come along in the first place? How worn where the megans tho? maybe the new apexi's were really fresh they didnt have time to be broken in yet, which could explain the difference in feel?

I had the megans since brand new, up until about 10k miles. The coilovers felt as solid as day 1.

Today, with the Apex'i coilovers, 1k miles later, still feel as solid as Day 1

I ran 20/20 all around for daily driving on the Megans, same case here.

I will turn down the dampening for more testing, but rest assured, it feels VERY different from the Megans without a doubt.

[TheSparo]

still daily driveable easily?

[Siizzzoooo]

on the scale of 1-32 since they're 32 way adjustable; 1 being the softest setting and 32 being the hardest setting, some people may say 20/20 is harsh, but i think its good and tight for my daily spirited driving and commute.

I drive about 75-100 miles a day total.

and yes, its is VERY DAILY drivable

[rcsmith01]

You can't even compare the two companies. Megan Racing is some importer from China and they just bought coilovers from a factory in China who supposedly has the specs to a good coilover system.

Then you have Apexi who is a million dollar company from Japan who tests all their products at Twin Ring Motegi who has a vast race and drifting history. Their stuff might not be made in Japan but Tawaiian, but ultimately apexi would have strict q/a over the products. Most people don't know it but Tawaiian produces some of the top shit in the world, and China just produces shit.

Which one is worth the money? Something that has actual R&D behind it, or something that has pretty colors, good marketing and god knows where they came up with the specs from.

Personally I wouldn't spend more than $500 on anything that isn't from a reputable company, because in the end your just making some fool rich who didn't do shit in the first place except place the order.

[S13 Charlie]

Originally Posted by rcsmith01

You can't even compare the two companies. Megan Racing is some importer from China and they just bought coilovers from a factory in China who supposedly has the specs to a good coilover system.

Then you have Apexi who is a million dollar company from Japan who tests all their products at Twin Ring Motegi who has a vast race and drifting history. Their stuff might not be made in Japan but Tawaiian, but ultimately apexi would have strict q/a over the products. Most people don't know it but Tawaiian produces some of the top shit in the world, and China just produces shit.
Which one is worth the money? Something that has actual R&D behind it, or something that has pretty colors, good marketing and god knows where they came up with the specs from.

Personally I wouldn't spend more than $500 on anything that isn't from a reputable company, because in the end your just making some fool rich who didn't do shit in the first place except place the order.

Fyi, Megan Racing coilvers are produced in Taiwan. And from the looks of the review, Siiizoo seemed to like the MR coilovers and had nothing but good things to say about them in 10k miles of driving. I have a set that I can't wait to install on my S13 coupe, because I know that they'll perform to the level that I require much better than my shock/spring combo.


Also, for what it's worth: $1080 - $850 = $230.

cheers,
C

[rcsmith01]

Your kyb/agx setup is probably better than the megans.

[S13 Charlie]

hmmm, uh, ok. If you want them they're for sale..

[s14kouki416]

just wondering where did you get them for 1080 shipped?

[Siizzzoooo]

it was MY price..lol

I think they sell for more like $1150-1200, am I right?

[originalsin]

i thought it was the apexi n1's?

[s14kouki416]

haha nm i found them for 1049 shipped on www.intensepower.com.

[BigBoizSilvia]

i got the mr's for the s14 for about 7 to 8 months now about 8 to 10k miles on them and they are holding great.. easy adjustablity on the height and spring load and its pretty stiff and takes corners great on 15 to 20 and arent that bad on daily driving at 32.. body roll has definitely decreased and with st sways, it feels like ur on rails when taking turns.. I definitely give them a thumbs up and have bought many of their other products and they will take care of you with their 1yr warranty.. for instance my boost gauge when off was at 4 to 5 psi.. i sent it back to them used and they gave me a brand new one. i also have their afpr, flex downpipe, dump o2 pipe, strut and tie bars, oil catch can, and oil pressure guage.. no problems so far

[Bryants95240sx]

Yeah i rode in Sizzo's old car when he had the megans and they did seem soft compared to my KTS.

[SoSideways]

Here's a thought.

For all you MR coilover hater crybabies, how bout you think about those coilovers for a second before you deem them unworthy?

MR STREET coilovers = setup softer for street
MR track coilovers = setup stiffer for tracks, and comes with 12/10 springs

Put 8/6 springs on MR track coilovers.

What happens then?

That's what I thought.

[Var]

Can you custom order the 8/6 springs with the track shocks?

[Siizzzoooo]

Originally Posted by SoSideways

Here's a thought.

For all you MR coilover hater crybabies, how bout you think about those coilovers for a second before you deem them unworthy?

MR STREET coilovers = setup softer for street
MR track coilovers = setup stiffer for tracks, and comes with 12/10 springs

Put 8/6 springs on MR track coilovers.

What happens then?

That's what I thought.

no one said they were shit...just a comparison and analysis from my experience.

These Apex'i coilovers are semi street and semi track, just as the Megan Street series. So essentially they are in the same product bracket

by the time u buy springs, and buy the coilovers, you'd be spending close to the same amount anyway

[slideways2004]

to the orignal poster: are you saying KTS feel the best out of these 3? how does kts feel compared to megan streets?

[Siizzzoooo]

well, to be honest, they both feel very solid, but I'm not too experienced with KTS, but from my butt-o-meter they KTS and Apex'i coilovers feel comparable

KTS is definately a step or TWO above the Megans Streets without a doubt.

its hard to say which is better between the KTS and Apex'i, because there are so many factors and critics that demand shock dyno's, long term, track use...etc..

If I were to rate the each of the coilovers on overfall performance based on, MY NEEDS...let me repeat...MY NEEDS. This means my daily driving and spirited driving. This will see LITTLE track use, but lots of curvy TN roads.

on a scale of 1-10
Megan HIGH 6, maybe 7
Apex'i HIGH 8
KTS HIGH 8

the only thing I can say I would improve on its maybe an EDFC type adjustability, but thats only exlusive to Tien and Tanabe now

take this as you will

[EchoOfSilence]

Originally Posted by S14DB

So, how wet do the springs get with all the dampening?

[Slam]

Originally Posted by rcsmith01

You can't even compare the two companies. Megan Racing is some importer from China and they just bought coilovers from a factory in China who supposedly has the specs to a good coilover system.

Then you have Apexi who is a million dollar company from Japan who tests all their products at Twin Ring Motegi who has a vast race and drifting history. Their stuff might not be made in Japan but Tawaiian, but ultimately apexi would have strict q/a over the products. Most people don't know it but Tawaiian produces some of the top shit in the world, and China just produces shit.

Which one is worth the money? Something that has actual R&D behind it, or something that has pretty colors, good marketing and god knows where they came up with the specs from.

Personally I wouldn't spend more than $500 on anything that isn't from a reputable company, because in the end your just making some fool rich who didn't do shit in the first place except place the order.

True japanese products typically have more R&D and thats for customers that are willing to pay the premium.
I wouldn't stereotype everything out of china is crap, it just so happens that there is a market for parts that are more economical and the quality is good enough for many enthusiast's needs.

I own a set of JIC FLT-A2's and they were pricey, but with my other 240, I am willing to try a set of megans for the money with the decent reviews its been getting.

Just my opinion..

[SoSideways]

Originally Posted by Var

Can you custom order the 8/6 springs with the track shocks?

I emailed Megan Racing about that a couple of months ago, and they said that they plan on having that service available to customers sometime this year.

Originally Posted by Siizzzoooo

no one said they were shit...just a comparison and analysis from my experience.

These Apex'i coilovers are semi street and semi track, just as the Megan Street series. So essentially they are in the same product bracket

by the time u buy springs, and buy the coilovers, you'd be spending close to the same amount anyway

I wasn't directing my post towards you, but a lot of the guys on here that have experienced them say they don't like them cause they are too soft, and some people on here just go by what they've read. Those are the people I was making my observation to.

But yeah, after that, you might be up there in the pricing as the Apexi N1 ExV coilovers, but you'll also probably end up with a set of shocks that are a bit stiffer than the Apexi ones, which in turn would probably make the hybrid MR coilovers a bit better for track.


I originally was going to go MR Track series with the 8/6 springs, but now that the Stance coilovers have come out, I am going to get those instead (after reading some reviews and shock dynos of course, but from what I've read so far they seem to be quite good).

[zenkei3]

I agree with this thread. Riding in an S14 with Megan Coilovers and an S13 with Apexi coilovers = an incredibly different ride especially in terms of comfort on the street.