Getting coilovers... now what
06-01-2013, 12:12 AM
#1
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Getting coilovers... now what
So I got lucky and was handed some Bilstein SS9's for the price of free ninety nine.
Now that I have that big coilover vs shock/spring debate out of the way.. what's next? I just picked this car up last week, so everything is stock. Probably won't be racing it, but will take it out for a round of "spirited driving" here and there. I've been reading that sway bars are a big upgrade. I suppose that's next on the list?
Now that I have that big coilover vs shock/spring debate out of the way.. what's next? I just picked this car up last week, so everything is stock. Probably won't be racing it, but will take it out for a round of "spirited driving" here and there. I've been reading that sway bars are a big upgrade. I suppose that's next on the list?
06-01-2013, 07:27 AM
#5
Adjust your coilovers right and get a good alignment. I was able to tune out all understeer through the coilovers. Never felt the need for sways after that. I would put the extra money towards better tires & alignment first. Also changing seats made a pretty big difference in keeping me positioned right in the car.
If you want to get some weight off your nose, you can swap in a lightweight battery. Cheap mod.
If you want to get some weight off your nose, you can swap in a lightweight battery. Cheap mod.
06-01-2013, 11:51 PM
#7
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How does one go about tuning the coilovers correctly?
These feel SUPER bumpy, but I haven't messed with the stiffness. I assume since the last guy used them for auto-x that they're set pretty stiff. Don't think they're blown though.
These feel SUPER bumpy, but I haven't messed with the stiffness. I assume since the last guy used them for auto-x that they're set pretty stiff. Don't think they're blown though.
06-02-2013, 06:53 AM
#8
Contact Bilstein for a pdf of the manual for the coilover. It will tell you how to properly set them up. Each coilover is different, but the manufacturer will have a recommended range for adjusting the height, dampening, and preload usually.
After thats dialed in and your happy with the height then you could take it over to Custom Alignment in Mountain View or another suspension shop that specializes in tuning performance setups and have them setup your alignment based on your plans for the car.
After thats dialed in and your happy with the height then you could take it over to Custom Alignment in Mountain View or another suspension shop that specializes in tuning performance setups and have them setup your alignment based on your plans for the car.
06-02-2013, 10:12 AM
#9
Contact Bilstein for a pdf of the manual for the coilover. It will tell you how to properly set them up. Each coilover is different, but the manufacturer will have a recommended range for adjusting the height, dampening, and preload usually.
After thats dialed in and your happy with the height then you could take it over to Custom Alignment in Mountain View or another suspension shop that specializes in tuning performance setups and have them setup your alignment based on your plans for the car.
After thats dialed in and your happy with the height then you could take it over to Custom Alignment in Mountain View or another suspension shop that specializes in tuning performance setups and have them setup your alignment based on your plans for the car.
06-02-2013, 12:35 PM
#10
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Sourcing the pdf for the coilovers helped a ton. Feels much better now.
I'll probably check out auto innovations again, they did my 240sx years ago. Thanks for the help guys
I'll probably check out auto innovations again, they did my 240sx years ago. Thanks for the help guys
06-02-2013, 12:37 PM
#11
So I got lucky and was handed some Bilstein SS9's for the price of free ninety nine.
Now that I have that big coilover vs shock/spring debate out of the way.. what's next? I just picked this car up last week, so everything is stock. Probably won't be racing it, but will take it out for a round of "spirited driving" here and there. I've been reading that sway bars are a big upgrade. I suppose that's next on the list?
Now that I have that big coilover vs shock/spring debate out of the way.. what's next? I just picked this car up last week, so everything is stock. Probably won't be racing it, but will take it out for a round of "spirited driving" here and there. I've been reading that sway bars are a big upgrade. I suppose that's next on the list?
**** YEAH.
06-06-2013, 09:34 AM
#13
If in doubt, FLAT OUT
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Sways and tires are your best value for handlng. You sure those PSS9s fit wagons? I'm not 100% sure they do.
Last edited by 04GG; 06-06-2013 at 09:38 AM.
06-06-2013, 10:01 AM
#14
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They seem to fit fine, what about them would not allow them to fit on a wagon? They don't go very low though,
No #hellaflush #stance swagger for me.Wheels and tires are probably next for me. I'm going to give the 17x9 +38 DR-31's a try.
06-06-2013, 11:29 AM
#15
If in doubt, FLAT OUT
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I'd take Rotas over Drags, but if those are the ones I think they are, that was cheap. It is entirely possible that I will have some 17x9 rotas for sale soon too.
Sedans and wagon suspension are farily different, so not all parts that fit sedans work properly for wagons.
Sedans and wagon suspension are farily different, so not all parts that fit sedans work properly for wagons.
Last edited by 04GG; 06-06-2013 at 11:32 AM.