[JPWEraser]

Over the last 3 or 4 months, I have been noticing more and more noise coming from my struts. First it was my front passenger strut clunking, then it was both fronts... now is both fronts and my rear passenger strut is clunking so badly that it almost sounds like it is coming apart. I have taken my wheels off several times to be sure that there is nothing loose and everything is nice and tight. I am basically just done with the stock struts. They don't ride all that great with my progressive lowering springs on them. I was saving my pennies to buy a TiC AST coilover setup eventually but now that my purchase time frame has been bumped sooner rather than later, I see that they are out of stock. I toyed with the idea of some Ohlins FPS with RCE Yellows and Group-N hats but at the time it was too much money and I resided to just get some of the TiC ASTs. I drive my car daily and would like to have something decently comfortable (read: more comfortable than stock - even marginally would be acceptable). I do love to mash on the go pedal a lot on twisties and East TN has a lot of them so I do that quite often. What would be the better option to suit my overall goal (reasonably comfortable, capable of performing when pushed, and available fairly quickly): Grab up the Ohlins setup or try and see if the stock struts will last long enough for the TiC setup to become available. Your help and opinions are GREATLY appreciated.

[alphaSTI]

I can't speak about the TiC's because I've never tried them. However I just installed my Ohlins FP, Yellows, and Group N's and I think they are the best compromise for my daily driving. I came from a Zeal Function-Xs suspension that was great for the track and okay for the streets. But I wanted something more comfortable so I opted for the Ohlins. The Ohlins set on almost full soft are a great ride very BMW like as many of my friends have said.

And you could always turn the damping up for a firmer ride if that's what you prefer. I'm sure the TiC's are awesome as well, but from my experience with the Ohlins & RCE's you really can't go wrong with them.

[JPWEraser]

Originally Posted by alphaSTI

I can't speak about the TiC's because I've never tried them. However I just installed my Ohlins FP, Yellows, and Group N's and I think they are the best compromise for my daily driving. I came from a Zeal Function-Xs suspension that was great for the track and okay for the streets. But I wanted something more comfortable so I opted for the Ohlins. The Ohlins set on almost full soft are a great ride very BMW like as many of my friends have said.

And you could always turn the damping up for a firmer ride if that's what you prefer. I'm sure the TiC's are awesome as well, but from my experience with the Ohlins & RCE's you really can't go wrong with them.

Thanks for the quick reply. I love the idea of the Ohlins setup (and cost wise, I have a line on a nice used setup) - I just want to make sure that I am doing the right thing here since it is a large investment.

[kitganzon]

Endless Zeal!

[05_GD7]

I think if you don't want to make the jump to coilovers with all the adjustability, then I think your line on the Ohlins is by far the best option.

[4banger]

Originally Posted by 05_GD7

I think if you don't want to make the jump to coilovers with all the adjustability, then I think your line on the Ohlins is by far the best option.

Once you get them set up right, you shouldn't have to change setting on your coilovers, so I wouldn't let that deter you. I have TiC's, so I am pretty biased, but I can't say enough good things about them. I think you should check out Stretch's review that he wrote yesterday where he swapped to softer springs. I think that would be the best setup for you. Even with stiffer springs, you will not be dissapointed in the ride quality.

If you have a good line on the Ohlins and can get them for significantly cheaper, that would also be an excellent choice, but I would go with RCE blacks vice the yellows.

[tyler_sti]

tic's hands down. Adjustability is an option, once their set for the street their set. After that its up to you if you want to change them. People often get scared away from coilovers because of their adjustability. IMO..

[twiSTies]

I'd go with the Ohlins, RCE Blacks, and Group N mounts for your use.

[JPWEraser]

Thanks for the good feedback. I am not scared of he adjustability at all, I just need them pretty quickly. All the popping and clunking I am hearing from my passenger rear corner is downright unnatural and I have had it with the stock struts. For what it's worth, I have almost 60k miles on my car and have been on progressive lowering springs for at least 40k of them, so maybe they have just run their course. I really am leaning 60% to the TiC coilovers and 40% to the Ohlins setup. I am almost positive that I would be happier with either setup. I am 60% for the TiC ASTs because I have read the reviews and info threads several times over (thanks Stretch, Clint, etc.) and I know they would work beautifully for my needs. The only things holding me back are 1) the TiC ASTs will end up costing me more ($2400 + hats/camber plates), 2) they are out of stock. I can get some Ohlins, front camber plates, rear group-n hats, and RCE Yellows for barely more than the TiC ASTs alone. Grrr, decisions decisions.

[RaceComp Engineering]

TIC hands down. Done deal. Finished. Let someone on the boards know about the rear struts you need and someone would prob give them to you free.

TIC's setup and you are done.

Myles

[JPWEraser]

Originally Posted by RaceComp Engineering

TIC hands down. Done deal. Finished. Let someone on the boards know about the rear struts you need and someone would prob give them to you free.

TIC's setup and you are done.

Myles

Thanks Myles. Going to PM Clint and see when he expects more coilover sets to be available.

[JPWEraser]

So uh, yeah... TiC won't order any more 05+ spec AST coilover sets until the last 2 sets of 04 are sold. Not good. So, 2 people need to go ahead and get the ASTs for their 04 STi!

[twiSTies]

I don't get the rush to buy coilovers for a daily driver that'll only see mountain passes. Ohlins FPS would be more than enough for that light duty with no wait times or potential for the typical coilover noises, rebuilds, maintenance, etc. They're overkill for this end user. I'm shocked Myles would go this direction for this customer.

[RaceComp Engineering]

Originally Posted by twiSTies

I don't get the rush to buy coilovers for a daily driver that'll only see mountain passes. Ohlins FPS would be more than enough for that light duty with no wait times or potential for the typical coilover noises, rebuilds, maintenance, etc. They're overkill for this end user. I'm shocked Myles would go this direction for this customer.

Sometimes "OPS" are like kids when you get in the car for a LOONG ride...they say NO I dont have to go to the bathroom and a little into the ride...." DADDDDDDD".....I think I want coilovers..."

Point being....I "sense"...that maybe later on....this might be what the op will want as his needs change.....
...............................remember after reading gazillions of threads and alot of clients you learn to sense these things.........BUT if I am wrong...he still bought a good set of coilovers that will serve his needs.

Like we always say.....either way you are in good company !!

( Dave I do see why you would say what you said though, no worries).

Myles

[twiSTies]

Originally Posted by RaceComp Engineering

Sometimes "OPS" are like kids when you get in the car for a LOONG ride...they say NO I dont have to go to the bathroom and a little into the ride...." DADDDDDDD".....I think I want coilovers..."

Point being....I "sense"...that maybe later on....this might be what the op will want as his needs change.....
...............................remember after reading gazillions of threads and alot of clients you learn to sense these things.........BUT if I am wrong...he still bought a good set of coilovers that will serve his needs.

Like we always say.....either way you are in good company !!

( Dave I do see why you would say what you said though, no worries).

Myles

Good analogy. Gotcha