[JZeezSTi]

Hey guys, I need some help with an important decision about my STi. I have been doing research on this since I purchased my STi and have even pulled the trigger on a couple of different setups. Over all I'm still not satisfied and Im back to square one, which is the stock setup for now. I tried the RCE Yellows and although the performance was ok the ride height didnt make me happy as they seemed to make the car look sagged in the back. And they also had quite a harsh ride. Then I decided to get some cheap coilovers, The Megans. These had a decent ride (slightly better than RCE's) but the set I purchased were used and The infamous clunking from the Pillowball top hats was inevidable. Which brings me to my question.

I am set on getting coilovers. and I know that you get what you pay for but lets be realistic here. If we all had infinite money sourses than we'd all have 10,000 dollar coilovers from RCE's website that I dont know the name of right now cuz i forgot, but none the less those are obviously out of the question. As far as price goes I think some where in the 1500 range is what Im aiming for. And I know that I can get some really good Coilovers for that price (give or take a few hundred), so you might say then whats the problem. Well the problem is I have read reviews ontop of reviews and even more reviews and almost every coilover I have read reviews for say they get the infamous clunking from coilovers. I am a very anal person when it comes to annoying noises and I can only deal with so much. I Wanna know if there are any coilovers out there for the price range that I specified which will guarentee No CLUNKING or any other noises. Basically I want them to be completely quiet and just do their job.

Now I have read that German is better than Japanese. I've also read that Pillow ball mounts are prone to clunking over time. I dont know if these are true or not, but please someone shed some light on this dilema of mine.

Also my latest discovery is the Endura tech's. are these german? not sure.

Edit: Also, my usage will be basically DD with as many AutoX's I can make it to during racing season and if the money situation is good An occasional Road Coarse day.

[LightWerkz]

german is valved different, there are less harsh usually. Pillowball mounts may eventually wear out and have some play, but quality ones should last for a WHILE.

Since your on a budget, I already told you, tein ss-p is the way to go.

[evilSTi7]

well, i can't say it's garunteed that you will not get clunking, but my vote would go for the Bilstein PSS9's. Should be very comfortable for everday driving. If you're willing to spend a little more money the prodrive/bilstein spring strut combo just came out at $2k, that should be a good setup.

[SD 05 STi]

i have tein flex. the only real problem i had with these is that the height adjuster locking perch came loose on one of my fronts, resulting in the CO's making clunking noises during u-turn maneuvers. however, the clunking went away after i retightened the perches. so if you do decide to go that route, just make sure you keep the perches nice and tight.

i DD my car, as well as some occasional tracking, and i can honestly say i have had no gripes about the CO's in either scenario. yeah, they can get a tad bit harsh on rough roads, but i've gotten used to it in the 1.5 years owning them.

and given your price range, these would fit in perfectly.

good luck.

[mxpop]

My Cusco Zero2R's are great on the track and not bad on the street. Just dont let your GF put on her makeup while you're driving....

I may be selling them soon. New was $2500, make offer if interested.

[AndrewSS]

I vote for the PSS9 or T2's

[DragonXero13]

I'd recommend the new Prodrive RB320s

[r12rex]

Here's my opinion...


Considering your budget, I (as well as many others) would suggest the Bilstein PSS9.

If you can dish out the extra dough on the RCE T2's (I have them) get them. I love mine and they are absolutely quiet, even with RCE Lowering Camber plates up front. (Modified Group-N rears)


I highly suggest under your situation though to get the PSS9. Why? Because it allows you to use the stock top hats (or Group-N's) Front and Rear. That would make for a silent suspension set-up with great performance and daily driving. All for a great price. I have heard nothing but great reviews on them.

RCE T2's will allow stock top hats or group-n's as well, but it would be a bit more than what your budget allows and rear's would need some modifying unless you purchase the motorsport group-ns.


I can't praise my set-up enough...RCE T2's with 400/350 rates, RCE lowering camber plates, modified group-n's and all the suspension bits you can think of. It is absolutely amazing and very quiet. Good luck with the purchase and keep us updated!

Kind Regards,
Ryan

[Turninconcepts.com]

Originally Posted by DragonXero13

I'd recommend the new Prodrive RB320s

I would hesitate to make a recommendation on anything until we see some feedback. Since these are new I suggest waiting to see what the public says (and I get some seat time on a set).

FWIW, I personally have been very pleased with how quiet out latest AST setup has been. they use the stock rear hats, and can use the stock fronts (although I'm not at this time)

The swift springs we're using feel really good, and the use of helpers certainly cut down on noise.

Now, on to the problem you are having. If you are happy with the coilovers you have, and your only beef is the spherical bearing in the hat, why not just replace the bearing with something of higher quality? There was a thread on spherical bearings the other day, and I believe a link was posted to a place where you can pick up some good ones.

Pull your hat, and take a look at the bearing. If it's name brand they'll have manu and part number stamped on it. Go look at that manu site, and look up the part number for the specs. Find a quality bearing with a higher rating with the same measurements.

If they used an unmarked generic bearing then measure by hand, and go from there.

[JZeezSTi]

Originally Posted by r12rex

Here's my opinion...


Considering your budget, I (as well as many others) would suggest the Bilstein PSS9.

If you can dish out the extra dough on the RCE T2's (I have them) get them. I love mine and they are absolutely quiet, even with RCE Lowering Camber plates up front. (Modified Group-N rears)

I highly suggest under your situation though to get the PSS9. Why? Because it allows you to use the stock top hats (or Group-N's) Front and Rear. That would make for a silent suspension set-up with great performance and daily driving. All for a great price. I have heard nothing but great reviews on them.

Good luck with the purchase and keep us updated!

Kind Regards,
Ryan

This is a good idea, I'm gonna do some research and some pricing and consider this one. Thanx

PS I would love to go the RCE T2's route. definately an option as well. just pricey.

Originally Posted by Turninconcepts.com

Now, on to the problem you are having. If you are happy with the coilovers you have, and your only beef is the spherical bearing in the hat, why not just replace the bearing with something of higher quality? There was a thread on spherical bearings the other day, and I believe a link was posted to a place where you can pick up some good ones.

Pull your hat, and take a look at the bearing. If it's name brand they'll have manu and part number stamped on it. Go look at that manu site, and look up the part number for the specs. Find a quality bearing with a higher rating with the same measurements.

If they used an unmarked generic bearing then measure by hand, and go from there.

This is also a great idea. The only decision I would have to be careful when making is, which coilover is the best balance of Quality and affordability to use for this type of custom set up.
Thanx

The PSS9's might be a good candidate although Ive read that they lack in the aggressiveness department for autocrossing and tracking.

Has anyone ever had any first hand experience with the Endura Tech's?

[mxpop]

Originally Posted by mxpop

My Cusco Zero2R's are great on the track and not bad on the street. Just dont let your GF put on her makeup while you're driving....

I may be selling them soon. New was $2500, make offer if interested.

WOW! That MXPOP guy is really cool and knowledgeable! You should make him an offer on these great CO's!

[Turninconcepts.com]

I hear that MXPOP guy is looking to sell his cuscos so you might want to check with him.

Seriously, if you're happy with the setup you have now, but looking to eliminate noise then look into replacing the bearing first. In the long run it'll be MUCH less expensive than going with a whole new setup.

[evilSTi7]

the cusco's cost you $2500 new? Damn, that was the same price as my ohlins sportlines.

[mxpop]

^^ Yep, that was the going price with adjustable tops about a year ago. Ohlins is def a trusted name but I figured that one of the top Asian model shocks was prob better than a lower level Ohlin. They've done well for me on track and even helped get me a track record. I should prob just keep them as they have proven to be so good on the track but I am looking to make more track day adjustments than these allow.

My next shocks will be in a much higher $ range or higher, Ohlins Flags for about $4k are nice but i'm only looking for a track shock, not one that can neccessarily do it all. I'm looking at Ohlins, Motons, etc....

Suggestions?

[evilSTi7]

Originally Posted by mxpop

^^ Yep, that was the going price with adjustable tops about a year ago. Ohlins is def a trusted name but I figured that one of the top Asian model shocks was prob better than a lower level Ohlin. They've done well for me on track and even helped get me a track record. I should prob just keep them as they have proven to be so good on the track but I am looking to make more track day adjustments than these allow.

My next shocks will be in a much higher $ range or higher, Ohlins Flags for about $4k are nice but i'm only looking for a track shock, not one that can neccessarily do it all. I'm looking at Ohlins, Motons, etc....

Suggestions?

yea for a more track oriented car you could do better than the ohlins for that price. When you get up by the super high price coilovers you loose me. I know of companies just from reputation but that's it. I doubt that you could go wrong with any external resevior ohlins though.