KW Variant 1 Coilovers

[MSP300]

So im thinking about upgrading my suspension and was looking at KW Variant 1 Coilovers.
i couldn't find any reviews or feedbacks on it, so i was wondering if any of you guys have tried this coilovers. if so, what do you thing about them? if not, would you recommend buying them?

http://www.protegegarage.com/product_info.php?cPath=160_447_254_443&products_id=1681

 

[shaneS]

I was going to get there instead of H&Rs cause mine are backordered. I dont have experience, but someone else on a different forum has V2s and he raves about them

It seems like a good choice.

 

[MSP300]

thanks man
im definitely considering them

 

[shaneS]

Im going to switch to these if my H&Rs arent in stock by friday

 

[solidtrance]

The KW V3's are fantastic coilovers. Many of the nationally competitive STX RX8 guys are running them and those guys know what they are doing. I have never heard a negative comment about them ever. There are better coilovers out there, but they are uber-expensive ($3500+). Go for it.

Edit: Just saw that it was the varient 1's....They are good too.

 

[MSP300]

thanks guys
now im considering V2s lol, im gonna have to save up more money tho cuz im going over my budget with V1s lol

 

[solidtrance]

sorry, didn't mean to bust your budget. Its the V3's not the 2's that they make for the 8 and they are fan-freekin-tastic though. Realistically if you are not looking to be really competitive on the track the V3's are definately overkill for the street, but teh V2's are a bit more reasonablly priced. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[MSP300]

since its my daily driver mostly im gonna use it on the street
i auto x my car as well, but not that often tho
and probably once a year i will go to two day track event with my friends

 

[mz32quick]

I'm looking at the v2's as well for my MS3. Not a hardcore racer or anything and this is my DD that gets quite a few interstate miles, just wondering if my ride quality in terms of feeling every imperfection in the road will go up with v2's or will it be the opposite and ride more smooth with them?

 

[solidtrance]

They will not be more comfortable than stock, but set to full soft and not slammed they might not be too much worse. I am in a similar situation and that is why I went with a spring shock combo over some coilovers. The coilovers would have been great for the once or twice a year i hit the track, but the daily ride would be harsh. Don't get me wrong the ride withthe spring shock combo is a lot stiffer than stock. The way I went just gave me the right mix of comfort and handling. I added a beefy FSB just to be sure.

 

[AequitasVeritas]

my KW V1's just showed up. If they don't have stock, don't plan on getting them soon. KW switched suppliers and all production is at a standstill.

 

[shaneS]

Im gonna cancel my h&rs today, im tired of waiting

 

[AequitasVeritas]

Don't expect the KW's any faster. Took me about a month to get them. And I am a dealer.

 

[MSP300]

let me know what you think about them when you them installed

 

[AequitasVeritas]

will do, should have them on the car on Friday night.

 

[mz32quick]

They will not be more comfortable than stock, but set to full soft and not slammed they might not be too much worse. I am in a similar situation and that is why I went with a spring shock combo over some coilovers. The coilovers would have been great for the once or twice a year i hit the track, but the daily ride would be harsh. Don't get me wrong the ride withthe spring shock combo is a lot stiffer than stock. The way I went just gave me the right mix of comfort and handling. I added a beefy FSB just to be sure.

What spring/shock combo do you have?

 

[solidtrance]

What spring/shock combo do you have?

I have Koni sport struts with Progress Technology springs and FSB. Comfortable on the street, no body roll at all. The struts are adjustable, but once I got them set right I have left them alone.

 

[Design]

I have ridden on KW V3's and they are acceptable for the street. They are stiff but not harsh. Very compliant over small to medium bumps. They are a bit noisy under conditions when the strut compresses at a certain velocity. IMO KW's are the best compromise of street, track, and price.

I decided to go with H&R's because the spring rates are more progressive than KW, but stiff enough for 1-2 track days a year. Progressive springs usually translate to better ride comfort at the expense of a little more body roll. The initial drop is lower at 1.2" F and .75" R. So for the street, H&R's are a good choice if you can handle the drop. And the Bilstein shocks in the kit are some of the best dampers in the business (for the price).

 

[what_the]

Yeah my roommate has the V3's on his speed. Took them 5 weeks to get to him I think. KW stuff is pretty impressive from the pieces I have seen. I also know a lot of Evo owners run V3's for there cars. Also the Mazdaspeed coilovers are essentially re-valved V3's as I understand it. I know you are looking at the V2's and I have no doubt they will serve you well. For a street car separate rebound and compression circuit adjustment isn't as necessary and is kind of a hassle.

 

[Biggs]

The initial drop is lower at 1.2" F and .75" R. So for the street, H&R's are a good choice if you can handle the drop. And the Bilstein shocks in the kit are some of the best dampers in the business (for the price).

the 1.2'' drop is for the coilover with the serial # that ends in "06". which is advertised for the Mazda3. The serial # that ends in "10" is for Speed3 and that has an inital drop of 0.8''...

check it out at tirerack.