Still undecided: Springs/struts or Coilovers

[evilmonkeyMSP]

So the MSP needs a new suspension....badly. It squeaks and is just way to worn for my liking (especially after diving the S2000.) I am still undecided as to what route I want to go with for replacing everything.

Option 1: Tein S-techs and Tokico Illuminas
Option 2: BC Coilovers

Those are all I'm considering at the moment. Im thinking the Coilovers might just be overkill for my needs. I dont track the car and if I ever did I'd just like to have something better than stock (hence the illuminas.) I would still like stiffer than stock suspension though to give the car a better feel. I know it will never feel as tight as the S2000 but I'd like something better than it is now.

As far as the coilovers, honestly once I got it to a particular ride height, I'd probably just leave it there...so Im not sure the adjustability for me is a concern...

So what are your thoughts on this? Persuade me!

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

I know I know! lol

What have I told you many times about BC's and when you were ready to order?? (poke)

 

[HighSpeed]

What have I told you many times about BC's and when you were ready to order?? (poke)

So what is this?

I heard about YellowSpeed Coilovers are a convient option to BC coilovers.......just saying

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

lol She is just giving me s***

 

[geomatics_tech]

Im going to replace my springs and struts next spring and was gonna go with Tokico HP's & Eibach Pro Kit.

Considered coilovers but I dont wanna spend $1500+, I know there are some in the $1000 range but I am not convinced on their quality.

What other components are you replacing while doing the springs and struts?

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

besides the rear swaybar bushings, no.

You dont have to pay $1500 for coilovers. If you want good coilovers without the price, go with the BC.

Theres all of around a $100 in buying BC coilovers vs Teins/Illuminas so I'm just trying to gauge whether or not I should just spend the little extra for the BCs or if I'll be happy with the Tein/Illumina setup.

anyone gone from one to the other?

 

[pat_neumerz]

Bump i heart this thread

 

[Speed3.5]

IMO($0.02) , get BC bc they'll be PnP/hassle free to install vs put together Tein/Illuminas (if you don't do it yourself you'll spend that difference of price into its labor).
FL has great road(most part of it) so if your not into abusing suspensions then BC will last you as long as you treat them nice and you'll have a pain freee install + you can get the best stance on the car that you won't from Tein/Illuminas set up.

I bet you've had same thought on this but hearing it once more might be more convincing lol

 

[jdwk]

What are BC coilovers? I am pretty happy with the stock MSP suspension. Good trade off of ride/perf, but wasn't expecting to replace it at 70k miles. What I'd worry about is having to replace them again before I sell the car or plow it into a wall. Seems like unproven brands tend to deliver good perf compared to their competition, but lack reliability.

 

[_Sloteg_]

I was in the same boat as you not too long ago. I ended up going with pro-kit springs on MSP struts because I didn't want to have a harsh ride quality....If I had to do it all over again I would go with the BC's so, I could have more adjustability as far as ride hight is concerned and after driving around in my buddy civic with BC's (with a higher spring rate then the MSP kit) the ride quality isn't too far off of my set-up...



My .02cent

 

[solidtrance]

I went through he same decision process last winter with my RX8. I had the same thought about the coilovers (wasn't likely to change them once I set them up). From what I could tell (mostly from reading a lot on RX8 club and talking to a few knowledgeable locals who I trust), a good spring/strut combination will improve the cornering characteristics as much or more likely even more than any of the inexpensive coilovers. The main benefit of the inexpensive coilovers is their height adjustability (not a factor for me). However, the struts used are usually nowhere near good as what you are able to get from Tokico, Bilstien or Koni, and the adjustment for them does next to nothing. Also, the coilovers are going to make the ride a lot harsher (usually due to the solid top mount design). I ended up going with a good spring shock combination, and I don't regret it at all. Coupled with sway bars, the difference in handling is night and day. The ride is much stiffer, body roll was virtually eliminated, and the ride is not really harsh. I was able to dial in extra strut stiffness and the ride is similar to the over damped (sp?) feel of most euro cars. I'm sure I should be able to describe this better, but the words escape me at this time.

I am not familiar with the options available for the MSP so I dont know if the illumines are adjustable, but I would look for a set that is. Bilstien will revalve their HD struts to match your desired spring rate, so even though they are not adjustable you should be able to get them pretty dialed in right out of the box. Tokico may be able to do this if the illumines are not adjustable. I dont know if Koni makes a Sport Strut for the MSP, but if they do I would put those on your short list. Hope this helps with your decision process.