[CHLe90]

After much debate and following of threads, I decided to install the Ohlins R&T coilovers with Swift springs 336F / 672R at HP Autowerks. I wanted to maintain or improve daily driving comfort while significantly improving my car's composure (keep the tires planted to the road) and balance as I move into autocrossing / tracking. I also wanted to lower the car an inch or so. Spirited mountain road driving is the extent of my driving for the moment, but the ZSP suspension still left much to be desired. The description of the real world performance of the DFV technology by Ohlins adopters convinced me to take the plunge.

While the suspension was apart, I went ahead and opted for the HPA rear adjustable toe control arms, adjustable front ASB end links, Vorschlag camber plates and the M3 control arm bits in front. Prior changes to the car had included Dinan ASBs, Quaife and a more recent, significant unspring weight reduction by changing to Advan RS wheels, which I've now added 10mm spacers to. I'm also running Michelin PSS at 255/35 and 225/40.

I haven't explored the full range of settings for damping with the Ohlins, but have been pleased so far with mid-range. After having the opportunity to hit the moutain roads a few days ago, I'm very happy with the outcome. The tires stayed planted despite broken pavement. Understeer / neutral / oversteer balance is very controllable by throttle.

Thanks for everyone that contribute to these threads with your experiences and to Harold for supporting me through tons of questions and for getting my car in and out of his shop (including the cross weighting and realignment) in one day due to my time constraints!

Now, for a few pics.

[seanblee]

Looks good! How do you find the ride quality compared to stock?

[lito]

[CHLe90]

Originally Posted by seanblee

Looks good! How do you find the ride quality compared to stock?

I like it better overall. The coilovers still let the car "flow" with normal freeway driving but still respond quickly to more abrupt bumps / holes. The stock suspension had a tendency to lumber across broken pavement at speed (which can be very uncomfortable), but these coilovers definitely keep the tires planted without being harsh, even at mid-range damping (15 clicks).

[CHLe90]

Originally Posted by seanblee

Looks good! How do you find the ride quality compared to stock?

... and thanks!

[Bimmer-Bob]

Can you explain how the damper adjustment works? I've seen pics with knobs on the bottom of the strut bodies, but I don't see where the rear shocks adjust - I assume at the top, and that you have to cut holes in the trunk liner to access. Got any pics perchance?

Also, how does adjustment work exactly? Are there pretty discrete clicks and/or visual markings on the knobs to let you know where you are?

[CHLe90]

Your assumption is correct for the rear adjustment, with short extension cables that protrude through the trunk liner (will add a pic or two later today - an oversight on my part). There are 30 total discrete and obvious clicks with firmer in the clockwise direction. No markings as the rotation for each click is significant. The extensions for the rear dampers greatly deaden the feeling of the clicks, so focus is needed to properly detect them..

[fastloop]

Excellent suspension choice. I'm currently running with the kit springs and so far the car feels to have a lot more grip. I did try it at the factory settings (7 clicks from hard) and it was too hard for the local roads here. Something in the middle sounds about right.

As the OP said the holes in the side panel deadens the adjuster feel and I had to widen the holes as little to better feel the clicks. With everything off I counted 34 clicks on the rear and 31 on the fronts, so plenty of adjustment.

[seanblee]

Originally Posted by 335rocks

Excellent suspension choice. I'm currently running with the kit springs and so far the car feels to have a lot more grip. I did try it at the factory settings (7 clicks from hard) and it was too hard for the local roads here. Something in the middle sounds about right.

Lars, I was wondering if you'd had yours fitted yet - sounds like you're happy with them We'll have to chat at the next meet!

[just4kickz]

nice!

[CHLe90]

Good pics. My rear adjustment extenders could likely use less angle to minimize cable wind up. Here are pics of front (fuzzy - sorry) and rear adjustments.

[fastloop]

Originally Posted by CHLe90

Good pics. My rear adjustment extenders could likely use less angle to minimize cable wind up. Here are pics of front (fuzzy - sorry) and rear adjustments.

Mine had a similar angle before I made the holes bigger with my Dremel and the clicks were so faint that it was a guessing game. The slightly bigger holes made the adjuster more straight and there is less pressure on the side. The adjuster is a square spring type so any pressure on the side really affect the feel.

Is that an M3 wishbone and tension strut in the pic?

Could you take some photos of the camber plates from the top and how easy are they to adjust? I have been looking at the Vorslag camber plates and it would be great to hear some feedback on these?

[HP Autosport]

Great review. Enjoy it!

[CHLe90]

Originally Posted by 335rocks

Is that an M3 wishbone and tension strut in the pic?

Could you take some photos of the camber plates from the top and how easy are they to adjust? I have been looking at the Vorslag camber plates and it would be great to hear some feedback on these?

Yes, M3 parts for the front. I look forward to giving some better feedback on the Vorschlags. You definitely pick up more road noise absent the compliance of the OEM strut mounts. As I'm told, adjusting is simply a matter of jacking the car, loosening the three top nuts and sliding the main bearing along the slot. Later I'll plan to establish marks for various levels of negative camber based on position. As you can see, mine are set at absolute minimum negative camber to start, which yields just short of -1.5 degrees with the M3 wishbone and tension strut.

Maybe Harold can share more on the Vorschlags and reality of trackside camber adjustments.

[HP Autosport]

Typically with Vorshlag camber plates installed you will see -2.5 to -3 for max camber.

[edirtaynine]

so purtttyyyyy

[F80M]

One serious setup you have there...nice!

[CHLe90]

Originally Posted by edirtaynine

so purtttyyyyy

91Octane One serious setup you have there...nice!

Thanks, guys! Really enjoying the setup! This reminded me that I never posted an update on the rear adjustment extensions. Simply used a box cutter to open up the holes in the trunk liner to eliminate the bending of the extension cables. Adjustments provide very distinct clicks in the rear now - much better!

[E90335iflyer]

This is a great looking kit as well. Looks just as well built as the JRZ RS1. Has anyone driven both and can compare? I am looking go get a suspension real soon...tired of the horrible stock suspension even on my commuter.

[swifty]

Can you provide more feedback on this? I plan on going with springs that come with the kit since I don't have m3 bushings etc.

- Is the ride bouncy at any point
- how much camber were you able to get with out camber plates
- does it come with bumpstops ... do you find the car hitting the bumpstops much?

thanks.

[CHLe90]

Originally Posted by swifty

Can you provide more feedback on this? I plan on going with springs that come with the kit since I don't have m3 bushings etc.

- Is the ride bouncy at any point
- how much camber were you able to get with out camber plates
- does it come with bumpstops ... do you find the car hitting the bumpstops much?

thanks.

I don't have the M3 bushings either. The only time the ride felt really bouncy is when I experimented with the damping at full hard in the rear. Without much analysis, I just attributed that to the higher spring rate fighting the dampers. The camber without getting into the adjustable plates is running at around -1.4. I've never hit the bump stops. The ride is great and the motion is very well controlled. With my spring rates, the optimal damping in front seems to be with 7-12 clicks from full hard and 10-15 clicks from full hard for the back.

[swifty]

^ Thanks man.

Also, what made you go for the higher spring rates considering you are not running M3 bushings etc? I'm so confused as to why ohlins is recommending Front 300 and Rear 400 with the factory kit?