Opinions wanted on new suspension set up

That's exactly what i was going for. Stiff but still good for daily use. I'm definitely not hardcore nor do I have the skills do ever be hardcore, lol. Getting a top of the line hardcore race set up would be wasted on me. Thanks again for suggesting these, bro.

 

yea man no problem! hope they serve you well!

 

First post for me lol...

I'm on the same boat as you right now. I'm looking get off my Sonic Tuning CO's (Rear coil springs rusted and snapped) for a spring/OTS Shock setup. Koni is on sale right now on tirerack for just under $600 not including springs.. However, you can also source the B8's via the UK for around the same price shipped to the US.

I'm leaning towards B8's + either H&R or Swift Spec R's...
I don't care about DD comfort, and I really want a stiff setup with a good drop (1-1.5 finger gap lol). Not sure if the S/S combo can satisfy my needs :/

 

Welcome!

From what I've read, and what was told to me by people who know way more than I, the B8's are a step up from the Koni Yellows. Better built and longer lasting. Also, the Swift Spec R's have the better driving characteristics but they come with a conservative drop at about 1.1-1.2 inch. The H&R's drop the car a bit lower 1.5-1.8 on average.

For sure the B8's + Swift springs ill be a good stiff setup but it won't get you to the 1-1.5 finger gap you're looking for. You're better off getting another coilover setup if that's your goal.

Remember, you can always adjust a coilover setup to the height you want, but with a spring and shock combo you're stuck with what you get.

 

Hey, first post here. I'm in the market for suspension since one of my stock struts is blown. I have been eyeing the ST X coilovers for my '08 for quite some time, but haven't read any firsthand experience with them until now. I have read that the KW V1 come with an upgraded strut bearing. Is the same true for the ST X?
I pretty much have my options narrowed down to ST X coilovers or Bilstein b14 coilovers, just trying to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

 

Welcome!

The ST X coilovers are great. I've only put about 350 miles on them but so far I love them. Stiffer than stock but still very livable and DD friendly. It handles rough roads like a champ and is more than enough for some spirited driving up in the hills. Pair them up with an upgraded rear sway bar and you have a great handling MS3.

Another great feature that I love about these coilovers is how easy it is to adjust the height of the rear suspension after install. The spring perch adjuster is actually at the bottle of the spring bolted through the lower control arm. This allows you to adjust the height of the rears with just an allen key. All you have to do if jack the rear up and twist away, you don't even need to take off the rear wheels.

Yes the ST X Coilovers come with it's own strut bearings just like the KW V1's. The only thing you would need to reuse from your stock suspension are the top-hats. I just bought new set of top-hats off of Amazon to use with the ST's. This way I could have my stock front springs and shocks assembled and put away somewhere in case of emergency. Also, I didn't want to have to use a spring compressor to take the top-hats off the stock springs and shocks.

I don't have any experience with the Bilstein's but they're a great company so either way you go you will be happy I'm sure.

 

New to this forum. This thread has been super helpful as I'm considering the same upgrades and looking for some long term reviews and recommendations. I have a stock 2013 Speed3. It's a DD split between it and my truck. I've narrowed my choices down to Swift springs/Bilstein B8s or ST X or XTA coil overs. I'll add a RSB at some point too. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

SupersixEVO - nice bike pics. I'm a cyclist (MTB/road) too.

 

Thanks man. Always nice meeting a fellow cyclist. Not sure if you've already made your decision regarding the suspension upgrade but after over a year of diving the ST's, I still love them. I got the ride height just where I want it and the ride is still great. I'm sure the Swift Springs and Bilstein's combo also ride great, if not better, but I just love that I got the exact drop that I wanted.

Either way you go I'm sure you'll be happy but for sure get that RSB! That really made a difference in cornering. If you're into going up into the twisty canyon roads and ripping it up, a RSB is a must. Although for me, lately I've been taring up the canyon roads on my road bike far more than in my MS3, lol.

Good luck on your upgrades man, and keep riding!

 

How are you liking those ST Xs? I hadn't seen this thread originally when doing my research. i'm in the same boat that you were. i ordered swift springs, but if a coilover (which i thought would be ungodly expensive) could also fit the bill then great. i see these COs are even a little cheaper than the B8/Swift combo i assumed i'd do. i don't want to go el cheapo for not good reason but based on what i read they aren't cheap quality...which is great. anyways...lemme know your thoughts.

ps - did you have to roll your rear fenders?