Please, help with suspension question

Hi everyone. I’ve been a lurker here for a while and I’d like to say “thanks” for all of the information that’s been posted. Much of it has been a great help to me. As an educator, I have to plan my mods wisely. (Read: I have to save-up) I’ve wanted to do my suspension for a while (for a 99 2.3). It’s my daily driver and I take it to a road track when I can afford to do so and I’ve never auto crossed. Roads here are pretty good so I’m not too worried about a stiff ride. I already have the SS/BS. Here are my options as I see them:

1. Do nothing, just replace with OEM.
2. Just replace shocks with HD shocks (Mechanic’s Advice)
3. Replace shocks and springs
4. Coil Overs

The reason I bring-up coil overs is because I’ve found a set at Bekkers.com for less than $600 which is about the same as option # 3. So here are my questions:

1. $600 No Name at Bekkers vs. $1200 for Bilsteins--- a $600 difference is quite a bit. Do you think the products are $600 different?
2. Besides front adjustability, are there any other good reasons for coil overs?
3. Which of my above options do you think would be best? (Keep in mind that $800 is my limit for this mod.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Eric

Another advantage to coil-overs (at least Ground-Control), is that is gives you a lot more options for coil length and spring-rate. But, if you're happy with the setup of a fixed package, then the only real advantage to a coil-over package is ride-height adjustabilty.

One disadvantage to coil-overs is there isn't a lot of coil space in the rear, and the adjuster rings consume some of that space. This results in reduced travel, and you have to be careful with your coil selection to avoid binding (when the coil has compressed to the point that the windings are touch each other). On my Z3 Roadster, a 425 was way too soft, but a 475 was fine... never bound. On my Z3 Coupe, that same 475 coil would bind occasionally, but moving up to a 525 eliminated the problem.

Note that binding in the front is pretty much a non-issue.

The fixed setup will definitely improve handling, and they're pretty well dialed in to retain a reasonable ride (from what I've read). Cost is lower as well... if it meets your desires, then it's not a bad way to go at all.

I'll choose #2 for staying at the stock height.
I really wonder the quality of the no-name coil-overs, any testimonials??

Yeah, so with coilovers, whats the biggest set of tires you can fit on a M coupe? Can you get 245s in the front? How about 255s?

Mpire,

I'm running the GC coil-overs, but I haven't checked to see how much more clearance I have in front now. Let me do that, and I'll get back to you.

As far as the $600 coil over kit goes...I would check to see if anyone has any tried them before. I think from the picture on bekker's site, the stickers say "SuperSport" as the brand.



I say get a full coil-over kit. Being able to tune the height is worth it in my books.
But whatever you decide on, make sure that the rear springs you are getting are barrel shaped:



I am running the Ground Control coil-over setup (rear springs are not barrel shaped), and am coil-binding all over the place. I'm running a 625 spring rate.
The barrel shaped rear springs allow for more travel; and that's the way the stock spring is shaped also.

Just so happens, I currently have the TC Kline rear barrel shaped 600 rate springs on order to fix my binding problem.
http://tcklineracing.com/springs.htm

I recently bought a 99 M Coupe. The original owner used it as a weekend toy and had set it up with lower, stiffer springs (Eibach or H&R, I'm no sure which) and a high performance exhaust, chipped it, different air intake, strut brace, etc.

With the lousy roads in the Philadelphia area, I'm thinking about going back to stock springs. These are great on smooth roads, the car sits lower and looks terrific, but on uneven pavement and concrete expansion joints it is a bit much for daily use. Interested in an exchange? I can give you measurements on the ride height. No issues with clearance or scraping, just fairly limited travel. Probably a great set-up for track or autocross. If there is anyone else out there with a set of stock springs they want to get rid of, let me know.

Also, I've already dumbed it down by putting the stock exhaust (which came along with the car) back on. The B&B Exhaust was gorgeous, sounded great, but was too much noise for the daily driving I do, particularly below 2,000 RPM where it gets "boomey". Unfortunately, a noticeable difference in performance going back to the stock. Anyone interested in practically flawless, polished stainless steel cat-back exhaust that sells new for $1,100? Two oval tips, 4.5" wide by 3" tall, bolts on using stock hardware and hangers and your car will weigh 30 lb (I weighed 'em) less! Check out www.bbtriflo.com (Billy Boat Exhaust).

It all depends.

I would not put stock shocks back on the car. Either Bilstein or Konis.

As for springs, I have H&Rs with Konis on the LTW. The ride isn't bad at all. I am going to put H&Rs and Bilsteins on the Roadster. I have stock springs and Konis on the E46.

I have had lowering springs on many cars over the years, and I like the better handling over the slightly reduced ride quality. YMMV.

I would NOT go with no name coil overs. I would not put Bilstein coil overs on my car (but I REALLY like Bilstein shocks). Their coil overs tend to have too soft of springs leading to all sorts of wierdness. H&R coil overs are more race oriented.

Bang for the buck - Bilsteins with H&R or Eibach springs. Throw on a set of Ground Control rear shock mounts while youa re at it. The next step up, add RD sway bars (or others if available).

For most people coil overs are overkill. And may lead to more problems than solutions if you can
't/won't/don't understand adjusting everything.