Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys,

I've been looking around what I'm gonna need for my FC. So I started looking into coilovers. Looking for a entry level set-up, but not the cheapest **** around. Wanna get decent stuff, so I don't have to upgrade after a few events. Don't wanna be disappointed I guess...

First a little info about the car: It's gonna be a stripped S5 TII track car. I'm still keeping the option of making it street-legal, if I ever find an insurance company stupid enough to insure me.

I've talked to Stance about making a custom set of GR+3 coilovers (not available for the FC of the shelf), and they would do it for me. What i like about them is that they are 3-way adjustable, meaning I'll have enough settings to play around with for a couple of seasons. Pretty much everything of the shelf for the FC (including other companies) is dual tube and 1-way adjustable. The main problem I have with Stance is that over here in Europe there is no support or retailers. They haven't discovered the Euro-market yet I guess.

Here are the Stance GR+3 specs:



Now, I haven't talked with other companies about 3-way adjustable coilovers. I guess most of them could also make me a set, so I might try.

I would like to have some of your imput on this topic guys. What companies should I check? Will the US based Stance be a problem for us Europeans? Am I in over my head, and should I start with 1-way adjustable coilovers? I have no expierence setting up suspensions after all. Should I have posted this topic in the race car tech?

Thanks for your input peeps,

Riz.

Gene

iTrader: (1)

Have you ever done any track events before? You don't need to go nuts on mods at first. You're going to be pretty busy just learning to get around the track, the last thing you need at first is complicated 3-way adjustable shocks to fiddle with when you don't have the experience to listen to what the car is telling you and tune appropriately. You can also learn a lot more at first with a close to stock car. A car that's too good will hide your mistakes.

Black91n/a

Agreed, keep the car more or less stock for now, who knows, you may not even like track driving, or you may decide that you want to upgrade to a faster car to start with. My first track day was in a 99.99% stock car and I can tell you one thing for damned certain, the car wasn't the slow part of the equation. Having a slower car WILL teach you more and faster. Also, it is absolutely worth getting instruction, you will learn SOOOOOO much faster and you won't be learning any bad habbits. So be sure to get instruction when you go to the track.

As for companies in Europe, there's Koni or KW which could make you custom coilovers, but at first you won't be needing 3 way adjustables, and they'll probably hinder you since you won't know how to tune them and you won't be a good enough driver to know if it's better or not.

w0ppe

You also have to keep in mind what sort of track racing you'll be doing. By starting out with the stock vehicle, you have a starting point from which you can improve. I've done it both ways, my RX-7 with stock set-up and I'm moving into coil-overs. I've also seen it done with starting out with Tein coil-over setup. By doing it the latter way, you'll be completely lost in trying to figure yourself out. If you're fairly new the track racing, then about 90% of your driving skill will determine times rather than your vehicle. Wait until you get a good comfortable feel before going street-legal tin can...

Gene

iTrader: (1)

Also the money you don't spend on parts can be spent on track time and gas. Concentrate on reliability mods such as your oiling and cooling systems so that you can get the most out of your track time. I would recommend getting alignment parts and having a professional alignment done since these cars are getting old and are likely out of whack.

racerlinkfc

if you want some good coilovers to buy im selling some tein type he drift coilovers 900+ shipping they only have 600 non abusive miles on them before i parted the car out my loss your gain pm if your interested

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

I would say I'm a n00b when it comes to track driving... I have done some some laps in a few stock cars, some laps in a Formula Ford car, some in a Porsche GT3 Cup car and a few in a Lambo Gallardo. But not enough consequtive (sp?) laps to start improving and getting a feel. I definiatly know I like it! Oh yeah, I also survived the Nordschleife!

Thanks for the imput on the 3-Way guys, I was worried I might be in over my head, so I guess I'll go 1-Way at first.

I'm in love with the FC, been so for almost 2 years before I got one, so I deffeniatly don't wanna trade up to a faster car, but rather make myself and the FC faster. I'm not super impressed with the car's performance (worn engine) and the handling (probably worn aswell). I would concidder driving around with a stock car, if it were somewhat close to new. I don't think the car drives like it used to.

So since the stock shocks are probably worn, and I wanna get coilovers you guys would say a set of dual-tube 1-Ways with of the shelve springrates and valving?

If I were to buy Tein, I'd probably get the Felx type, and buy them over here. Way easier if they need to be rebuilt. But thanks for the offer, I'm sure you'll find someone.

Ofcoarse more input is appreciated.

Thanks guys,

Riz.

MaczPayne

iTrader: (5)

Seems like you're interested in Stances. Try out the GR+ Pro, you won't be dissapointed. I've got a few trackdays and autocrosses on them and so far they've been great.

HeyITZthatFC

Yeah STANCE are good coilovers, that's what my friend has on his S2000 after I told him I wanted to get some for my FC.

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

I've looked on the sites of Euro brands, and they have no FC stuff. So I'll probably get Stance, Tein or JIC Magic. I like the fact that the JIC 1-Way ones are monotube, but I'll probably got for Tein because of their retailers in Europe.

I thought I might also let you know I have had some new mails, even though I'm not gonna go for 3-Ways anymore. Stance says the can make me the GR+3 custom set for 2500,- USD, which I think is cheap especialy for a custom set-up. Stance is a nice company to talk to, very helpful and laid back. Tein just pretty much awnsered this to my custom question: "Tein has no interest manufacturing Type N1 coilovers for FC3S".

So yeah, that's it I guess...

Riz.

Gene

iTrader: (1)

Wow that's a pretty good price for 3-ways.

g14novak

iTrader: (1)

Just a personal opinion but you said you weren't impressed with the cars performance because of the engine being a little worn. Do you know how many miles are on the engine or who rebuilt it last?

I'd suggest making sure the engine is solid before going into handling. Last thing you want is to get your new coilovers installed, go to the track, take the first corner, and the motor pop as your accelerating out of it.

On another note, if the engine is solid, I'd recommend the Stance. I've heard and seen GREAT performance out of these coilovers for all sorts of track applications. Drag, drift, and TA.

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

That's what I thought! I saw the prices of their of the helf 3-Ways, and combined with the rep Stance seems to have on these forums I wondered if it wouldn't be better to invest another 600 dollars to get the GR+3 instead of the Tein Flex...

That's where the dilemma came from.

They engine has done 111.000km (about 70.000mi), and it hasn't been rebuilt/replaced. This guy who evaluated my buy said I was on the low side compression wise. The chart read about 6 Bar both front and rear. Turbo is being GHEY aswell... The guy said there was no real danger for the engine, but he just said I didn't have to expect max performance.

The reason I decided to keep the engine in this condition for next season is:

1) I expected I was gonna run it on the street next season, untill I found out about my insurance situation. Where it wouldn't be kicked in the *** as much as on track. Now it's not going on the street I might have to revise my plan.

2) I bought the car with the intension to run this engine for atleast another season.

3) I don't know what I want engine wise yet. Depends on howmuch I can sort out the handling... Power is useless without handling/braking.

4) I enjoy quick cornering more then quick acceleration/topspeed. I know that sounds a bit simple minded but I just prioritise (sp?) handling/braking.

Riz.

MaczPayne

iTrader: (5)

Stance GR+ coilovers are inverted montotube.

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

Hmmm... So the easiest to obtain over here (Tein) and to have overhauled is the only twin-tube.

Howmuch better would you guys say mono-tube is?

Riz.

MaczPayne

iTrader: (5)

Your answers here:

https://www.rx7club.com/suspension-wheels-tires-brakes-20/mono-tube-vs-twin-tube-shocks-coilovers-798034/

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

THNX for the link!

Black91n/a

Don't get too caught up in the whole twin tube vs. mono tube thing. Mono tubes only have a performance advantage if all else is equal (or better), the problem is all else is never equal. I use Tein Flex at the track (7kg/mm front, standard 5kg/mm rear springs, Racing Beat front, stock rear sway bars) and they handle quite well. A number of driving instructors have commented that my car handles very well on track with that setup, so it's got to be pretty good. I'd trust the Flex to have better, more consistent valving with a longer life. You can also get them re-valved, whereas Stance will just sell you a new damper with no choice of valving.

That price is good for a 3 way IF (and that's a big if) they don't suck. Stance has very little experience building coilovers and even less building triple adjustables (they're a relative newcomer to the market, compared to Tein which has been in the business at least since the 1980's). As you add adjustments to the valving, things get very much more complicated and it'll be VERY easy to screw it up. I wouldn't evaluate their 3 ways against other brands that have a longer history.

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, I'm sure Tein will improve the car. And if I go Tein, it won't be the weak link, I will be.

Stance will also revalve and has also a lot of different spring-rates. I belive if you go for the "PRO" versions, they will make you a set with your requested valving. I'm not 100% sure though. I DO know that the 3-Way can be custom valved, cause they offered me in their first mail.

Yeah, I never heard of them before either. But on this forum everybody i always like: Tein sucks, get Stance... I always wondered whether it's an because of the brand being American, or if they realy came this for in just a few years. Another one that's been around for only a few years (K-Sport) I would never get. First of all my dad has their coil-overs and big-brake kit, and I've seen his problems. Second they don't have the rep that Stance seems to have.

I guess if people are ready for a 3-way set, but don't have the cash, Stance GR+3 is a good choice.

Riz.

Gene

iTrader: (1)

What kind of problems is he having with the K-sport brake kit? $2400 USD seems like a hell of a deal for a 6pot kit with 2-piece rotors, so I was wondering if they were any good.

g14novak

iTrader: (1)

For that price tag, why not get something with known good quality from Endless? They've put out some great kits for the rx-7's.

Gene

iTrader: (1)

The endless stuff is substantially more expensive, and I'm worried about getting spare parts and having an adequate selection of brake pad choices. Right now I'm leaning towards the KVR AP 4-pot setup. First I'm going to try ducting my stock brakes and see if that solves my problems though.

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

Well, the car was built for a German TV-show and is pretty much a riced out show car... Very clean built, but more show than go. I can't belive he sold his Z33 for this! Anyways, it's got this kit on the front:

http://www.ksportusa.com/asp/brake_k...roduct_id=bk03

Now according to all the data (which are very well recorded because this was a TV-built, the car has only done a few kilometers on the Autobahn, and has seen no track. The car on the track would be extremely fail BTW! Anywho, when the car was checked out, and he was complaining about the braking, it was found that both rotors were warped. That seems odd with me for the new-ness of them, I know it can happen quick, but I dunno if this would have happended with other brands.

Here's the car:







In the last pic you can see the kit with the Ghey rotors...

I'm not trying to completely bash the brand, since we didn't purchase/installed the kit. And there hasn't been done enough driving to make a real comment. My first impression was not so good, and that has probably made me a bit biased.

On another thought: Why these huge brakes on only a slightly modified car?

I love Endless as a brand, and you see them in racing aswell... Brembo is the same way, and probably the most respected brake company in the world, but no support for our cars. I dunno what KVR means, but AP seems serious business, I mean no flashy colors, just great racing products.

Riz.

Gene

iTrader: (1)

12-piston!?!?! WTF. Well it looks like they were making a show car and wanted the huge brakes to fill up those dubs. KVR is an American (I think) company that makes pads and rotors and sells a BBK for our cars with AP calipers. Trashing brand new rotors that fast with a street driven application is nuts though.

Tofuman FC3S

iTrader: (1)

HaHa! Yeah, all the cool kids are doing it... Those have to be some heavy *** calipers though, never held them in my hand. If this car was doing insane autobahn speeds I would say OK brakes for such a heavy car, but it's not that fast...

Deffo for the look I guess, but those "Dubs" aren't nearly as heavy as I thought. They are custom forged and are alot less heavy blingin' in realy life. It's just the widt difference front and rear is crazy... Can you say understeer?

I'll look it up.

Yeah, he got it that way. I wasn't there when he bought the car, and they sold him a stupid story saying it was build up on the rotors and pads because of the racing-pads, and that it would go away after braking a few times with the new street-compound pads they also gave him...

Riz.