Hey all...

I was looking over some pricing info for a few coilover packages and was dreaming about buying some someday, and then it hit me...since the coilovers appear to be a single unit, can you replace the shock? If so, what's the general cost for doing so (for each of the major brands...HKS, Tanabe, Apexi)? Is it tough? Is it worth getting coilovers vs. shocks/springs?

Just fishing for more info...

 

Most coilover kits come with shock replacements, and a threaded collar on the shock, as well as springs. Ground-control is an exception. There threaded collar is meant to fit over OEM struts, or most aftermarket struts, and they come with springs as well. Ground-controls is the cheapest coilover by far because of this reason. They can be gotten for around or slighlty under $400. It is definently worth getting coilovers over just a shock and spring replacement for multiple reasons. With coilovers, your ride height is adjustable, so if you race your car at the track or auto-x you can lower your car and then raise it up afterwards. Also with coilovers you can balance you cars weight on all four corners by making small adjustments to the the ride height on each corner. Also coilovers make it easier to swap in and out different size and weight springs for different purposes.

 

When coilovers wear out you can usually just have them rebuilt.

 

What's involved in rebuilding coilovers? It looks to me like coilovers are integrated shock/spring units, so how is the shock rebuildable?

Patrick

 

Are coilovers a worthy purchase for and FD? I have a 1993 R1, but I think my shocks are going on me. I was debating going with a coilover set or just replacing the shocks.
Any suggestions?
Any brands of Coilovers to stay away from? (has anyone had problems with theirs?)
Thanks
-Dave

 

Ground Control sleeves are a POS. Get full system if you are going to spend money if not just by springs. I used them for awhile before i got my HKS Hiper Dampers.

Stock shocks, GC will blow them after awhile if you lower it too much. The casing is not designed for the short throw that a lowered car will have. Also you want spring rates to match the dampening and rebound of the shocks. Full kits are designed with everything in mind.

 

I agree with the above excpet the part about GC being POS. They work fine for what they are. A cheaper alternative for the price challenged buyer. You get what you pay for.