As topic suggests, my top mount has gone on the front left, and the entire stock coilover setup is worse for wear.
Can't do one side, so two sides need doing.
What are people's experiences with replacing with KYB + shocks and new top mounts?
The MeisterR adjustable coilies are a tempting option, but only if it's not far off the price of other options.
Thoughts?
Just get a set of MeisterR's and new rear droplinks.
Job done, end of story
Quote from: "Wabbitkilla"Just get a set of MeisterR's and new rear droplinks.
Job done, end of story
Those are not options! That is optioN!
... So that solution is 700 quid all in?
If your changing a shock as it gone the rest will not be far off the same so way up the cost of new top mounts all round, and new shocks all round
But the car's only done 55k. I'd like to think the knacked top mount is just that one corner.
That not many miles, but one would normally expect the rest to follow. Its probably worth having them checked
Meister r are £615 all in at the moment absolute billy bargain imo.
They offer everything stock set up offers then the option to go low s8) 8) s8)
Is the 615 still on? I thought that had gone.
my 2p worth. I don't like the sound of coilovers for every day use. Thinking of just replacing all mine with stock KBA & standard springs.
Camskill has a deal on all 4 corners KBA (ex springs) @ £285. Spoke to my mechanic aboutn it & he checked his own suppliers. He's very suspicious of this deal - according to him, his suppliers can't buy them from KBA at that price. s:? :? s:?
Quote from: "shnazzle"Is the 615 still on? I thought that had gone.
Was still on when i put my deposit down in last couple of weeks. I think its on till this current shipment arrives, I paid my £100.00 deposit on the website, balance when theyre ready to dispatch em.
Front end cost me around £265 including shocks, springs, top cup, insulating bush, the protective boot and anti roll bar links. Was a weekend job reasonably easy to do.
The car has only done 70k and I could not believe the condition of the top cups. The rust had de laminated the metal. I would recommend this as an important job on a to do list. Much like the rear cross member.
The top bearing however was still in good order so just needed cleaning up.
I realise money is an issue, especially when you have a young family, but if you want to keep car standard I would just go for KYB springs and shocks. Or if you are tempted by lowering get the tien springs. I am happy running standard I enjoy having a little bit of roll, and being able to get out the car and walk after 2 hours at the wheel s:D :D s:D
Thanks Tomo. I do worry about the harshness of the MeisterRs. But the ride height can remain stock(ish). Whereas Teins are too low for me.
How'd you get all of that for 265? That's ridiculous
Quote from: "cptspaulding"my 2p worth. I don't like the sound of coilovers for every day use. Thinking of just replacing all mine with stock KBA & standard springs.
Camskill has a deal on all 4 corners KBA (ex springs) @ £285. Spoke to my mechanic aboutn it & he checked his own suppliers. He's very suspicious of this deal - according to him, his suppliers can't buy them from KBA at that price. s:? :? s:?
I saw the deal. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to include the top mounts.
And then I'd need two new springs as well.
Wish I could get a ride in a car with the MeisterRs
£265 .... were the topmounts in that?
Last time someone checked it was actually cheaper to buy the coilovers because you get the topmounts included
Quote from: "Wabbitkilla"£265 .... were the topmounts in that?
Last time someone checked it was actually cheaper to buy the coilovers because you get the topmounts included
I think that someone was me haha
Quote from: "shnazzle"Wish I could get a ride in a car with the MeisterRs
Scotte will be up in a couple of weeks on the Whitby run.
If you can wait that long then that's the way to go.
See what opinion others have that have fitted them.
Quote from: "tricky1138"Quote from: "shnazzle"Wish I could get a ride in a car with the MeisterRs
Scotte will be up in a couple of weeks on the Whitby run.
If you can wait that long then that's the way to go.
See what opinion others have that have fitted them.
Scotte mentioned 2x as harsh as stock. That's harsh.
Oh FFS shnazzle jfdi .... you might be surprised how good they are!
Quote from: "shnazzle"Quote from: "tricky1138"Quote from: "shnazzle"Wish I could get a ride in a car with the MeisterRs
Scotte will be up in a couple of weeks on the Whitby run.
If you can wait that long then that's the way to go.
See what opinion others have that have fitted them.
Scotte mentioned 2x as harsh as stock. That's harsh.
Spring rates are 5/7 front and rear. At no point did i say they were harsh.
They're bloody brilliant to me.
I'm up to Whitby on the 12th so hold your horses for a week and you can see what you think.
I'm sure someone found some cheap topmounts from the USA on ebay maybe.
IMHO and I'm hoping others will agree people don't change their suspension soon enough.
It's only done 60k they say. There aren't any leaks. Must be ok. Bollocks!!!.
Ask Jason how much better his car feels with new kyb and tein.
If money is tight fair enough but if one corner needs doing all should be changed.
I know it's not easy you being northern and dutch makes you tighter than a jock.
I think, in our pursuit of bigger/better (engine, suspension, brakes) we begin to forget what an agile, nippy, cheap, little soft top runabout we have.
All things sorted & stock it's a cracking drive! Why chase rainbows? (Oh, dear... Time for bed, said Zebedee)
Quote from: "cptspaulding"I think, in our pursuit of bigger/better (engine, suspension, brakes) we begin to forget what an agile, nippy, cheap, little soft top runabout we have.
All things sorted & stock it's a cracking drive! Why chase rainbows? (Oh, dear... Time for bed, said Zebedee)
Absolutely haven't forgotten. But in this particular case it's a value for money thing. If coilovers, which improve the handling quite a bit, are marginally pricier than the stock or near-stock setup... Why not just do that?
Unless someone can tell me that I can get 4 KYB struts and springs and at least 1 front top mount for a hell of a lot less than 615
Quote from: "cptspaulding"I think, in our pursuit of bigger/better (engine, suspension, brakes) we begin to forget what an agile, nippy, cheap, little soft top runabout we have.
All things sorted & stock it's a cracking drive! Why chase rainbows? (Oh, dear... Time for bed, said Zebedee)
According to Toyota, that was exactly the point of the design and the same idea was marketed for the GT86, the spiritual successor.
I managed to ruin an old mk1 Sprite by upgrading the 948cc A series to a 1500 MGA engine. I turned a nippy little sports car into a dragster despite uprating the front suspension. I would have done it differently now though and just have tuned the 948 because big gains were possible. It's easy to destroy the concept.
After a few discussions with dj2k21 it seems I might be happier with BC BH-RA coilovers. They're 684 from Larkspeed and offer 4/6 rates with rubber top mounts. So that might ease concerns about ride quality. A fair bit softer than 5/7 from MeisterR and trusted/known quality.
So now it's between refreshing stock with KYB or BC coilies
Quote from: "cptspaulding"my 2p worth. I don't like the sound of coilovers for every day use. Thinking of just replacing all mine with stock KBA & standard springs.
Camskill has a deal on all 4 corners KBA (ex springs) @ £285. Spoke to my mechanic aboutn it & he checked his own suppliers. He's very suspicious of this deal - according to him, his suppliers can't buy them from KBA at that price. s:? :? s:?
Printed off the camskill screen of above shocks. Went to local parts suppliers. Parkers. They matched the price.
have heard no bad reports about camskill so i say safe to order.
As scotte alluded, i am very happy with them.
coilys may well be better overall. But refreshing suspension to stock level has shown me how good these things are.
have realised even in stock form. The 2 has more capability than i have talent or commitment
As a twisty b road machine, really takes some beating.
Would I put in more understeer of I upgrade the fronts and not the rears (yet)?
Quote from: "cptspaulding"I think, in our pursuit of bigger/better (engine, suspension, brakes) we begin to forget what an agile, nippy, cheap, little soft top runabout we have.
All things sorted & stock it's a cracking drive! Why chase rainbows? (Oh, dear... Time for bed, said Zebedee)
Spot on. s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:
uote="shnazzle"]After a few discussions with dj2k21 it seems I might be happier with BC BH-RA coilovers. They're 684 from Larkspeed and offer 4/6 rates with rubber top mounts. So that might ease concerns about ride quality. A fair bit softer than 5/7 from MeisterR and trusted/known quality.
So now it's between refreshing stock with KYB or BC coilies[/quote]
Not sure how far you have got withbyour research re bc
but worth a look here. Bought my teins from here.
http://www.futuremotorsports.com/FULLY-ADJUSTABLE-SUSPENSION-KITS-copy-9580-copy-13340.html
Wow they're cheap!
Can't seem to find the 4/6 spring rate variant s:( :( s:( Only on BC's own website
When discussing options eith him, tend to recall you/he can specify rates at time of order.
he suggested the softer option for road use.
Worth giving him a call.
EDIT don't forget the vat. Still cheapest i found when looking for sorings though.
My research suggested that BC were considered harder than Meister whatever the spring rate.
I perceive BC as more track biased. It's not all about springs damping plays it's part.
The honda and mx5 bous love meister from what i have read on their forums.
You need to try before you buy if you really are that worried.
I always had it in mind to sell them on if i didn't like them.
At the bargain price of 615 i don't think you can go wrong.
If I used my car just on the road i would go with new kyb shocks and tein springs
Quote from: "Meeerrrk"If I used my car just on the road i would go with new kyb shocks and tein springs
See I was tempted for this, because it will be used for road 99% of the time. But then Tein springs lower it so much..
From what I gather, a full KYB and Tein replacement with new top mounts and rear drop links would set me back:
290+120+100+50=560. So then I'm not miles off the MeisterRs... Which seem to be ok for road use. And then there are people saying the BCs are peachy for road use too....
So confused.
There will be an empty passenger seat a week on Sunday.
See what you think.
Quote from: "shnazzle"Quote from: "Meeerrrk"If I used my car just on the road i would go with new kyb shocks and tein springs
See I was tempted for this, because it will be used for road 99% of the time. But then Tein springs lower it so much..
From what I gather, a full KYB and Tein replacement with new top mounts and rear drop links would set me back:
290+120+100+50=560. So then I'm not miles off the MeisterRs... Which seem to be ok for road use. And then there are people saying the BCs are peachy for road use too....
So confused.
I had Tien on mine and it wasn't low. Just right in my opinion.
I wouldn't use BCs on a car that was 99% road...and I have a set on my car!
Scotte was in the same position as you and went for the meister, he is very happy with the ride quality.
Why do you want coilovers? What is it they offer that you will use over good shocks and springs?
Quote from: "Meeerrrk"Quote from: "shnazzle"Quote from: "Meeerrrk"If I used my car just on the road i would go with new kyb shocks and tein springs
See I was tempted for this, because it will be used for road 99% of the time. But then Tein springs lower it so much..
From what I gather, a full KYB and Tein replacement with new top mounts and rear drop links would set me back:
290+120+100+50=560. So then I'm not miles off the MeisterRs... Which seem to be ok for road use. And then there are people saying the BCs are peachy for road use too....
So confused.
I had Tien on mine and it wasn't low. Just right in my opinion.
I wouldn't use BCs on a car that was 99% road...and I have a set on my car!
Scotte was in the same position as you and went for the meister, he is very happy with the ride quality.
Why do you want coilovers? What is it they offer that you will use over good shocks and springs?
The fact that it's a one stop shop for a full suspension refresh, instead of having to get mounts, struts, springs, etc.
And also for the fact that I am quite aware of the car's handling and feedback and I am secretly after some improvements in feedback, stability and damping even for the drives I do.
Luckily I don't encounter harsh roads. But I do think the 5/7 with pillowball mounts, in combination with my tyre of choice (AD08),it will be too harsh.
4/6 with rubber top mount and easy on damping seems to be a decent compromise.
Also, and almost one of the most important features... Increased ride quality without a big drop. Optimally I would want to run stock or near stock height.
Just got a quote for BCs I can't refuse, so hey ho... Worst case scenario, I hate them and put up until someone will take them off me.
I have had 40mm drop eibach springs on a previous (heavier) car with 19" alloys. So im no stranger to harsh-ish rides
Quote from: "mrzwei"Quote from: "cptspaulding"I think, in our pursuit of bigger/better (engine, suspension, brakes) we begin to forget what an agile, nippy, cheap, little soft top runabout we have.
All things sorted & stock it's a cracking drive! Why chase rainbows? (Oh, dear... Time for bed, said Zebedee)
According to Toyota, that was exactly the point of the design and the same idea was marketed for the GT86, the spiritual successor.
I managed to ruin an old mk1 Sprite by upgrading the 948cc A series to a 1500 MGA engine. I turned a nippy little sports car into a dragster despite uprating the front suspension. I would have done it differently now though and just have tuned the 948 because big gains were possible. It's easy to destroy the concept.
I had a 1275 midget and had the spax conversion on it and 165 70 tyres what a different car that made it turned it into a go kart
My vote is for Tein springs & KyB shocks
I use my car everyday and they are just right for road use.
Fit and forget with the right amount of drop s:D :D s:D
"right amount of drop" is rather subjective. I do see a fair few speed bumps. I've spoken to enough people now to know the drops Tein give you do cause trouble.
if you straddle any speed bump in a low car or quickly then you are always going to ground the underside
But in 9 months since fitted i have never had any problems with speed humps as i always ride up slowly and if possible run
up on one side.
If you are that worried they why not go the other way . but you will compromise handling
(http://www.corvetteblogger.com/images/content/2014/030714_3b.jpg)
Purchased 4/6kg BC coilovers with rear rubber top mounts.
Worst case... Someone on here will get a good deal for 2nd hand coilies s:) :) s:)
I have no idea about Camskill suspension parts but I did buy a full set (4) of discs and pads nearly 5 years ago from Camskill for £128 about the price of one disc from Toyota although I have changed the pads of course the discs are still going strong which does quite frankly amaze me. The service was good as well.
Quote from: "stavros58"I have no idea about Camskill suspension parts but I did buy a full set (4) of discs and pads nearly 5 years ago from Camskill for £128 about the price of one disc from Toyota although I have changed the pads of course the discs are still going strong which does quite frankly amaze me. The service was good as well.
I bought the same set on my previous 2, unfortunately my local garage was kind enough to fit the rears wrong so I had to replace the rears again. Fun.
Camskill don't have top mounts. I could have sworn they did
BC's are an absolute treat! On softest setting with 4/6 it's like stock but more composed on bumps. On hardest setting it's simply unbearable on public roads.. For track it would be good.
Have it set about 15mm lower than stock.. May drop it a bit more
See, you doubted... But they're ace :-) :-) :-)
Quote from: "Wabbitkilla"See, you doubted... But they're ace :-) :-) :-)
You speak many truths Nic. I'm very glad I went for 4/6 though
Glad your pleased with them!
Full geo set up now?
Quote from: "Meeerrrk"Glad your pleased with them!
Full geo set up now?
Yup!
Everybody thinks coilovers are to stiff but they aren't mine are 5/7 and not on the softest setting even.
Quote from: "1979scotte"Everybody thinks coilovers are to stiff but they aren't mine are 5/7 and not on the softest setting even.
Well, to be honest I think for longer drives I will appreciate the 4/6 springs on full soft. I don't think I'd want harder. So, personally, I'd not go for 5/7kg. But, no they aren't anywhere near as harsh as I thought. In fact, our old Leon on Eibach sportline 40mm drop springs was harsher when the BCs are on soft.
Quote from: "shnazzle"Quote from: "1979scotte"Everybody thinks coilovers are to stiff but they aren't mine are 5/7 and not on the softest setting even.
Well, to be honest I think for longer drives I will appreciate the 4/6 springs on full soft. I don't think I'd want harder. So, personally, I'd not go for 5/7kg. But, no they aren't anywhere near as harsh as I thought. In fact, our old Leon on Eibach sportline 40mm drop springs was harsher when the BCs are on soft.
Your not even the first person this week to tell me hot SEATs are a bit harsh.
Quote from: "1979scotte"Quote from: "shnazzle"Quote from: "1979scotte"Everybody thinks coilovers are to stiff but they aren't mine are 5/7 and not on the softest setting even.
Well, to be honest I think for longer drives I will appreciate the 4/6 springs on full soft. I don't think I'd want harder. So, personally, I'd not go for 5/7kg. But, no they aren't anywhere near as harsh as I thought. In fact, our old Leon on Eibach sportline 40mm drop springs was harsher when the BCs are on soft.
Your not even the first person this week to tell me hot SEATs are a bit harsh.
Oh they can be shocking. Pre-fl Leon FR (< 2009) have atrocious rides. Much improved after 2009 but still "crashy". Changing springs to Eibach is almost a must, almost like how we add a brace. It really improves the ride and comfort.
I love Leons though. We've had 3. Really really great cars. Just not a fan of the new mk3 (2014+) so.. Leon days over s:( :( s:(
However, MR2...entirely different beast s:) :) s:) Just came back from being out and the car has already settled another cm or so I think. And drop links finally arrived. So aim for tomorrow is to put the links on and raise the car a bit.
Sunday's run will be sans full geometry... I'll be at the back haha.
Quote from: "shnazzle"Quote from: "1979scotte"Quote from: "shnazzle"Well, to be honest I think for longer drives I will appreciate the 4/6 springs on full soft. I don't think I'd want harder. So, personally, I'd not go for 5/7kg. But, no they aren't anywhere near as harsh as I thought. In fact, our old Leon on Eibach sportline 40mm drop springs was harsher when the BCs are on soft.
Your not even the first person this week to tell me hot SEATs are a bit harsh.
Oh they can be shocking. Pre-fl Leon FR (< 2009) have atrocious rides. Much improved after 2009 but still "crashy". Changing springs to Eibach is almost a must, almost like how we add a brace. It really improves the ride and comfort.
I love Leons though. We've had 3. Really really great cars. Just not a fan of the new mk3 (2014+) so.. Leon days over s:( :( s:(
However, MR2...entirely different beast s:) :) s:) Just came back from being out and the car has already settled another cm or so I think. And drop links finally arrived. So aim for tomorrow is to put the links on and raise the car a bit.
Sunday's run will be sans full geometry... I'll be at the back haha.
I've had the tracking checked on mine because i had a new set of tyres fitted not had a full geo yet and will probably wait until ding day, she drives great.
Quote from: "1979scotte"Quote from: "shnazzle"Quote from: "1979scotte"Your not even the first person this week to tell me hot SEATs are a bit harsh.
Oh they can be shocking. Pre-fl Leon FR (< 2009) have atrocious rides. Much improved after 2009 but still "crashy". Changing springs to Eibach is almost a must, almost like how we add a brace. It really improves the ride and comfort.
I love Leons though. We've had 3. Really really great cars. Just not a fan of the new mk3 (2014+) so.. Leon days over s:( :( s:(
However, MR2...entirely different beast s:) :) s:) Just came back from being out and the car has already settled another cm or so I think. And drop links finally arrived. So aim for tomorrow is to put the links on and raise the car a bit.
Sunday's run will be sans full geometry... I'll be at the back haha.
I've had the tracking checked on mine because i had a new set of tyres fitted not had a full geo yet and will probably wait until ding day, she drives great.
As a side note Scott. The handling went from great to amazing after full geo. And that's even without adjusting the rear left toe as it was seized (only out 0.03 though). So get it done! Cost me 40 quid.
Running setting 4f/5r now. Despite what I wrote earlier, full soft is sshit shit sshit haha. It bounces you all over the car. 4f/5r is very much like stock. One thing I have noticed is temperature.... If it's freezing outside, the springs do nothing. They soften up so much over 10 degrees.
I ran 15/15 for a week and while the handling was other-worldly, it gave me a headache on one drive through normal British bumpy back roads.
I'm not seeing the value of EDFC s:) :) s:)
It's not the springs that react to temperatures.
Remember the oil in the shock is being forced through valves so will warm up with use.
In colder weather it takes longer to warm, just like the engine.
Quote from: "Wabbitkilla"It's not the springs that react to temperatures.
Remember the oil in the shock is being forced through valves so will warm up with use.
In colder weather it takes longer to warm, just like the engine.
I stand corrected. Just seemed more mechanical than fluid.