Suspension upgrade for road use

[Carolyn]

Last year, I replaced my springs and shocks with KYB and OEM springs. The improvement was massive- I discovered how one of these must have felt when it was factory-fresh, and it was good!

Sometimes 'uprating' is not an improvement?

Good morning. Can you please tell me where you perchased your shocks and springs please?

I bought the shocks from different suppliers on EBAY.  I was quite patient, waiting for the best price to pop up. I think it ended up just over £60 per shock.
Springs, hmmm as I recall I got one set from a member who had sold his car and was left with spares he hadn't used, and the other from TCB, I think.

[Joesson]

On the flip side you get those people who ask your advice then ignore it anyway, and buy what they clearly had in mind already. So frustrating!

"Advice" in some areas is regulated! I remember in the early 70's there was some sort of diktat concerning the giving of advice and experienced a private electrical goods retailer's  understanding of it. We wanted a replacement vacuum cleaner and thought a Henry would be a good purchase. The guy said he could not advise, nor recommend the product but instead emptied an ashtray or something similarly messy on the carpet of the shop floor. He then Henry'd it up. We bought one, with a metal container, it  was used for general domestic cleaning and also some serious work when we renovated or decorated the house, it lasted decades.
When Henry finally expired I telephoned the company and told them of his passing, that guy was a credit to his Company and agreed that they had had some success with their product. We bought another!
One sale was face to face the second was based on a telephone conversation.With that established confidence I would likely buy another Henry, of necessity via the www, but I believe I may have to wait a long time.

[Smithy]

Last year, I replaced my springs and shocks with KYB and OEM springs. The improvement was massive- I discovered how one of these must have felt when it was factory-fresh, and it was good!

Sometimes 'uprating' is not an improvement?

Good morning. Can you please tell me where you perchased your shocks and springs please?

I bought the shocks from different suppliers on EBAY.  I was quite patient, waiting for the best price to pop up. I think it ended up just over £60 per shock.
Springs, hmmm as I recall I got one set from a member who had sold his car and was left with spares he hadn't used, and the other from TCB, I think.

thank you.

[lancs_lad]

I have just fully refreshed the suspension on my 55 SMT Turbo - full set of shocks from Paul at TCB, set of nearly new lowering springs from Dick, and front/rear ARB links plus polybushes for the ARB to chassis brackets.

It has transformed the handling. Still fine on the road, deals with potholes / crinkles well, but very little body roll now and sticks to the inside of roundabouts like glue - even in boost. Also slightly oversized Toyo TR1s (205 frt / 225 rear) which are excellent and much better than the old T1Rs they replace. Car was fitted with RE040s all round and the Toyos are noticeably better, especially traction under boost.

Car is a 55 SMT Turbo approx 247WHP / 260Lb Ft at 11-13psi with 31k miles. GTX2860RS, DW 440 Injectors, homebrew w/a chargecooler, Malian downpipe, manifold and single 2.5" catless system.

I'm very surprised what an OEM refresh plus upgraded polybushes has done to the handling. I have yet to fit the polybushes in the rear suspension links yet - that's a job for winter!

[1979scotte]

I have just fully refreshed the suspension on my 55 SMT Turbo - full set of shocks from Paul at TCB, set of nearly new lowering springs from Dick, and front/rear ARB links plus polybushes for the ARB to chassis brackets.

It has transformed the handling. Still fine on the road, deals with potholes / crinkles well, but very little body roll now and sticks to the inside of roundabouts like glue - even in boost. Also slightly oversized Toyo TR1s (205 frt / 225 rear) which are excellent and much better than the old T1Rs they replace. Car was fitted with RE040s all round and the Toyos are noticeably better, especially traction under boost.

Car is a 55 SMT Turbo approx 247WHP / 260Lb Ft at 11-13psi with 31k miles. GTX2860RS, DW 440 Injectors, homebrew w/a chargecooler, Malian downpipe, manifold and single 2.5" catless system.

I'm very surprised what an OEM refresh plus upgraded polybushes has done to the handling. I have yet to fit the polybushes in the rear suspension links yet - that's a job for winter!

260 ftlb at the wheels?
Who mapped it and what ecu?
Didn't fancy something with bit more grip like AD08R or 595rs?
I would hope the TR1 would be better than  RE040 they've been out of production for a good while now.
Never liked 205 on the front personally. Made the steering heavy.
How's the gearbox and clutch holding up?

[Ardent]

Fresh stock suspension. Takes some beating.

[toyoda]

It is annoying Koni only make inserts for these cars and not complete bolt on units, like the Konis i have on my BM and previous ones as well,  however i guess we should just be thankful they make anything at all as there seem so little out there that is decent for these cars now.

https://www.dcperformance.co.uk/uprated/koni-sport-suspension-kits/toyota/mr2.html

@toyoda

I believe it was @1979scotte that pointed these out recently.

Yes these are the KONI's and it lokks like you get 4 proper Mcpherson struts and springs, but notice it says for original shocks only, that means they are inserts, (you have to saw the tops off your dampers and drill ahole to bolt the insert in. The picture lies.

[Joesson]

It is annoying Koni only make inserts for these cars and not complete bolt on units, like the Konis i have on my BM and previous ones as well,  however i guess we should just be thankful they make anything at all as there seem so little out there that is decent for these cars now.

https://www.dcperformance.co.uk/uprated/koni-sport-suspension-kits/toyota/mr2.html

@toyoda

I believe it was @1979scotte that pointed these out recently.

Yes these are the KONI's and it lokks like you get 4 proper Mcpherson struts and springs, but notice it says for original shocks only, that means they are inserts, (you have to saw the tops off your dampers and drill ahole to bolt the insert in. The picture lies.

Thank you, I am aware of that now. I was interested for future reference, but this discussion will hopefully make others aware that " The picture lies" and the comment " for original shocks only" would not get a " Crystal Clear" award if it was a financial document.
The accompanying text also refers to the colour as being blue and yellow just to compound the lies.
Strange, as those that have used this system generally seem pleased with the result.
Not for me however.

[toyoda]

Look what I found on Yahoo auctions,

You cannot view this attachment.

Bilstein Ennepetal with swift springs and cusco top mounts.
I priced them up as they are 120000 yen, which is only £862.
Price to JDMDistro is £1545 landed in Ireland so prob £1600-1700 by the time they get to Yorkshire.
I will not be buying unfortunately, (due to price, christmas, daughters new bed etc), but just to let you know if you wanted anything importing its my first try and I did not know what I was doing so I watched some u tube videos and then contacted 4 well known companies about getting these and only one company replied, in fact I sent the email late tuesday night and they replied before I woke on wednesday morning with a price and date of arival.
Thank you Sean.You cannot view this attachment.

[Petrus]

Look what I found on Yahoo auctions,


Bilstein Ennepetal with swift springs and cusco top mounts.

NÍCE find!!

That is about the best set you can buy for this car.
With the caveat ´whích Swift springs as they make from 3 to 10 kg ones for this application. Swift also made the TRD Race springs.

That said, they are definitely overkill if you don´t drive the car on the limits of high grip rubber hoops.

[lancs_lad]

Deleted

[lancs_lad]

Deleted

[lancs_lad]

I have just fully refreshed the suspension on my 55 SMT Turbo - full set of shocks from Paul at TCB, set of nearly new lowering springs from Dick, and front/rear ARB links plus polybushes for the ARB to chassis brackets.

It has transformed the handling. Still fine on the road, deals with potholes / crinkles well, but very little body roll now and sticks to the inside of roundabouts like glue - even in boost. Also slightly oversized Toyo TR1s (205 frt / 225 rear) which are excellent and much better than the old T1Rs they replace. Car was fitted with RE040s all round and the Toyos are noticeably better, especially traction under boost.

Car is a 55 SMT Turbo approx 247WHP / 260Lb Ft at 11-13psi with 31k miles. GTX2860RS, DW 440 Injectors, homebrew w/a chargecooler, Malian downpipe, manifold and single 2.5" catless system.

I'm very surprised what an OEM refresh plus upgraded polybushes has done to the handling. I have yet to fit the polybushes in the rear suspension links yet - that's a job for winter!

260 ftlb at the wheels?
Who mapped it and what ecu?
Didn't fancy something with bit more grip like AD08R or 595rs?
I would hope the TR1 would be better than  RE040 they've been out of production for a good while now.
Never liked 205 on the front personally. Made the steering heavy.
How's the gearbox and clutch holding up?

All good so far - just dropped the gearbox oil after 3k and all good. Build details in the 1zz FI section - but its an AEM EMS4 home mapped then tweaked by Wayne at Chipwizards for max torque under the curve. He also tweaked the boost curve a bit to help fill in the holes. Clutch is an Exedy Stage 2 organic rated to 240+ and is a great match for the SMT system.

I've nearly finished refreshing a set of 4 16" rear stock rims - I might put AD08Rs on just for summer use. Used the TR1s because they are cheap, good year round tyres, and I really need to get a 4 wheel alignment done and didn't want to take the chance of ruining an expensive set of tyres. And they are brilliant for the price.

[shnazzle]

Seemed a relevant post....

I've been having lots of back/forth with BC today over email.

I asked whether they do a rebuild service. They do.
24gbp for a strip down and analysis per corner and then they come back to you with their recommendation. You can then pick/choose.
Did say a new damper is almost always required after shocks of my age (says a lot doesn't it.. 50k?). That's 110 per corner.

Best case scenario, 134x4=536? Only 100 off from what I paid originally. Granted I know I got them for a steal so I have to discount that.

Putting it against the alternatives. Going full KYB/stock, as I'd need everything, looking at what, 850?
Other coilies; 900-1400 (or higher obviously).
Koni+H&R; same as full stock but slightly more. Say 1000.

So then a rebuild doesn't sound too bad... And they can do whatever valving I want, suited to the springs and car.

Hmm..

[Mark A]

BC parts seem to be taking about a month to arrive just so you are aware.

[1979scotte]

Seemed a relevant post....

I've been having lots of back/forth with BC today over email.

I asked whether they do a rebuild service. They do.
24gbp for a strip down and analysis per corner and then they come back to you with their recommendation. You can then pick/choose.
Did say a new damper is almost always required after shocks of my age (says a lot doesn't it.. 50k?). That's 110 per corner.

Best case scenario, 134x4=536? Only 100 off from what I paid originally. Granted I know I got them for a steal so I have to discount that.

Putting it against the alternatives. Going full KYB/stock, as I'd need everything, looking at what, 850?
Other coilies; 900-1400 (or higher obviously).
Koni+H&R; same as full stock but slightly more. Say 1000.

So then a rebuild doesn't sound too bad... And they can do whatever valving I want, suited to the springs and car.

Hmm..

Koni or stock mate would be my choice these days.

[Topdownman]

What he said^!

I think £850 for stock is a bit worse case? I would always go for lowering springs myself but thats just me!

Plus your BCs would be saleable?

[Iain]

Got my stock kyb springs an shockers for about £350. When they come up on offer on ebay theres quite a savings to be had.

Im going to risk my original top mounts, these can be pricey but i think your £850 is a tad high. 👍

[shnazzle]

Got my stock kyb springs an shockers for about £350. When they come up on offer on ebay theres quite a savings to be had.

Im going to risk my original top mounts, these can be pricey but i think your £850 is a tad high. 👍

That's good to hear. If I can find a deal on a fresh-ish set of struts, the Koni+H&R is definitely something I'd consider

Edit; didn't see my latest email. Quoted at 675 excl shipping for refurb of my shocks. That's a no.
He did recommend the DS series. At 999...no.

So, back to square 1

Stock is no my bag. As much as I like Helen's car, I just don't like the wallowy nature of the stock suspension. Not after 5 years of coilovers. Most likely candidate is koni+H&R then

[Beachbum957]

We have been running Koni and H&R and find it a very nice combination.  We ran Tein-S springs for a number of years, but the H&R work a bit better.  They don't lower quite as much, seem slightly stiffer, and match the Koni's very well.  We started with new KYB with the Tein springs, but the damping didn't work well with the stiffer springs. 

If you are concerned about longevity, I bought a set of struts with used Koni's that had over 90,000 miles.  The fronts had significant rod wear, but we ran the rears for almost 10,000 more miles before they were replaced by new ones.  The difference was almost insignificant

[Carolyn]

Got my stock kyb springs an shockers for about £350. When they come up on offer on ebay theres quite a savings to be had.

Im going to risk my original top mounts, these can be pricey but i think your £850 is a tad high. 👍

That's good to hear. If I can find a deal on a fresh-ish set of struts, the Koni+H&R is definitely something I'd consider

Edit; didn't see my latest email. Quoted at 675 excl shipping for refurb of my shocks. That's a no.
He did recommend the DS series. At 999...no.

So, back to square 1

Stock is no my bag. As much as I like Helen's car, I just don't like the wallowy nature of the stock suspension. Not after 5 years of coilovers. Most likely candidate is koni+H&R then

How old are the struts on Helen's car? 

[1979scotte]

Got my stock kyb springs an shockers for about £350. When they come up on offer on ebay theres quite a savings to be had.

Im going to risk my original top mounts, these can be pricey but i think your £850 is a tad high. 👍

That's good to hear. If I can find a deal on a fresh-ish set of struts, the Koni+H&R is definitely something I'd consider

Edit; didn't see my latest email. Quoted at 675 excl shipping for refurb of my shocks. That's a no.
He did recommend the DS series. At 999...no.

So, back to square 1

Stock is no my bag. As much as I like Helen's car, I just don't like the wallowy nature of the stock suspension. Not after 5 years of coilovers. Most likely candidate is koni+H&R then

How old are the struts on Helen's car? 

My thought exactly

[shnazzle]

Rears are quite fresh fronts less so.
But I thought the same of the SP240 we had. That was very low mileage and TTE springs

[1979scotte]

Rears are quite fresh fronts less so.
But I thought the same of the SP240 we had. That was very low mileage and TTE springs

Yeah but that had oodles more power.
Wasn't in the best of nick either was it?

[shnazzle]

Rears are quite fresh fronts less so.
But I thought the same of the SP240 we had. That was very low mileage and TTE springs

Yeah but that had oodles more power.
Wasn't in the best of nick either was it?

Regardless of power (couldn't use it anyway). The cornering was wallowy. Suspension was in absolutely fine nick. Rest of the car not so much...