Cusco vs. JIC Magic?

[DrDubbleB]

So, I'm about to get in the market for some coilovers and these are my top two choices, I figured I'd come back on here because there's a bit more traffic.  Now, I have heard great things about JIC Magic, so I know that I can't go wrong with those, but Cusco on the other hand, I've heard nothing about and really can't find any literature on them.  They look sharp though and since they're Cusco, I'm sure they feel great also.  Now for the question:

What can you guys tell me that I don't already know?  In other words, real life experience with either of the brands, it doesn't matter which model...I just want some feedback.  Thanks in advance for your responses.

[adey]

I have JIC-Magic FLT-A2s with 8/6 spring rates on my S13 hatch, and they feel really nice. I can't get enough of the stability and overall sense of control I have with them.
The price (vs. Cusco Zero-2 which I couldn't even find stateside. only Comp-2) was also a deciding factor.
What kind of feedback do you want in particular? I've tracked the coilovers once, and touged them a number of times, not to mention daily driving.
Oh right, and just a heads up-- these things LOWER your car! i need to get aroaund to raising my car a little bit so I don't scrape on the speed bumps at school. Other than that, they're great.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Get whichever you have more of an inkling for, or which you think looks better, or which is cheaper. Or just flip a coin. Seriously when it comes down to it, I don't think there's anything so different between these coilovers that would make one better.

I would have gone for Cuscos because I love their products and feel that they're really really high quality, while JIC is a newcomer to suspension tune.
However after getting JICs for a price almost $300 lower than what I could find the Comp-2s for, I went for the JICs. I also thought JIC's color combination looked better. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> &nbsp;After going with JIC, I have no regrets! They're definitely a quality product, and craftsmanship is top notch. I'm a happy driver!

[DrDubbleB]

Thanks for the response. &nbsp;The biggest deal for me is going to be what I can find at cost now. &nbsp;I have a hookup through a friend, so it's going to matter what he carries, if he carries either. &nbsp;I find out today, so I'm going to pray for the Cusco, but I agree with you, I don't think I can go wrong either way. &nbsp;I won't be getting these right away either, so I still have some time to think about it.

As for what kind of feedback I want; the ride quality doesn't matter, I don't mind a bit of harshness. &nbsp;I also want to be able to feel what the car is doing in all situations, but I don't want it to give me too much feeback (over-feedback, exagerating what the car is doing). &nbsp;When it comes down to it though, I can learn to cope, so long as the coilovers improve the handling characteristics dramatically, which it sounds as if your JICs do, and I'm sure that the Cuscos do as well.

I'm not worried about finding the Comp Zero-2s...I already have a place in mind if my connection falls through. &nbsp;They're actually cheaper there than the JIC Magics are at Auto Imaging too! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[sykikchimp]

you can find the JIC's a LOT cheaper than autoimaging has them for. &nbsp;I know I did.

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[hurleyboi514]

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> you got JIC's charles?! im coming up to charlotte thanksgiving weekend. are you gonna be in town? we should meet up. most of High Tach will be there... we are goin to some go kart place for a 24 min's of le man... &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[DrDubbleB]

sykikchimp, what's your assessment on the JIC Magics? &nbsp;I'd like to hear what you have to say. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[Foxcolt]

Looking JIC's coilovers you'll notice that the shock/strut body itself has two points at which you can lower/raise the coilover. One that adjusts the spring seat and one that adjusts the body itself. This is a major point for the JIC's as you can lower/raise the shock without shortning the piston travel. Big plus for JIC

I don't know much about cusco's coilovers but I do know this. Most if not all companies in japan buy the same product from a certain place and rebadge them as their own. My apexi worldsports are almost exactly the same as the JIC magics lowest class coilover. Right down to the welds on the spindle bracket. This is why I shy away from cusco a little bit. Mainly becaues I've seen a lot of what looks exactly like a cusco product sold cheaper and rebadged as another company. I would go so far as to say (from some reasearch I've done) that cusco sells their products to other companies to be rebaged and sold again.

Just FYI

Jed

[drift into a curb]

Sorry, I don't have anything to add to your debate of Cusco vs JIC, but I would like to point out to Foxcolt, that most of the time they rebadge the brand name coilovers because they are a custom set up by a shop.

[Foxcolt]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (drift into a curb @ Nov. 11 2002,1:53)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Sorry, I don't have anything to add to your debate of Cusco vs JIC, but I would like to point out to Foxcolt, that most of the time they rebadge the brand name coilovers because they are a custom set up by a shop.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
What do you mean by custom setup? Apart from rebuilding or putting different springs on the coilover I don't see how an adjusable coilover setup can get anymore custom than it already is?

Maybe adding their own brand of upper mounts. That would make sense.

[DrDubbleB]

Assuming your basic coilover works the same as your basic motorcycle fork, then they also have valves on the inside. &nbsp;These valves (along with springs) greatly effect the performance of dampening. &nbsp;A custom setup will allow manufacturers to match their spring/valve combo for maximum effectiveness and therefore greatly improving the characteristics of the forks (in this case coilovers).

[Foxcolt]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DrDubbleB @ Nov. 11 2002,2<!--emo&<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Assuming your basic coilover works the same as your basic motorcycle fork, then they also have valves on the inside. These valves (along with springs) greatly effect the performance of dampening. A custom setup will allow manufacturers to match their spring/valve combo for maximum effectiveness and therefore greatly improving the characteristics of the forks (in this case coilovers).</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
2 valves I believe. Your completly correct. But why would you want to change the valves/ dampening rate on a coilover that has an adjusable dampening rate?

Edit: Actually on a monotube gas filled shock I believe there is only one valve located at the end of the piston to control flow through the gas filled casing.

[DrDubbleB]

Because they could also effect the range of dampening, even with adjustable dampening, the range can be effected. &nbsp;Either the softest setting could be softer, the hardest setting could be harder, or both. &nbsp;With a proper revalve and spring combo, the coilovers can also rebound faster, absorbing bumps on harsh concrete (don't get me wrong, you will feel it more, it'll just absorb them and stay planted). &nbsp;Anyone else care to chime in? &nbsp;I think that's as best I can describe it without researching it a bit.

[Foxcolt]

True. However on most adjustable coilovers the softest setting renders the shock useless as it barly counteracts the spring and the highest setting is like riding in a shockless car <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':laugh:'>

I really don't think that companies revalve brandnew coilovers. I really don't see how that would benifit anything.

Keep in mind that my above statements are my opinion. I don't have any concrete evidence to prove what I said (so dont' ask). I did a lot of research about turbo's when I was looking for one to upgrade my stockie. After looking at just about everysingle turbo manufacturer in japan I started to notice similaritys(sp?) between different companies and the 3 main turbo series (mitsu, Garrett, KKK) after that I started to notice the same thing going on with shocks and other products.

[DrDubbleB]

The softest setting on most coilovers are still harder than stock.

[Foxcolt]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DrDubbleB @ Nov. 11 2002,3:19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The softest setting on most coilovers are still harder than stock.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
No its not, the spring rate on coilovers would make you think so, hence the reason you can blow your shock if it's setup incorrectly.

[DrDubbleB]

Of course you can blow your shock if it's set up incorrectly, but that has nothing to do with the spring rate...

And I don't know what car you've ridden in equipped with coilovers, but I will restate what I said before MOST coilovers are still harder on their softest setting than stock.

Straight from Tein (I know we aren't talking about Tein's but same concept applies):

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">In addition to the basic function of the Type HR Damper, we have added damping level adjustments. The variety of so much different damping effect is able to cover all setting range needed from soft (a degree of your vehicle's original damper) to hard (stiff as the N1 endurance race car) in 16 levels.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

[ruf]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Foxcolt @ Nov. 11 2002,3:16)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I really don't think that companies revalve brandnew coilovers. I really don't see how that would benifit anything.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Impul Ohlins. Different spring rate. Different valving.

[sykikchimp]

I haven't installed them yet.. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('> &nbsp;they are sitting on a table in my kitchen. &nbsp;I plan to put them on soon though (this weekend) <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> &nbsp;I need to get my adjustable rear upper control arms though.. &nbsp;I'm gonna have a good bit of neg. camber after they go on. &nbsp;I can tell you initial impression is VERY good. &nbsp;they are absolutely beautiful. &nbsp;everything is very solid, and well built. &nbsp;It all comes pre-assembled, adjustable camber plates and all. &nbsp;I'll take a pic and post it tomorrow, and I'll write a review after they go on.

[adey]

Hee hee, I figured I'd steal this opportunity from hippo to post pics of coilovers. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

http://www.bridgejumpers.org/wtf/jic_coilovers_1.jpg

http://www.bridgejumpers.org/wtf/jic_pillow_mounts.jpg

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':sly:'> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[DrDubbleB]

Good god they are beautiful! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[sykikchimp]

yes... yes they are.. &nbsp; now, if only I could read Japanese <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[Mazakin]

Is there a way to buy dust covers for those coilovers, they look so bare compared to mine.

[adey]

I've looked into dust boots... went to my local autoparts store to find that nothing would fit the fat front pistons! The rears might be fine, but the fronts are just too thick for anything they had (at the time).
I'm thinking of ordering a set of dust boots/covers from TEIN or someone similar.
I've already noticed a slight build-up of dust between the piston and shock body seal... not good. I've been trying to get rid of that stuff with canned air, to no avail... will have to get a little paint brush under there or something.

[[email protected]]

FYI: JIC is not new in suspension tuning. they've been around
longer than you might think. keep in mind JIC USA is valve softer than JIC Japan. just like everything we get from japan... watered down. &nbsp;unless it's JIC japan, in any given day i'll take cusco without hesitation. good thing about cusco is when u get their set, it is japanese spec. because they don't have such thing as CUSCO USA. Greddy is the distributor for cusco. I have both jic japan and cusco comp2, both are equally good.

[sykikchimp]

you shouldn't need a boot for the front struts... &nbsp;they are inverted. &nbsp;they actual piston is inside the tube.

I personally would rather have JIC USA, b/c then I have a warranty on my very expensive coliovers should something break. &nbsp;Also JIC having a location in the USA, allows me to not have to ship things to Japan to get them re-valved if necessary.

Just cause they are softer doesn't mean they aren't as good. &nbsp;Remember, JIC USA can revalve them anyway you like/want. &nbsp;They told me the love to accomodate the "racer"

[DrDubbleB]

What model JICs do you have? &nbsp;

The Cusco's I found are the Comp Zero 2's (different from the Comp 2's) which at the moment are their top-of-the-line coilovers apparently. &nbsp;I'll probably end up going with the Cusco because I found them for cheaper <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> and I trust Cusco, though I'm sure, from what I've heard about JIC Magic, that they are great as well.

[ruf]

JIC USA is far from watered down. Call them and they can customize any spring or valving rate. They may initially valve lighter for the rougher roads here. We will be running a custom set of FLT-A2's on our KA+T drag S13 coupe.

[[email protected]]

i assumed that we are talking out of the box suspensions.
ofcourse at custom rates it will be at request specs. as stiff as u want them to be and rebound rates will also be customized. dampers will be customized - valve/stroke/damp speed - dynograph. &nbsp;but if you are comparing out of the box models. US spec are always softer than what it was designed originaly. i call it water down... &nbsp;JIC have excellent products, since they have a US facility that can revalve without sending back to japan. &nbsp;but if it was me, i'd consider cusco.
you won't be riding on the same suspension for 5 years anyway.

[Dousan_PG]

just as an FYI for everyone. i have Tein HE. i asked them (Tein) about revalving, they said they wont be able to revalve until december this year (POSSIBLY maybe not till 2003, they dont have USA facilities at the moment).

i asked them for the info ,not because i need it, just good to know.

also you cant take apart the HEs like you can the JICs/Zeals/Apex'is. so more work/money/labor costs? not sure.

[DrDubbleB]

Usually you can find a tuner that specializes in revalving, and you can send your coilovers to them to be revalved/sprung. &nbsp;There's no reason that you should have to wait for Tein to come stateside, or if I were to go with Cusco, for them to come stateside. &nbsp;I'm sure that they'll hold up for the year long warantee, after that, I'll find a shop that can revalve/spring them for me, if need be.