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View Full Version : Ground control vs Tein monoflex


sweeper240
07-08-2012, 04:47 PM
* yes I've searched "coilovers" on zilvia. Problem - there are many threads asking about coilovers with no real answers and no specific links to answers except that the answer should be searched for. Therefore it is difficult to find these answers that people are suggesting others search for. Further, my question is unique and about the comparison directly between GC and Tein Monoflex and regarding whether Tein's (specifically but not exclusively Monoflex) are good in comparison to Ground Control or not.

I just got the Ground Control kit for the s13 240sx. I took it to the shop to get it installed and there was another person who was going to have a Tein Flex kit installed after me... the Tein flex kit has a captive spring setup (as does the Tein Monoflex)

When the shop owner took the GC parts out of bubble wrap, we noticed that the springs are loose (and other parts too) and he was very cautious about the noise that might be made when/if all/some/one corner of the car becomes unloaded.

Then we looked at the Tein Flex kit (which he prefers). The Tein setup looks solid, the springs are captive and I suppose some people might believe the Tein is better because it allows for more adjustment of ride height and easier damper settings.

What should I do?
I thought the Ground Control kit was supposed to be really good. But it seems like in any situation where the suspension becomes unloaded the springs will/could loose contact and then slam down on re-compression.

There are one or two who i've spoken to on Nissan roadracing forums who have very strong opinions of everything else being crap and GCs being good. They tell me that the GC kit doesn't make a bunch of noise and further the car become unloaded unless for some reason I jumped the car.

I'd like any advice you could give regarding the following.
Is an uncaptive coilover spring setup good, better, or less good than a captive design?
Will an uncaptive setup cause strange or loud sounds while driving on the street?
Will an uncaptive setup cause a problem on bumpy or uneven roads?
Is the transition from unloaded to loaded in an uncaptive setup safe or can the transition cause stability problems?
Is a Tein Monoflex kit not good? really? why?

D.Adams
07-08-2012, 04:52 PM
Really .. How many coilover threads do we need posted each day.

Quick search

http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/154534-coilover-thread-end-all.html

fliprayzin240sx
07-08-2012, 07:03 PM
Wait, are you comparing a sleeve style coilover (GC) to a full blown coilover? GC mated to a KYB shock setup is great for road racing when done right. Down side is that is its not designed to be lowered much since you'd change the dampening on the shocks since its a one way height adjustability setup. If you're happy with having a limited amount of play when it comes to ride height, then maybe its gonna be good for you.

DJ-of-E
07-09-2012, 03:32 PM
btw, he bought this as a complete kit.

Ground Control - Complete Kit, 89-94 Nissan 240SX S13 (http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=838)

I have no clue what dampeners this uses.

EDIT: nm, they're Koni yellows judging by other "complete kits" they sell. This is actually pretty nice. Not 8610 nice, but still nice.

sweeper240
07-09-2012, 03:50 PM
These are the official model numbers of the Koni dampers on the Ground Control complete kit. The 1547spgc are specially made for Ground Control so you can't find those elsewhere.

Fronts:
- 1547spgc - Ground Control Custom valved Koni strut inserts, top adjust

Rears:
- koni yellows (8040-1081SPORT)

DJ-of-E
07-10-2012, 09:07 AM
So pretty much Koni yellows. At least they're decent for the price without the need to hunt for parts.