Coilover Opinion

[ShorelineS14]

so, before i get flamed for not searching the forums first, i have searched and can not get a solid answer from anything ive found.
i also have a bit more specific question.
between these different choices at the 900-1000 price range, looking for the best coilover that will suit an occasional track/street sesh and normal street driving. not worried about a stiff ride, my last daily was on bump stops :P
choices:
- Megan track
-Ksport kontrol pro
-BC racing BR
-PBM Max Competition

I'm not doing competition or anything, but i want a solid coilover and these are my top choices right now. so of these 4, what would you guys choose and why?

[zooopreme]

Of your choices (which suck, btw), I would go with BC Racing first. And then PBM Comps for the ultimate lows with ass thrashing ride quality.

Mind you the dampers on PBM Comps are more for track use so expect terrible ride quality on shitty streets but you're not worried about the stiff ride.

Also, your thread is stupid, you clearly did not search well enough, I typed every coilover brand on google and found plenty of opinions. And I believe it's Powered By/Shop Max (PBM/PSM) not PBM Max.

[ShorelineS14]

Of your choices (which suck, btw), I would go with BC Racing first. And then PBM Comps for the ultimate lows with ass thrashing ride quality.

Mind you the dampers on PBM Comps are more for track use so expect terrible ride quality on shitty streets but you're not worried about the stiff ride.

Also, your thread is stupid, you clearly did not search well enough, I typed every coilover brand on google and found plenty of opinions. And I believe it's Powered By/Shop Max (PBM/PSM) not PBM Max.

so then if my choices suck, what would you suggest at that price point.
i also dont see any threads that compare these 4 coils.
and it is PBM (the brand) Max comp. Coilovers S13 S14 S15 240sx Silvia 180sx - POWERED BY MAX (http://www.gtfactory.jp/cms/page.php?23)

[zooopreme]

Of course you didn't find a thread on the internet comparing all of these into one thread. The magic of research is that you can use separate data/facts from different threads and formulate your own decision. Isn't reading great? And since you weren't able to find a thread like this on a search engine, you get a gold star for being the FIRST to create this thread.

I believe that "Max" in Max Comps/Pros is referring to the brand's very last name in their brand and is not a part of the name of the actual coils. But whatever floats your boat.

For the price range you stated, I gave you my suggestions. You don't care about ride quality or roughness so there's no need to suggest saving up your money for any higher tier brands.

Hell, just go with EMUSA coils or some other ebay brand and use those. Cheap, dampers are shotty, and they are way below your price range. A couple of people on this forum use EMUSA for track use and they stand the test of abuse.

[s14ton]

go to market place here and see what people are selling and you can prolly pick up a set for a great deal. also you can see what people like and use too.

[zerodameaon]

BC makes those Megans but by comparison to their own Type BR they are junk. Seriously though there is a thread in here that compares most of the coilovers out there for our cars. A search would have reviled it.

[chris_240sx]

Is there a reason you aren't considering Stance or Fortune Auto? Both of those brands are in or near your price range and get good reviews.

[archonftw]

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

I typed "coilovers zilvia" on google and it was the first result.

[zerodameaon]

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

I typed "coilovers zilvia" on google and it was the first result.

Yup that is the exact thread I was talking about. Honestly that should be stickied and when you type coilovers into the new thread title it redirects you instantly.

[xoxide]

Fortune Auto. Ive had 3 sets and love my current 2 sets. Wouldnt switch manufacturers for anything. Price is great, USA company, ride quality is superb (and greatly better than the options you listed), and they handle great on the track.

Get yourself some Fortune Auto 500's in 8k/6k and call it a day. If you have the extra money go with the Swift Springs option for them.


Research each individual coilover you asked about, and make up your own decision, coilover choice is based solely on personal preferance, and most of the people that are going to tell you go with x brand, or go with y brand dont know their ass from a hole in the ground.

[yzrider450f]

Yeah ^^ I have FA 500's and I love them. They only have 6" springs in the front so they go insanely low. I just waited until I found a new set for $750.

If you shop around you can find deals. IMHO I would not buy any of the ones you posted. :fruit::fruit:

I've only heard bad things as far as ride quality for DD the PBM's.

[ocn]

i have PBM and love em .. then again i like to feel as tho the car is an extension of my own body so i like the stiff ride. you will defiantly fell everything in the road but i like it.

[801nismo104]

you should look into fortune autos. billy at import image gave me the best price out of everybody. i have them and the ride isn't too harsh its actually pretty comfortable yet the car feels solid. they are also around your price range

[DialedLife]

Do the fortune autos go stupidly low? Or just tuck tire on 17" with 40 profile.

[fliprayzin240sx]

Do the fortune autos go stupidly low? Or just tuck tire on 17" with 40 profile.

Yes...they even come with shorter rear mounts so they're low right off the bat. You'd have to tell them you want the longer rear mounts if thats what you need.

[DialedLife]

Oh cool! Thanks for the reply.

[SlideOrDie831]

who cares about the best coil if your going to just slam your car to the ground. killing the point of the damper.

[zerodameaon]

who cares about the best coil if your going to just slam your car to the ground. killing the point of the damper.

Not really true, unless you drop it using the springs the coil will still react the same because the stroke is the same, its other suspension stuff that will suffer.

[fliprayzin240sx]

who cares about the best coil if your going to just slam your car to the ground. killing the point of the damper.


Go back to modding hondas...:picardfp:

[iRideFBMSR20det]

Megan's blow. After a few mounts in weather they are locked up can't adj just seized up.

If you have a Grand to spend get BC.
They are great coilovers!!!

[cotbu]

You live where the elements effect metals, so that's not Megan's fault. Any coilover you install will suffer the same fate eventually, If not addressed properly.

Megan's blow.
But this is true!

[iRideFBMSR20det]

You live where the elements effect metals, so that's not Megan's fault. Any coilover you install will suffer the same fate eventually, If not addressed properly.


But this is true!

True to a point.
My apexi n1 have been on same amount of time and I can fully adj every thing...
It's about the material they use... Megan uses junk metal. Apexi/bc/kw/stance ect uses the best so it won't seize up.

Lol yes Megan's blow lol

Maryland is a bit of a snow state.

Edit I do clean my coilovers regular

[Juantwo3]

i have FA500's the ride feels good and it goes low enough for me. i mean if your into the cant get up any drive way shit i think they do the job.

i "cruise" canyons and they handle way better, i can now take the corner without having so much lean. im nice and grounded pullin threw the turn without as much sway i still need to adjust them a bit more lift it about an 1inch and make the dampener a couple clicks harder

[The Dude]

True to a point.
My apexi n1 have been on same amount of time and I can fully adj every thing...
It's about the material they use... Megan uses junk metal. Apexi/bc/kw/stance ect uses the best so it won't seize up.

Lol yes Megan's blow lol

Maryland is a bit of a snow state.

Edit I do clean my coilovers regular

This is funny because I think pretty much all those coilovers you listed (besides kw) come from the same factory. I believe even the low end apexi coilovers are made by BC.

[iRideFBMSR20det]

This is funny because I think pretty much all those coilovers you listed (besides kw) come from the same factory. I believe even the low end apexi coilovers are made by BC.

They are not... At all made in the same factory.
Kw is in a league of its own. Germans are..... Vary good engineers

[codyace]

so, before i get flamed for not searching the forums first, i have searched and can not get a solid answer from anything ive found.

Fortune Auto's. Just get em.


You gotta remember when searching on forums, using tag words will always yield better results, and keeping it simple.

Searching

"What is the best coilover under 1000 dollars" will not give you good results. Searching "affordable coilovers" or similar will.

[fliprayzin240sx]

They are not... At all made in the same factory.
Kw is in a league of its own. Germans are..... Vary good engineers

Reading comprehension much? Plus you cant put KW in the same bracket as most coilovers in the market...they're not even close to the same price points.

This is funny because I think pretty much all those coilovers you listed (besides kw) come from the same factory. I believe even the low end apexi coilovers are made by BC.

[zerodameaon]

This is funny because I think pretty much all those coilovers you listed (besides kw) come from the same factory. I believe even the low end apexi coilovers are made by BC.

You are correct on all accounts here. But lets not forget BC may make all of these coilovers but they are given the design specs by the respective companies so that means they can be quite a bit different. BCs are still entry level but they are way better then the ebay(sub entry) level of Megan's in design and material quality.

They are not... At all made in the same factory.
Kw is in a league of its own. Germans are..... Vary good engineers
:picardfp:

[starfire240]

Megan Streets are the best bang for the buck in my opinion. they arent aluminum which makes them heavier but also a lot more durable. plus megan sells replacement parts in case you end up curbing your car. if youre not gonna do serious track time then megan streets are good.

[Allwayssideways]

Megan blows i had Fortune autos and loved em they ride good and go dumb low if I was in the market for coil overs again I'd probably buy those again or pbm

[shift_down]

Fortune 500s are a very good coilover and they only tun about 900$.

[starfire240]

Megan blows i had Fortune autos and loved em they ride good and go dumb low if I was in the market for coil overs again I'd probably buy those again or pbm

Yeah fortunes are awesome.. But not as durable/strong

[zooopreme]

Yeah fortunes are awesome.. But not as durable/strong

Says who? Compared to what?

[starfire240]

Says who? Compared to what?

Says me. And compared to Megan streets

[zooopreme]

Says me. And compared to Megan streets

So you mean to tell me that Megan's quality not only is up to par with Fortune Auto but exceeds Fortune Auto...?

I own a pair of Megan Tracks & have owned three (now only one) sets of Fortunes. My Megan's blew, my Fortunes (version two) have yet to blow.

[The Dude]

Yeah, Megan has always been known for their quality products. :ddog:

[shift_down]

why do we have these converations? I ONLY see this happening on Zilvia, no other forum.
"My coilovers are moar low and better quality then yours!"
"No mine are and yours suck"
"No you suck!"
"F you and your mom noob!"

Come on people...

[starfire240]

So you mean to tell me that Megan's quality not only is up to par with Fortune Auto but exceeds Fortune Auto...?

I own a pair of Megan Tracks & have owned three (now only one) sets of Fortunes. My Megan's blew, my Fortunes (version two) have yet to blow.

There's no denying that Fortune makes awesome coils BUT they are made or aluminum and although the aluminum they use is plenty strong, try tapping a curb with them and see if they don't crack. The Megan's are made of steel therefore they will bend and not crack. And Megan sells replacement parts in case you do bend one

[zooopreme]

why do we have these converations? I ONLY see this happening on Zilvia, no other forum.
"My coilovers are moar low and better quality then yours!"
"No mine are and yours suck"
"No you suck!"
"F you and your mom noob!"

Come on people...

There are simple folks on this forum that make statements like Starfire's statement which spark up conversations like this.

If anybody is to believe that Megan's can perform well, that is fine. But to take say that A is better than, the proven product that is, B is another thing.

There's no denying that Fortune makes awesome coils BUT they are made or aluminum and although the aluminum they use is plenty strong, try tapping a curb with them and see if they don't crack. The Megan's are made of steel therefore they will bend and not crack. And Megan sells replacement parts in case you do bend one

Wow. Is that really your approach to this quality debate?

Aluminum and Steel vs the curb. From wheels to coilovers all the way to suspension arms, the curb will always win if you are about to smash your car into one. That doesn't make a company far superior at all.

Megan does sell replacement parts, that's cool I guess. A company with a surplus of parts readily available could also mean inferior material quality as well which I believe is a valid opinion.

Funny thing is we barely even scratched the surface on how poorly valved Megans dampers are.

[DJ 21o3]

I plan on Fortunes for my car. Megan might sell replacement parts but with how many parts you will be buying to fix the junk, you could of easily bought a set of Fortune Autos or even better.

[thefro526]

There's no denying that Fortune makes awesome coils BUT they are made or aluminum and although the aluminum they use is plenty strong, try tapping a curb with them and see if they don't crack. The Megan's are made of steel therefore they will bend and not crack. And Megan sells replacement parts in case you do bend one

There are so many things wrong with this post.

First off, the lower mounts on Fortune Auto Coilovers are Steel...

http://www.fortune-auto.net/fa500d.jpg

Second, both Fortune Auto and Megan (and just about every other Coilover Manufacturer) use Aluminum (usually 6061-T6) for the upper mount. If you look at the loading on the upper coilover mount, you'll see that if you've gotten the 6061 to yield, odds are, you've got a MUCH bigger problem on your hands than a broken coilover.

Third, when looking at impacts, specifically wheel to curb/other impacts, you want to look at your suspension system as a whole. If you hit a curb, what do you want to fail? An expensive part? A cheap part? Do you want something to bend instead of breaking so that it protects everything else? Usually, the last option is the case... So, let's say you do hit a curb, and the lower coil mount were to snap. This means that it snaps and should protect the rest of the coil over from breaking.... Or you could have a super mega strong lower mount, which is just going to transfer forces into something else until it breaks...

Also, FWIW, just because something is Aluminum doesn't mean it's weak, and just because something is steel doesn't mean it's strong. There's much more that comes into play including the exact design of the part, the alloy of Metal Used etc.

Oh, and just a bonus for going with Fortunes or PBM's or someone like that is that you can upgrade the coils at a later date without a tonne of hassle. Fortune specifically markets this to their customers, as does PBM (stuff like the SLL Spring) but to a lesser extent. Buy Fortune coils now? Want to upgrade the springs later? Or have the struts revalved? Or upgrade the bearings? You can do all of that without having to find a third party vendor.

[SuperBlackS14]

Also Fortune is an awesome company to work with when things go south (like breaking 4 out of 6 of your front mount studs). They will help you out because they know wrenching on cars is done by people and not machines. I'd go with Fortune again in a heart beat, but that is just me.

[starfire240]

There are so many things wrong with this post.

First off, the lower mounts on Fortune Auto Coilovers are Steel...

http://www.fortune-auto.net/fa500d.jpg

Second, both Fortune Auto and Megan (and just about every other Coilover Manufacturer) use Aluminum (usually 6061-T6) for the upper mount. If you look at the loading on the upper coilover mount, you'll see that if you've gotten the 6061 to yield, odds are, you've got a MUCH bigger problem on your hands than a broken coilover.

Third, when looking at impacts, specifically wheel to curb/other impacts, you want to look at your suspension system as a whole. If you hit a curb, what do you want to fail? An expensive part? A cheap part? Do you want something to bend instead of breaking so that it protects everything else? Usually, the last option is the case... So, let's say you do hit a curb, and the lower coil mount were to snap. This means that it snaps and should protect the rest of the coil over from breaking.... Or you could have a super mega strong lower mount, which is just going to transfer forces into something else until it breaks...

Also, FWIW, just because something is Aluminum doesn't mean it's weak, and just because something is steel doesn't mean it's strong. There's much more that comes into play including the exact design of the part, the alloy of Metal Used etc.

Oh, and just a bonus for going with Fortunes or PBM's or someone like that is that you can upgrade the coils at a later date without a tonne of hassle. Fortune specifically markets this to their customers, as does PBM (stuff like the SLL Spring) but to a lesser extent. Buy Fortune coils now? Want to upgrade the springs later? Or have the struts revalved? Or upgrade the bearings? You can do all of that without having to find a third party vendor.

I guess you learn something new everyday.. I just wish you weren't so dick about informing us of all this professor. But thanks anyways. What you said about the force transfer makes a lot of sense but I've snapped a coil in a crash at the track with a set of Megan tracks and I had replacement parts waiting for me in a matter of two days.. I felt pretty satisfied that nothing else was broken and that I was back on the track on the following weekend. But hey fortune > Megan right? Maybe my next set will be a set of fortunes

[rpierce]

Fortune 500s are a very good coilover and they only tun about 900$.

Where are they for 900? I've been looking to get them cheap somehow. I'll buy them right now.

[shift_down]

Oh dang, prices went up since the last time I checked up on them.