Thinking about buying the KTS coilovers today...ride quality?

[alkemyst]

I would like to hear from some that have these on their daily driver especially when negotiating railroad crossings and reflectors in the road, etc.

Most I have seen is they handle great and are high quality...but when ride quality gets mentioned I only saw 'well the rates are 3-4x stiffer than stock, but it can be soft for that rate'...so I don't know where this puts it.

I was looking at RS*R race, AGX or Koni, and having to redo the mounts and boots equalling about $850-900.

Thanks

Chris

[BobbyBoy]

I've only driven them a week so far, but they seem like any other track suited suspension (HEs, RMA8, GR6) A little bumpy, but nothing you don't get used to. This is on a daily driver basis.

[tastyratz]

if you get agxs dont forget to save money to replace them when they blow all the time. I have spls on my car and i love them. if you dont turn them all the way up i dont think of it as being really rough but then again pillowball isnt for the average caddy driver

[alkemyst]

I have never driven other 240sx coilovers so comparisons to them don't help me, sorry :(.

Also pillowballs are different 'feeling' on all cars...what's the big issue on the 240sx? Too much feedback (my adj. tension rods transmit alot through the steering wheell....on certain roads it can get annoying, but not really harsh I'd say.

Thanks...keep letting me know. If there is a 'better' street setup out there let me know that as well...

Å

[tastyratz]

the best street setup imho is 6k and 8k springs or 5 and 7 on properly valved coilovers. these will give you a better handling and ride quality anyday over springs on unmatched shocks. if you have no problem running pillowball tc rods then you will have no problem with coilovers. the pillowball mounts give you more feel and you lose ride quality obviously based on the nature. you really just have to decide on the parts based on what you can handle. personally i drive with my coils set all the way up :D but thats just me. id say the t/c rods made the largest compromise in ride quality out of all the things ive done so far in my setup. theres no big issue with the 240sx really its just that if your looking for ride comfort a race suspension isnt the way but if you can take it its far worth the tradeoff :D.

[TurDz]

I've ridden on JIC 8/6k coils in an S13 hatch with 15's. It rode GREAT on the low setting. It was softer over the harsh bumps compared to my S14 w/ STOCK suspension.

Can anyone compare these coilovers to JIC? If they ride the same way, I will definately invest in a set of KTS coils.

[KOUKI KA-T]

I've been running the KTS coilovers on mine for a few weeks now. I'm running them on setting 4 front and rear and have replaced most suspension arms with adjustable heim jointed units and aluminum subframe spacers. Needless to say the ride "comfort" has diminished quite a bit (very noisy), but that's the sacrifice you have to make with any decent performing suspension setup. Only downfalls on these I've come across is chicks don't always like to be jostled around so much in the passenger seat and driving while needing to take piss is most painfull.

And why would you even want coilovers that could feel softer than the stock suspension..... yuck.

And I second tastyrats on the impact the TC rods make, they are very loud when hitting bumps.

[theronin]

Only downfalls on these I've come across is chicks don't always like to be jostled around so much in the passenger seat and driving while needing to take piss is most painfull.

i like to watch the titties jiggle though

:rawk:

[kidinthehall]

if you get agxs dont forget to save money to replace them when they blow all the time. I have spls on my car and i love them. if you dont turn them all the way up i dont think of it as being really rough but then again pillowball isnt for the average caddy driver


:mepoke: Ive used the same set of AGX's on two cars, wrecking one, and bending a wheel on the other and they havent flinched at it. Ive cut 1.7 60fts with them and placed 2nd in a drift competition with them (only car without coilovers that day)

Im not saying coil overs arent better, or that i wouldnt like to have a set.......but i wouldnt make ignorant generalized statements like "yeah those blow all the time"

[Var]

AGX are mehh...? dont go over 5 k with your springs cause the rebound isnt good enough.

For 200 bucks more i'd go with KTS no questions asked. THere is no comparison when it comes to performance

[kidinthehall]

$200 more??? agx's are $300.........

anyway, im wasnt making a comparison between the two at all. just correcting someones generalization

[SilviaDriver]

how about

agx+shipping+*spring of choice*+shipping

[kidinthehall]

ok.....so ~$475.


whats the price on the KTS's? 1107+ shipping

not quite $200 price difference.

[KOUKI KA-T]

ok.....so ~$475.


whats the price on the KTS's? 1107+ shipping

not quite $200 price difference.

$475??
hmmmm.. set of 4 AGX's for s14= 420.00 +shipping
Eibach prokit springs = 220 +shipping

So not quite 475 either...
And the 1107 for KTS includes shipping.
So the difference is roughly 400$ between a spring and shock setup, or a fully height adjustable, 15way damping adjustable coilover with camber plates.
No brainer...

[shinhed]

I've just been told that the KTS's are on backorder for 3-weeks.

:-/ Poopy stix

[KOUKI KA-T]

I've just been told that the KTS's are on backorder for 3-weeks.

:-/ Poopy stix

Took 6 weeks to get mine. Well worth the wait.

[kidinthehall]

$475??
hmmmm.. set of 4 AGX's for s14= 420.00 +shipping
Eibach prokit springs = 220 +shipping

So not quite 475 either...
And the 1107 for KTS includes shipping.
So the difference is roughly 400$ between a spring and shock setup, or a fully height adjustable, 15way damping adjustable coilover with camber plates.
No brainer...



If you paid that much, you got fucked. Mine were $300 for my S13 + $125 for Tein S techs......

[kidinthehall]

not to mention you retards seem to think i keep arguing about coilovers vs a shock/spring setup.......im not. you apparently lack any reading comprehension.

[KOUKI KA-T]

not to mention you retards seem to think i keep arguing about coilovers vs a shock/spring setup.......im not. you apparently lack any reading comprehension.

Yes, we must be retarded. :jerkit:
I would like to hear from some that have these on their daily driver especially when negotiating railroad crossings and reflectors in the road, etc.
I was looking at RS*R race, AGX or Koni, and having to redo the mounts and boots equalling about $850-900.

Do you have KTS coilovers on your car??
And see where the 200$ figure came from?
Lose the shitty attitude, and do some reading yourself.

[TurDz]

And why would you even want coilovers that could feel softer than the stock suspension..... yuck.


I worded my description wrong. I meant more compliant. It wasn't softer, but it absorbed imperfections as well-match spring/shocks should be. When I pushed it and turned the car hard, it definately was firmer than stock suspension at it's lowest setting (JIC).

[mjjstang]

kid u need to settle the fuck down. u like to argue way too much. but on ANOTHER note, I will be getting the kts very soon, U know there is a very informative thread like 6 pages long about them.

[SilvviaS14]

Took 6 weeks to get mine. Well worth the wait.

I got mine a littler over 2.5 weeks after I placed the initial order...Guess I was lucky! :)

Just got them Friday...and they're installed, now I'm playing with the settings.

On the softest setting they feel similar in stiffness to my tokico blues/eibach prokits...but that's the SOFTEST setting...they can get a LOT stiffer...I'm very impressed by the build quality of these things too...I like being able to say they're better than Tein HE's, in design and construction :)

[KA24DESOneThree]

If you want a stiff suspension, ride quality should pretty much go out the window. It's one of those things you compromise.

I love my KTS coilovers. Once you stop running -7+ degrees of camber, the handling improves greatly. (Yeah... I know. That was WAY too much negative camber.) I have them combined with Falken Azenis Sports (you know, the street tire with the heaviest carcass because it's got gobs of sidewall strength?) and the ride is stiff but not bouncy. On the freeway, it sucks, frankly. But once you get off the freeway and onto one of your favorite driving roads, you don't care. It's sublime, and will be more so with Whiteline sways and less compliance.

[silviasichigo]

They are great I got the set for my S-13 about 9months ago for 90,000 yen ($833) brand new and they are still going strong not too jaw wrenching or gut busting. The car is an 1988 so the body had to be stiffened up but great suspension for the price. Oh and by the way $833 is a steal and they are still that price out of option magazine for thoes of you that can speak japanese hahahahhahahahahah.

[BobbyBoy]

I got the last set in stock, I think I as the luckiest. :rofl: As far as road feel, these are not bad at all. I am running 4th softest up front 8 in the rear and the ride quality is what youd expect of 8k 6k coilovers. The feel is almost exactly the same as my GP sports GR6s I had before, and I am running 18 inch wheels with less sidewall also.

Also for those who are arguing the whole coilover vs shock spring combo, dont forget to add in the cost of camber plates and shipping as well...

If you still think your strapped for cash and cant afford the $200 difference between coils and the schock spring combo, just save a little more and get coils. Dont cheap out on yourself. If you want to stay on a budget, don't modify your car at all.

[nightwalker]

My friend ordered KTSs about two weeks ago. Have not received them yet. Will be able to compare with my HEs as soon as he gets them. (We have similar suspension setups)
But my HEs with car gutted, most suspension arms replaced for heim joint arms, rear subframe collars, with a 60 series stock tire size and it still sucks for ride quality. Put a 50 series tire on there and most women/people will hate to ride with you. (Unless they're underage attention seeking whores...men and women) I did notice the ride got less choppy when I put in a bigger rear sway bar though.

[alkemyst]

What's the ride quality of a 8/6 combo....that's the big unknown most including myself have....I know Mustangs and having spring rates of 14 is not uncommon, I think the Cobra R comes stock like this...however totally different geometry.

Regarding budgets I have one but it could be over $1k per month if that's where I wanted my play money to go....also there was a time in my life when $15 could make or break a deal, but I still got myself nice things.

[KA24DESOneThree]

Ride in one. We can't just say like "5/10" or something subjective like that. It's very stiff for a street car and if you aren't serious, I do not recommend it.

[ucfz31s13]

If you are worried about ride quality, then you are not ready to have a badass handling car :)

[S14DB]

FLEX handles I-4 well.

[alkemyst]

flex is another I am debating....some have said KTS can ride like FLEX...

I have ridden in a 800in/lb (I think like 14kg/mm) Cobra R. It only weighs about 500lbs more than a 240SX best case....but suspension geometry and spring rates are very integrated.

I don't mind stiff, I do mind bouncy, I do mind clashing my teeth together on a railroad crossing....If I wanted an AUTOX car I'd buy a cheap miata or rx7 or ??? and play. I want a great street car, that I can bust both cars and women in.

[vegita319]

I also agree with wanting a setup thats chick friendly. I'm thinking about just going with flex if ur curious. Ride in one, that thes only to know for sure.

[Var]

flex is another I am debating....some have said KTS can ride like FLEX...

I have ridden in a 800in/lb (I think like 14kg/mm) Cobra R. It only weighs about 500lbs more than a 240SX best case....but suspension geometry and spring rates are very integrated.

1000lbs more

I don't mind stiff, I do mind bouncy, I do mind clashing my teeth together on a railroad crossing....If I wanted an AUTOX car I'd buy a cheap miata or rx7 or ??? and play. I want a great street car, that I can bust both cars and women in.

You want an M3

[c0ldasice]

I have been looking into coilovers for a while now and I've finally saved up to be able to purchase some. The SPL's seem the best coilovers for someone like me who is on a tight budget but I wanted to know if this accusation about the SPL parts are true.

Here's an actual post Alex Pfeiffer from drifting.com makes regarding SPL
Source (http://www.drifting.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=7335&perpage=15&highlight=SPL&pagenumber=26)



"Take a look at the SPL parts and then look for NAMS suspension parts. They are the same low quality parts coming from taiwan/china area. Yes they bolt on, yes they work for the most part.
The majority of americans are cheep, and they buy just that, the cheepest parts they can get. There is a difference in quality and most of all, there is a difference in who you choose to spend your money with. Giving your money to someone in china, or keeping you money in the USA. There is a reason why the US dollar sucks right now."


Is there really any validity to what he is posting or is he just making false claims to sell his own Battle Version stuff?

[SilviaDriver]

cant really say, but the spl coilovers arent made by SPL so if you believe what he is saying you have no worries because they made by KTS and sold to the states via SPL

also that is very unprofessional of him to say such a thing about another company.

[c0ldasice]

also that is very unprofessional of him to say such a thing about another company.

I completely agree. It just created doubts for me on my decision to buy SPL KTS' because of the fact that he is a Pro Drifter and there might be truth in his accusation.

[TurDz]

I completely agree. It just created doubts for me on my decision to buy SPL KTS' because of the fact that he is a Pro Drifter and there might be truth in his accusation.

maybe someone should post up on his thread to get into more detail on why he said what he said.

[[email protected]]

To begin with, please read the text box on the top of our multilink page, that has been there ever since we started selling these items, and it should clarify some of this. But let me specifically address some of the issues here:

1. When we import parts, it is from Japan. SPL Parts has been importing obscure race parts from Japan long before it became popular to do so, and it is still our specialty. Yes, there are alot of China made suspension parts flooding the market right now, you can easily identify them since they are all physically identical to the stuff on Ebay, only differences being the coating/finish. The parts we offer do not look like those, and anyone who has compared both can tell you what we offer is a BIG step up in quality.

2. We do develop and manufacture suspension parts ourselves in the USA, for example, the subframe bushings, the differential bushings, our upcoming tie rod/tie rod ends, endlinks, etc. We did not want to make yet another toe arm, not when there are a zillion versions already out there, and there are versions of such quality that we would be hard pressed to improve on. We made our own tie rod ends because we are not satisfied with the versions available. We made our own solid differential bushings which NOBODY ELSE offers. I have not said anything bad about BattleVersion before, but I want to point out none of BattleVersion's parts are anything new or original. It is more difficult to R&D a new original product like solid diff bushings, than it would be for us to manufacture yet another toe arm.

3. Even on parts we badge as SPL, we do our own testing and research, we have dozens of parts lying around the shop that we had purchased for testing and decided were not good enough to sell. On the KTS coilovers, we purchased a set of coilovers, sent them off to be dynoed, installed them, tested them out on a track; if it failed to meet our standards we would never have put it on the website and you would not have heard any more about it. Unlike most shops, we do not sell everything we can lay our hands on because I do not see the point of offering 10 different coilovers, 20 different versions of toe arms, etc.

4. And remember, we support and warranty everything badged as SPL. If you need one arm, one stud, one rod end, etc, we'll get it to you.

5. Go ahead and compare the quality of a part from Battle Version, and a part from us. If you feel the Battle Version version is better, we'll take ours back (within 30 days, unused).

I agree with Alex on one point, support the company whose work you believe in, if you believe in buying American, support Battle Version, or even Stillen, Ford, etc. What we do here at SPL is different, we are not quite a normal parts reseller, not quite a manufacturer, our objective is to expand the availability, knowledge and quality of parts for track use; and if you like that, then support us.


I have been looking into coilovers for a while now and I've finally saved up to be able to purchase some. The SPL's seem the best coilovers for someone like me who is on a tight budget but I wanted to know if this accusation about the SPL parts are true.

Here's an actual post Alex Pfeiffer from drifting.com makes regarding SPL
Source (http://www.drifting.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=7335&perpage=15&highlight=SPL&pagenumber=26)

Is there really any validity to what he is posting or is he just making false claims to sell his own Battle Version stuff?

[TurDz]

that's a great way for spl to respond to criticism on their parts. it shows a lot of confidence in their products.

sorry to go slightly off topic, but with the slight increase in price since the original release of the KTS/SPL coilovers, can we expect to see a version with a brake line bracket in the future? yes or no, it doesn't really matter, but it would always be another nice feature.

[nightwalker]

btw, I've seen BV parts, and I wasn't really impressed with the quality. He is a US driver and drifter, but when it comes to my money, I'll spend it where ever I feel like.

You guys will also hear a lot of the Socal guys praising his stuff even though there are better products out there for cheaper prices.

[[email protected]]

sorry to go slightly off topic, but with the slight increase in price since the original release of the KTS/SPL coilovers, can we expect to see a version with a brake line bracket in the future? yes or no, it doesn't really matter, but it would always be another nice feature.

Well the increase in price was all due to the worsening exchange rate, there is no increase in markup on the coilovers :) I had asked KTS to incorporate a brake line bracket but they had not been willing to do so. So I have been working on retrofitting a brake line bracket to the coilovers... the solution I had is basically 2 clamps connected together, one clamp holding on to the shock, the other clamp on the brake line. The only problem is it may not work in some cases, depending on where the lower bracket is adjusted to there may or may not be space to clamp onto the shock body. The bracket/clamp package will probably be ready/available in Feb, we will not charge for the clamps but we will probably have to charge a little (~$10) to cover shipping.

[Johny5]

ok, i seriously am really late and am sorry to respond to the posts about kyb agx vs. spl parts coilovers, BUT GODDAMNIT. there is absolutely no comparison. i had my agx for 8 months, one day, the shock rod snapped on half. why? because its measly, puny, not upgraded in size, and resembles stock daily driving rod. i did not overtighten it and didn't hit massive potholes daily, it just snapped when i was taking a 10mph turn. kyb did what to help me replace it? nothing.

so there i was in a suspension dilemma. after the researching i decided to go with spl parts coilovers. i got them at a DAMN good price, and within 2 weeks. i was an annoying little shit while they were on order, yet everyday, alan @ splparts was there to answer my questions the best he could. i also ordered their steering rack bushings which were much spiffy and no cutting nor dremmeling were required :D

but back on topic. i ride on my spl's at setting 13 on all 4 corners daily. is it too stiff? no. then again, i kinda get off on the whole pogostick appeal. on any setting below 10? i don't know, because i never put them there, they've been on 13 since installation. i have to say, i LOVE the beefy shock rods and lovin the inverted front monotube setup as opposed to non-inverted. i wish there was the option of a rubber gasket to help protect around the adjustment knob in the front but its fine that there isn't as i'm making my own. i can't help but smile everytime i see a thread like this come up because i have a chance to personally thank a company like spl for offering such a good product at such a good price. seriously guys, ride on these coilovers and i think you will be sold.

[tastyratz]

johnny 5 is alive! good post. im gonna have to agree i love my spls, far superior quality to alot of products i have purchased as is other parts ive gotten from them so far. The opinion posted by Alex imho seemed like a way to just sell his own battle version products. It was a sign of a lack of professionalism and instead of degrading my opinion of spl, it degrades my opinion of him. Spls rebuttle to that posted here was more than excellent and instills confidence in their company and professionalism. Spl stood by their product and offered your money back, plain and simple. Thank you for the amazing quality products you have produced so far spl, im glad to have a company producing parts for my vehicle such as spl.

[c0ldasice]

maybe someone should post up on his thread to get into more detail on why he said what he said.

He was answering:
i've heard good things about spl suspension parts. What do you thnik about them as a master suspension parts maker? i'd rather have battle version, but lots of people are raving about them.

Thank you Kuah, it restored my faith in SPL to see how professional and confident SPL representives stand by their product. I'm 99% sure that I'll be getting those KTS' once the brake/clamp package that was mentioned becomes available.

[zeek]

after inspecting johny5's coilovers and personally riding in his car i would have to say that spl coilovers are the beefiest damn things ive ever seen when it comes to coilovers. They've got my vote, as i will be purchasing a set from them in the near future..

[TurDz]

after inspecting johny5's coilovers and personally riding in his car i would have to say that spl coilovers are the beefiest damn things ive ever seen when it comes to coilovers. They've got my vote, as i will be purchasing a set from them in the near future..

and what are you comparing them to? Cusco? Endless? Tein? D2? JIC?

I think it would help a lot if you could just be more specific with your comments.

[Johny5]

probably what the locals have, zeek has been in many 240s with coils from drift events ranging from he's and spl's levels to pro DD's, errr, i thought you were in victor's car right? either/or, from ride alongs he's felt many different suspensions i'm sure and isn't just speaking out of nowhere. and c'mon guys, if you get the stickers its ultra japanese style....

[obsolete]

for those of you who have these, how is the ride after having them on for several months?

[alkemyst]

ride is great...I am down to 2/2 on the dampeners from softest. 3/2 is ok too, and higher on the roads I don't have to take on my commute.

You aren't going to have the cushy ride of a stock S14 though...land yacht suspension. Running 3-4x the spring rate is going to have some compromises. That said, I have had eibachs/agx on a saturn, spax/custom coilovers on a VW VR6 GTI, Southsides on an 88GT with upgraded springs and this so far rides the best of my modded cars.

I hit railroad crossings at full speed that others are brakeing for.

The only problem I can say I have is the dampener settings seem to move...I can't guarantee it's not service techs touching things though during oil changes and the crap I don't want to deal with.

I am thinking of a way to lock them down.

[alkemyst]

also regarding the: Alex Pfeiffer from drifting.com postings....the dude is an idiot. SPL has never as far as I know said these coilovers were anything other than KTS...they don't mention they are KTS Beta's though...there is an Alpha too. KTS is a decent brand overseas, popular in Japan...they are obviously not the Rolls Royce/Bentley brand, but they are extremely decent quality and have a rebuild option.

As a past business owner, you never bash a competitor. Tell you customer why you are better, but saying your competition sucks doesn't mean you are selling a better product.

Also regardless of his experience, he is a businessman too, offering a product that sort of qualifies as a conflict of interest. Driving well != Engineering well all racing sanctions prove this.

[North240]

I can honestly say i would never take advice from a pro drifter........ Let alone one who has his own company, DUH conflict of interest much.