View Full Version : Air Cup Coilover Addons
d9m13n
06-20-2017, 10:52 AM
While reading the Speedhunters Article on the Bensopra 380sx build (here if you havent seen it)-> http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/01/speed-challenger-the-bensopra-380sx/ I got super intrigued by the use of 'air cups' over the adjustable coilovers the car is running. The article claimed that they were for increasing stability on high speed runs at the Nardo Ring, however after looking at the Roberuta air cups in particular that the 380sx runs I found the primary use is the modern supercar-esque 'lifter system' for increasing front ride height when dealing with speed bumps and the like. Ive personally never been a fan of air suspension on S-chassis and the rarity of our cars running on bags seems to echo that sentiment. Its interesting to me personally because the biggest claim of these air cups is that they dont affect performance or the normal operation of the coilover because they are not activated (thus they dont have air in them) during normal driving, only when you encounter some obstacle like a speed bump or a steep incline, or when loading onto a trailer. It seems you can get full kits relatively inexpensively https://www.stanceparts.com/product/complete-kit-front-rear/ while there are a couple kits that run in the $2000+ range all the way up to the Roberuta kits nearing $20k for some applications.
I bring this up because it seems like its still a fairly new modification, or at least a semi-affordable one. At least one kit seems to still be in a beta stage as well. I also think this would be a fairly useful mod for our cars, seeing as a lot of us run pricey fiberglass bumpers or splitters that arent exactly obstacle friendly. It could also increase the usability of slammed cars, as 3 or so inches of lift when needed could save frame rails/exhausts every so often while still maintaining the #framebanggang look.
All that being said, anyone have any personal experience running these, or know anyone with a setup like this? Really looking into this as a possibility for my own build, just looking to see some other thoughts on it.
dorkidori_s13
06-20-2017, 11:10 AM
gonna go ahead and monitor this thread... have a feeling its gonna turn to shit in t-minus 3.. 2...
Future240
06-20-2017, 01:27 PM
Not going to like. I kind of thought about these. Fortune auto makes a kit like this too I think.
https://fortune-auto.com/coilovers/airpistonliftsystem/
I think it would be cool to be able to go balls on the street low, then raise up as needed.
s13silvia123
06-20-2017, 01:56 PM
I design similar "Air Cup" for work. these are generally called air springs with a tube over the air spring.
https://images1.mcmaster.com/mvB/contents/gfx/large/9551k56c1-d03d-digitall.png?ver=1434621343
jsu1012
06-20-2017, 02:26 PM
I have the stance parts cups on the front of my car. I was a little worried since they are out of country and a "add on" kit, but everything installed perfectly on my fortune auto coilovers and my suspension didnt change at all as far as feel or appearance. granted I dont race my car around a road course lol. but I do drive the car about 800-1000 miles a month, daily driving and weekend fun driving. I got them so I can get into my driveway (still scrapes exhaust :( ) without destroying front fenders that I cant readily get from anywhere. They are nice, I've had them on the car for almost a year now.
LockOn!
06-20-2017, 02:43 PM
^^^ gud info
I'm curious about these too. Literally only so I can lower my car more and still get in and out of my garage haha.
Bnr32gtr
06-20-2017, 04:54 PM
It is a big pita getting a jack under my car or getting on the rack/lift. Hell drive ways and speed bumps would be a breeze. Who all runs and these? Just when i was thinking about raising the front of my car ... Now I'm on that tuck rim front n rear shit
SaNTi
06-20-2017, 04:54 PM
I have the stance parts cups on the front of my car. I was a little worried since they are out of country and a "add on" kit, but everything installed perfectly on my fortune auto coilovers and my suspension didnt change at all as far as feel or appearance. granted I dont race my car around a road course lol. but I do drive the car about 800-1000 miles a month, daily driving and weekend fun driving. I got them so I can get into my driveway (still scrapes exhaust :( ) without destroying front fenders that I cant readily get from anywhere. They are nice, I've had them on the car for almost a year now.
Have you ever gotten into a situation where you're about to Titanic an obstacle and you're able to avoid it by airing up or is the system not fast enough for that?
Manhitbytran
06-20-2017, 05:14 PM
Hit up Platinum VIP they make an air cup kit that will retrofit to almost all coilovers.
http://www.phantomsuspension.com/
Bnr32gtr
06-20-2017, 06:35 PM
^looks nice but a lil salty to me for what u r getting. If I go this route I'll pc it together. Just don't kno if I want all the bs (air lines,wiring,valves,switch or more cake on management,+ more vibs and noises in my already loud and annoying cabin)in my super Simplified 4d shodie
Jus1012 how big of a tank u got? How fast can u air up.
Any one with 5gal? Thinking air up would be pretty quick? What size valves u guys run 3/8?
Malik
06-20-2017, 09:27 PM
KW variant makes a hydraulic lift system for s13's but it runs over 3000
Flicktitty
06-20-2017, 09:34 PM
KW variant makes a hydraulic lift system for s13's but it runs over 3000
That's around what you'll pay for stance coils and thier air cups, or the Fortune Auto setup.
jsu1012
06-20-2017, 09:55 PM
Have you ever gotten into a situation where you're about to Titanic an obstacle and you're able to avoid it by airing up or is the system not fast enough for that?
Yes, I've used them several times while driving to avoid shit in the roads. I slowed down to about 30mph before hitting the switch. They felt fine, but stiff like I had 18k springs or something lol. I haven't had to use them on the highway. They air up really fast. I could get video if you'd like.
^looks nice but a lil salty to me for what u r getting. If I go this route I'll pc it together. Just don't kno if I want all the bs (air lines,wiring,valves,switch or more cake on management,+ more vibs and noises in my already loud and annoying cabin)in my super Simplified 4d shodie
Jus1012 how big of a tank u got? How fast can u air up.
Any one with 5gal? Thinking air up would be pretty quick? What size valves u guys run 3/8?
It's really a very very simple setup. Mine is just on a switch. 3 gallon tank, 3/8th electric solenoids. from taking out my coilovers, installing the cups and reinstalling the coilovers. to wiring it all up took about 2 hours.
d9m13n
06-21-2017, 12:55 AM
I have the stance parts cups on the front of my car. I was a little worried since they are out of country and a "add on" kit, but everything installed perfectly on my fortune auto coilovers and my suspension didnt change at all as far as feel or appearance. granted I dont race my car around a road course lol. but I do drive the car about 800-1000 miles a month, daily driving and weekend fun driving. I got them so I can get into my driveway (still scrapes exhaust :( ) without destroying front fenders that I cant readily get from anywhere. They are nice, I've had them on the car for almost a year now.
Glad to see some good words on the stance parts kit. Hopefully they work with the mca's I plan on getting as this is looking more and more like a good idea. I like the design as it looks less prone to failure being in a state of disuse until you actually activate them. Being in Boston (some of the shittiest roads in the country), coupled with the fact my driveway is on a 15 or so percent grade with horrible sidewalk sloping up to it as well as being low enough that I cant jack up the car without using ramps makes this something that might be more of a necessity for myself. Seems like if the system itself is solid and doesnt fail, the fact that it doesnt affect the performance of the coils as well as the pros that come with a temporary lift make this a great idea for the price point. Surprised I dont see this more in the performance modding community, especially where I live.
jsu1012
06-21-2017, 06:50 AM
Glad to see some good words on the stance parts kit. Hopefully they work with the mca's I plan on getting as this is looking more and more like a good idea. I like the design as it looks less prone to failure being in a state of disuse until you actually activate them. Being in Boston (some of the shittiest roads in the country), coupled with the fact my driveway is on a 15 or so percent grade with horrible sidewalk sloping up to it as well as being low enough that I cant jack up the car without using ramps makes this something that might be more of a necessity for myself. Seems like if the system itself is solid and doesnt fail, the fact that it doesnt affect the performance of the coils as well as the pros that come with a temporary lift make this a great idea for the price point. Surprised I dont see this more in the performance modding community, especially where I live.
I'm totally with you. My driveway has destroyed 2 sets of vertex fenders and when I went with spirit rei I literally ordered two sets of fenders to have for back up. With these cups my extra set won't even be needed. That along with the ease of getting my jack under the car now was 1000% worth it.
Future240
06-21-2017, 07:14 AM
^post a vid
tricky_ab
06-21-2017, 08:14 AM
I'll be following this thread... I've been floating this idea around for a little while, so it's nice to find some first hand reports on setups.
Bnr32gtr
06-21-2017, 08:24 AM
Any one kno if they will work on pbm coils?
Jsu1012 can u post pics aired up
jsu1012
06-21-2017, 09:34 AM
^post a vid
I'll be following this thread... I've been floating this idea around for a little while, so it's nice to find some first hand reports on setups.
Any one kno if they will work on pbm coils?
Jsu1012 can u post pics aired up
they should, you'll just have to measure your coilovers. here is some info you'll need to know: https://www.stanceparts.com/air-cup-lift-system/
I'll get video today after work.
d9m13n
06-21-2017, 10:17 AM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jxPsiK9naPc
Stanceparts kit on an nsx, looks pretty quick to me.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GuYOjteqlm0
Stance coilovers setup, that's absurdly fast.
dorkidori_s13
06-21-2017, 10:58 AM
amazingly enough this thread is going in the OPPOSITE direction of where i thought it was headed... thats something rare for zilvia!
if people come into this thread and start getting stupid, please report their posts so i can clean out their comments seeing as there is some actually GOOD info going on in here!
anti tyler
06-21-2017, 11:15 AM
amazingly enough this thread is going in the OPPOSITE direction of where i thought it was headed... thats something rare for zilvia!
if people come into this thread and start getting stupid, please report their posts so i can clean out their comments seeing as there is some actually GOOD info going on in here!
I hope you knocked on wood after you hit post. Because I was really wanting to see where this went.
jsu1012
06-21-2017, 04:17 PM
Sorry if its crap quality my internet is acting crazy at the house.
pr8EyqaPmL4
Bnr32gtr
06-21-2017, 04:28 PM
Thanks for the video bro! I'm sold.
d9m13n
06-21-2017, 04:43 PM
Thanks for the video bro! I'm sold.
Same here, ill probably do the front and rear just because the price difference makes it worth it and ill save my exhaust and frame rails hopefully.
Ryosuke Takahashi
06-21-2017, 05:08 PM
Sorry if its crap quality my internet is acting crazy at the house.
pr8EyqaPmL4
Nice magenta paint on the s13. I thought it was going to be deep violet from your signature; well at least in sunlight its on the warmer side of purple. Best part is these colors fluctuate throughout the day & create glare emulating deeper colors in shade & nightfall. Great upload
Malik
06-21-2017, 05:12 PM
that lifted right away. but its only about a 2" rise.
kw's hls gives you 45mm which is also pretty low.
but its enough to get up a steep driveway I suppose.
jsu1012
06-21-2017, 05:41 PM
Thanks for the video bro! I'm sold.
Same here, ill probably do the front and rear just because the price difference makes it worth it and ill save my exhaust and frame rails hopefully.
Awesome im glad i could help.
Nice magenta paint on the s13. I thought it was going to be deep violet from your signature; well at least in sunlight its on the warmer side of purple. Best part is these colors fluctuate throughout the day & create glare emulating deeper colors in shade & nightfall. Great upload
thanks, and ya man this color changes throughout the day a lot.
that lifted right away. but its only about a 2" rise.
kw's hls gives you 45mm which is also pretty low.
but its enough to get up a steep driveway I suppose.
its 2inches exactly. perfect for people who just want to get in and out of their driveway easier.
Bnr32gtr
06-21-2017, 06:07 PM
I think 2" is a good bit, my skirt is exactly 2" from the ground so temporary 2" of ground Clarence would be pretty awesome!
jay70
09-18-2017, 05:07 AM
Any updates on these? Anyone else running a similar set up?
MightyMouse13
09-18-2017, 07:10 AM
I'm planning on getting the StanceParts setup myself and saw on their page they talked about possibly not getting the full 2" of lift on stiffer springs without helper springs.
What spring stiffness are you running? I'm on 8k/6k Tein he's and was going to go 10k/8k so I could go lower and not worry as much about making bacon fenders, but I know I'll need all 2" since my headers and exhaust already hang pretty low.
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jsu1012
09-18-2017, 07:20 AM
I'm planning on getting the StanceParts setup myself and saw on their page they talked about possibly not getting the full 2" of lift on stiffer springs without helper springs.
What spring stiffness are you running? I'm on 8k/6k Tein he's and was going to go 10k/8k so I could go lower and not worry as much about making bacon fenders, but I know I'll need all 2" since my headers and exhaust already hang pretty low.
i have 8k fronts. Adding the cups will raise your car almost an inch. I went with 6 inch springs because I had 7 inch springs. Doing that made my ride height damn near what it was before i added the cups.
MightyMouse13
09-18-2017, 07:24 AM
i have 8k fronts. Adding the cups will raise your car almost an inch. I went with 6 inch springs because I had 7 inch springs. Doing that made my ride height damn near what it was before i added the cups.
Thanks for all the insight. Can't wait to get these. Homeowners association put a new speed bump literally about 20 steps from my driveway on one side and 20 steps on the other (HOA pres lives across the street from us and hates us and our cars). Going to be so nice to not have to ride hella high just to leave the house (and give him some nice 5 am 7k revs.)
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silnv
07-08-2019, 07:57 PM
Hate to dig up an old thread. But I’m hoping to hear from some of the OPs. I am currently looking into these setups and would like some feedback. How has the longevity been? Did you go with 4 cups or just 2 on the front. What brands are you using and do you recommend them?
Thanks!
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