GKTech 4.0 v.s. Wisefab 2.0 [S-chassis]

[SupaDoopa]

So there are some threads on this topic but they're fairly outdated. This will be a discussion about GKTech's SUPER LOCK V4 v.s Wisefab Dritt Angle 2.0 kits. While the feedback of those people who have actually purchased, used and abused these kits is highly appreciated, maybe some others have some feedback to deliver as well.

Currently, I have a S14a Silvia with the full GKTech rear package. Not sure if there are versions to this but I got this a few months ago so I'm sure it's the most current as the part number hasn't changed nor the image on the site. I am looking to purchase a FULL angle kit. I've run Villians in the past and a few other drop knuckles but was looking at complete systems offered for this chassis. PBM does make a product but seeing the quality after little use in some friends, I immediately ruled them out. There is solid quality with the GKTech kit I have in the rear but if spending a little more means a far superior performing kit, I'll roll with that.

What are you personal impressions?
What is the quality like upon first glance and after abuse?
How did it hold up to impact?

Let us know and we can use this thread as a frame of reference. If you want to discuss kits like MANTIS or other things, you're more than welcome to include them but I have no real experience with the kit and haven't had anyone local mention they run it.

[Krusty_s13]

For what its worth, I dont have personal experience with the WiseFab stuff, but I do run the GKtech drift/grip front knuckle along with their FLCA and clearance tension rod. The little bit of event driving that I have done with this kit has been fantastic. At roughly -7 camber, 7.5deg caster, 0 toe - the car self steers so good and the steering is responsive and predictable.

Take it with a grain of salt. I'll def be staying here for the info. Interested to see what others have experienced.

[SupaDoopa]

I will say this, the rear end setup GKTech makes is pretty damned good. Officer Dan makes some excellent videos explaining how everything works. I swapped a S14 rear subframe into my R32 with basically everything they offer for the rear end and it's night and day. The anti-squat and grip is so spot on, I couldn't recommend it enough. Because I'm basically mimicking the whole setup onto my S14a Silvia, I haven't had a true angle kit which is where this thread comes from. I'm hoping for a good deal of knowledge and experience to come of it - especially with both companies releasing new versions semi-recently.

[loser101]

I have the GKTech Grip front knuckles and lower control arms. I just put them in and only had one track day but they felt pretty good. Will need to do a few more days to get a better idea.

Quality seems pretty good. I had a few small fitment issues due to my other parts being SPL but I resolved most of those. They are pretty good at answering questions on their facebook chat.

I am considering getting their rear lower control arm and knuckle.

[SupaDoopa]

I can vouch for the rear being pretty amazing. They make a drift specific front setup. Any reason you didn't go that route?

[loser101]

I can vouch for the rear being pretty amazing. They make a drift specific front setup. Any reason you didn't go that route?

I am the rare unicorn s chassis owner that does not drift their car.

[SupaDoopa]

I was expecting there to be more involvement in this thread. Damn.

[PoorMans180SX]

I was expecting there to be more involvement in this thread. Damn.

Yeah probably not a huge amount of zilvians who have sprung for Wisefab v2 or the full GKtech setup. A lot of guys are still rocking cut n' shuts.

[tuzzio]

I am the rare unicorn s chassis owner that does not drift their car.

Unicorn priviledges revoked, as I too do not drift my s-chassis and have GKtech grip knuckles up front.

[SupaDoopa]

Interesting. I guess we wait.

[zombiewolf513]

Ive got the gktech front and rear setup with the drift/grip knuckles. I like it a lot. On the downside its all made in china and the coating blows right off. I had the pieces recoated when i had my subframe welded and powdercoated.

[cerealwars]

Gonna bump this thread. Can anyone comment on these latest GKTech knuckles for grip driving? Seems a few of you have them already.

Stuck deciding between GKTech Grip, GKTech Grip/Drift (https://us.gktech.com/240sx-front-drop-knuckles), and FDF (https://www.fdfraceshop.com/products/schassis-grip-knuckles#:~:text=The%20Schassis%20Grip%20knuckles% 20are,run%20a%205x114%20bolt%20pattern.) front knuckles for my road racing S13. I'd love faster steering input but am hesitant if this will compromise other facets of steering geometry.

[SupaDoopa]

Most of these kits are designed to combat the pitfalls of geometry loss that are sacrificed with drop knuckles and such. I FDF from what I recall is more geared to drifting but one would like to think everyone is after snappier, grippier front geometry. I don't know what makes the DRIFT and GRIP setups different but GKTech is what I run on my Skyline and love it.

[PoorMans180SX]

Gonna bump this thread. Can anyone comment on these latest GKTech knuckles for grip driving? Seems a few of you have them already.

Stuck deciding between GKTech Grip, GKTech Grip/Drift (https://us.gktech.com/240sx-front-drop-knuckles), and FDF (https://www.fdfraceshop.com/products/schassis-grip-knuckles#:~:text=The%20Schassis%20Grip%20knuckles% 20are,run%20a%205x114%20bolt%20pattern.) front knuckles for my road racing S13. I'd love faster steering input but am hesitant if this will compromise other facets of steering geometry.

Every company has their own idea of the ideal ackerman percentage/curve, which is really what's changing between the Grip and Grip/drift knuckles. FDF are just tweaked copies of wisefab, though I do see they make their own "grip" knuckle with a bolt-on hub. It says "12 degrees of ackerman is ideal for extended track with s-chassis", but how he came to that conclusion no one will ever know.

In all actuality, these things differ depending on what track you're at, what tires you're using, your ride height, and how fast you like your steering. Pick one you like the idea of and run with it, nobody has objective data on one vs. the other.

[loser101]

I have done 10 events since installing the GKTech Grip front knuckles and lower control arms. I gotta say I am pretty happy with them, front of the car feels better and more precise. Granted I am not the biggest expert and it all might be in my head lol.

[PoorMans180SX]

I have done 10 events since installing the GKTech Grip front knuckles and lower control arms. I gotta say I am pretty happy with them, front of the car feels better and more precise. Granted I am not the biggest expert and it all might be in my head lol.

It is very objectively not all in your head, hah.

[e1_griego]

I like that the FDF knuckles do have shorter steering arm for quicker steering. It's my favorite part of old, custom knuckles that I have, and the reason that I haven't tried anything else.

[cerealwars]

Thanks for the helpful replies. Glad to hear loser101's satisfied with the GKs, that gives me some confidence.

FDF vs. the GK drift&grip knuckles seem very comparable. Both offer the same roll center correction and 25% quicker steering ratio.

I really like the idea of quicker steering, but want to avoid any pitfalls associated with sacrificing Ackerman. Sounds like that's not a big deal though, from the consensus around here.

As PoorMans180sx mentioned, FDF supplies 12* Ackerman angle. GKTech's infographic (https://164802-546891-raikfcquaxqncofqfm.stackpathdns.com/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/d7788e0c30b60923699fc36a9b40bffc/c/o/comparison-chart-century.png)promises "+5* over stock", whatever that is.

Does anyone know what stock Ackerman is on an S13?

I tend to have a tough time making decisions until I'm confident I have all the data available. But PoorMan makes a good point, at the end of the day I'll need to just pick something and run with it.

[PoorMans180SX]

S13 ackerman is 100%. Angle depends on how much steering angle you have.

[slider2828]

We should do a parts exchange LOL.... I too don't drift and all grip, but I own Driftworks V2 fronts with T3 Lower Arms and PBM rear knuckles on s14 subframe....

I got em at great prices, anything better than stock but wonder how much better vs. grip designed stuff

[cerealwars]

S13 ackerman is 100%. Angle depends on how much steering angle you have.
That'd explain a bit.:duh:

Thanks.

I assume they'd mean at full lock then, right?