Suspension solutions for '09 JCW Clubbie???

Ronin5729 · #1 09-30-2009, 06:47 AM

I just picked up my '09 JCW Clubbie the other day and can't help but notice the difference in handling between it and my '08 MCSa...

The MCSa definitely rides a little more stout than my girls care for, and the Conti run-flats contribute significantly to bump steer on these Gawd-awful New England roads, but man does turn in flatter and tighter than the JCW.

I attribute it to a couple of things, the first being the JCW is a Clubbie (heavier, etc.), and second, the MCSa has the sport suspension. Unfortunately, the latest and greatest JCW catalog does not offer a sport suspension for the Clubbie, so I need to do something.

I'd definitely would like to lower it in the process, but have never been a fan of adding lowering springs to stock shocks/struts, so I'm thinking that coil-overs are in order.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for the replies!

LiLReD1 · #2 09-30-2009, 09:34 PM

I'm wondering about this myself. From what I can tell from some R&D, m7 has a nice setup of coil overs, and user friendly for adjustments- yet they don't have any in stock, and told me it'd be a few months.

Second best for myself is only what I've had experience with- the KW. There are cheaper one's out there, but I'd rather spend a little more and have a better idea with what I'm getting. 3 different versions of the KW, so you can't go wrong. I personally will probably just stick with the V1 so I can do exactly what yer talking about Ronin- lower it while replacing the struts as well with the added bonus of adjustable ride height for the exact look you want.

Ronin5729 · #3 10-01-2009, 08:01 AM

Cool...glad I'm not the only one. I really like the CROSS competition coil overs, which don't loose travel when you lower them, they're just not available for the R55. KWs have an excellent reputation and that's where I'll most likely end up myself, just not sure what version yet.

I never did understand why someone would add just lowering springs to a stock suspension, but I do understand that people live where the roads aren't as horrific as they are here!

Stig One · #4 10-01-2009, 08:06 AM

try eibach or ast for coilovers they make the cross coilovers look stupid. kw are twin tube which = junk in my book because twintubes can not be rebuilt or revalved.

ron-s mini · #5 10-01-2009, 08:15 AM

I have NM springs and Koni FSD strut/shocks on my clubman and they work well. The ride is very comfortable and handling has improved (also have a NM sway bar).
Lowers about an inch.

Stig One · #6 10-01-2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron-s mini

I have NM springs and Koni FSD strut/shocks on my clubman and they work well. The ride is very comfortable and handling has improved (also have a NM sway bar).
Lowers about an inch.

If you do not plan to trackday the car that would be my choice.

slinger688 · #7 10-01-2009, 09:26 AM

Stig one,

Do you have a link for the ati coils for a R56? Thanks.

Stig One · #8 10-01-2009, 09:29 AM

http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info...roducts_id=309

lets try to get a group buy.

Ronin5729 · #9 10-01-2009, 06:45 PM

Stig One...awesome info, thanks much!

ron-s mini, do you have a link or purchase info for your setup? Thanks!

I sincerely hope I get the chance to track it...we'll see...

ron-s mini · #10 10-01-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin5729

Stig One...awesome info, thanks much!

ron-s mini, do you have a link or purchase info for your setup? Thanks!

I sincerely hope I get the chance to track it...we'll see...

http://www.outmotoring.com/ or call Aaron at 614.656.4315
NM Springs - Koni FSD Strut/Shocks - NM sway bar.

minicoopermike · #11 10-01-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron-s mini

http://www.outmotoring.com/ or call Aaron at 614.656.4315
NM Springs - Koni FSD Strut/Shocks - NM sway bar.

Cool, thanks

I am in the same boat as I'm looking for a suspension upgrade for my JCW Clubby too

LiLReD1 · #12 10-01-2009, 08:23 PM

Never heard of the AST coil overs. I've heard the H&R are as good as the KW, but a bit cheaper. Anyone have H&R on their Clubbie?

Stig One · #13 10-01-2009, 08:29 PM

AST ,Moton,JRZ,Ohlins,Sachs,Koni racing are top of the line Street/racing suspensions.

Kw,Cross,Tein ,Eibach,Bilstein,Koni are low to mid level street/track day coilovers, the euro and american brands have better valving for day to day driving . with these brands look for monotube construction so they can be rebuilt.

Vmaxx ,BC,H&R,Megan are cheap street coilovers made more for lowering than peformance.

Ronin5729 · #14 10-01-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron-s mini

http://www.outmotoring.com/ or call Aaron at 614.656.4315
NM Springs - Koni FSD Strut/Shocks - NM sway bar.

Perfect...thanks!

slinger688 · #15 10-01-2009, 09:25 PM

What do you guys think of the Eibach Multi-pro R2s?

slinger688 · #16 10-01-2009, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig One

http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info...roducts_id=309

lets try to get a group buy.

Any chance? Do you know someone?

Stig One · #17 10-01-2009, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinger688

What do you guys think of the Eibach Multi-pro R2s?

spend a few hundred more and get the ast.

Stig One · #18 10-01-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinger688

Any chance? Do you know someone?

I have a automobile dealership which means i get wholesale price .

etalj · #19 10-04-2009, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig One

http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info...roducts_id=309

lets try to get a group buy.

oh god yes.

Can you get good prices on AST Coilovers too? Maybe a group buy for those babies early next year....

Ronin5729 · #20 10-04-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ron-s mini

I have NM springs and Koni FSD strut/shocks on my clubman and they work well. The ride is very comfortable and handling has improved (also have a NM sway bar).
Lowers about an inch.

Did you need new control arms with that setup? Thanks...

slinger688 · #21 10-04-2009, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin5729

Did you need new control arms with that setup? Thanks...

You will only need rear control arms if you want to:

1. adjust the rear camber beyond factory specs
2. strengthen the control arms (if you track the car)
3. adjust rear camber and/or toe at the track

Ronin5729 · #22 10-04-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinger688

You will only need rear control arms if you want to:

1. adjust the rear camber beyond factory specs
2. strengthen the control arms (if you track the car)
3. adjust rear camber and/or toe at the track

(in my best Ace Ventura voice)...well alrighty then!

Thanks for the 411.

slinger688 · #23 10-04-2009, 09:20 AM

I should have said in point number 1: adjust camber and toe more than what is available via factory adjustments.

This is more accurate.

Ronin5729 · #24 10-06-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinger688

I should have said in point number 1: adjust camber and toe more than what is available via factory adjustments.

This is more accurate.

Thanks for clearing that up...I'm still learning so it's much appreciated!

LiLReD1 · #25 10-06-2009, 06:59 PM

Does anyone have the KW V1 on their JCW R55? I hear they don't fit, and have to go with the V2.