Good morning everyone! Just have some general questions that I've always wondered about if anyone would like to shed some light. Thanks!


For a stock R53, what brand/type of after-market suspension upgrade has been found to be most effective for daily driving to enhance and maximize the experience?
Recommend any specific wheel spacer sizes for front/rear to go along with the suspension? Looking for a clean flushed look

Been so happy with the 2006 model, any other years to date known to carry at least the same reputation of reliability? Which years should one completely avoid when looking to purchase?


Appreciate your input! Happy motoring. =)

 

This is something I'm curious about also. Mine has a lot of miles and could probably use a suspension redo.

 

I have an 06 jcw and just had my suspension done. Koni FSD's is the way I went. Love them. I drive 60 miles a day.

 

Most people go with a spring/shock combo for a DD. What wheels do you have now? Depending on if you have the stock 16s or 17s, you'd need anywhere from a 15-25mm spacer to get things perfectly flush. At that point though, its best just to get a set of wheels that have the desired width/offset to begin with.

 

The OP says he wants a clean flush look so I assume he wants to lower it. KONI FSD's will fail on a lowered car, KONI YELLOWS should be used. If not lowered, I agree with you on the FSD's.

 

Yup..just read that he wanted to lower the car. That was not my choice on my daily driver. You are correct..fsd is not the way to go if you want to lower it.

 

If you're not wanting to lower the car the Koni FSDs are ideal for daily use as they give you a great ride and are cost effective.

As for spacers it will depend on what wheels you have but our 5mm wheel spacers seem to be very popular.

 

Are you after looks or handling? If the latter, do the Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates plus a rear swaybar upgrade. You'll get change from $300 and love it. Spend any left over money on better tires.

 

Also have been curious on this... Most people have said koni yellows for a clean dd. I almost bought them but gotta do my sc first :/

 

appreciate everyone's input. was looking for both looks and handling, i guess best of both worlds if at all possible. i have the original 17" rims, but ideally would use those for winter and then grab a set of 17's for summer.

 

are coilovers the "best" option if financially able? why would one go with them vs shock/springs?

 

I'd only really bother with coils if:

a)You want to slam the car (which I don't think you would because it sounds like you want to daily it)
b)You want to corner balance the car and need all the dampening adjustments because you autocross/track the car
c)You plan on changing ride heights depending on the season

Keep in mind though that a coilover at full height still has at least an inch drop, so its not like you can slam it in the summer and just go back to stock ride height in the winter.