I ran across a set of used (6k miles?) coilovers by megan racing the other day. I have no idea what coilovers are, or how to use them or why I would want them, but the idea of saving nealy 50% sounds pretty good when it comes to car mods.

What do you all think? Car is a DD and weekend fun car, not a trackstar or Dakar racer.

 

This right here would lead me to say no, you don't need them, unless you are trying to lower your car considerably. Given that you said its a DD and weekend fun car, if you don't car about lowering the vehicle and you like the stock height, take that $600, save up about $50 and go buy a set of Koni FSD shocks from Motoringwerks. This will give you the handling and excitement you want in the corners without worrying about the complexity of coilovers. Plus they have a lifetime warranty if you keep your receipt.

If you want to buy coilovers because a deal is a deal, go to the marketplace and buy the H&R coilovers so that I can stop looking at them and trying to figure out a way to buy them. I am waiting for my Koni Sport shocks to come in that I JUST ordered, but the H&R coilovers for sale are only $500 which is a steal for the parts IF you have a need/want for coilovers and to lower the vehicle.

 

Well, if you look at... http://www.meganracing.com/product.a...id=80&catid=31

It says Megan's coilovers don't necessarily lower the car at all, unlike any other coilovers I've seen. You can adjust them to keep the OEM ride height, and aren't obliged to rejigger your roll center with tie rod end spacers. And they come with their own camber plates, saving you $500 to $1000 over other coilovers. So there's that. It almost seemed as if they were designed as an acceptable coilover solution for street Minis.

Not sure how replacing struts but not springs is really less complex than replacing the whole strut and spring as a unit. Not having to remove the springs from the struts is fewer steps.

That said, I don't know what I would do.

 

I'd just like to point out that it isn't half price, a set of new Megan coils from WMW is $850:

http://www.waymotorworks.com/megan-r...coilovers.html

That said $650 isn't a bad deal, and the built in camber plates are a nice touch. If you want to improve the handling with the option to lower the car, and adjust the damper, maybe you should go for it! It all depends on what you want to improve/change about your experience in the car. Think about that before you spend money on anything.

 

Maybe it is me, but I wouldn't buy used suspension pieces unless you know the person. You have no idea what you are getting and if it was abused. As mentioned above, you can also dump out 200 more and get them new.

 

True, they could be set as high as possible to retain stockish ride height, BUT I can assure you they will not ride as good as a set of new FSD's. Also, with them being used, that means previous owner has them set to a different height than stock. For people who don't know about installing coilovers or adjusting them, getting the ride height readjusted where they want it and it being even on all corners can be difficult. I've installed coilovers in multiple vehicles on my own and it can be slightly annoying getting everything perfect.

Also he'd have to find a damper setting on the Megan's he liked, and if he has a shop do the install, they are going to charge extra for getting everything adjusted properly.

And as daflake said, buying used suspension can be a crap shoot. you don't know how they've been treated or what has been done with them and they will not have any type of warranty.

Just my .02 cents.

 

Buying a used suspension is a risky business: remember that shocks are a wear item, and have a limited duty cycle. Also, Megan Coilovers are not known for lasting very long. If you're going to go through the trouble, spend the money and do it right.

 

Took the words out of my mouth. Consider ST or KW Coilovers before purchasing. You might spend a bit more but you have a warranty and a brand built to last!

 

Like Helix said, you aren't just buying used suspension parts, but suspension parts that are well known for not having any longevity and wearing out quickly.

 

Lowering your car isn't going to necessarily give you better handling. I'd go with some Koni FSD shocks at about $650. You won't wear out bushings, etc. as fast.
You can also get a 19 mm H-Sport rear sway bar and set it to the middle position, unbelievable improvement in cornering. No, or at least hardly any understeer.
Upgrade rotors and brake pads is another good mod.
Upgrade wheels and tires.
These are all great mods that help in handling.

 

+1 on FSD! I just had them installed and have to say that the handling is awesome.

 

I bought some brand new megans on here from a NAM member a while back for close to $800 and I love them! I track my car ocasionally and the adjustability factor is great. I can go from super stiff on the track to mild on the street with the turn of a dial. Also they are easily height adjustable so you can get your car right where you want it. I took my lowering springs right off after 1 week and switched to the Megans. I think $600 is a deal as long as they are not heavily worn.

 

No. Your welcome

 

I posted a couple up and suggested Koni FSD's but after talking with a few people (no names mentioned), I ended up buying the Megan Racing Coilovers as well. Teamed up with some h-sport rear camber links, and a nm torque arm mount insert.
I liked the fact you can dial in the height easily and actually I've read alot of reviews on them and they faired pretty well for the cost.
I'll know soon, they are on their way.

 

+1

Just installed a set of Koni FSD's on my mini weekend. Awesome improvement in ride quality and handling over the stock shocks! It's nice to be able to hit a bump in the road and not have it almost knock your teeth out!!

FSD's are awesome!! Motoringwerks has them on sale for around $620 .