anyone using the racing dynamics coil over? or know anymore info about it?



http://www.racdyn-usa.com/Merchant2/...gory_Code=mini

 

I saw this on EBay and electrodyne was selling it. Went to the Racing Dynamics site and there was a warning that Racing Dynamics is not doing business w/ Electrodyne. Emailed Electrodyne for some specs and they would not give me the spring rates. Who want to be the first to try them out. I'm also interested in the reviews.

 

I contacted Racing Dynamics directly and they also refused to share the spring rates. I replied that I'd take my money to someone who would.

This secrecy IMO is rediculous. It's not like anyone with a spring dyno couldn't get their "secret formula" anyway... I guess not sharing the info helps perpetuate the myth that they've somehow matched the springs and shocks perfectly for your application. I've never been one for blind faith.

 

I definitely wouldn't buy from them without knowing the spring rates - it's stupid that they won't share with possible customers.

 

Here's their response to my saying I'll go elsewhere:

Several variables eh? It's interesting that they told me they use progressive springs, but the pictured items look like a linear with a tender to me - which IMO != progressive. Anyway, it's true that when discussing progressive springs, comparing straight rates - especially when given only one - doesn't make sense. Regardless, I still don't see that as a reason not to disclose the numbers they do have.

 

"Spring rates are just a number most people have no clue how to interpret."

That statement is absolutely insulting to the customer. Look at any other car with a mature aftermarket and you will find that spring rates are published freely. Anyone who is going to track their car absolutely needs to know the spring rates. Eibach makes standard diameter springs in an almost infinte number of spring rates, in 25 lb/in increments. Ground Control and many other coilover makers use Eibach ERS springs - so that the customer can choose their own spring rate for their own unique application.

Having said all that, the Racing Dynamics coilover set does look very nice, but I really wish we had more information on it.

matt ma

 

.... looks like garbage to me ....

 

To clarify the Racing Dynamics/Electrodyne info... the official US Racing Dynamics site is NOT www.racingdynamics.com it is www.racdyn-usa.com. I know because I set the domain up for Electrodyne! Electrodyne is the owner of the Racing Dynamics franchise in the US. (The owner is also a long-time family friend) The guy who owns the Racing Dynamics.com domain sold the rights to the name to Electrodyne many years ago and continues to ruffle his feathers to confuse US buyers. He also doesn't really produce anything at all, whereas Electrodyne has an on-site design and fabrication plant and many Racing Dynamics products are made right here in Alexandria.

Hope that clears things up. Now on the the coil-overs! My MINI Cooper was the first one to get these a couple of years ago. (Yep, right after I bought it!) They are pretty cool. Adjustable ride height, adjustable spring rates. The ride is very firm yet not harsh. That said, any coil-over package is expensive for what you are gettting, and really, you can't adjust any of it yourself! The RD guys installed my coil-overs and adjusted them by hand, but the car really should be corner balanced, and I have never had time to do it. If I had to do it over again and was paying the true cost (I got my setup for much less than retail as a favor...) I would consider Bilsteins and H&R springs. The only reason I say this is because if you want to adjust the rear shock rates, you have to remove them from the car... it's not a kit thing, it's a MINI thing. Nevertheless, the coil-overs are cool, and anyone who lives in the DC area is more than welcome to test drive my MINI if it helps in your suspension decision! (email me at mike@minicca.org) Also, if you are a card carrying member of DCMetroMINIs, I can get a bit of a discount from Electrodyne.

Hope all this helps!
Mike

 

You are welcome to test drive my garbage equipped MINI and then make an informed decision!

I can catch MINI Cooper S's on the race track with this setup... heh, heh, heh!

 

Since you seem to know, just what are the spring rates?
How does one "adjust" a spring rate on these?