BE/BH Coilover discussion

[dodik]

Hey fellas, I was browsing thru yahoo japan and found a bunch of good brand coilovers BE/BH/BT specific that are not sold here in the states. So if anyone has any info of how they perform in the real world, could you please post it. Also if you know technical data for any specific coilover post it here. stuff i found
Prova Eifel
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/prova-1.jpg

Ohlins,
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/ohlins-1.jpg

Bilstein,
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/bilstein-1.jpg

Sti,
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/sti-1.jpg

HKS,
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/05/hks-1.jpg

ps. ill upload pics and info i have as soon as i find it.

[Huffer]

Ohlins = money. Better than Bilstein IMHO.

Forget the Prova or HKS stuff unless you're on super smooth pavement. They're JDM for a reason.

[dodik]

well thats the point of this i know prova and hks have pretty soft spring rates prova 4.5 fr and 5.0r, hks 5fr/5.5r that seems comfy to me in comparison to 8/6 most other companies offer

[Yamazaki]

The Bilstein and STI sets you posted are the exact same thing. They're both the Bilstein BSS kit. Bilstein also has the BTS, but the BSS is more popular because it's adjustable.

[dodik]

oh thats good to know but springs are different, do you know what models came with sti's

[dodik]

so does anyone have any info on ohlins pcv?

[bobbyjimmy]

do you know what models came with sti's

They where an option/accessory.

[Yamazaki]

do you know what models came with sti's

They where an option/accessory.
They came from a parts catalogue. This parts catalogue: http://www.sti.jp/parts/catalogue/bebh_legacy/cat2.html

Although you order them at the dealer, they were not an option from either the factory or dealer.

[AWDSOME]

wow wish i saw these before i bought my BC racing

[dodik]

yep there isnt much info on those in the states, hence, this thread. too bad most of manufacturers dont post spring rates and/or delete discontinued product info from new catalogs.

[Yamazaki]

Oh, you just want spring rates? Here:

STi springs only

NA BE - F2.3kg/mm, R4.8kg/mm
turbo BE - F2.7kg/mm, R4.8kg/mm
BH - F3.1kg/mm, R4.9kg/mm
BD/BG GT - F3.3kg/mm, R2.9kg/mm
BG GT-B - F3.5kg/mm, R2.9kg/mm

STi/Bilstein BSS kit

BE - F6.0kg/mm, R7.9kg/mm

Prova

BE - F4.0kg/mm, R7.0kg/mm
BH - F4.0kg/mm, R6.5kg/mm

Syms

RSK (BE turbo) - F2.5~4.3kg/mm, R5.0~7.0kg/mm
GT-B (BH turbo) - F2.5~4.0kg/mm, R6.5kg/mm
RS30 (BE 3.0L) - F2.3~4.0kg/mm, R4.4~7.0kg/mm


I don't have any Ohlins catalogues....

[dodik]

ohlins pcv are 4.2 and 6.1 kgf/mm, by the way i bought these so will see how they perform once i receive them in very distant future. lol
http://www.carrozzeriajapan.co.jp/ohlin ... 08_4wO.pdf (http://www.carrozzeriajapan.co.jp/ohlins/catalog/__08_4wO.pdf)

[02_Legacy]

Cool make sure and post up your review once you get them on.
and where do you guys get these if they are only sold in Japan?

[dodik]

in japan

[02_Legacy]

Wow thanks for that answer :roll:
What I ment is how do you find them in Japan

[dodik]

http://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/
if your browser doesnt translate automatically got to google translate and paste a link

[musubie]

Sorry for the late bump but I've been trying to research ideal spring rates for the BH wagon (2000 legacy L to be specific)

From what the posted spring rates show, is it better to have a stiffer rear spring on these wagons?

Thinkin about buying ISC coilovers and they let you pick your spring rates so I want to get it right the first time

[dodik]

spring rate will depend on a lot of things, how are the roads where you MOSTLY drive, what are your goals with the car track/DD? what type of wheel/tire combo are you planning on using,
Basically if you want to drive a brick get the stiffest ones they got and you will have zero suspension travel, almost no body roll etc. good for perfect flat surface.
If you still need to go off-road or very bad road conditions than softish rates are better.

I personally like having 300lb front and 250lb rear on my sedan.
also are the coils you are planning to get height/dampening/preload adjustable ?

[musubie]

spring rate will depend on a lot of things, how are the roads where you MOSTLY drive, what are your goals with the car track/DD? what type of wheel/tire combo are you planning on using,
Basically if you want to drive a brick get the stiffest ones they got and you will have zero suspension travel, almost no body roll etc. good for perfect flat surface.
If you still need to go off-road or very bad road conditions than softish rates are better.

I personally like having 300lb front and 250lb rear on my sedan.
also are the coils you are planning to get height/dampening/preload adjustable ?

its a DD about 100 miles day...not sure about wheel size later but right now im running my 04 wrx stock wheels with 205/55s, not going to go herrafrush or anything crazy, maybe a meaty setup but ive read you cant fit much tire underneath the fenders

but with a wagon, should the rear be stiffer? all the coils above have stiffer rear rates

[dodik]

in theory yes wagon has a bit more weight in the back than a similar model sedan, but having said that my H6 sedan probably weighs more than your wagon does.
If you are trying to seriously get a nice and comfortable ride that is height/preload/dampening adjustable get the best dampener that you can afford from a reputable company that can still be serviced/rebuild with spring rates close to OEM (they will still be stiffer) then install suspension and see how you like it. If it feels way to firm go to ebay and find a 2.5"dia pair of springs (you can get a set for like 40 bucks used and sell yours for the same) with softer rates install and do it until you get where you want it to be.
Most people in the in enthusiast world install whatever they can afford and then convince themselves that they have a racecar and live with the harsh suspension that is not really appropriate for the DD. (basically ricer mentality) If you notice 90% of members who have had their cars for long time go for the aftermarket struts not coilovers mainly because these people are not here for the short sprints but rather a marathon and like/know what is best for them and their cars on daily basis. And most others who do have coilovers end up selling their cars after only couple of years.

Find a specific product and post a question its hard to tell you an advice on theory. After all it is your car and your money.

[Huffer]

A wagon has higher spring rates on the rear springs because the hatch weighs more. And there is less structural metal in the back.

You could get Bilstein shocks and have them custom valved, and then match them with some H&R springs for a solidly flush look and great handling.

[Muse]

This thread just changed my suspension plans big time.

[Thatguy559]

Excellent thread. I'm glad i searched this before posting another thread

[musubie]

i ended up getting these

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/legacysticoilover-1.jpg (http://s277.photobucket.com/user/slugrx/media/legacysticoilover.jpg.html)

[dodik]

how long ago did you get them any review of how they perform will be great for this thread

[musubie]

just got them installed last saturday..having issues with old tie rod ends now since its lower, got whiteline bumpsteer/roll center kit coming soon and ive got ALK that need to go in too

but quick review they are SOLID i dont know how to explain haha...ive got ST speedtech coils on my wrx and i like these better (i should, they are bilsteins afterall)...definately stiffer than the STs in both shock feel and springs but its not harsh at all...

im running 205/55/16 BS g019 grids on wrx stockers so i dont have a lot of grip to begin with but the car is really flat and smooth on off/onramps, did a few quick rights and lefts and uturns here and there and the tires stay planted...i need to drive it more to give a better review but i love them