KW coilovers installed... A small preview
#1
03-15-2010, 03:22 AM
KW coilovers installed... A small preview (new pics page 3)
Small review:
Right. I’ve had the KW Variant 1 suspension on my car for about 2 weeks and have logged a little over 750 miles with them on roads ranging from the pothole riddled atrocity they call Los Angeles, through the desert on the I-15 to Las Vegas, and a few side trips through Angeles Crest National Forest in CA and Red Rock Canyon in NV.
Installation was straightforward, everything bolted up perfectly. After the coilovers were installed, the car was aligned; corner balanced, and camber/toe settings adjusted. I also replaced both front wheel bearings (62,000 miles on the car, starting to feel a little play in them) and rebalanced all 4 wheels.
The difference is night and day. This suspension is significantly stiffer than stock, which immediately changes the driving dynamics. Body roll is greatly reduced through corners, and the massive understeer inherent in the X Type has certainly been tamed. Before, the AWD system is the only thing that seemed to save this car from getting up close and personal with a tree when it went around a corner. Now it feels much more confident and poised. It’s clear that KW really did their homework and actually tested these things. At freeway speeds the car drives smoothly and absorbs bumps with ease. However, potholes are a jarring experience in this car now, so it’s best to keep your eyes open and drive around them whenever possible.
The ride height is low, yes. It can go lower in the front. The rear however, is not adjustable. Since it is just a shock and spring setup in the rear, you can always use Eibach or H&R springs if you don’t want to be quite as low. My car has a number of mods that lets me get this low without ruining it: fenders are rolled very well both in the front and rear, rear fender liners removed, front fender liners modified. Even so, if I go over a huge bump my front wheels rub on the fender liner. It’s rare that it happens, but still unpleasant to hear. Turning the front wheels to full lock is no problem but when I go lower (and I will) I am going to have to play with the fender liners more and stretch tires to be able to do the same thing. Current wheel setup: 18x8.5 +33 [225/40 18]
Overall, this was the best thing I have done to the car and quite frankly it should have been the first thing I did. It makes the car feel more like what it should have been straight from the factory: a proper sports saloon.
Don't mind my CBR...
Fender gap can suck it.
PS- H&R springs for sale
Right. I’ve had the KW Variant 1 suspension on my car for about 2 weeks and have logged a little over 750 miles with them on roads ranging from the pothole riddled atrocity they call Los Angeles, through the desert on the I-15 to Las Vegas, and a few side trips through Angeles Crest National Forest in CA and Red Rock Canyon in NV.
Installation was straightforward, everything bolted up perfectly. After the coilovers were installed, the car was aligned; corner balanced, and camber/toe settings adjusted. I also replaced both front wheel bearings (62,000 miles on the car, starting to feel a little play in them) and rebalanced all 4 wheels.
The difference is night and day. This suspension is significantly stiffer than stock, which immediately changes the driving dynamics. Body roll is greatly reduced through corners, and the massive understeer inherent in the X Type has certainly been tamed. Before, the AWD system is the only thing that seemed to save this car from getting up close and personal with a tree when it went around a corner. Now it feels much more confident and poised. It’s clear that KW really did their homework and actually tested these things. At freeway speeds the car drives smoothly and absorbs bumps with ease. However, potholes are a jarring experience in this car now, so it’s best to keep your eyes open and drive around them whenever possible.
The ride height is low, yes. It can go lower in the front. The rear however, is not adjustable. Since it is just a shock and spring setup in the rear, you can always use Eibach or H&R springs if you don’t want to be quite as low. My car has a number of mods that lets me get this low without ruining it: fenders are rolled very well both in the front and rear, rear fender liners removed, front fender liners modified. Even so, if I go over a huge bump my front wheels rub on the fender liner. It’s rare that it happens, but still unpleasant to hear. Turning the front wheels to full lock is no problem but when I go lower (and I will) I am going to have to play with the fender liners more and stretch tires to be able to do the same thing. Current wheel setup: 18x8.5 +33 [225/40 18]
Overall, this was the best thing I have done to the car and quite frankly it should have been the first thing I did. It makes the car feel more like what it should have been straight from the factory: a proper sports saloon.
Don't mind my CBR...
Fender gap can suck it.
PS- H&R springs for sale
Last edited by ufoz8mycow; 03-23-2010 at 02:23 PM.
#4
03-15-2010, 01:52 PM
Heh... There's more...
Thanks man... I had it dropped another inch lower in the front- credit card tire clearance but it would ruin the car to drive it around like that. Once I get the new wheels/stretched tires mounted I'll bring it down another 1/2 inch.
Thanks man... I had it dropped another inch lower in the front- credit card tire clearance but it would ruin the car to drive it around like that. Once I get the new wheels/stretched tires mounted I'll bring it down another 1/2 inch.
#7
03-16-2010, 03:44 PM
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#8
03-16-2010, 07:58 PM
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#9
03-16-2010, 08:45 PM
#12
03-16-2010, 11:52 PM
You said the Sterns were ET33 18x8 with 225/40, right? They do seem pretty far outward for no spacers. You may need to roll fenders a bit.
#13
03-17-2010, 02:14 AM
Only the fronts are ride height adjustable. The rear is also pretty low, over an inch lower than I was with H&R springs. If you dont want to go that low in the rear you can just use H&R springs to bring the ride height up a bit. I probably wouldnt use these with stock springs as they are significantly stiffer than stock suspension.
Shameless plug: H&R springs for sale
#15
03-20-2010, 10:42 AM
I'll do them for $200 shipped to you (Retail = $290+). They are stiffer than stock, but by how much I dont know. PM me if you're interested
Last edited by ufoz8mycow; 03-22-2010 at 05:21 PM.
#16
03-21-2010, 01:23 PM
looks great!
Just installed KW Variant 1 coilovers yesterday, long story short: if you only get ONE mod for your X Type, these should be it. Small review to follow after a few more days of driving on them but so far I :heart: them.
Don't mind my CBR...
Fender gap can suck it.
PS- H&R springs for sale
Don't mind my CBR...
Fender gap can suck it.
PS- H&R springs for sale
WOW! Nice Job! I wish those coilovers was a little cheaper though!, BTW where did you get that full bumper chrome strip? I would love to get rid of them ugly amber lens on my front bumper.
#17
03-21-2010, 09:57 PM
#18
03-22-2010, 01:33 PM
#20
03-22-2010, 08:06 PM