GTR Suspension

[Scotsman]

Lookng at changing from standard R33 GTR suspension (just coilovers at this stage) to something with adjustability. Would like to hear opinions from others who are happy with their suspension set-up.

This is a road car, but I like to do track days, skidpan, and drag. So a good all rounder is the way to go at first I think.

I hear the jap stuff is too hard? (JIC, Apexi, 5Zigen, Tein) ??

So what about local stuff? (Whiteline, Koni, King springs) ??

Also indicate costs, and workshops who know a heap about GTR's

Thanks guys....

[GZ R33]

The Jap stuff is actually softer than you would expect, I have and reccomend

TEIN HA fully adjustable height and 16 point damp adjustment. You can alter the ride from soft to med to hard by simply turning the little dial on top of the coilover. It takes my about 30secs to adj no tools req just fingers to turn.

[Scotsman]

Ta GZ, What sort of dollar value did you pick that up for? Where should I look to purchase?

[GZ R33]

Ta GZ, What sort of dollar value did you pick that up for?  Where should I look to purchase?

About $2,500.00

[Scotsman]

Anyone know the diff between Apexi N1 coilovers and Apexi T1 ??

[jlnewton]

I have got APEXi T-Max coilovers height and damper adjustable. The standard V-spec suspension isn't too bad but like you am chasing a little adjustability. I found the springs on the T-max's way too heavy and have had them changed to Kings springs at custom rates which will hopefully be nice. Won't get a chance to fit them for a couple of weeks but am very keen to see how they turn out. The king springs are nearly half the rate of the springs that came with the coilovers. I shall keep you informed.

[Merli]

TEIN FLEX coilovers > *.suspension for street and casual track work.

On their softest setting, they're just like standard V-Spec suspension. AWESOME for comfortable street driving.

On their hardest setting, you'll need new kidneys if you drive down the length of Parramatta Rd

[meshmesh]

I remember reading a sensational thread by sydneykid "in the Suspension Forum" about the importance of a good setup. He also went into detail how important "shock / spring rates"...are!

I sort of remember how he had a formula [i'm sure that doesn't suprise anyone ] on setting you rates, something along the lines of ... depending on the car front & rear weight ratio eg: 45 / 55 - then add ~20%, was how you determin the correct rate & most Japs Shocks/spring are rated around 500 which in his opinion was way too much.

He also went into detail about the setup for rear wheel drives vs 4WD (gtr's).. probably do a search and see for yourself.

[Scotsman]

Ta, Guys. Are the TEIN Flex also height adjustable?

[Merli]

They are indeed height adjustable, and if you want to pay for a flight upto Sydney I'm more than happy to take you for a ride...

I also have the EDFC Controller so I can control the damping rates in-cabin , which makes it extremely easy to adjust according to road conditions.

There are 32 or 16 adjustment points (user selectable) and I've found 16 adjustment points to be MORE than sufficient. (Basically it just sets the EDFC to use every second adjustment point)

[Scotsman]

Sounds pretty cool Merli... How does the in-cabin adjustment connect to coilovers? It's not electronically controlled is it?

How much do these TEIN flex ones go for?

Also How much is the controller?

I might just be in Sydney next month.. Might have to take up that offer.

[Snowman]

I have the Tein HA's in mine and for the street I have the damper set about midway and then tighten fully for the track. I dont have any issues with them for either situation.

[Merli]

Scotsman: Check http://www.greenline.jp for prices.

The EDFC Controller is electronic, yes... You place 4 servos on top of the coilover strut and the in-cabin controller activates these servos to adjust the damping.

[Scotsman]

Merli/ Snowman.. How does it look under the bonnet? Does it turn it into a real mess? Wouldn't it look ugly with two black boxes on top of the the strut towers?

[Scotsman]

Also, I assume the EDFC only controls the dampeners and not the height adjustment? But that would be cool if you could adjust height from within cabin.

Are their any setups that can do this?

[Merli]

Yep. It comes standard on the Mercedes SL55

Sorry, I meant to take photos of the EDFC servos today, but I forgot.... Tomorrow.

[Scotsman]

Ta, mate... They sound like what i'm after, so will wait for pics before placing order. Might also have a bit of a chat to Snowman on the next melb cruise.

[Snowman]

Hey remember mine are just the Tein HA's. Means I dont have anything as fancy as computer adjusted damper! I do mine with a good old fashioned allen key! But it only takes 4 seconds to do.

You are still welcome to check them out. Come down to the dyno day tomorrow. I'll take you for a spin.

[ferni]

I have Olins full adjustable coilovers on my 33GTR, not sure how hard/soft it is set to at the moment but its a pretty decent ride - not to hard not to soft, so im hoping its midway on the setting

This EDFC interests me - how much was it - how hard was it to install?

[Merli]

Hey remember mine are just the Tein HA's. Means I dont have anything as fancy as computer adjusted damper! I do mine with a good old fashioned allen key! But it only takes 4 seconds to do.

You are still welcome to check them out. Come down to the dyno day tomorrow. I'll take you for a spin.

It takes 4 seconds to remove the rear seats and reach under the parcel shelf and adjust the top of the shocks blind because you have to go by feel as you can't see anything?

That's how it is on the R33, not sure about the R34...

The Tein FLEX (on it's softest setting) is a LOT softer than the Tein HA's (on it's softest setting), so keep that in mind if you go for a ride with Snowman... (I wanna go for a ride too! )