In-Car Adjustable Suspension Dampening for R32 GTR

[RBdreamer]

Is In-Car Adjustable Suspension (dampening anyways) really worth spending the money on ? Is it as effective as it claims to be ? or is it simply a gimmick ? Can adjustable dampening really be made to be soft for low speed cruising, then turned up for higher speeds and still be effective ?

I am faced with adding a bit more weight to the rear end of my GTR than originally planned, as I decided that I want to add a stereo for cruisin and like everything, it has gotten a bit out of hand. It seems I keep going the wrong way in terms of weight management, as I keep finding things to add weight, but hopefully I can muster the power to overcome being a bit bloated in the end.

I would like to be able to adjust the low-speed dampening, even if only in the rear from inside the car, so that it is not too uncomfortable driving around town, but would like to stiffen things up for highway runs when at highway speeds.

The easiest to find and most cost effective solutions that I have looked into so far are from Tein, although I know others exist.

Can anyone comment or add suggestions ?

[Daryl @ RightDrive]

Personally I only change my suspension settings when I am at the track, and it takes about 3 minutes to adjust all 4 by hand. If you are planning to change your suspension settings often then it could be worth it. Tein is the best bet. What suspension are you using?

[RBdreamer]

I don't know exactly what is in the car right now, but they are redish faded almost pink looking and height adjustable. 1 is leaking, so this just makes sense to look into since I will repalce them sooner than later.

It's not really track performance that is most important, as this is simply a cruising car, but more the highway vs city driving comfort aspects.

It would be nice to have a little box that stored a few presets for City, Highway and possibly track, if the car ever makes it there.

[RBdreamer]

I am lost. Too many choices available.

Is it fair to assume that all medium to higher end Coilover kits that are compatible with in-car adjustability would be similar performing ? as in, there shouldn't be any lame ducks in the bunch ?

Would it be easier to find the in-car controller I like, then use it's compatibility list to help shop or decide on a Coilover kit ?

So far, I have found Greddy, Cusco and Tein in-car controller kits and they all seem to be in the $500 range for the controller and 4 motors.

Do either of these 3 companies make a Coilover kit that anyone can suggest, that will be a good all-around performer for a street car that doesn't cost over $2000 ?

[326_godzilla]

Teins will cost over $2000 because of EDFC. I haven't heard anything of the other companies you mention...i only know of the TEINs with in car dampening adjustment. I contemplated this as well due to the stiffness of my suspension (APEXI N1s). But right now, funds are not available.

[Daryl @ RightDrive]

The Tein and Cusco systems are both good choices. The difference between the coilover models will be spring rates (which affect stiffness) and other small features such as uppermounts, dampening adjustibility, valving etc.
If you want my personal opinion, I'd say forget the motors, and just get a nice all-round coilover set. There isn't a huge difference in the way it will feel with adjusting the dampering. Get a nice set of coilovers, and get them dialled into the nicest setting for the street. Then you will be fine driving on the streets and highway. When or if you go to the track you can adjust them to be harder for the track.

I have HKS Hipermax coilovers, and they are set to almost full soft on the street, and almost full stiff on the circuit. Like I said, it takes me 3 minutes to make the change, no big deal at all.

Some examples of nice street coilovers, with spring rates listed as Front/Rear:
Tein Mono Flex 7k/7k
Tein Comfort Sport: 5k/4k
Apexi N1 Evolution 5k/4k
HKS Hipermax III 7k/6k
Blitz ZZ-R 8k/6k

[needavdub]

I have TEINs with the EDFC installed. It's a neat thing to have because I'm a sucker for gadgets. But I don't think there's a whole lot of difference in the settings. I generally drive around with them set to full soft. As for weight, the entire EDFC setup wasn't very heavy, but was kind of a PITA to install. IIRC I payed 175 USD for the EDFC setup in great used condition on eBay, so it wasn't one of the more expensive things I've spent money on.

[RBdreamer]

The Tein and Cusco systems are both good choices.

Some examples of nice street coilovers, with spring rates listed as Front/Rear:
Tein Mono Flex 7k/7k
Tein Comfort Sport: 5k/4k
Apexi N1 Evolution 5k/4k
HKS Hipermax III 7k/6k
Blitz ZZ-R 8k/6k

My only concern is being able to order custom spring rates. My 2 front runners so far are Tein and Cusco.

If I can specify my own spring rates for Tein, then I will most likely just get the Super Street's with the EDFC, as they are more than enough for what I will be using the car for. If I can not get the spring rates I want from the cheaper Teins and have to spend more money, I will just get Cusco Zero-2e's and the Cusco e-Con setup, as the higher-end Tein monotubes seem to be a bit pricey compared to other brands from what I can tell.

With the weight I am adding to the car unfortunately, I believe that I should look for 9kg fronts and 8kg rears as a minimum. The Cusco Zero-2e's are standard shipped with 11kg fronts/9kg rears, so they are perfect, although I can choose other rates if I so desire (10,11,12,14kg Front options, 8,9,10,11,12kg rear options with the Zero-2e's).

Can you tell me if I can specify my own spring rates, or atleast have a stiffer choice or 2 with the Tein Super Street's when ordering ?

[Daryl @ RightDrive]

You can't specify which springs you get with Cusco, but they do sell other spring rates so you can change them. Cusco 2E are 11/9, if you are looking for other spring rates in that range Zeal Function X are a good choice at 9/8.

[support@feastauto]

Both Tein EDFC and Cusco E-Con are best suited for owners that dont want to mess about making adjustments. Both systems are very accurate so you will no matter what have the correct setting when called for. Worthy investment if you have the budget.

About springs, you should be very careful when fitting heavier springs on suspension that came with light duty springs. The Cusco 2E for instance come with 9/11 as mentioned. If you go any heavier springs the valving will be thrown off within the shock and performance will be lost.