Cobb Springs vs Coil Overs

[FCNutCase]

Anyone out there run both Cobb Springs on stock struts vs coil overs? The Cobb springs seem to overwhelm the stock struts. I'm looking for new struts, but there are few options. There does seem to be a lot of coil over options. So, to those who have run both, what's the comparison? Hows' the livability of coil overs vs Cobb Springs?

Thanks much for your help!

Cheers,
Collin

[mortimersnerd]

As an addendum, how does cost compare?

[Protege03ak46]

doesn't mater what you run. coil-overs are almost always better than springs. and i cant think of a time were there not. coil-overs all the way. i here alot of ms3 people are happy with BC's. and i know alot of people up here run KW V2's and V3's and they are in love with them

[FCNutCase]

doesn't mater what you run. coil-overs are almost always better than springs. and i cant think of a time were there not. coil-overs all the way. i here alot of ms3 people are happy with BC's. and i know alot of people up here run KW V2's and V3's and they are in love with them

What brand are "BC's"? I'm not familliar with that brand. What's the difference between KW V2 and V3?

Thanks!

Collin

[shaneS]

Adjustability

[Protege03ak46]

basically, yes. adjustability.
v2's are more for street use and allow you to fine tune the handling, not just lower it... (http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_variant_3.php)
v3's, on the other hand, alow you to run them everyday but still handle like a pro on the track. they have 14 way compression adjustability. (http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_variant_3.php)

BC's are a relatively new brand (as far as i know). they offer some of the best coilovers for the price. some say there a little ruff. but at 1k you cant beat the price. alot of people like theme

[bluelion]

your links are both to the v3's

these are the v2's

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_variant_2.php

[Protege03ak46]

opps my bad
thanks

[Nliiitend1]

basically, yes. adjustability.
v2's are more for street use and allow you to fine tune the handling, not just lower it... (http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_variant_3.php)
v3's, on the other hand, alow you to run them everyday but still handle like a pro on the track. they have 14 way spring compression adjustability. (http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_variant_3.php)

BC's are a relatively new brand (as far as i know). they offer some of the best coilovers for the price. some say there a little ruff. but at 1k you cant beat the price. alot of people like theme

What the Hell is "14 way spring compression adjustability"??????? (lol2)

[zx2man]

Im not a suspension wizard..but from whats ive seen and read..coilovers is a no brainer over a set of lowering springs...your talking about a strut&spring setup thats designed around each other and fully adjustable. Where lowering springs are yes stiffer,and they lower the car..but will wear out the stock struts faster. I think if your not gonna go the coilover direction..then the next best choice is Koni Yellow struts with cobb springs,or another spring of your choosing. The Cobb springs are labeled to work with the stock strut..and they will..but the life of the strut will go bye bye much faster.

[cymx5]

What the Hell is "14 way spring compression adjustability"??????? (lol2)

LMAO you beat me to it!


(blah) Dur, I donno what I'm tawking about.
(moon)

[Protege03ak46]

ment to say.....

"14 way compression adjustability"

[kwsmithphoto]

Just a friendly reminder, these cars can only use coilover on the front suspension. The rear suspension is a multi link design, with the springs and dampers in different locations. So all you're getting with a "coilover" kit is 2 actual coilover units for front, shorter/stiffer springs on adjustable ride height perches, and adjustable dampers for the rear.

IOW, if you're happy with the ride height and spring rate as it is like me, just change the dampers with parts that actually do something.

And BTW, arguably the best coilover kit is the Mazdaspeed accessory items. They're built by KW, based on the V3, but the spring rates etc. are specified by Mazdaspeed.

If you want to lower it any more than stock, these are the only way to go for sure, IMO. You also have the advantage of much better, and very adjustable dampers, for fine tuning.

Anyway, what I would never, ever do is just swap the springs out to lower it and use the stock dampers. Big mistake, the stock dampers can't even keep up with the stock springs, particularly in the back.

IMO, stock springs, with high quality dampers and tires, and a stronger rear sway bar, will improve both ride and handling quite a bit, for considerably less cost than any coilover. But if you want the best option for lowering and ultimate handling, just pony up for the Mazdaspeed kit. AND a stonger rear sway bar. You get what you pay for, pretty much always.

And don't forget about the tires. The stocker's aren't too bad, but there are better options that cost less and do everything better. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, I trashed the stock tires in 7500 miles, without abusing the car at all.

[Yoo Shin]

How important is ride quality to you? BCs are not known for maintaining ride quality. Most BC applications I've seen and have read about are aimed at lowering for looks and not ride quality and/or performance.