E30 Coilover options for budget ballin'

[almostM]

Whats up homies-Im getting a 86 325 4-door and plan on keeping it stock as possible with the exception of drop, stretch, and poke. Any recommendations for an affordable coilover set-up? Anybody got any for sale?

[Stephen]

Define budget.. THe tried and true is just do Ground Control. However, ebay perches and some used 2.5ID springs gets you there fairly cheap, along with some g60 billy sports.

[tabasco]

I believe that GC has a conversion kit (perches and springs) for the e30 for about $430...which is what you would spend on a set of lowering springs.

So...if you want adjustability. May be a little more than ebay perches...but...probably better quality.

.02

jason

[schroedin]

I believe that GC has a conversion kit (perches and springs) for the e30 for about $430...which is what you would spend on a set of lowering springs.

So...if you want adjustability. May be a little more than ebay perches...but...probably better quality.

.02

jason

I presume this is what you are talking about.
http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=121/CA=8

Has anybody here tried these? I'm definitely interested in ordering the kit, as I'm on somewhat of a tight budget and these seem like the best route for someone in my situation. Recommended spring rates/shock setup anyone?

[ProjektONE]

If you want to ball on a budget, you can pick up some cheap coilovers sleeves on eBay then use eibach ERS springs to get the spring length and LBS you want. I spent about 220 doing this on my previous Miata.

[M.Burroughs]

I had the GC conversion kit on my old e30.

[schroedin]

I had the GC conversion kit on my old e30.
How was it?

[blue bags]

i think vmaxx makes an e30 setup. like 600, i had them before my air setup on my GTI and for the money i thought they were great

[87e30]

I have GC and Koni. But I don't have re welded strut housing or shortened shocks.

So if you go real low with out shortened (g60) shocks you'll lose travel (like I am) and without really short springs (I have 6 inch front, Idon't believe the back can be changed since it's a trailing arm setup) you won't get very low without welding the perch lower.

I'd ask stephen as he's been doing a lot of research on a cheap AND effective setup.

I'm looking into g60 koni's and rewelding the strut tubes to get lower. I'm not low enough. :(

Hopefully that made some sense.

[M.Burroughs]

^ To anyone with comprehension of e30 suspensions, it made sense. :)

[Dutchy]

There's no really cheap way to do an e30 really low for cheap. If you don't want a bouncing hood ride you need a shock that can handle how low you are, and how stiff your springs are.

A 6 inch spring with a "perch" welded about 6 inches down from the strut tube end will get you low enough up front. 4 inch springs will be required out back if you want a stiff spring rate. The softer your rate, the longer the spring can be as it will compress more. I'll be opting for something along the lines of 1000-1200lb 4 inch springs out back.

Now for shocks, you can either use g60 shocks (which I don't know much about) or 325ix shocks. They are quite a bit shorter, this will require you to section your strut tube accordingly and add a spacer in the bottom of your strut to keep the shock tight.

This is my understanding of what needs to be done. If anyone disagree's feel free to say it and explain why, i'd also like to know of more options.

[schroedin]

There's no really cheap way to do an e30 really low for cheap. If you don't want a bouncing hood ride you need a shock that can handle how low you are, and how stiff your springs are.

A 6 inch spring with a "perch" welded about 6 inches down from the strut tube end will get you low enough up front. 4 inch springs will be required out back if you want a stiff spring rate. The softer your rate, the longer the spring can be as it will compress more. I'll be opting for something along the lines of 1000-1200lb 4 inch springs out back.

Now for shocks, you can either use g60 shocks (which I don't know much about) or 325ix shocks. They are quite a bit shorter, this will require you to section your strut tube accordingly and add a spacer in the bottom of your strut to keep the shock tight.

This is my understanding of what needs to be done. If anyone disagree's feel free to say it and explain why, i'd also like to know of more options.

Damn, lots of good info, thanks! Kinda off topic, but would a 15x8 wheel with an offset of 0 fit without trouble on an E30?

[Dutchy]

With a 195/50 tire and possibly a little bit of fender rolling yes, very dependent on how low you are.

Lots of people have done this. I've seen 9" wide with et 0 fit with some rolling. I currently have a 15x9 et 8 up front with zero problems. Running a 195/50 on it.

[87e30]

There's no really cheap way to do an e30 really low for cheap. If you don't want a bouncing hood ride you need a shock that can handle how low you are, and how stiff your springs are.

A 6 inch spring with a "perch" welded about 6 inches down from the strut tube end will get you low enough up front. 4 inch springs will be required out back if you want a stiff spring rate. The softer your rate, the longer the spring can be as it will compress more. I'll be opting for something along the lines of 1000-1200lb 4 inch springs out back.

Now for shocks, you can either use g60 shocks (which I don't know much about) or 325ix shocks. They are quite a bit shorter, this will require you to section your strut tube accordingly and add a spacer in the bottom of your strut to keep the shock tight.

This is my understanding of what needs to be done. If anyone disagree's feel free to say it and explain why, i'd also like to know of more options.

Couple questions.

I didn't realize the rear spring could be swapped because it isn't a true coil over setup. It's the football shaped spring. Does GC have shorter versions?

And I had never heard about using a 325ix strut. I know that GC uses the g60 strut. Are you running a 325ix?

Thanks.

[Stephen]

K so what ive gathered, best way to go real low is:

Ebay perches, G60 billy sports (make sure to get the right part call GC or bilstien)

Rewelded and shortened housings. You could do no adjuster in the rear.. but naturally no adjustment.

That shouldnt cost too much and the shock travel should be adequate. In the rear, if ou need more, Gc sells a rear shock mount that lets the shock go another inch or to higher, reducing droop on a lift and increasing shock travel.

Thats the routhe i will most likely be going this summer.

Hope that helps.

[Dutchy]

Couple questions.

I didn't realize the rear spring could be swapped because it isn't a true coil over setup. It's the football shaped spring. Does GC have shorter versions?

And I had never heard about using a 325ix strut. I know that GC uses the g60 strut. Are you running a 325ix?

Thanks.

When you run a coilover you will be running a straight spring in the rear. Atleast I am. I know you can get shorter springs from GC, not sure how short. I'm ordering mine direct from Eibach through a race shop.

I should rephrase and say i'll be using a 325ix strut *insert* I'll be sectioning out roughly 3 inches from the regular e30 strut. Then I will likely need a spacer inside the strut to make up the rest.

Steve

[87e30]

Interesting. Sounds like I have some more research to do. I don't want to redo my suspension ($$$$) but I would like to gain some strut travel so we'll see.

[Dutchy]

I also have another idea I have been toying with, it involves cutting the strut insert and rethreading it.

[schroedin]

So this kit (http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=121/CA=98) will just come with the two needed for the rear? Basically I'm weighing my options and trying to figure out all the pieces I need.

[verlumpt]

4 inch springs will be required out back if you want a stiff spring rate. The softer your rate, the longer the spring can be as it will compress more. I'll be opting for something along the lines of 1000-1200lb 4 inch springs out back.

How do you plan to handle the rear spring un-seating?

going to a 4" on adjustable perch or otherwise is going to cause the rear spring to completely come un-seated under full-droop or even less than full droop regardless of rate.

Just wondering what your plan is.

Thanks - Jon

[bataangpinoy]

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27155

coilover install, lots of pics.

[Dutchy]

How do you plan to handle the rear spring un-seating?

going to a 4" on adjustable perch or otherwise is going to cause the rear spring to completely come un-seated under full-droop or even less than full droop regardless of rate.

Just wondering what your plan is.

Thanks - Jon

Yes your right, if and when you raise the car, you will have to make sure the springs/mounts seat correctly. Since the spring is so short, the trailing are is almost parellel to the ground when lowered, this means that the spring is almost straight and not bowing like it normally does with longer springs.

The spring would never unseat while driving, unless of course your planning on rallying your car and catching alot of air. This could also be fixed with very short shocks that would not allow the trailing arm to drop enough for the spring to unseat.

[Chris@MemoryFab]

I had D2 coils on my e30:shifty

[verlumpt]

Another option is a 4" spring mated w/ a tender spring. That would solve the problem all around. I just didn't know if you had other alternate plans.

I'm running a 5" 1000lb/in rear spring on the auto-x car and can't get as low as I'd like w/ AST perches/collars, so am planning to adapt this approach as I do feel there is a chance of un-seating the 4" spring.

[almostM]

Any pics of where to re-weld the perches? Also how low can you really go in an E30, seems like the oil pan comes into play pretty quickly. Anyone have any pics of ultra low examples? So GC or Ebay spring perches, Konis or ix struts, and 1000-1200lb spring rate out back? What about rates for the front?

[Ieatpeople]

How low can you really go in an E30, seems like the oil pan comes into play pretty quickly.

get a skidplate. then you can just drag it.

[almostM]

For real? Is there one available?

[JSanders]

You can make one, it's pretty simple.

[verlumpt]

there are some E30 skids fs on e30tech and/or r3vlimited

spring rates are very subjective...

[Dutchy]

Another option is a 4" spring mated w/ a tender spring. That would solve the problem all around. I just didn't know if you had other alternate plans.

I'm running a 5" 1000lb/in rear spring on the auto-x car and can't get as low as I'd like w/ AST perches/collars, so am planning to adapt this approach as I do feel there is a chance of un-seating the 4" spring.

How are you going to keep the tender spring attached to the 4 inch spring? Also that spring would break quickly as it would have to be fully compressed (aka coils touching eachother) if you would like to be lower then you are on your 5 inch spring. If you want to make a really nice setup, go true coilover in the back.

I will get some pictures this weekend of my setup. The oil pan will always be your lowest point, even if you have an IS lip on the front. Right now the only problem I have with scrapping is my exhaust (downpipes right in front of cat) hitting the speedbump at my work.

[verlumpt]

per class rules can't make modifications to support true coils.

there is a tender to spring perch/spacer that will keep them happy together.

tenders are designed to be at or near fully compressed if needed.

[Byron]

Any pics of where to re-weld the perches? Also how low can you really go in an E30, seems like the oil pan comes into play pretty quickly. Anyone have any pics of ultra low examples? So GC or Ebay spring perches, Konis or ix struts, and 1000-1200lb spring rate out back? What about rates for the front?

Depending on the engine, you could just about tuck 16's up front- That would be oil pan on the ground though. The rear can go just as low, but you run into exhaust issues with anything over 2" piping.

[grippymonkey]

I am also interested in slamming an E30 for cheap.... haha

I had two E30's in the past. I may just pick one up end of this year. I think I know which route I'll go already though

[bataangpinoy]

i would get the AST 4100 coilover setuip from elephantmotorsports.com for 2,890.
if i was gonna do budget, cosmo racing coilover springs are what i run. they go for a cool 210 usd.

[verlumpt]

To add some more budget to build options outlined.

more-japan.com sells tanabe coilover springs in 60mm for $19 a pair and 65mm springs for $30 a pair (before shipping). length/rate is limited, but these coupled w/ some cheap ebay conversion kits (if you can find 60mm ones or 2.5" ones (can use 65mm springs then) you'd be set.

I also heard that vorshlag is putting together a conversion kit they are going to offer for E30/36/46 possibly yet this year. There was talk about it on their forum.

[almostM]

Depending on the engine, you could just about tuck 16's up front- That would be oil pan on the ground though. The rear can go just as low, but you run into exhaust issues with anything over 2" piping.

I was thinking smaller wheels. 2"? Any ways around that?

i would get the AST 4100 coilover setuip from elephantmotorsports.com for 2,890.
if i was gonna do budget, cosmo racing coilover springs are what i run. they go for a cool 210 usd.

Isn't the drop on the cosmos only 1.5'' F 2" R drop?

To add some more budget to build options outlined.

more-japan.com sells tanabe coilover springs in 60mm for $19 a pair and 65mm springs for $30 a pair (before shipping). length/rate is limited, but these coupled w/ some cheap ebay conversion kits (if you can find 60mm ones or 2.5" ones (can use 65mm springs then) you'd be set.

I also heard that vorshlag is putting together a conversion kit they are going to offer for E30/36/46 possibly yet this year. There was talk about it on their forum.

More info on these ebay conversion kits? Will the tanabe springs work with the GC setup? Also are they lower?


Also what shock/struts are good on the cheap?

[Dutchy]

If your going to be cheap, order a GC kit. Its around 400.00 US for springs and adjusters. The springs that come with cosmo's are absolute junk.

To those waiting for pictures of my suspension. I will see if I can get some tomorrow after work, sorry for the delay, I've been quite busy.

[bataangpinoy]

ahahaha ive clocked about 75 miles on my cosmo's(race rates). they are really good(for mow) but i did like the idea of just reusing my cosmo adjusters with a set of their springs. you are really paying for the adjusters. a pair of springs from gc is about 69 dollars so toying with rates is cheaper and easy.
its easy to get low on cosmos. you just have to cut up the lower spring perch on the oem strut tubes. but im not doing that. im actually selling my cosmos for dirt cheap, like 100 shipped anywhere because i want something less agressive as far as oversteer goes. is i had a thicker rear sway, my car would be too loose.

i'll guide you through the trimming of the spring perch. the link i posted is actually a cosmo coilover install. im surprised you haven't looked through it yet! it would have answered alot of these questions...

[Stephen]

What are the size of the perces? i might take the cosmos if the perch size is right. Scratch that, i will if ithe size is right

[bataangpinoy]

the front cosmo perches were trimmed at the top to fit under the bigger gland nut used by the bilstiens. my fs thread is on e30tech.

[verlumpt]

what size spring do your cosmos perches take. I'm interested in them.

[bataangpinoy]

ive been offered a good 130 shipped already for the perches and coils.

im not gonna split them up. they take 2.5 inch springs, but if the plastic centering rings were sanded about 1mm, they would take 60mm id springs.

[Sticksdaman]

Billy sports
GC conversion
GC plates
Done

At the risk of sounding like a douche... You've got to pay to play. Suspension is one of the if not THE MOST important components of a vehicle. Why would you cheap out on it?
The setup listed above is the most cost effective way to go low on an e30 and maintain shock travel/ride quality.

Don't be a cheap ass, you will only waste time and money/compromise your safety and those around you. As simple as it sounds, if you cant afford it .... DONT DO IT. If you cannot afford to modify your car properly with quality tested parts, save up until you can or just don't do it. Coilovers aren't essential to making your car function so spend your money on maintenance and other odds and ends before you try and half ass a cheap suspension setup because you want to fit in and look cool.

/rant

[Stephen]

If you have to play to play, why on earth would you go stock length Billy route?

[verlumpt]

but if the plastic centering rings were sanded about 1mm, they would take 60mm id springs.

you realize that math doesn't compute (unless you're saying there is slop w/ the current centering rings). 2.5" = 63.5mm

I was curious (when you were selling yours) and emailed cosmos and they say they take 65mm springs. Can you confirm room to actually fit 60mm w/o making new perches?

can you post some pics of the perches & centering rings? That may clear up things even further.

Thanks - Jon

[Sticksdaman]

The setup listed above is the most cost effective way to go low on an e30 and maintain shock travel/ride quality.



Bilstein sports at their stock height, with the addition of GC camber plates are enough to get you plenty low, with or without cut/welded struts. the plates allow the car to sit lower without losing any suspension travel. Should you choose to eliminate the additional suspension travel by lowereing it even more then, yes you would need to invest in more costly modifications (shorter billies or konis). As stated earlier, this is the most cost effective way to go low. Light years better than the shit cosmo setup or some 60 dollar ebay civic setup. If you're going to do it, do it RIGHT, or dont do it at all.

[bataangpinoy]

cosmos springs are ok, but its their adjusters that you save and use gc springs.

[verlumpt]

cosmos springs are ok, but its their adjusters that you save and use gc springs.

or adapt to the tanabe ones I mentioned earlier.

That is my plan... since GC won't sell you their kit w/o their springs.

[Dutchy]

Billy sports
GC conversion
GC plates
Done

At the risk of sounding like a douche... You've got to pay to play. Suspension is one of the if not THE MOST important components of a vehicle. Why would you cheap out on it?
The setup listed above is the most cost effective way to go low on an e30 and maintain shock travel/ride quality.

Don't be a cheap ass, you will only waste time and money/compromise your safety and those around you. As simple as it sounds, if you cant afford it .... DONT DO IT. If you cannot afford to modify your car properly with quality tested parts, save up until you can or just don't do it. Coilovers aren't essential to making your car function so spend your money on maintenance and other odds and ends before you try and half ass a cheap suspension setup because you want to fit in and look cool.

/rant

I agree with you on doing it right, but billy sports are far from right for anyone that is actually low. A stock length shock will have ZERO travel if you are low.

I know this for a fact, by experience of course . Kyb's slammed have no travel, need something a good 3 inches or more shorter. Tucking 195/50R15's hard up front:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee305/dutchy_623/1-15.jpg

[bataangpinoy]

just a heads up, in know a set of springs that go for under 300 that drop 60mm/40mm.

thats as far as i would go, and thats enough to tuck stuff.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

^ If you read along the issue is having proper dampening the lower you go. Lots of e30 springs go pretty low (apex for example).

My e30 was never low enough to have these issues

[almostM]

So what was the verdict on the shock set-up? Konis?

[bataangpinoy]

yes koni's. but mage sure they are the g60 rado koni's, as they have the shorter stroke fo a slammed car. to run these you need in-stut centering rings, which i believe are available for purchase from gc.

[almostM]

so are these the same ones available from GC? Is there another option you guys use to purchase?

[Byron]

just a heads up, in know a set of springs that go for under 300 that drop 60mm/40mm.

thats as far as i would go, and thats enough to tuck stuff.
No its not at all. I have 75/50's and they barely tuck in the back, no way in the front.

edit: my sig is the 75/50's on an early model for comparisons

[bataangpinoy]

i have a late model. and with the spring rate at 200/285 on a 325i, its enough. i'll post pics when it comes in.

[notloEnuf]

I just put GC's on my e30 and jesus i love them...cut down the strut tubes and welded them back up. i paid 1525 shipped to my front door with every single piece i need even M3 sway bar tabs and directions for shortening the tubes....heres the setup and yes they come with camber plates, heres the kit...i'll take pics tomorrow of my e30 so you can see where it is sitting at 1/2 way point.

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu184/e30Rob89/SDC10298.jpg?t=1247810311

[hootie]

Do you have to use g60 rado koni's for a shorter strut? Or can you use g60 rado bilsteins? Just wondering if there are cheaper options because I know g60 rado Koni's are expensive.

Cheapest websites for them?

[Stephen]

You can use g60 bilsteins. Id call GC about them, you need a weird gland nut.



On a related note, my coils came in today.

[notloEnuf]

well to be honest....these konis came with my setup and im not 100% sure which they are, however i do know they are very short. Heres a pic after installed still waiting for the springs to settle....rears all the way down fronts half way between top n bottom...this is what i got.

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu184/e30Rob89/SDC10319.jpg?t=1248210788

Like i said springs arent compltely settled and only half way down!!
http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu184/e30Rob89/SDC10323.jpg?t=1248210806

Theres some light between the exhaust n pavement.....
http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu184/e30Rob89/SDC10325.jpg?t=1248210872

[Stephen]

Did you shorten the strut housing? if you didnt id imagine theyre the stock size

[notloEnuf]

ya they got cut down about 2.5 inchs then we also cut down the spacer that goes in the tube as well. when it was all welded back up tossed the spacer in the tube then placed the strut in the tube and it was roughly 2/8's and inch lower than the very top of the strut tube so there is now way they are stock struts.....this is the reason you need to cut down the strut tubes to begin with.

[B Rod]

Damn dude...that got LOW.

[notloEnuf]

oh no worries when the springs settle imma take it lower...lol

[Stephen]

Then they are for sure GCs g60 short struts. Nice drop.

[notloEnuf]

if im not mistaken taht is what they come with to begin with, it's not a request you need to make, it jsut is already included. Thanks for the compliments it'll get better once i get some rollers on there.

[Byron]

I wish I could go that low and still have that much oil pan clearance :(

[notloEnuf]

what motor do you have?

[verlumpt]

what spring rates did you end up going with?

[bjh102]

if you are really on a budget just cut the springs :) then save and get the coilovers u want and not the ones u have to settle for.

[hootie]

You can use g60 bilsteins. Id call GC about them, you need a weird gland nut.



On a related note, my coils came in today.

I found G60 Koni's for 178 each shipped, so I might go with them. Unless I can find Bilsteins for a lot cheaper. I will call Jay at GC and figure out though.

[notloEnuf]

thats what basically comes with these GC kit

[Byron]

what motor do you have?

m42 :( I have just about the same pan clearance as you but I'm just barely tucking up front.

My m30 car's oil pan is a good inch and a half higher than the m42 one- It's higher than the steering rack. I had the FK's on that car but I blew the engine so they're on the 318is now.

[bataangpinoy]

how did you cook an m30?

[Byron]

Not sure why it happened, but all the bolts holding the cam gear onto the cam snapped and the valves and the pistons became one.

[hootie]

Not sure why it happened, but all the bolts holding the cam gear onto the cam snapped and the valves and the pistons became one.

I have been toying with the idea of an M30. Will the oil pan be significantly higher? Currently my oil pan sits 1.5-2 inches off the ground, and I am sitting on GC coils/nonshortened Koni's along with GC camber plates.

I am either thinking about shortening the oil pan or throwing in an M30, but then again if I am going to do it, I might as well do an M50...

[Dutchy]

Isn't m50 pan clearance worse then an m20?

[Byron]

yeah it is, m30 pan is the highest pan for e30's. I'll go take some pics of the variations on my cars.

[Byron]

m20 pan. can't see it too well because of the shield but its about even with the rack
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x96/e30spdfrk/DSCI0050.jpg

m42 (damn profile gasket)
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x96/e30spdfrk/DSCI0051.jpg

m30. this shot really shows the difference- the m30 car is an inch lower than the m42 one
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x96/e30spdfrk/DSCI0229-1.jpg

[hootie]

Yeah that looks good. I think I am just going to shorten the oil pan by about 1.5 inches, and raise up the engine by an inch and skinny the hood. That way I can effectively go another 2.5 inches lower. And the oil pan will be hidden because it will go up 2.5 inches. I dont care about knocking other shit around down there.

[OrganicMechanic]

oh I have some links for ya`ll.

think dirt track cars...

oh this is called a teaser.

[Ficarra]

oh I have some links for ya`ll.

think dirt track cars...

oh this is called a teaser.


We don't take kindly to teasers 'round these parts. :shifty

[almostM]

So will a M30 pan fit a M20?

[OrganicMechanic]

linkage (http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Race-Car-Springs.html?category|category_root|2=Oval+Track&category|cat_2|154=Suspension)

[Byron]

So will a M30 pan fit a M20?
no

[bataangpinoy]

So will a M30 pan fit a M20?

who fuck post this

[almostM]

Your mom. Shes always changing my facebook status, and posting shit on StanceWorks

[schroedin]

:rofl

[bataangpinoy]

i hope he's from r3v.....

[E30LIFE]

I only paid 450 for my D2's. But you can probably get them for 600 or so if you look around enough.
They got me pretty low.
Not as low as the ground control guys are though.
I can go as low as them in the rear, but the front needs alot of trimming and welding to make the d2 fronts work.

[almostM]

i hope he's from r3v.....

Your mom is a guy?! Now I feel hella dirty

[bataangpinoy]

i feel hella dirty from putting it in ur sister's butt. :rofl i<3 people

[almostM]

HAHA fun times

[Madface]

does anyone have or know of an e30 that has KW coilovers? they're $1342 and free shipping from tunershop, but is says lowest setting is an 80mm drop front and 60mm rear.

i'm new to e30s so i'm not sure if 80/60 is considered "low"...i know for VWs it's not low at all haha. any help would be appreciated, if the KWs don't go low i'll be doing the GC/koni setup.

[Byron]

Look up Stale30. He is On KW's, no idea how far down though. Stock for stock they will go lower than GC's though.

[Madface]

http://images.bimmers.no/files/826dgjnr76n8iqwxtv5m.jpg

that's definitely how i want my car sitting, i just wonder if the car is 5 lug. from what i've read, wouldn't he have to be running e36 coils if it's 5 lug?

[Bimmerteck]

I highly doubt that KWs will in any way go lower than my GCs. The threads on the body don't matter it's all relative to the length of the shock and the height of the spring. another friends KWs bottom out the shocks well before the GC setups I have installed. here is a pic of mine on UNMODIFIED stock housings. notloEnuf is a good example of what can be done on modified housings. There is a huge difference between sitting low and driving low. To drive you'll want travel in your struts.;)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3448804003_bdf3c97760_b.jpg

Erik

[Madface]

all of my previous cars have been really low and daily driven so i plan on doing the same.

this is on KW coilovers, not sure if there is thread left or not though

http://www.tunershop.com/xt/images/page_content/galerie/bmw/bmw_e30_bbs_rs_01_bild2_gr.jpg

[Bimmerteck]

all of my previous cars have been really low and daily driven so i plan on doing the same


Then the GC koni option is your best option. Mine will be 1" lower than notloEnufs when it rolls out of the garage next summer most of which is b/c I'm going dry sump to alleviate oil pan clearance issues and add an oil cooler. :D

Erik

[Bimmerteck]

the KWs are good coils, but if you want to be "subject of envy" low in an e30. you'll need to call ground control.

[Madface]

i'm not into being internet famous, i just know what i like :D

i have no quams about cutting/welding/fabricating if i need to, just figured if i can get just as low and still have suspension travel i would save a little time and money with the KWs. guess GC/konis it is, thanks for the help guys :)

[bataangpinoy]

that white one with the half mtech2 kit was the qimis car and im pretty sure he was on gc.

[Bimmerteck]

that white one with the half mtech2 kit was the qimis car and im pretty sure he was on gc.

Not sure currently, but for a good while he was on KW variant 1s.


Erik

[Byron]

that's definitely how i want my car sitting, i just wonder if the car is 5 lug. from what i've read, wouldn't he have to be running e36 coils if it's 5 lug?
He has e30 M3 5 lug, but KW still makes the coils for 4 lug e30's and they go just as low.
I highly doubt that KWs will in any way go lower than my GCs. The threads on the body don't matter it's all relative to the length of the shock and the height of the spring. another friends KWs bottom out the shocks well before the GC setups I have installed. here is a pic of mine on UNMODIFIED stock housings. notloEnuf is a good example of what can be done on modified housings. There is a huge difference between sitting low and driving low. To drive you'll want travel in your struts.;)

Erik
The KW's are a complete replacement strut for e30's. They are shorter to start and can easily go as low as you. You most likely have Camber plates on your setup too. Plain old GC's will not get you anywhere near that low.

[Bimmerteck]

Your correct, I do have camber plates, I would never do a suspension this low without them and several other modifications to boot. I understand the KWs include a new strut assembly, I've installed several sets. They are not as short as my current GC setup they were about 1/4" shy when measured compressed. That compined with the GC plates(raising the upper mount by almost 1/2") makes quite the difference, and that's before I get into modifying the strut housings, machining insert spacers, and ordering different springs. I like the GC because they can be changed in the future to suite my needs, most coilovers aimed the tuner crowd are not that adjustable. There is no way to adjust where the best 2'' of travel the shock has falls in relation to the height of the stacked spring assembly. The only Shocks i've been able to run lower with were remote reservoir and much more expensive than the GCs and KWs combined.

Erik

[bataangpinoy]

if your gonna drop money for the kw's, try AST. i know of someone who runs them in his autox e30 and he loves them. elephantmotorsport.com sells them i think

[Madface]

from my experience, coils that are good for autox and coils that go low are completely different. i just want to go low, and if it handles awesome then it's a plus

[Byron]

Get GC's and have both

[bataangpinoy]

meh i'll take handling first over low.

[Madface]

the other thing i'm worried about with the GCs is inner wheel clearance, the perches and springs are quite a bit wider than the KWs are.

[dinanm3atl]

from my experience, coils that are good for autox and coils that go low are completely different. i just want to go low, and if it handles awesome then it's a plus

What? Usually coils that are good for track/auto-x duty are a high quality part and should/probably have a large range of adjustment and go pretty low.


Cheap coilovers won't really be setup for handling and may allow you to simply slam the car.

[Madface]

i've owned 5 VWs on various coilovers and that's what it seemd like to me.

bilstiens handled awesome, but didn't go low at all, still had gap all the way down on stock tire size.
H&rs, handled almost as good as bilstein and went lower, but not slammed.
FKs w/o adjustable dampening, handling was ok but they went really low.
FKs w/adjustable dampening were about the same as base FKs, i didn't notice much of a difference.

suspension geometry on BMWs is quite a bit different than VWs, so maybe that has something to do with it...

[Madface]

ok so i ended up getting the KW coils for $1380 shipped, got a chance to put them on last night and i'm really impressed. they ride great and i'm pretty sure they go lower than i could ever actually drive the car, the manual says max drop is 4.7". this is with the coils all the way UP, about 1/2" gap on a 205/40/17, and like i said they were just installed last night so still have to settle.

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii105/madface01/coils_on.jpg

and in case you **** the wheels, so do i (they came on the car) and these are going on soon:

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii105/madface01/e30_bbs007.jpg

[Byron]

Put em all the way down yet? :)

How do they ride?

[Stephen]

elaborate plz

[Madface]

elaborate on what?

the ride great, not too harsh but not too soft. the handle awesome too, i've always had VWs so its not too hard to beat that handling haha.

the skid plate is 2.5" from the ground where its at so i definitely won't be able to crank them all the way down...damn m42 :(

[Byron]

http://smiliesftw.com/x/smiley-shocked.gif (http://smiliesftw.com)

#1- It's a skid plate... it's supposed to hit the ground
#2- 2.5" is skyjacked. I had 1" to my PAN when I had my m42

do work son!


:stickoutt

[Madface]

hahaha i'm workin on it! my last car was a vr6 gti with the pan about an inch of the ground. picking up the wheels from getting redrilled in the morning and then just waiting on tires. it'll be dumped one way or another even if its dragging the skid plate on the ground constantly.

[almostM]

Where did you get the KWs from?

[Madface]

tunershop.com

about 3-3.5" of thread left on the fronts and 1/2" left in the rear
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii105/madface01/01.jpg

[BMWWIL]

what are the sizes and specs of those bbs and tire size please!

[ZiMMie]

Isn't m50 pan clearance worse then an m20?
NO M20 is worse.

[jpod999]

The KWs got you that low? Hmmmmm.

[610EURO]

NO M20 is worse.

.. id beg to differ

[Zic]

tunershop.com

about 3-3.5" of thread left on the fronts and 1/2" left in the rear
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii105/madface01/01.jpg

This settles it, KW's its gonna be! :)

[notloEnuf]

.. id beg to differ

I as well....i lost quite a bit of clearance when i put my m50 in.

[implayaz9]

sup madface.. car looks clean!.. ur vw was sick though!

[Byron]

Well now we need more pics, lol. Don't be a tease

[Madface]

i don't have any fancy camera equipment so i only take iphone pictures haha. my cousin is jonathan dehate, he's been shooting for stanceworks and canibeat the last couple months so he wants to shoot the car this week if the weather permits.

the wheels are 16x9 and 10, 2.5" lips front and 3.5" rear. fenders are just slightly rolled but doesn't rub hardly...so i just lowered it a little more this morning.

[implayaz9]

where did u pick up the lips from?

[Madface]

Tunershop.com. Great company to deal with, I'd definitely order from them again.

[Zic]

What offset are you running? looks oooooooohhh so clean!

[Madface]

with the big lips and spacers comes out to like...12-ish if my calculations are correct. tires are 215/40 and 225/40

[Byron]

Damn pretty much the same specs as my RS's lol. Any fitment pics? I don't care if they're from an iphone lol.

[Madface]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4413399880_f6754c46f5.jpg

[Madface]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4414095373_b631db176a.jpg

[Zic]

Keep em coming!

[denizb30]

what front splitter have you on it? looks class

[Madface]

It's from a mk3 VW. It looks good in pics but it has zip ties holding it together in the center. I have another one that I'm working on that will be molded into one piece to get rid of the seem in the center so it will look much better.

[kev.skyline]

looks nice, could do with higher res pictures though, and more of them.

[Madface]

Check the stanceworks home page, they put up a full feature this morning.

[BMWerke]

Has anyone used the Tokico shocks, would they work with the GC conversion kit?

[Average_Jerk]

Check the stanceworks home page, they put up a full feature this morning.
when you installed the KWs did you have to do any modifications? or were they a straight install? I thought i read that they replace the strut housing and evreything so you dont need to cut them down.

[dinanm3atl]

It's from a mk3 VW. It looks good in pics but it has zip ties holding it together in the center. I have another one that I'm working on that will be molded into one piece to get rid of the seem in the center so it will look much better.

Factory iS splitter. It looks better and snaps on.

[Madface]

Factory iS splitter. It looks better and snaps on.

i don't agree, i think the factory iS splitter looks like shit.

if anyone needs some stock strut housing to cut and weld to do a GC setup, PM me i have some i'll sell cheap.

[Stephen]

Is lips are olddddddd news. They look good on OEM+ cars, but most of the time they just look boring.

[BMWerke]

it waz just a question......i see all these parts but i dont whcih ones are good on not....but i am gettin the gc kit, i am ordering the kit in 2 weeks (next paycheck)

[OrganicMechanic]

Hey there--haven`t waded the whole thread so this might not even be relevant.

Some of the dirt track catalogs have the various size springs in various rates that can be cut into what ever length you need and have the supplies to cut and weld threaded spring perches made by Bilstein

[dinanm3atl]

i don't agree, i think the factory iS splitter looks like shit.

if anyone needs some stock strut housing to cut and weld to do a GC setup, PM me i have some i'll sell cheap.

Is lips are olddddddd news. They look good on OEM+ cars, but most of the time they just look boring.

Every other lip basically requires it to be cut/sectioned which looks even worse. A simple add-on lip/splitter to the bottom and you are golden.

Look at the VW lip in question. You can see the split and it is obvious. I don't see how that is not as boring or more boring. OEM iS also fits properly and lines up and keeps a smooth flow.

[Madface]

mine fit fine before i started driving the car and hitting shit, with that iS lip it would be ripped off before the end of the day. i don't know about you but i'm not all about wasting money. i think an i lip looks better than the iS lip.

if you can drive around with an iS lip, you're not low enough.

[Stephen]

mtech 2 guys.

[dinanm3atl]

mine fit fine before i started driving the car and hitting shit, with that iS lip it would be ripped off before the end of the day. i don't know about you but i'm not all about wasting money. i think an i lip looks better than the iS lip.

if you can drive around with an iS lip, you're not low enough.

In your opinion...

[Byron]

I liked my B3 passat duckbill. It fit real nice after some trimming. I could have made it fit even better but I tore it off so it is no more.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x96/e30spdfrk/Phone%20pics/1116091246.jpg

Other than that though, i lips are where it's at.

[dinanm3atl]

The i lip is just plain and boring. Simply removing the iS lip and painting it a nice flat black and adding a nice little splitter on it and it is great. I have yet to see any VW lip that didn't look out of place. Most of them are cut in the middle and just don't do anything for me.

[Revhard05]

Yes your right, if and when you raise the car, you will have to make sure the springs/mounts seat correctly. Since the spring is so short, the trailing are is almost parellel to the ground when lowered, this means that the spring is almost straight and not bowing like it normally does with longer springs.

The spring would never unseat while driving, unless of course your planning on rallying your car and catching alot of air. This could also be fixed with very short shocks that would not allow the trailing arm to drop enough for the spring to unseat.

or some type of limiting strap

[Madface]

Now you want to have an iS lip AND add shit to the bottom of it?... I'm usually not rude but, dude, you have no taste. Stick to e36s, those guys love gaudy shit.

[610EURO]

IS lip + anything and your not going to be able to go really low. IMO the IS lip is the only way to go. ive seen almost every other option and they just look out of place.

i dont consider the IS lip a limiting factor at all .. my oil pan hangs about an inch lower then the lower sides of the IS lip. my oil pan will stop me before that lip would.

[e30rat]

I have Bilstein shocks with cosmo racing, race spec coilover sleeves, cut perches

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/5579/66512273337453187837103.jpg

[bataangpinoy]

and an early model lip, which is something ive been toying aaround with.

cosmo coils are scary, i had them about two years ago and they were flimsyy

[Sterling_Archer]

for those looking for a cheap route, you might as well order from overseas: http://www.modifiedcarstore.co.uk/supersport-bmw-3-series-e30-325i-se-sport-081982071990--height-adjustable-coilovers-lowers-3565mm-front-and-60mm-rear-su82bm021_p1364702.htm

after looking at a majority of coilovers for this car, i can't see paying some of the prices when it's not just something you can bolt it combined with the rears not being true coilovers. how come a real 4-piece coilover set for a car runs about the same price? something doesn't add up................this kit above seems to be a fair price for something that requires cutting and welding your stock parts on top of them being able to deny their warranty because of the work not being satisfactory to them when you try to get them to cover parts. seriously, it's springs, shorter shocks, and some threaded parts LOL. seems like one big circle jerk with no payoff.

[Polo Classic]

for those looking for a cheap route, you might as well order from overseas:

German ebay FTW

http://shop.ebay.de/i.html?_nkw=Bmw+E30+Gewindefahrwerk&_sacat=0&LH_PrefLoc=2&_dmpt=Autoteile_Zubeh%C3%83%C2%B6r&_odkw=Bmw+E30+Gewindefahrwerk%27&_osacat=0&bkBtn=&_trksid=m270

[Drummerchubbs]

when you installed the KWs did you have to do any modifications? or were they a straight install? I thought i read that they replace the strut housing and evreything so you dont need to cut them down.


x2 on this question. Did you have to modify the KWs?

[Eriks]

Here is my ex e30 with IS lip and splitter,looks nice,best option if u didnt have M-Tech kit..
http://bildez.lv/bildes/uvis/bmw/1222539349.jpg
http://bildez.lv/bildes/uvis/bmw/1222854116.jpg
My new e30 prefacelift is getting facelift front and the same IS lip with splitter,just car will be much more lower than this..:eyebrows

[MaxBell]

Sooo...I read through this thread and I'm wondering what the consensus seems to be...

I am looking at JOM Coils on my E30, there's a group buy at R3VLimited.com right now for $380 shipped. I figure, you can't go wrong for that. They seem fairly well reviewed, and are popular in the VW community.

The other option seems to be the GC Conversion kit, then a set of Bilstein Sport shocks? What cutting/welding will need to be done? How low can I get with this system? I want to (as money is available) get it well low and have 16's tucked.

I want people to look at me and shake their heads, while thinking, "That is just stupid."
:alright

[Dutchy]

I like your want for low, it really depends on wallet and how you want your ride to be. I'm as low or lower then alot of people and I'm on sport springs cut over 3 coils and heated springs out back, on some unknown shocks. It rides like crap, and its too soft, but it works for now.

Somewhat recent pic of it

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee305/dutchy_623/5095708422_507c00cf4e_b.jpg

[MaxBell]

That's actually fucking legit. I do (kinda) value handling, but FORM > FUNCTION. My roommate drives a MINT Monte Carlo SS, which he cut a coil out of last weekend. Still handles decent, though he regrets it and now has proper springs on order.

Is cutting OK!?

[Dutchy]

Well, cutting is fine to an extent, when you cut a spring the rate goes up, but the shocks are still too long, and for aggresive fitment (like my rears which rub rim) its too soft. I think a coil and a bit is ok, after that it starts to get dicey i suppose. It's not that the spring will break, but its hard on your strut towers and shocks when the shocks are too long and the springs aren't stiff enough or long enough to keep from bottoming out.

However I've been dailying like this for well over 10k, plus a trip down to ocean city which was roughly 1100kms one way from good ol Canada.

My advice, do it as temporary, but be prepared to break stuff, and it is quite hard on the car. I can't rock any people in my back seat without a pretty constant rub under any acceleration, even in 5th. That and the pan being less then 2 inches from the ground on soft springs is pretty risky, but fuck it, sucks to roll hard.

[Stephen]

I would expect the JOMs to be of decent quality, although there is hardly anything out there to go off of in the e30 application. Also, given the design, i wouldnt expect them to get you dumped.


If you want 16s tucked, start saving up. You will need short body shocks up front, small springs out rear (depending on your arches) The JOMs i guarantee will not tuck, nor will cut springs or a basic GC conversion

[Dutchy]

If you want 16s tucked, start saving up. You will need short body shocks up front, small springs out rear (depending on your arches) The JOMs i guarantee will not tuck, nor will cut springs or a basic GC conversion

I have to disagree, if it weren't for my fitment being so agressive, I could tuck rim out back, up front definitely not possible without some seriously short shocks and housings. Mind you, if you got some g60 shocks and shortened the e30 housing with cut springs or by a lowered spring perch I'm sure you could tuck rim, I tuck tire currently on stock length shocks.

[MaxBell]

I would expect the JOMs to be of decent quality, although there is hardly anything out there to go off of in the e30 application. Also, given the design, i wouldnt expect them to get you dumped.

Would I be able to modify them to get lower? Cut the housing or anything?


If you want 16s tucked, start saving up. You will need short body shocks up front, small springs out rear (depending on your arches) The JOMs i guarantee will not tuck, nor will cut springs or a basic GC conversion.

I just want the tire a little into the fender, I have GC camber plates on the horizon and some XXR 513's sitting in my basement. Stock, the XXRs poke, but aren't close to the fender yet.

Hmmm, I need more low in my diet.

[MaxBell]

Yes, no!?

[WillE28]

what is the g60 billy sport?

[Hartgeh27]

Man buy my setup it handles good and will put u on the ground.

http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?p=371601#post371601

[Average_Jerk]

Man buy my setup it handles good and will put u on the ground.

http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/showthread.php?p=371601#post371601
great price too

[Bimmerteck]

Would I be able to modify them to get lower? Cut the housing or anything?


No you can't shorten the housing for the JOM coilovers b/c the provided shocks are not shorter. If you want to be super low in an e30 you have several options but JOM is not one of them. Ground control with shorter housings, shorter shocks, and camber plates is, you could also look into bags. Put simply you will have to shorten the OE strut housing if you want a significantly lower altitude in an e30 chassis.

[Basketcase]

BUMP anybody else with KWs out there or what?

madface, still like them?

[CHIF8008]

this is what JOM's got me in front.
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/CHIF8008/e30/008-2.jpg

i cant use a oil pan reference because i raised mine

[CW-325]

does anyone have pics of GCs with non modified front struts? thanks!

[Basketcase]

this is what JOM's got me in front.
http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac47/CHIF8008/e30/008-2.jpg

i cant use a oil pan reference because i raised mine

pics of full car?

[joeseinfeld]

I know this is an old thread but just wanted to check if there were any aussies here that had an opinion or experience with the cheap route of lowering an e30 over here in Aus?

What have you guys done on a budget

Mine will just be a daily, not a track car.

I want it to have about 6-7cm clearance or ~ 2.5" for everyone else, so not ridiculously low.

Any help is much appreciated, first time owning something other than a Ford or Holden so having a little trouble finding things cheap!

[dirty_thirty]

If you're gonna go with those wheels and you dont want wheel gap you will need to go a lot lower. I've got an 86 325e with 15x8 and 15x9 0 offset with 195/45 S drives. I've got H&R lowering springs and kyb shocks and from my fender to my sidewall is still about 2 inches. I'm getting GC coilovers to slam it but if you don't want it that slammed I'd go with bigger wheels