Steeda's New Adjustable Front Coil Over Kit

[hulk_smash]

One note, is that the Steeda camber plate supports the factory spring seat isolator bearing on the inner and outer race for more durability. Most other plates do not. Also, our plates are nickel plated for life long durability.
I will answer your other questions tomorrow.
Thanks, Steeda Tech

Thank you. I just want to know the exact difference between the coilover and shock/strut so I can make an informed purchase.

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[wildcatgoal]

Thank you for your opinion.

Let's first start off by saying to each his own. You seem to defend STEEDA in many posts. I think STEEDA makes great products. But they don't necessarily make all of the best products. So I think we can all agree with this.

My opinion about camber plates being more robust is based on me having seen and held both Steeda and MM plates in person. I chose the MM because to me it looks more robust, more complete and nicer. I don't know the metal content of the camber plates, nor am I an engineer that can comment on the structural rigidity and quality of each product. It is merely my opinion.

Let's assume for the sake of argument that MM and STEEDA plates are equal.

Now if the coilover were 1) valved to handle more spring rate, 2) were both rebound/compression adjustable and 3) provided a significant weight savings, then I would lean more toward getting the coilover.

But if it doesn't yield at least 2 of the 3 improvements, why would someone who already has springs and camber plates, purchase the coilover verision over the strut/shock only, if for no other reason than ride height and corner balancing?
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Okay, well... haha, yeah... I'll freely admit that I'm pro-Steeda. Do they make the BEST products for the S550? Well, in most cases I think so, especially when we factor in a cost against the fact these are abusively tested products including in sanctioned racing. Would I change things on some parts? Yep... and have told SteedaTech directly my ideas/thoughts - he'd probably tell you I can be pretty critical. Sure, these coilovers are not the "best" coilovers for the S550, that's a given. I'm confident their quality is excellent but, if you want the best from a feature/customization + quality perspective, find yourself $10K+ and call Penske. Or, let's cut that price a little, find yourself $5K+ (okay, you can get by at $3K+ with these brands) and call Motion Control or JTI. And then spend thousands on track time (and develop your network with experienced road course/racers sufficiently) to gain the experience to understand how to effectively adjust multi-adjustable coilovers and spring rates for a given application (track, dry/wet, tire type, square/staggered, weight, driver tendencies/style/skill, etc). In the mean time, I think a single adjustable coilover setup developed by an S550 road course-experienced company like Steeda that'll get you the ability to corner balance (has real benefits) and adjust height (either for aesthetics or application, albeit not quickly) has more value. Frankly I thought these would come out costing about $500-800 more. Like you, I'm interested in how these compare to other quality single-adjustable coilover setups from KW, Bilstein (who just came out with some recently), etc. It's so much about the driver, though...

If you're interested in this coilover, I'm hoping you take the opportunity to have a conversation (not just a forum chat) with SteedaTech, from whom you will learn great information for setting up your car for YOU. I don't know why people avoid this. I wish I didn't early on, which is why I keep telling people to use their phone lately. Steeda has been known to recommend a non-Steeda product to me a few times, too. Heck, maybe they can sell you a set without the Steeda camber plate so you can use the set you prefer? Maybe!

I wasn't trying to tell you you were wrong - your car, your choices.

 

[hulk_smash]

Okay, well... haha, yeah... I'll freely admit that I'm pro-Steeda. Do they make the BEST products for the S550? Well, in most cases I think so, especially when we factor in a cost against the fact these are abusively tested products including in sanctioned racing. Would I change things on some parts? Yep... and have told SteedaTech directly my ideas/thoughts - he'd probably tell you I can be pretty critical. Sure, these coilovers are not the "best" coilovers for the S550, that's a given. I'm confident their quality is excellent but, if you want the best from a feature/customization + quality perspective, find yourself $10K+ and call Penske. Or, let's cut that price a little, find yourself $5K+ (okay, you can get by at $3K+ with these brands) and call Motion Control or JTI. And then spend thousands and develop your network sufficiently to gain the experience to understand how to effectively adjust multi-adjustable coilovers and spring rates for a given application (track, dry/wet, tire type, square/staggered, weight, driver tendencies/style/skill, etc). In the mean time, I think a single adjustable coilover setup developed by an S550 road course-experienced company like Steeda that'll get you the ability to corner balance (has real benefits) and adjust height (either for aesthetics or application, albeit not quickly) has more value. Frankly I thought these would come out costing about $500-800 more. Like you, I'm interested in how these compare to other quality single-adjustable coilover setups from KW, Bilstein (who just came out with some recently), etc. It's so much about the driver, though...

If you're interested in this coilover, I'm hoping you take the opportunity to have a conversation (not just a forum chat) with SteedaTech, from whom you will learn great information for setting up your car for YOU. I don't know why people avoid this. I wish I didn't early on, which is why I keep telling people to use their phone lately. Steeda has been known to recommend a non-Steeda product to me a few times, too. Heck, maybe they can sell you a set without the Steeda camber plate so you can use the set you prefer? Maybe!

I wasn't trying to tell you you were wrong - your car, your choices.

Again, thank you for your input.

I understand suspension set up quite well thank you very much. I have over 10 years of track experience. On my M3, I have JRZ RS Pros and change settings based on track.

I agree that most people have no business with 2 or 3 way coilovers. I for one am very comfortable adjusting settings because I actually know what compression and rebound does to the car. I just need a session or two to figure things out usually.

Anyways, I was interested in the STEEDA Pro Action shocks because I wanted a somewhat refined ride but also some track capabilities. I know they are not the best but I don't want the best. I wanted pretty good. So the Pro Actions really caught my attention. Then this coilover came out and that also caught my attention. I'm just trying to get as much information as possible so I know whether to spend more on the coilover or just get the shocks. Eventually, someone else will ask these same questions so why not talk about it on the Forum so everyone knows.

I'm just happy more and more quality products continue to be released on this platform.

 

[Jmeo]

Agreed on the phone comment. I've been a Steeda customer for at least 20 years. I have a great relationship with a few people at Steeda. Why, because phone. I don't understand today's age just pick up the phone and ask to speak to a live human. Mike,Matt, Frank, all of them are more than willing to speak in depth about what anyone wants to know.

These coilovers are going to be a great option for a lot of people. Price, precision, tested and shipped with best in class customer service. I currently have KW V3 because they were what was at the time the best option for me but I would without a doubt pick these over KW had they been available. Maybe not as adjustable as my KW but for me and most people this is not an issue because we will most likely set it and forget it and the cost savings looks to be better than half the price comparably.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Again, thank you for your input.

I understand suspension set up quite well thank you very much. I have over 10 years of track experience. On my M3, I have JRZ RS Pros and change settings based on track.

I agree that most people have no business with 2 or 3 way coilovers. I for one am very comfortable adjusting settings because I actually know what compression and rebound does to the car. I just need a session or two to figure things out usually.

Anyways, I was interested in the STEEDA Pro Action shocks because I wanted a somewhat refined ride but also some track capabilities. I know they are not the best but I don't want the best. I wanted pretty good. So the Pro Actions really caught my attention. Then this coilover came out and that also caught my attention. I'm just trying to get as much information as possible so I know whether to spend more on the coilover or just get the shocks. Eventually, someone else will ask these same questions so why not talk about it on the Forum so everyone knows.

I'm just happy more and more quality products continue to be released on this platform.

I gotcha man! The background of your experience is vastly helpful in understanding how to approach your question. Was it JRZ I meant to say, not JTI? Now I'm losing it... or am I? :headbonk:

 

[SteedaTech]

Thank you. I just want to know the exact difference between the coilover and shock/strut so I can make an informed purchase.

1. Steeda's front coil over system is 12lbs lighter then production.

2. Steeda's Pro-Action adjustable struts and shocks can handle up to a 450 lb/in wheel rate

3. Steeda's Pro-Action adjustable struts and shocks are valved the same between the coil over set up and the conventional set up.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Worth noting for reference, "wheel rate" is not the same as the spring, if I understand correctly, especially if the spring is located elsewhere from the damper (like in the rear of the Mustang). Steeda seems to use wheel rate, which is what they design to (which makes sense), vs. spring rate. So don't get confused like I did when I first heard "wheel rate".

 

[hulk_smash]

1. Steeda's front coil over system is 12lbs lighter then production.

2. Steeda's Pro-Action adjustable struts and shocks can handle up to a 450 lb/in wheel rate

3. Steeda's Pro-Action adjustable struts and shocks are valved the same between the coil over set up and the conventional set up.

Can you clarify what 450 lb/in wheel rate would translate to in terms of "spring rate" range?

Earlier in this thread, STEEDA mentioned they will use 400 lb/in. springs at their next race. What is the SPRING RATE RANGE that the dampers are valved for? Thanks.

 

[Grintch]

Worth noting for reference, "wheel rate" is not the same as the spring, if I understand correctly, especially if the spring is located elsewhere from the damper (like in the rear of the Mustang). Steeda seems to use wheel rate, which is what they design to (which makes sense), vs. spring rate. So don't get confused like I did when I first heard "wheel rate".

Good catch. That would explain why the spring rate range started at only 175. When I saw that I was like who wants to go to the trouble of coilovers yet run softer than stock spring rates?

So what spring diameter does it use; 60mm, 2 1/4", or 2 1/2"?

 

[Bcart50]

How would these work with eibach sportline rear springs?

 

[SteedaTech]

How would these work with eibach sportline rear springs?

They would work great. I would recommend a 200 or 250 lb/in spring rate.

Wheel rate is the spring rate at the wheel, most strut assemblies are one to one.

Example, S550 rear spring rate of 1000 lb/in has a wheel rate of approximately 250lb/in This is because of the motion ratio of the trailing arm related to the rear spring.

 

[Grintch]

Most strut assemblies are CLOSE TO one to one. I have never seen one that WAS one to one.

Will the adjustable rear perch kit allow the use of standard "coilover" springs? That are availible in a wide variety of rates and lengths.

 

[apex15stangPP]

Some good information going on here, can't wait to see the rear coilovers and spring rates. Has Steeda found any magic Suspension aglinment specs for these cars. Track//Street to get full advantage of these upgrades.

 

[hulk_smash]

Thanks for clarification on wheel rates.

IF the wheel rate is 4 in the rear, wouldn't we want to use something approximately like (F) 400 lbs/inch spring rates and (R) 2,000 lbs/inch rates for a more track based setup?

With those wheel rates, it would be more like (F) 400# and (R) 500# which I think would be a better balanced track setup. Can the rear ProAction shocks handle that?

400#/500# is actually a pretty mild setup. I run 650#, 800# in my e46 M3.

 

[Grintch]

Meaningless comparison unless you're using wheel rate F & R for both cars.

Wheel rate = spring rate * motion ratio squared * spring angle correction.

Because motion ratio is squared, a car with strut suspension and a close to 1 motion ratio can still be signifcantly different than a 1 to 1 wheel rate vs spring rate.

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