BC vs. B&G coil overs

[snaponbob]

Anybody have any experience with both of these products? They seem to have the same approach to shock and spring adjustments but quite a difference in prices.

[DrJones]

Are they double adjustable? Can you adjust compression and rebound seperatly? Is there "cross-talk" between the adjustments (i.e. adjust only rebound, but compresion get's adjusted too).
The higher quality (and better to use) damper will be the one that has no or very little cross-talk and has an adjustable range that makes significant changes (many adjustable dampers adjustable range is so small it only allows matching the shocks on the car).

These questions are not really for Bob but who ever has experience with them.

[snaponbob]

I do know that the BC's have about an 80/20 cross talk, and THAT is not a benefit for Solo with heavy springs. Just received a e-mail answer about the BCs. They are rebuildable, high and low speed is not tuneable, and they will increase the rebound for heavier springs at no charge as part of the purchase. B&Gs apparently offers basically the very same basic configurations, but theirs are built in Germany while the BC's are Asian. Maybe I'll have to convert my SA Konis.

[kennysabarese]

bob according to DDM I don't think you'll gain much by getting either the BC or BG. They will recommend HKS or KW's specially since you are a serios AXer

[snaponbob]

Originally Posted by kennysabarese bob according to DDM I don't think you'll gain much by getting either the BC or BG. They will recommend HKS or KW's specially since you are a serios AXer

1) Both the HKS and KW's are double adjustable and that is GOOD.
2) Don't like what I have read about the HKS stuff on other forums.
3) KWs would be a good choice, but since their springs are 285 f&r (yes, NOT 400/285 - the 285 f/r came from the mouth of the North American tech rep for KW) they are too soft for me. Trying to discuss revalving was an exercise in telephonic and on their end.
4) I may just have my Konis converted.
5) Budget does not allow ASTs, Ohlins, and Penskes. I have called Bilstien and they have nothing.

[kennysabarese]

HKS is not double adjustable (compression/rebound) it has only has one knob.

[DrJones]

and just because they are double adjustable doesn't mean they are good dampers.

I've actually debated taking my O.E. Bilstiens to an auto-x friend's company and have him cut them open and revalve them (something thats fairly easy for him todo).

[kennysabarese]

I didn't say one was better than the other. The HKS with one knob can keep you from getting into trouble if you don't know what you are doing and are setup really nicely for the kappa out of the box.

can you give us more info on this revalving process? what kinda $$$ we talking?

[kwtoxman]

Snaponbob, AFAIK the spring rates are different fr to rr on the KW V3s. Do you know who you talked to at kw? I had some trouble getting tech expertise earlier. Tom at x143 of KW in CA has been good for me.

[snaponbob]

I spoke with someone in Canada. Can't remember his name. Spring rates of 400 front and 285 rear make absolutely NO sense. Think "snow plow".

[kwtoxman]

AFAIK I have std kw springs. 50 newton front and 40 newton rear, which is 285 front 228 rear (from Tom). They will put on whatever a customer would like as well. CA in my post is California just to be clear.

Contact info. +1 559.875.0222
1-800-445-3767
KW automotive North America Inc. Suspension -- Coilovers -- Shocks -- Springs


I have had incredible customer service from them. Can't say enough good stuff.

[joshmass]

Originally Posted by snaponbob Maybe I'll have to convert my SA Konis.

Have you ever looking into Truechoice Koni Racing Services in Ohio? They look capable of making anything you want for a setup.

[snaponbob]

Originally Posted by kwtoxman AFAIK I have std kw springs. 50 newton front and 40 newton rear, which is 285 front 228 rear (from Tom). They will put on whatever a customer would like as well. CA in my post is California just to be clear. Contact info. +1 559.875.0222 1-800-445-3767 KW automotive North America Inc. Suspension -- Coilovers -- Shocks -- Springs I have had incredible customer service from them. Can't say enough good stuff.

Well, they have changed their published spring rates. Still, those rates are exactly backwards from what comes on Kappas. Odd. I did recently ask them what they charged for revalving and could not get a direct answer, nor culd they tell just what shock tuning they can perform.

[MGar]

Originally Posted by DrJones and just because they are double adjustable doesn't mean they are good dampers.

Very true. The following is a good read.
DGs Autocross Secrets aka Autocross to Win - Shocks

[LatinVenom]

Very good read, it certainly ratified my thinking about our shocks.