KW Variant 3 vs BC Racing ER Type Coilovers, which one do you prefer?

nightfire · 07-21-2009, 03:02 PM

It seems like these two coilovers have been getting a lot of hype and are the 2 most popular ones out there for the 370 right now. So I thought i'd type up a quick thread to ask which is better from the standpoint of feel, adjustability, track vs street ride, etc.

dlmartin81 · 07-21-2009, 03:55 PM

By RC, do you mean BC coilovers ?? I'm just sayin cause BC Racing also has a Type ER series coilover system

OMGWTFBBQ · 07-21-2009, 03:59 PM

Yeah. I think that's a typo. It's supposed to be BC Racing I assume.

Anyways, from what I've read, I think a better choice would be the KW Variant 3 coil-overs. I'd definitely get those if I weren't already paying for a set of overpriced JDM coil-overs that perform the same as cheaper ones, but only carry a hefty price tag and name.

nightfire · 07-21-2009, 04:09 PM

oups yeah I meant the BC Racing Type ER Coilovers, aka these:

EDIT: Yes I screwed up again, I meant the ER ones haha.. O jeez
(the more expensive ones with the external reservoirs)

RCZ · 07-21-2009, 04:09 PM

Yikes, all my forum buddies have the BC's so I'll tread lightly. JK.

They are comparable with the KW's being a bit more on the expensive side. I will say right now that I have NOT taken rides on the BC's so I cant give you my opinion on how they compare.

I do have the KW's though and I can tell you my experience with them so far.

Being KW what it is, you can expect top quality from their products. They make no squeeks, no rattles, no pops or anything of that kind. They are height, bound and rebound adjustable. They use non-linear springs (Progressive) which allows them to have a HIGHLY streetable feel. KW focuses on their dampening working with their springs perfectly rather than having the spring handle all the fun. That leads to a ride that feels firm and solid rather than harsh and nervous. It allows the system to better absorb unsettling bumps mid corner so you feel so much confidence. The TEIN Flexes that I had on my STI were garbage compared to these KW's.

As far as track work, I haven't taken it yet, but KW designs and tests their products on the nurburgring. That should give you an idea of how they perform. The V3's arent going to be the ultimate track coilover because they use progressive springs ( can be changed for swift linear springs. Ride will become more harsh on the street, but track use will be amazing). However they are very very respectable if your aspirations dont include no-compromise professional level driving.

Personally, I love them. They feel better than stock in every way including ride quality. Driving on the highway has improved since the car doesnt bob at all, it just stays comfortably planted. At low speeds, ride quality has suffered a bit, but definitely nothing to complain about considering what you can do to corners.

Hope that helps a little bit.

nightfire · 07-21-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

Yikes, all my forum buddies have the BC's so I'll tread lightly. JK.

They are comparable with the KW's being a bit more on the expensive side. I will say right now that I have NOT taken rides on the BC's so I cant give you my opinion on how they compare.

I do have the KW's though and I can tell you my experience with them so far.

Being KW what it is, you can expect top quality from their products. They make no squeeks, no rattles, no pops or anything of that kind. They are height, bound and rebound adjustable. They use non-linear springs (Progressive) which allows them to have a HIGHLY streetable feel. KW focuses on their dampening working with their springs perfectly rather than having the spring handle all the fun. That leads to a ride that feels firm and solid rather than harsh and nervous. It allows the system to better absorb unsettling bumps mid corner so you feel so much confidence. The TEIN Flexes that I had on my STI were garbage compared to these KW's.

As far as track work, I haven't taken it yet, but KW designs and tests their products on the nurburgring. That should give you an idea of how they perform. The V3's arent going to be the ultimate track coilover because they use progressive springs ( can be changed for swift linear springs. Ride will become more harsh on the street, but track use will be amazing). However they are very very respectable if your aspirations dont include no-compromise professional level driving.

Personally, I love them. They feel better than stock in every way including ride quality. Driving on the highway has improved since the car doesnt bob at all, it just stays comfortably planted. At low speeds, ride quality has suffered a bit, but definitely nothing to complain about considering what you can do to corners.

Hope that helps a little bit.

Thanks for the info! The KW are a bit more expensive than the BC's so that's why I was wondering if it was worth it. Also the BC's have an external reservoir with an external piston as well (I believe) which sounds pretty cool, but I'm not sure how it works up exactly against the KW's.

Has anyone here had experiences with both of these coilovers?

NOTE: I just edited my above reply because I meant to say the ER coilovers (the better ones), because I think that would be a more even match against the Variant 3's

tonmed123 · 07-21-2009, 06:29 PM

KWV3 and HKS HypermaxIII are the ones Im debating on. If anyone could chime in on the HkS's that would be a great. So far KW3 are looking pretty good. Thanks for the post RCZ it was very helpful alot of questions were answered at least for myself.

shabarivas · 07-21-2009, 06:58 PM

look at the HKS thread that forged started - they all recommend the KWs

M.Bonanni · 07-21-2009, 07:16 PM

Although I don't have any experience with the KWs on a 370Z specifically I have driven them on other cars like Evos, 350Zs, etc. They are an excellent coilover for sure, but for most people's needs, I must say the performance difference between the KW V3 and the BC Racing ER doesn't outweigh the cost difference. I personally think the BC Racing coilovers are a better bang for your buck. And this is not a biased opinion, I sell both brands and actually make a bigger profit on the KWs.

nightfire · 07-21-2009, 07:17 PM

The thing is I feel the HKS coilovers are more of a street coilover kit (like the BR coilovers), where as the KWV3 and the ER coilover seem more comparable as a legit race coilover that can also be used on the street.

tonmed123 · 07-21-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shabarivas

look at the HKS thread that forged started - they all recommend the KWs

I cant find the thread dude. Direction please.

nightfire · 07-21-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDMotorsports

Although I don't have any experience with the KWs on a 370Z specifically I have driven them on other cars like Evos, 350Zs, etc. They are an excellent coilover for sure, but for most people's needs, I must say the performance difference between the KW V3 and the BC Racing ER doesn't outweigh the cost difference. I personally think the BC Racing coilovers are a better bang for your buck. And this is not a biased opinion, I sell both brands and actually make a bigger profit on the KWs.

So in other words your saying the KWV3 is overall a better track oriented coilover, however because the ER is almost as good and cheaper you'd go with those correct? (just clarifying lol).

I was hoping you'd find this thread DDMotorsports because I know you sell both.

M.Bonanni · 07-21-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightfire

So in other words your saying the KWV3 is overall a better track oriented coilover, however because the ER is almost as good and cheaper you'd go with those correct? (just clarifying lol).

I was hoping you'd find this thread DDMotorsports because I know you sell both.

From my experiences they are both very close in performance. Granted I have never tried the two coilovers on the same type of car so make of it what you will but I thought the high/low speed dampening on the BCs was just as good as on the KWs. And on the track I even like the linear spring setup of the BCs better than a progressive/helper spring setup like the KWs.

Scott@FontanaNissan · 07-21-2009, 07:29 PM

I miss my KW's...

M.Bonanni · 07-21-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott@FontanaNissan

I miss my KW's...

Not feeling the ASTs?

07-21-2009, 03:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
nightfire Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 178 Drives: Mk IV Jetta turbo Rep Power: 267	KW Variant 3 vs BC Racing ER Type Coilovers, which one do you prefer? It seems like these two coilovers have been getting a lot of hype and are the 2 most popular ones out there for the 370 right now. So I thought i'd type up a quick thread to ask which is better from the standpoint of feel, adjustability, track vs street ride, etc.

07-21-2009, 03:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
OMGWTFBBQ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: the OC Posts: 1,886 Drives: 08 SGM IS350 Rep Power: 4549	Yeah. I think that's a typo. It's supposed to be BC Racing I assume. Anyways, from what I've read, I think a better choice would be the KW Variant 3 coil-overs. I'd definitely get those if I weren't already paying for a set of overpriced JDM coil-overs that perform the same as cheaper ones, but only carry a hefty price tag and name. __________________ Zele Performance \| Varis \| Powerhouse Amuse \| Craftsquare \| Tommy Kaira \| Top Secret \| HKS \| Defi \| Volk Racing \| Cusco \| SPL \| Never ending build thread.. PM me if you have rare JDM parts for sale!

07-21-2009, 04:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
nightfire Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 178 Drives: Mk IV Jetta turbo Rep Power: 267	oups yeah I meant the BC Racing Type ER Coilovers, aka these: EDIT: Yes I screwed up again, I meant the ER ones haha.. O jeez (the more expensive ones with the external reservoirs) Last edited by nightfire; 07-21-2009 at 04:20 PM.

07-21-2009, 06:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
tonmed123 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston,Texas Posts: 223 Drives: 09 370Z Red M6 Rep Power: 267	KW V3's vs HKS HypermaxIII KWV3 and HKS HypermaxIII are the ones Im debating on. If anyone could chime in on the HkS's that would be a great. So far KW3 are looking pretty good. Thanks for the post RCZ it was very helpful alot of questions were answered at least for myself.

07-21-2009, 07:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
M.Bonanni The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2,575 Drives: Fast Rep Power: 1320	Although I don't have any experience with the KWs on a 370Z specifically I have driven them on other cars like Evos, 350Zs, etc. They are an excellent coilover for sure, but for most people's needs, I must say the performance difference between the KW V3 and the BC Racing ER doesn't outweigh the cost difference. I personally think the BC Racing coilovers are a better bang for your buck. And this is not a biased opinion, I sell both brands and actually make a bigger profit on the KWs. __________________ MikeBonanni.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MikeBonanni Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MBonanni36 Function > Form

07-21-2009, 03:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
dlmartin81 Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chalfont, PA Age: 43 Posts: 923 Drives: 09 370Z Rep Power: 607	By RC, do you mean BC coilovers ?? I'm just sayin cause BC Racing also has a Type ER series coilover system

07-21-2009, 04:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	Yikes, all my forum buddies have the BC's so I'll tread lightly. JK. They are comparable with the KW's being a bit more on the expensive side. I will say right now that I have NOT taken rides on the BC's so I cant give you my opinion on how they compare. I do have the KW's though and I can tell you my experience with them so far. Being KW what it is, you can expect top quality from their products. They make no squeeks, no rattles, no pops or anything of that kind. They are height, bound and rebound adjustable. They use non-linear springs (Progressive) which allows them to have a HIGHLY streetable feel. KW focuses on their dampening working with their springs perfectly rather than having the spring handle all the fun. That leads to a ride that feels firm and solid rather than harsh and nervous. It allows the system to better absorb unsettling bumps mid corner so you feel so much confidence. The TEIN Flexes that I had on my STI were garbage compared to these KW's. As far as track work, I haven't taken it yet, but KW designs and tests their products on the nurburgring. That should give you an idea of how they perform. The V3's arent going to be the ultimate track coilover because they use progressive springs ( can be changed for swift linear springs. Ride will become more harsh on the street, but track use will be amazing). However they are very very respectable if your aspirations dont include no-compromise professional level driving. Personally, I love them. They feel better than stock in every way including ride quality. Driving on the highway has improved since the car doesnt bob at all, it just stays comfortably planted. At low speeds, ride quality has suffered a bit, but definitely nothing to complain about considering what you can do to corners. Hope that helps a little bit.

07-21-2009, 06:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
shabarivas A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,188 Drives: 370z MB 6mt Rep Power: 914	look at the HKS thread that forged started - they all recommend the KWs

07-21-2009, 07:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
nightfire Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA Posts: 178 Drives: Mk IV Jetta turbo Rep Power: 267	The thing is I feel the HKS coilovers are more of a street coilover kit (like the BR coilovers), where as the KWV3 and the ER coilover seem more comparable as a legit race coilover that can also be used on the street.

07-21-2009, 07:29 PM	#14 (permalink)
Scott@FontanaNissan Supporting Nissan Dealer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Fontucky, CA Posts: 857 Drives: 91 Sentra GTi-R Rep Power: 26	I miss my KW's... __________________ Scott VanderHeide - Motorsports Director - Fontana Nissan/NissanRaceShop www.nissanraceshop.com www.youtube.com/scottvanderheide

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