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.

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

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.

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)

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

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. :tup:

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

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. :D

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.

I cant find the thread dude. Direction please.

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. :tup:

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.

I miss my KW's... :(

Not feeling the ASTs?

Haven't had enough time on them to really say...still dialing them in. At the last Redline Event, the weekend started with the car extremely loose. I made some adjustments and beat my previous best by 2 seconds at Big Willow...but its not a good comparison because I also had more power. The AST's left me feeling a little sketchy yet not out of control....felt like they would let go but didn't...if that makes any sense. I'm sure with more time on them I will get used to them...

With the KW's, my comfort level was high...they were fast, predictable, and consistent! the only reason I gave up the KW's was because in theory, the AST's were a higher level of coilover and the price was right. I'm sure in time...the AST's will prove themselves!

The first day I rode on the KW's was like having an epiphany. "oooh so thats how coilovers are supposed to feel!" kind of a thing.

Hey RCZ, would I need to order anything else with the KW V3's? Camber kit, etc...

If you're going to get coilovers and are wanting in my opinion a great option would be to get the KW V3's from Robispec re-valved to his specifications. Dsport I believe checked his car out on the track and thought they were awesome. I want to do it badly and probably will just don't know when.

Robi really knows his stuff...I've worked with him for the last 5 years...and worked FOR him for 2 of those years. The Robispec V3's are built to his specs, valving and spring rates. The V3's are perfectly fine for day to day driving with the occasional track day. For those that want a little bit more of a "Competitive Edge", get the Robispec V3's...you'll be happy you did!!!

Scott

For those of you that have KW V3's, what settings are you running (compression, dampening, ride height, etc.)? Ideally I'll be putting these on my Nismo soon.

Its always best to start your setup right in the middle for both settings...then start playing with it from there. Everyone has different preferences, and the types of roads you drive on may make a difference as well. Take it out and play with the settings and see what works best for you!

Scott

My KW V3 up front for Compression and Rebound I believe are 9/9 and the rear are 6 or 7 compression and 7 or 8 rebound if I remember correctly. Have it lowered..actually I can't remember but I'll check on that for you Daleks.

How exactly do we get the V3's specced out to his setup?

You can order them direct from Robispec or from an authorized Dealer like myself.

Scott

^What kind of deal can you get me & my friend on the Kw V3's?

I just got off the phone with Robi. He only does Clubsports for the 370z. They come with a Front Topmount and they sell for $2900.00!!! They are available through Robispec directly or can be purchased from me at Fontana Nissan!

Scott

Thanks for your service Scott, I can't wait to have my KW V3's installed, I didn't know the V3's fit the G37 & 370Z.

I'm looking for KW's that have an upper pillow ball mount so I called KW to ask about their Clubsports for a 370z. They said they didn't make a Clubsport for the 370Z. Is the set Robispec sells a full custom setup then?

Yes...KW only makes a V3 for the 370z/G37. The springs and casings look identical between a clubsport and a V3. What makes these different is Robispec Clubsports have his spring rates and valving. So yes, they are basically a hopped up V3 to his specs.

Scott

Scott will these KWs be alright if I get them alligned to the stock specs & just set the height to how I want? Also should I wait till the springs settle then get another allignment? And when they first get installed will the height be lowered already?, if so I'll have to raise it.

Hey Jon!

They are completely customizable to how you want them. They do not come pre-set in ride height because everyone has different tastes. Just get them aligned to how you want them...stock spec with your preferred ride height is fine. You will notice a huge improvement over your stock suspension right away. Enjoy them, get used to them, then start making adjustments as you get a good feel for them. As you get to know these coilovers, you will realize how awesome they really are!!! Part of the fun is dialing them in to your liking ;P

Scott

Scott

Thanks Scott, I just know nothing about tuning suspension, I've been looking this whole week for a shop that will install & allign these. So far it may sound funny but I think taking it to Midus will be my cheapest opition. Do they come with installation instructions?

I recieved my set of KW V3's & I was told they will fit the 370Z, but the box says G37. Will everything fit correctly on my 370Z?

Jon, yes

In the spirit of this thread title, I'm going to revisit the BC Racing ER alternative... I've been running those at the track for a while and I couldn't be more pleased... when my car was street legal, they were perfectly benign for the street at 12k/10k spring rates... I'm in the process of working with BC Racing to have them re-valved and refitted with 18k/16k swift springs for racing, and I couldn't be more pleased with the support from BC Racing North America so far... suggest you guys give them a try, their mission is to deliver 95% of the product you would get with a $6+K coilover like JRS/Ohlins/Penske etc but for a third of the price... I'll share a final opinion once I have them all set up, but I'm happy so far as you can tell

Would you say they throw the same support behind their BR line?

Not sure... the north american distributor is not a big operation so I'm sure there are limits to how much attention they can give to each customer... you could always give them a call and talk it through... BC Racing - North America

I have been on the fence about KW vs BC also. I do have a question about the KW's.
How do you adjust the ride height of the KW's without changing the load/pre-load of the springs? Do have an adjustable bottom bracket? When I was looking to get some for me STi, I was told that you give them the ride height you want and they will set up the coils for you before shipping. Is this true?

For the people who have either of these coilovers. Did you guys keep a true coilover in the back? Or did you have them separated as in the stock setup?

As far as the BC Racing ER series vs the KWv3 coilovers....

I agree with Mikey. Now after driving both sets of coilovers both on a 370Z..... I am once again as impressed if not more so with the BC ER series coilovers.
I too, am a distributor of both BC and KW and also make more money selling the KW's. So what I am saying is unbiased from a $ standpoint.

Also the great attention to detail and top level of customer service from BC Racing North America helps out a bunch too (compared to KW)

With Relentless Autosports being a top tier authorized distributor, I am able to tailor design the spring rate and shock valving to each individual. We at RA also have a custom spec'd BC line of coilovers available that come with custom compression and rebound valving as well as the ultra light swift springs Similor to what Robert does with his RobiSPEC stuff ;).

I personally do, and have done a lot of R&D for several different suspension, tire, and chassis companies.
I am also the guy that BC hires to drive their winning and record setting Time Attack cars. :hello:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12...96407097_b.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12...251fe8c5_b.jpg




So just to summarize. I feel that both KW and BC Racing are both viable options, it just depends on your individule needs, and budgets. Just don't always believe the forum hype on a more expensive product. ;)