KW v3 track setup
 

I just got my kw v3 coilovers in and I'm very excited. I need your help with settings. I want to run a track setting at all times as the car will primarily be for hpdes. Ride height will be corner balanced. I want the suspension to be equal or more stiff than the gtr or R switch setting. I know there is a recommended starting point but I think I have great expectations of these coilovers. I want no body roll or bounce in the front when under brake to a stop and release. Thanks!

well the KW V3 spring rate isnt exactly stiff, and even if you crank up the damper settings all the way it wont be "roll free". but i mean, having a car not roll at all isnt exactly how you get a car to handling well, alot more factors involved. what does your sway bar and wheel/tire setup look like?.

I don't know about settings on those, but don't slam it to the ground if you are tracking, make sure you have plenty of room for suspension travel.

I currently have a 2011 nismo with swift springs on OEM nismo dampers. My last track weekend was not bad..passed a few newer Porsches however I'm not happy with the rebound compared to my 2 ton GTR. For example when I brake to a stop the front of the GTR does not dip at all or rebound..it feels tight and the front of the Nismo feels like it dips and a little bouncy. I Hate that! thats what I'm hoping to get out of the Kw v3 coilovers..ok and quicker lap times! I'd like an aggressive setting to start with...any suggestions?

How do you like your KW V3s? How does the spring rate feel at "full stiff". Just wondering from someone with firsthand experience..

My front dips a lot less when I don't overpower the rear brake pads, I see you use Carbotechs, make sure you're getting plenty of bite in back. Clint is the guru for KWV3 and top track times (GTA record holder in his Focus) so give him beaucoup info and use PM's asap for maximum response.

well first thing is first, the GTR's damper settings are very stiff in my opinion. ive been in GTRs on the track and on the street, and even in comfort mod my V3s have a better ride comfort. street cars need a certain level of weight transfer to really get their tire contact patches working whether its logitude or lateral movement. usually with a lowering spring/stock damper combo, the damper valving is usually not completly up to snuff, and the compression travel is limited, so you may be hitting bump stops, which would cause the bouncy sensation and lack of over all stability and confidence. The V3 rates are not crazy stiff, and are progressive, but this doesnt not mean its not up to the task for track use. Grip is compliance, its maintaining contact with the surface, so a setup that is too soft will crash into bumpstops which shocks the contact patch, and a overly stiff setup will not conform to the surface as well which also reduces grip

i have tried several different compression and rebound settings on my V3s on track and street, and i will tell you with certainty that running full stiff on the compression is slower despite it "feels" stiff and tight.


thanks man :D

Also OP, what is your planned wheel size/width, and tire size/brand/compound?

Thank you for your help. I currently have the OEM Nismo wheels (9.5x19f, 10.5x19r) with Michelin pilot super sports...255 f and 295r (track wheels and tires are in the future). Would you recommend starting with the KW factory recommended settings for track use and dialing it in from there or is there a more track friendly setting to start with based on your experience?

First thing you should do is before you even put the KWs on, make sure each adjustment knob is in the center of its range, so click all the way soft, to all the way stiff, then back to what middle would be from that split, i dont exactly remember the number of each so thats why you should count them before installing.

another thing, what sway bars are you using or planning to use? cause the adjustment settings will vary depending on your sway bar selection

Ton of great suspension setup tech articles here...

The Ultimate Guide to Suspension & Handling

I have the Nismo so stock nismo swaybar f27mm r25.4mm along with Nismo chassis dampers. I'll start with the recommended KW settings and go from there..thanks.

i would start out with the middle setting for rebound front and rear, then 3 clicks less from full stiff up front for compression, and 4 clicks more from full soft in rear for compression, then fine tune with rebound adjustment

You're the man. Thats exactly what I was looking for! Thank you.

and when you adjust the rebound, adjust the front based on if it feel's floaty or bouncey during higher speed sweepers(add more, one click at a time), but if either the front or rear feels un compliant to surface imperfection turn it down