E30 suspension question

[michael1972]

I will be looking to buy a e30 around feburary and I have a question about coilovers. Do the Raceland coilovers have rear ride height adjustment? I was also looking at the JOM Bluline coilover kit on ECS tuning. Same question on those. Or any suggestions for a set that is adjustable in the rear and are in the 500 dollar range. I am asking because I have read some reviews and the people talk like there is no adjustment just a lower spring and a shock. I want to be able to adjust height front and back. Also I don't want to spend a fortune on modding a e30 as my e92 gets most of the love. Thanks for any help.

[Earl]

There is height adjustment. They use a sleeve and collar that goes under the spring. The thing is that the springs are still tall and the rear ends up sitting high, even with the adjusters removed. 

[patsbimmer1]

Springs?  You don't need springs... Just a bump stop.

[michael1972]

There is height adjustment. They use a sleeve and collar that goes under the spring. The thing is that the springs are still tall and the rear ends up sitting high, even with the adjusters removed.

Well thats lame. So how do u remedy this? Cut a coil out maybe?

[Earl]

You would get shorter springs. Also, Raceland and JOM coilovers don't lower the front much at all, even when maxxed out. 

[michael1972]

You would get shorter springs. Also, Raceland and JOM coilovers don't lower the front much at all, even when maxxed out.

So then Im buying lowering springs on top of coilovers. Jeesh. What brand coils would you reccomend that will get it low? Or would lowering springs alone do the trick?

[Earl]

Not lowering springs per say, but just shorter springs in general. Something like Swift or Hyperco springs. 

 

BC Racing Coilovers seem to get e30's pretty low.  CaTuned Coilovers also go pretty low. Collin on here has them.

[GunMetalGrey]

You would get shorter springs. Also, Raceland and JOM coilovers don't lower the front much at all, even when maxxed out. 

Earl, you are on crack. 

It depends on if you have an early model or late, wheel/tire size as well. Also remember that you DO have an oil pan.

Friend has JOM's on his early 318 (rides like total ass) and it is low enough that the oil pan went kaboom on the highway over a small bump. It's plenty low, and has room to go down further. On 16's as well.

[michael1972]

Earl, you are on crack.

It depends on if you have an early model or late, wheel/tire size as well. Also remember that you DO have an oil pan.

Friend has JOM's on his early 318 (rides like total ass) and it is low enough that the oil pan went kaboom on the highway over a small bump. It's plenty low, and has room to go down further. On 16's as well.

So JOM's have a shitty ride? I called Raceland on my lunch hour and the rep said they'er regular kit has a 1-3" drop and they have a ultimate kit that has a 1-4" drop. I'm thinking I'm gonna try the ultimate kit. As far as wheel size I am thinking 17's. But maybe 16's so I can go a little lower and save a little cash. What do you guys think about 17's on a e30? Obviously this will be my first e30 expierence so I have no idea. i do know all about wheel specs and so fourth from my other 3 bimmers I have owned. Just not sure what will look the best on a e30. Definetly want em flush or even tucked a bit.

[patsbimmer1]

What is your goal for the car?  As low as possible or are you concerned about ride quality/ handling at all?

[Earl]

I'm not on crack=/ All the threads I have read on JOM's say they dont go low.

For the pricing you want to spend, to get a nice ride you're better off going custom using coil sleeves, shorter strut inserts, and shortening the housings in the front.

[michael1972]

End goal is low but functional. Will probably autocross it. Not that concerned about the perfomance factor just autocrossing for fun. Not trying to make a real serious track car.

[ClassE]

"Low" is subjective BTW. What size rim/tire combo are you running?

When I was looking at coils, they all needed to be welded to front hub assemblies (except 1-2), so you can manipulate the front suspension height some based on where you weld to the hub (the lower you set the coil sleeve over the existing hub assembly - the lower the front will sit).

For reference - you cut the original shock off and your new coil "slides over" the old shock body. Slide it down till it hits the hub and weld = LOW (like I did below), leave 2"-3" higher will leave your suspension 2"-3" higher (ride height is kinda tricky, because it's a combination of where you weld the coil - how tall the coil body is - and where you have the collars adjusted).

Rear height is all determined by the spring height and collar height. On my car - collars are completely removed and have a smaller 1/2" spacer to add some height.

My car on CATuned coils welded in the "low" position with 16"x9" on 205/40. I could set the car on the ground in front, and can go another 1/2"-3/4" lower in back if just had spring installed:

[michael1972]

I am not trying to do all of that. I just want to install a set of coilovers. I have watched a few raceland e30 install videos and they simply slide the old shock out of the front tube assembly and put in the Raceland shock and the adjustable collar and then reassemble the strut. And they look to go plenty low. I will probably run some sort of staggered wheel setup if its possible. I like haveing wider wheels/tires in the rear. Not 100% on if I want 16's or 17's. I have been looking at the ESM 002r wheels.

[patsbimmer1]

Racelands will be the most economical chouce if you want cheap and low. Just don't expect any longevity or quality.

[michael1972]

Racelands will be the most economical chouce if you want cheap and low. Just don't expect any longevity or quality.

Yea Im cool with that on this project. If it becomes something more then I will upgrade as needed.

[michael1972]

ClassE what year and model is your car?

[YoungCR]

Personally o wouldn't go over 16" wheels on a e30, but that's my opinion. Plenty of tire options and less weight/clearance issues.

[Earl]

I agree with 16's being the perfect fit=)

[B C]

I would agree with 16" looking and fitting proper but in my searches the tire selection was slim

[Earl]

^That is the downside 

[patsbimmer1]

The common counsel has agreed... 16" wheels it is.  What's next on our agenda?

[michael1972]

Well then 16's it is. Maybe. I do know they cost a bit less and tires are cheap

[B C]

Well then 16's it is. Maybe. I do know they cost a bit less and WIDE tires are PLENTIFUL IF YOU WANT TALL SIDEWALLS FOR MUSTANG AND F-BODY APPLICATIONS

Fixt

I know I wasnt thrilled with the 235/245 width 16" tire selection

[patsbimmer1]

What about 225/50?  That should fit without looking monster truck.

[ClassE]

Get the lowz, then decide the wheel fitment. I say low offset 8" wide and 215/40 all around.