2018 - Best Coilovers for Smoothest Ride

[California]

Hey Guys,

I have a 2011 Camaro SS with 22" Wheels and stock suspension.

I am looking to improve ride quality as my roads are really really crappy. However, I don't want to lose the amazing look of 22" wheels.

Which coil overs do you suggest for the smoothest ride quality? I know these are adjustable so I will be able to tweak them to a smooth setting, but any suggestions for the best brands that are still available in 2018?

Also, in case I was to downgrade to 20" wheels, would that have a bigger impact or the coilovers? (I am running 40 profile tires right now)

Thanks

[JusticePete]

The best riding coilovers come from RideTech. Nothing else comes close. With 22" wheels, I am thinking your best ride quality would come from fresh 1LE front struts with fresh SS rear struts.

[VR Baron]

Ridetechs

[California]

My current wheels weigh 34lbs front and 37lbs rear

I am considering the switch to 25lbs wheels but the tire profile would be the same. Would the same tire profile on a smaller/lighter wheel improve ride quality?

I guess I'm not ready to sacrifice the look of the 22" wheels.

[bkevind]

What about Ohlins? Has anyone compared the Ohlins R&T to the Ridetechs?

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by bkevind

What about Ohlins? Has anyone compared the Ohlins R&T to the Ridetechs?

One of the major advantages of the RideTech setup is the rear upper mount is converted from an hour glass shaped rubber bushing to a spherical and they at half the price of the Ohlins. If we go higher in price range, the JRI / DSE and RideTech Track Stars are the the best for track use. There are so few Ohlins in use, it would be nice to hear from more users...

[The camaro show]

the best ride is on Air I suggest Air Lift Performance over any coilover

[VR Baron]

I can’t answer to ride with 22” wheels, but with 20” forgestars and Michelin’s, but with ridetechs set to soft, or even a bit higher, I kid you not, the ride is like our Camry with 19” wheels and hankook evo’s. On bumps yes you feel the hit more of course, but it’s cushioned and softer, not stiff. Set mid range with 19” and race tires it’s still good but firmer.

[Black_SS10]

I love my Ridetechs.

[bkevind]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

One of the major advantages of the RideTech setup is the rear upper mount is converted from an hour glass shaped rubber bushing to a spherical and they at half the price of the Ohlins. If we go higher in price range, the JRI / DSE and RideTech Track Stars are the the best for track use. There are so few Ohlins in use, it would be nice to hear from more users...

That's interesting. Thank you. I just have limited exposure, not knowing how good ride tech is, never heard of them before (having Japanese and German imports mostly before).

I just don't want to go down the route again of mediocre coilovers. (Mediocre being pretty good relative to OEM but really only a minor upgrade).

I like the idea of DFV, I want that kind of compliance for bumpy roads/tracks. It's all theoretical for now.

So far for serious track use of the Ohlins, all i know of is Fusionofideas that recently switched to a custom setup of the Ohlins R&T. I'll be watching his progress this season (after he fixes the car) http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...t#post10028340

[VR Baron]

Originally Posted by bkevind

That's interesting. Thank you. I just have limited exposure, not knowing how good ride tech is, never heard of them before (having Japanese and German imports mostly before).

I just don't want to go down the route again of mediocre coilovers. (Mediocre being pretty good relative to OEM but really only a minor upgrade).

I like the idea of DFV, I want that kind of compliance for bumpy roads/tracks. It's all theoretical for now.

So far for serious track use of the Ohlins, all i know of is Fusionofideas that recently switched to a custom setup of the Ohlins R&T. I'll be watching his progress this season (after he fixes the car) http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...t#post10028340

Ridetechs are made in the US, shocks subbed out to fox which is top notch. 1,000,000 mike warranty. Uses hyperco springs . Don’t get the cheap China made ones.

[bkevind]

Originally Posted by VR Baron

Ridetechs are made in the US, shocks subbed out to fox which is top notch. 1,000,000 mike warranty. Uses hyperco springs . Don’t get the cheap China made ones.

Interesting, wonder how they get 1m miles out of shocks, that seems unlikely. I guess I'll put Ridetechs on my radar after all. Is there any data on the design of the Fox shocks? I know Fox (mostly from mountain biking haha and trucks), but as with anything there are levels (entry level to pro). Anyway, got some homework to do. Thanks for the info!

Cheap China made ones...
Yep been down that road, and it was bumpy

Actually the BC BR I had were pretty good for the money at the time - and I abused them for hundreds of track days, bumpy tracks and crazy gorilla over driving. I'm not as much of a cheapskate now I'd rather wait for the budget to be available than rush into a compromised choice. It's a safe choice for the low-end c/o.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by bkevind

That's interesting. Thank you. I just have limited exposure, not knowing how good ride tech is, never heard of them before (having Japanese and German imports mostly before).

I just don't want to go down the route again of mediocre coilovers. (Mediocre being pretty good relative to OEM but really only a minor upgrade).

I like the idea of DFV, I want that kind of compliance for bumpy roads/tracks. It's all theoretical for now.

So far for serious track use of the Ohlins, all i know of is Fusionofideas that recently switched to a custom setup of the Ohlins R&T. I'll be watching his progress this season (after he fixes the car) http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...t#post10028340

The key is custom valving. How different is it from the standard Ohlins damper map?

[VR Baron]

Originally Posted by bkevind

Interesting, wonder how they get 1m miles out of shocks, that seems unlikely. I guess I'll put Ridetechs on my radar after all. Is there any data on the design of the Fox shocks? I know Fox (mostly from mountain biking haha and trucks), but as with anything there are levels (entry level to pro). Anyway, got some homework to do. Thanks for the info!

Cheap China made ones...
Yep been down that road, and it was bumpy

Actually the BC BR I had were pretty good for the money at the time - and I abused them for hundreds of track days, bumpy tracks and crazy gorilla over driving. I'm not as much of a cheapskate now I'd rather wait for the budget to be available than rush into a compromised choice. It's a safe choice for the low-end c/o.

Yeah not sure I will worry about 1,000,000 miles..lol fox I hear is some of the best. They handle great at autocross and the ride is amazing considering the spring rates. Single adjustable, but for me all I need.