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01-27-2013, 04:37 PM | #1 |
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Hello,
I've installed TCK Coilovers 400F/600R spring rates, with adjustable TCK camber plates and thrust sheets and had a few weeks to drive and evaluate the car. I chose the softer spring rates as the car is a daily driver and occasional track use - for now. Previously I had OEM EDC and Dinan Stage 3 after that. First of all, big thanks to John and Bimmersport Automotive. Through many many questions they have been very professional and patient with me. The shop did an amazing job with the install and even alligned them after. During the install, we set the ride height as per TCK recomendations. The result was front ~ OEM height and rear was significantly lower, ~1.5" drop. Koni Shocks were set at 1/2 firm. The ride was very smooth and compliant. Bumps and cracks were absorbed with a solid thump and no drama. Humps and Dips could barely be felt. The car felt softer than stock, yet very controlled. After a couple of days, I decided I needed to raise the car's rear end to improve looks. Pictures attached are current ride height. Esthetically, I think the front needs to be dropped another 0.5" - something I will play around with later. By raising the rear ~ 1.25" the ride characterisctics changed. I was surprised that such a small change can have such an effect on the ride quality - I guess its about balancing the car. The ride became stiffer by about 20% with the shocks still at 1/2 firm. Overall it is a bit stiffer than stock, but expansion joints, pot holes, and small bumps are absorbed much beter. Car feels very planted over uneven surfaces. There is no bounciness, and zero noise when turning the steering wheel. I think a lot of this is due to the use of thrust bearings. TCK uses a replacable steel monoball upper strut mount bearing in their camber plates. Many people would argue that this increases NVH compared to a urethane unit. Although I have no other camber plates I can compare it to, I would yes, there is an increase noise, but only under certain conditions. For example when going onto a driveway on a 30 degree angle at 10-15km/h you will hear a faint clunk. Normal driving on the street/highway, you will not notice anything. Overall I'm happy with the setup. For sure, this is a perfect street setup. The ride is stiffer by a bit, and shock absorbtion is better that OEM. Dinan springs and OEM EDC shocks feel just as stiff as TCK but TCKs absorb everything on the road better. Perhaps for the track a little stiffer spring rate would be better. I will be playing around with the settings on the shocks to see how it will effect the handling. Thumbs up for TCK, great product. Thanks for reading Last edited by Superfly_M3; 01-27-2013 at 04:45 PM.. |
01-27-2013, 06:36 PM | #3 |
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Congratulations on a great setup. I was contemplating going with TCK SA or DA for a while. The reviews have been stellar. Car looks great, but I do agree with you, the front can be dropped down slightly to match the rear.
I would like to hear your thoughts after a few more miles on them.
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01-29-2013, 08:28 AM | #6 |
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Thanks Superfly_M3 for the feedback!
TCKline is a great company to have in our community, real world experience and knowledge combined with an abundance of options for your suspension really make it the perfect choice for the novice or experienced. |
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01-29-2013, 09:49 AM | #7 |
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Thanks for taking the time to review our product, and we are very happy (but not surprised) to hear how much you like it.
I would agree that you can lower the front a little. I also think once you take it to the track with the spring rates you have now, you will be surprised how well it does. If you need a 'set-up guide' for track settings, please shoot me a PM with your email address and I will send it to you. As always, if you have any further questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks! |
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01-29-2013, 09:28 PM | #8 |
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Sounds like a good move. An interested to hear how it relates specifically to the Dinan, as that's what I have, and how it feels on the track, as that's where "value" lays with me for a coilover setup. Spring rate seems very street friendly, enjoy the "new" ride
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01-30-2013, 10:49 AM | #9 |
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Wise decision if you ask me. I think TC Kline has been the best kept secret in BMW suspensions and the word is now getting out. The TCKs are very comfortable as long as you match the damper settings to the spring rates. I love the doubles on my E46, there's no doubt that I will be putting the doubles on my E90.
In fact, I've driven my friend's E46 M3 car with the KW Comp suspension in it. Its hard and uncomfortable. On a bumpy track, I think I lost about 1/4" in height it was so hard. And the damper settings are right at the mid mark. It just wears you out. I just installed the TCK doubles on a friend's E46 M3. SOOOOOO much better. Two E46 M3s...similarly skilled drivers, same NT01s and pretty much the same mods...the TCK car was 1 second faster than the KW car. From the back, the KW car looks jittery and unsettled. IMO, the TC Klines blow the KWs away as a dual purpose setup. My theory is KW crunches some numbers and the first time the suspension is on a car is when the first customer buys and installs them. Sure, they do a lot of detailed analysis and testing for the OE market like the SLS. I find it hard to believe as a very large manufacturer that they are testing tuner coilovers on each and every car. Maybe they gather data from tuners first but I think the results speak for themselves. TC Kline has been featured in a couple of different Bimmer Magazine articles (E90 M3 and 135i)...I found it VERY interesting in the article how TCK seemed to start off with a clean sheet on each platform, had the ACTUAL car to test with and addressed shortcomings specific to that car for a dual purpose car. Yes, I am a TC Kline fanboy. I'm preaching the TC Kline religion.
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01-30-2013, 04:32 PM | #10 |
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Congrats and nice choice
Had a set of the TCK SA dampers with 400/600 rates on my wife's M3 - much more compliant ride than the stock ZCP-EDC suspension yet improved handling characteristics, better transition/turn-in, and better at absorbing bumps. You can't beat the performance/price on the TCK SA setup! |
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01-31-2013, 08:50 AM | #11 |
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LOL they have me doing the same ! It is just that good. What made me a believer is the same reason as what is stated by bigjae1976, after one ride you will be hooked.
For anyone in Ontario, Canada interested in TCKline products please contact us for any questions and inquiries. Once spring time comes my M3 will be getting the same treatment. |
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02-01-2013, 09:15 PM | #12 |
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At COTA, same day, there are two E46 M3s. Similar mods, similar weight, same NT01s, same brake pads, one has a $4k+ KW comp setup, the other has the TCK D/A. The TCK car does have a rear BBK and some mild Dinan software. The drivers are VERY close when it comes to skill. Neither car was corner balanced. Both cars aligned on the same machine by the same guy. These cars are pretty much twins...even the same color
The TC Kline car's best lap was about 3 seconds faster...just sayin'...and the TC Kline car is far more comfortable as well. AND I PREACH..AMEN MY BROTHA'S TO THE HOLY SUSPENSION GOD...TC KLINE! Seriously, the results speak for themselves if you ask me.
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02-03-2013, 07:10 PM | #13 |
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Good review
I am considering either sa or da setup for my 1m. Hopefully they can be set at close to stock ride height. Can they be run with stock springs?
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02-03-2013, 10:18 PM | #14 | |
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02-04-2013, 02:43 AM | #15 | |
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02-24-2013, 11:15 AM | #16 |
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After playing around with the height setting and putting on ~ 2,000km. I found a setup that I am quite comfortable with. From the picture above in my previous post I adjusted the front anot 1/2" lower and raised the rear about 2/3" of an inch. The ride in incredible. I am very happy with the way the car drives now. The car is planted to the road, very controlled and predictable, steering feedback has improved. Transitions from side to side are amazing. Bumps are now absorbed even better The car feels effortless to drive now. Why didn't I do this earlier I don't know. Also the clunking noise when hitting driveways at 30 degree angles is all but eliminated. I think by lowering the front, I've compressed the springs enough to eliminated any type of floated that might have been there in the past.
I love the suspension, many thanks to TC for support and for making such an amazing product. Last edited by Superfly_M3; 02-24-2013 at 11:40 AM.. |
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02-25-2013, 09:38 AM | #17 | |
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OP, we appreciate the feedback and are glad that you're enjoying your new suspension so much Enjoy!! |
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02-25-2013, 11:02 PM | #18 |
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Any photos of the install? I have my eyes on the double kit, but may consider the single if the performance is there. I will likely trade in my 335i for the M soon, but can't stand the choppy ride on rough roads and 4x4 like front tire to fender gap.
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02-26-2013, 06:42 AM | #19 |
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Is this going to be strictly a street driven car, or will you be taking it to the track or autocross?
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03-04-2013, 11:49 PM | #20 |
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05-02-2013, 07:39 PM | #21 |
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Reviving this thread a bit. Questions for guru's, need quality input.
- When LOWERING on a track/street set of coils like this, assuming you approach 1 finger gap or less to get looks at the same time, do you NEED adjustable sway bar end links front and rear to avoid pre load? I would imagine if so, you're taking 2 steps forward and 1 back without them. Looking to get these coils/plates with my next paycheck and want to earn the cash to do this right in one shot, but don't want new sways as OEM are enough in my opinion... - Also, rear adjustable toe links needed once lowered to 1 finger gap? Last edited by 325rider; 05-02-2013 at 07:48 PM.. |
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05-02-2013, 07:58 PM | #22 |
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It depends on where the strut bodies locate the sway bar mount. One feature I like about the ASTs is that the sway bar mount is adjustable so you can use OEM links.
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