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      05-11-2010, 03:36 PM   #1
mastek
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Ground Control Spring Coilover Kit REVIEW

I had the H&R (softer version) springs on my car for 6 months.
I have had the GC CO Kit for 3 months now (I have the shorter front spring version = more for track/handling)... so this review is really comparing the two back-to-back.
But for those who are curious about OE to GC Kit = Just find a review of the OE EDC setup vs. the H&R Spring Kit and you'll have a good idea.




STREET (THE GOOD)
- Better handling at low and especially at high speeds
- long 45mph 180 degree off-ramp @ 1.04G
- More predictable bump/pothole negotiations

STREET (THE BAD)
- Changing the EDC settings makes less difference and is more subtle
- NVH goes up a bit (more noisy over low speed bumps)
- Definitely more of a rough ride (you feel every bump and pothole)
- Not for people that are looking for close to OE comfort.

STREET (SUMMARY)
It performs very much like a 'real' C/O Kit and in that sense is a budget version of a C/O Kit with similar performance.
I think you would only benefit (in handling) from better/faster shocks which is the only thing missing to make this kit a full C/O Kit.
If you are a performance handling junkie (like most who buy this car) then this kit is for you. Be prepared to pay the price of comfort = it's livable but it depends on your personal ability to put up with it. And even a track rat like me gets annoyed at times.





TRACK (THE GOOD)
- Handling is much improved in EVERY area
- Brake dive is reduced. Body-Roll is minimized and predictable.
- Mid-Corner balance is a revelation: Its hard to imagine but you can really throttle steer this 4000lbs monster through mid-to-high speed turns and correct bad trajectories easily.
- Very predictable and consistent

TRACK (THE BAD)
- For a heavy car you really need more spring rate and faster reacting shocks, but this is as good as it gets if you plan on keeping the car street livable.
- At handling limit, you can start to feel the car's OE rubber bushings moving around a little (not as bad as the e46m3, but it's there)
- EDC makes little difference but I run with it on stiffest setting. If anything, one might argue that the softest setting might yield better results - as the shocks get to work more under stiffer springs.

TRACK (SUMMARY)
This is the best kit for a certain demographic of M3 drivers: The ones who want to keep driving this car on the street occasionally (weekend/2-3 weekdays) - but be more competitive at the track and have more predictable, handling fun.
Of course better shocks (Moton, Ohlins, JRZ) will yield better results (especially low and highs speed adjustable 3-way+) .. but the price you pay both financially and comfort, at that point, your better off building a full-race car.
So this is the best compromise IMHO and @ a seriously FAIR price = $900


If anyone needs help purchasing and/or installing this kit = I know the best place in all of SoCal = PM me


Thanks - hope this helps
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      05-11-2010, 05:05 PM   #2
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Perfect write up! Do you have any pictures of your setup?
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      05-11-2010, 05:22 PM   #3
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thanks for the write up!
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      05-11-2010, 05:39 PM   #4
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Thanks for the feedback.
What ride height are you at?
Did you corner balance?
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      05-11-2010, 06:19 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bapesta206 View Post
Perfect write up! Do you have any pictures of your setup?
no pics yet -- Are you looking for ride height pics to gauge what it looks like? or just a some pics of my awesome ride lol


Quote:
Originally Posted by STALKER View Post
Thanks for the feedback.
What ride height are you at?
Did you corner balance?
From bottom of wheel lip (19" Advan RS) to the fender lip (wheel well lip)
Front: 23-1/4"
Rear: 22-3/4"

I will double-check that later today and edit but thats what I can remember.

No corner balance yet

But my Camber is:
-3.0 Front
-2.0 Rear
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      05-11-2010, 07:42 PM   #6
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Has anyone tried disabling EDC to lock it to full stiff on all dampers? It is supposed to default to maximum in a fault state like no power. That may be the best overall state to be in with radically higher rate springs.
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      05-11-2010, 08:20 PM   #7
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Yes, pictures of your car if you have any. I have pictures from GC of the setup!
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      05-11-2010, 08:22 PM   #8
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These came from Jay at GC

Last edited by tha_good_life; 06-24-2010 at 07:33 PM..
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      05-11-2010, 09:36 PM   #9
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Agree with everything Mastek says. I owned the Motons previously and the track performance is better but for a street car they are not $3500 better.

The GC is a great deal and is a good compromise for a primarily street driven car.

BC
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      05-12-2010, 12:25 AM   #10
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Do you guys have any pictures of your cars with the kit on? I want to see the drop!
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      05-12-2010, 04:24 AM   #11
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Excellent review that hit on all the relevant points! Pics would complete the overall picture though.
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      05-12-2010, 07:05 AM   #12
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So this setup is significantly less comfortable on the street than H&R springs? That is what I currently have and this is already a noticebale degrade from stock.

I wonder how this system compares with KW Clubsports.
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      05-12-2010, 03:57 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dawgdog View Post
So this setup is significantly less comfortable on the street than H&R springs? That is what I currently have and this is already a noticebale degrade from stock.

I wonder how this system compares with KW Clubsports.

From experience - my 1st initial impression was = I should have just got a full Coilover Kit, because this feels just like one.
But hey -- this is $1600 less then a full Coilover Kit -- and it performs just like one ... and the EDC still works a little.

Also, remember that I have the stiffer spring version -- I'm sure the softer version is a little more comfy.

As far as the KW CS -- I dont have personal experience (except with KW C/O in other cars e46m3, etc) ... but one rule does apply; all C/O Kits are designed for performance enhancement and that equals a loss of comfort.
Just like when you go from a 328 to an M3 -- it gets a little stiffer and less comfy.
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      05-12-2010, 04:41 PM   #14
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What would one expect to pay to install the kit?
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      05-12-2010, 04:54 PM   #15
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So the camber plates pictured work with the EDC shocks?
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      05-12-2010, 05:09 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CSMRX7 View Post
So the camber plates pictured work with the EDC shocks?
That is correct! I just jumped on the band wagon today. I should be receiving it sometime next week. I'll keep everyone posted.
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      05-12-2010, 07:54 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bapesta206 View Post
That is correct! I just jumped on the band wagon today. I should be receiving it sometime next week. I'll keep everyone posted.
Love to drive with you when you get it set up. What springs are you getting?
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      05-12-2010, 08:48 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mastek View Post
From experience - my 1st initial impression was = I should have just got a full Coilover Kit, because this feels just like one.
But hey -- this is $1600 less then a full Coilover Kit -- and it performs just like one ... and the EDC still works a little.

Also, remember that I have the stiffer spring version -- I'm sure the softer version is a little more comfy.

As far as the KW CS -- I dont have personal experience (except with KW C/O in other cars e46m3, etc) ... but one rule does apply; all C/O Kits are designed for performance enhancement and that equals a loss of comfort.
Just like when you go from a 328 to an M3 -- it gets a little stiffer and less comfy.
What rates are you running?
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      05-12-2010, 11:12 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dawgdog View Post
Love to drive with you when you get it set up. What springs are you getting?
Jay at GC ask a bunch of questions on how your car is going to be used. Ex: are you taking out older people, clients, what comfort level you want, are you dropping your car low, how often you planning on tracking it, and etc.

Once you answer his questions, he will assemble a package based on your answer. So let's hope it's something I'm looking for!
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      05-12-2010, 11:32 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TXM32B View Post
What would one expect to pay to install the kit?
Depends on the shops hourly rates -- it's a little time consuming, cause you have to take out the entire front strut assembly, compress the spring off, then install the new springs and camber plates. and thats just the front.

Anyways, I figure a good 4-6 hours based on shop experience ($350-$600)
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      05-12-2010, 11:33 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by STALKER View Post
What rates are you running?
I will look it up - not sure
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      05-12-2010, 11:35 PM   #22
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im usre long tran can handle it for a good price
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