Installed/Review: KW Coil Sleeve Kit

[Malek@MRF]

If comparing the two kits, the GC kit has a nice set of camber plates that help retain a lot of the shock travel that the stock upper guide support, even with trimming takes away.

The GC kit also come with customizable Eibach ERS linear springs from what I gathered from GC directly.

I do think it's cool that more company's are starting to make EDC sleeved coilovers at a relatively good price though, some like their EDC, so these type of kits give them the best of both worlds in a way.

By the way, your rear PS2's are flipped inside out from what I can see.

[Hollywood Hogan]

I'll have to check my ps2's when i get home!

Definitely a plus that there are new a couple options for a coil sleeve kit for our M's. I've read a lot of good reviews on the GC's and did consider them but wanted to give the KW's a shot and again love them so far for the street. I'm sure I would have been happy either way

[Malek@MRF]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Hogan

I'll have to check my ps2's when i get home!

Definitely a plus that there are new a couple options for a coil sleeve kit for our M's. I've read a lot of good reviews on the GC's and did consider them but wanted to give the KW's a shot and again love them so far for the street. I'm sure I would have been happy either way

I am mainly referring to the driver side rear tire. The passenger rear looks like its on correctly.

[tha_good_life]

looks good! i love my gc but eventually going V3 in the future.

[HP Man]

Good to see another option, however, the lack of camber plates and alternative spring rates make this kit inferior to the GC kit IMO.

[mact3333]

Just talked to GC, they had no idea what I was talking about...they dont sell a sleeve spring kit and they say they have no intention of selling one anytime soon?...

[Cal@Sonic MS]

Originally Posted by mact3333

Just talked to GC, they had no idea what I was talking about...they dont sell a sleeve spring kit and they say they have no intention of selling one anytime soon?...

Unfortunately GC is keeping their "Spring Coilover Kit" on the DL. You'll have to speak to James directly about it. It is a custom made to order kit. They relayed to me that they sell this kit for $999.00 as MSRP. They will only sell direct to customers.

[mact3333]

Originally Posted by Cal@Sonic MS

Unfortunately GC is keeping their "Spring Coilover Kit" on the DL. You'll have to speak to James directly about it. It is a custom made to order kit. They relayed to me that they sell this kit for $999.00 as MSRP. They will only sell direct to customers.

Thank you Cal!

[Tom@SonicMS]

Originally Posted by HP Man

Good to see another option, however, the lack of camber plates and alternative spring rates make this kit inferior to the GC kit IMO.

Not quite the case, unfortunately for many of us who uses this car as a DD. we would prefer to have progressive spring rates KW offer, which are more suited for street use. The progressive rate spring gives great initial bump absorption, especially at low speeds where the compression is minimal. The more you compress the spring, the firmer it gets. As you corner hard and pass that initial compression rate it firms up and you get the reduced bodyroll and weight shift from a stiff spring. This is perfect for everyday driving navigating through big bumps and potholes..

The KW also comes with a new longer and much stiffer bump stops to prevent the factory shocks bottoming up because of the reduced travel.

As for the front camber kit. Unless you are using the car for strictly track, I find the the camber kit to be useless because in most cases you're able to adjust the factory camber back to spec without the need of a camber kit. Most track spec alignment called for a very aggressive toe and camber. it is useless for DD other than prematurely wearing down your tires.. Also most camber kit out there uses pillowball mount which increase NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

However, a linear spring design GC offer does have their advantages, it makes the car's weight shifting much more consistent as the rate at which the spring compresses doesn't change. Since the rate is linear from the get-go, the car should get a little less bodyroll and be more responsive as you start turning than a progressive spring with the same spring rate. The question here is will the stock factory shocks able to handle linear springs design overtime, given the original design of the factory springs is progressive?

If you are planning to track your M3 occasionally, the KW/GC will be sufficient IMO. if you're a serious into tracking your M3, take a look into investing into better setup like, AST, Moton CS or KW Clubsport.

D

[mact3333]

Originally Posted by Darwin@SonicMS

Not quite the case, unfortunately for many of us who uses this car as a DD. we would prefer to have progressive spring rates KW offer, which are more suited for street use. The progressive rate spring gives great initial bump absorption, especially at low speeds where the compression is minimal. The more you compress the spring, the firmer it gets. As you corner hard and pass that initial compression rate it firms up and you get the reduced bodyroll and weight shift from a stiff spring. This is perfect for everyday driving navigating through big bumps and potholes..

The KW also comes with a new longer and much stiffer bump stops to prevent the factory shocks bottoming up because of the reduced travel.

As for the front camber kit. Unless you are using the car for strictly track, I find the the camber kit to be useless because in most cases you're able to adjust the factory camber back to spec without the need of a camber kit. Most track spec alignment called for a very aggressive toe and camber. it is useless for DD other than prematurely wearing down your tires.. Also most camber kit out there uses pillowball mount which increase NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

However, a linear spring design GC offer does have their advantages, it makes the car's weight shifting much more consistent as the rate at which the spring compresses doesn't change. Since the rate is linear from the get-go, the car should get a little less bodyroll and be more responsive as you start turning than a progressive spring with the same spring rate. The question here is will the stock factory shocks able to handle linear springs design overtime, given the original design of the factory springs is progressive?

If you are planning to track your M3 occasionally, the KW/GC will be sufficient IMO. if you're a serious into tracking your M3, take a look into investing into better setup like, AST, Moton CS or KW Clubsport.

D

Darwin,

I know you did an install recently with this kit. I am curious, how much clearance room was there inferior to the bumpstop when car dropped approx 1 inch in front?...OEM clearance seems to be 3/4 inch...seems like if you drop the car, only way to retain this "room" is to make the top perch and bumpstop shorter in length(which Dinan kit addresses and does).

Did I read you correctly when i thought I heard you say the bumpstops are actually taller than OEM????....thx.

[persian54]

Originally Posted by Darwin@SonicMS

If you are planning to track your M3 occasionally, the KW/GC will be sufficient IMO. if you're a serious into tracking your M3, take a look into investing into better setup like, AST, Moton CS or KW Clubsport.

D

What would you define as occasionally?

12 times a year?
7? 5?

For say, 5-7 times a year, would you recommend the GC or KW?
And why.

Thank you

[HP Man]

Originally Posted by Darwin@SonicMS

Not quite the case, unfortunately for many of us who uses this car as a DD. we would prefer to have progressive spring rates KW offer, which are more suited for street use. The progressive rate spring gives great initial bump absorption, especially at low speeds where the compression is minimal. The more you compress the spring, the firmer it gets. As you corner hard and pass that initial compression rate it firms up and you get the reduced bodyroll and weight shift from a stiff spring. This is perfect for everyday driving navigating through big bumps and potholes..

The KW also comes with a new longer and much stiffer bump stops to prevent the factory shocks bottoming up because of the reduced travel.

As for the front camber kit. Unless you are using the car for strictly track, I find the the camber kit to be useless because in most cases you're able to adjust the factory camber back to spec without the need of a camber kit. Most track spec alignment called for a very aggressive toe and camber. it is useless for DD other than prematurely wearing down your tires.. Also most camber kit out there uses pillowball mount which increase NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness).

However, a linear spring design GC offer does have their advantages, it makes the car's weight shifting much more consistent as the rate at which the spring compresses doesn't change. Since the rate is linear from the get-go, the car should get a little less bodyroll and be more responsive as you start turning than a progressive spring with the same spring rate. The question here is will the stock factory shocks able to handle linear springs design overtime, given the original design of the factory springs is progressive?

If you are planning to track your M3 occasionally, the KW/GC will be sufficient IMO. if you're a serious into tracking your M3, take a look into investing into better setup like, AST, Moton CS or KW Clubsport.

D

I don't disagree with most of what you say, however, my point is that these adjustable kits are geared towards a user who does occasional track days, which, IMO, the GC kit provides better functionality for similar cash than the KW kit. If the GC kit is too track oriented for a user, then given the cost of the KW kit, I'd suggest simply getting a set of springs to lower the car rather than the KW kit. I agree that for a dedicated track car, a real set of multi-adjustable coilovers is preferable. Just my $0.02.

[Wes Howell]

Originally Posted by HP Man

I don't disagree with most of what you say, however, my point is that these adjustable kits are geared towards a user who does occasional track days, which, IMO, the GC kit provides better functionality for similar cash than the KW kit. If the GC kit is too track oriented for a user, then given the cost of the KW kit, I'd suggest simply getting a set of springs to lower the car rather than the KW kit. I agree that for a dedicated track car, a real set of multi-adjustable coilovers is preferable. Just my $0.02.

+1 GC can be customized with springs (for your needs) is adjustable and comes with street camber plates. Jay is a great resource too. Call him and chat with him.

[Hollywood Hogan]

Originally Posted by HP Man

I don't disagree with most of what you say, however, my point is that these adjustable kits are geared towards a user who does occasional track days, which, IMO, the GC kit provides better functionality for similar cash than the KW kit. If the GC kit is too track oriented for a user, then given the cost of the KW kit, I'd suggest simply getting a set of springs to lower the car rather than the KW kit. I agree that for a dedicated track car, a real set of multi-adjustable coilovers is preferable. Just my $0.02.

For an individual like myself who doesn't track his M but would like the ride height adjustability, springs would be out of the question. Reading reviews of the GC kit along with my personal opinion on the KW's, I don't think you can go wrong with either kit. One seems a little more track oriented while the other more geared towards the street.

[Tom@SonicMS]

Originally Posted by mact3333

Darwin,

I know you did an install recently with this kit. I am curious, how much clearance room was there inferior to the bumpstop when car dropped approx 1 inch in front?...OEM clearance seems to be 3/4 inch...seems like if you drop the car, only way to retain this "room" is to make the top perch and bumpstop shorter in length(which Dinan kit addresses and does).

Did I read you correctly when i thought I heard you say the bumpstops are actually taller than OEM????....thx.

I didn't have a chance to measure the clearance of the bumpstops, but i will do it on the next install. I made a mistake stating the bumpstops are taller. The front is actually shorter, the rear is longer but not by much. The new bumpstops are much stiffer compared to OEM.

Thanks for pointing that out to me.

D

[Tom@SonicMS]

Originally Posted by persian54

What would you define as occasionally?

12 times a year?
7? 5?

For say, 5-7 times a year, would you recommend the GC or KW?
And why.

Thank you

i say 3-5 times a year. I had mention above that each kit has their own advantages and disadvantages. I can't recommend on which kits to go because i haven't driven a car with a GC kit. I would like to drive one to see how well they perform with the factory struts.

D

Thanks

[Tom@SonicMS]

Originally Posted by HP Man

I don't disagree with most of what you say, however, my point is that these adjustable kits are geared towards a user who does occasional track days, which, IMO, the GC kit provides better functionality for similar cash than the KW kit. If the GC kit is too track oriented for a user, then given the cost of the KW kit, I'd suggest simply getting a set of springs to lower the car rather than the KW kit. I agree that for a dedicated track car, a real set of multi-adjustable coilovers is preferable. Just my $0.02.

I can't denied that the GC kit offer more for almost the same price the only difference is the GC kit appear to be a more aggressive setup. If you don't mind the stiffer ride choose the GC kit. I find the KW to be more street friendly without sacrificing track performance.

D

[Green-Eggs]

KW provides a nicer ride & heard camber plates for general application is not necessary

[mastek]

Originally Posted by Cal@Sonic MS

Unfortunately GC is keeping their "Spring Coilover Kit" on the DL. You'll have to speak to James directly about it. It is a custom made to order kit. They relayed to me that they sell this kit for $999.00 as MSRP. They will only sell direct to customers.

I bought mine for $899 last year when they came out directly from GC - at no discount - maybe they raised the price since then ...(still worth it).

And the GC kit comes with 3 choices for Spring Rates, dyno'd bump stops, Camber Plates and - so why would you pay $100 more or the same $$$ for a kit with no spring rate choices and no camber plates?

[Hollywood Hogan]

Originally Posted by mastek

I bought mine for $899 last year when they came out directly from GC - at no discount - maybe they raised the price since then ...(still worth it).

And the GC kit comes with 3 choices for Spring Rates, dyno'd bump stops, Camber Plates and - so why would you pay $100 more or the same $$$ for a kit with no spring rate choices and no camber plates?

I'm sure the GC kit is a great kit as it seems like it is working very well for you. I took a chance by accepting whatever spring rate KW chose for the coil sleeve kit as I believe I may be the first one to have gotten a set. The car definitely handles better and is quite comfortable. I couldn't have asked for a better spring rate if I could. As far as the price goes, lets just say I paid a bit less than the 899 or 999 that the GC's go for So are the camber plates worth the extra $$$, well thats up to the buyer to decide.

[xiliy]

Originally Posted by Hollywood Hogan

I'm sure the GC kit is a great kit as it seems like it is working very well for you. I took a chance by accepting whatever spring rate KW chose for the coil sleeve kit as I believe I may be the first one to have gotten a set. The car definitely handles better and is quite comfortable. I couldn't have asked for a better spring rate if I could. As far as the price goes, lets just say I paid a bit less than the 899 or 999 that the GC's go for So are the camber plates worth the extra $$$, well thats up to the buyer to decide.

Vendor mentioned that springs will get you more drop after they settle. I am curious to see if that has happened? Have you measured drop after install and now? Thank you.

[Hollywood Hogan]

Originally Posted by xiliy

Vendor mentioned that springs will get you more drop after they settle. I am curious to see if that has happened? Have you measured drop after install and now? Thank you.

I did not get a chance to measure it before the install or right after either. The front sit very nicely IMO but for my tastes, the rear can go a bit lower. I will be setting up an appointment with Sonic to get an alignment and the rears adjusted lower in the coming weeks. I will take updated pictures of the drop and post them up as soon as I have time.