Well, recently installed some BC coilovers w/10k springs front and rear. This is my first time dealing with such a stiff spring(louder thuds and bangs over bad potholes). I have noticed that most sharp bumps do bring out more suspension noise. I have them set pretty stiff, but not FULL stiff. They also have the pillowball mounts. With those combinations, I'm guessing there will be more noises from the tires, roads, etc.? Just curious what you guys with stiffer aftermarket suspensions tend to hear on "not so nice" roads...

 

I have the same suspension (BC RSD with the pillow ball mounts) and 18" wheels. I do notice that potholes and bumps are a lot more jarring than stock. However, your valve settings will make a big difference in this regard as well. I used to have them set 12F, 9R but found that it was just too stiff for the street and I ended up losing traction on bumpy roads. I've found that toning the settings down (now 8F, 5R) is a pretty good setting for the streets.

I will live with the stiffer suspension anyday because my car now corners very flat--night and day difference over stock!

 

Do you notice the bumps and potholes to be louder than stock, or is that what you meant by jarring? Also, I have the BC coilovers, not Buddy Club. Almost the same type of coilover though. Thanks for the info!

 

yes most bumps are a bit louder than stock. 12k all around apexi's here. Try going a little softer on the dampening. Most of these coilovers I find are valved a little too stiff. Mine seem to ride much better when softer and while at first they car might feel like it doesn't handle as well I'm pretty confident it handles exactly the same. Now that I'm on coilovers I also hear a lot more noise out of the soft top frame when I hit potholes or big bumps. You'll get used to it. At least you have an exhaust to help drown out some of that noise....which by the way I'm going to steal when you're sleeping

 

I've read so much about aftermarket coilovers being noisy. It probably really doesn't help that you're pretty much sitting right in front of the rear wheels. Also, I was think about how the OEM rear shocks have the external reservoirs, which in theory should probably do a better job at dampening noise.

 

or you could try avoiding those with 10K springs

 

LOL, captian obvious.

I actually thought they were going to be a lot stiffer with a 10k spring, but they're not. Stiffer than stock? Yes. But nothing horrible.

 

Also, from the research I've done, it seems that pillowball mounts make a lot more noise than the OEM tophats. Makes sense, considering it is all just metal to metal now. Any of you have some insight on this?

 

live with it My coilovers are 12k all around and I thought it would be much more harsh than it is as well. On full soft I'd say they feel identical to the oem suspension

 

Do you have pillowball mounts?