I got a complete setup if wanted.

I wish I had the means and time to try different set ups . Apparently this degressive/degressive stuff is quite the bees knees.

 

I wouldn't recommend the bilsteins. They're honestly a bit of a waste of money. Sure you think adjustability isn't useful but it can be very useful. No two tracks are the same and being able to make small adjustments with the turn of a knob can be handy. It's also just useful to help learn about shocks so you can more easily evaluate if you need a revalve. Otherwise you're kind of in the dark as to whether your shocks are the problem or not.

It sounds like KW v3 or clubsport is the perfect option for you since you're not looking to run the super stiff springs anyway. My personal opinion is with a reduced budget for people who don't want to run the stiff springs the KWs are by far the best bet. They are twin tube but it's a good design with quality manufacturing. They're also good for the street, requiring fewer rebuilds than many other options. In my opinion you should either do that or just save the bit more for Penskes. If you're on the track I'm not sure Guy is the best choice, he specializes in autocross valving, Penske corporate would be the way to go probably for that.

Also I sent you a PM.

Edit: I guess Guy does do a lot of road race valving so nevermind on that statement

 

Jon, Guy does more shock work for Road Racers than autocrossers. Just FYI...

 

I really hesitate to toss in another opinion because all of these threads seem to just turn into everyone promoting what they have on their car, with a few valuable opinions from guys who actually know shocks. That said I have been happy with my Koni Yellow/GC setup, for $1300 they seem like a pretty good value and the lifetime warranty/stateside rebuild is certainly a plus. I do like the ability to tweak the rebound from time to time, but that is about as much adjustment as I need.

 

Cool, did not know that! Well Guy is great so that's definitely an option.

 

Great feedback everyone...

OK, I have boiled my options down to two categories, and then multiple choices in those categories.

Option #1 (Less Expensive)

Koni/GC coilovers. I doubt this would satisfy me, but the spring rates are in the right area. $1200.
Koni/Spring custom valve and spring rate. Depending on who valved them, this is another option. $1500???
Custom Bilstein PSS with stiffer springs. Maybe FatCat valving??? Not sure but I like the monotube. $1700???

Option #2 (More Expensive)

KW V3 I have never really known of KW before I came to S2ks. Two good things, one they are German and two, you cannot deny the amount of positive feedback. $2500???
Ohlins R&T DFV I have used Ohlins in the past and their valving is top notch IMO. I do not understand why these are not more popular here. I can only guess people equate more adjustments with a better product. As I have made clear external adjustments are not a priority for me. $2700???

 

Option #1 for Custom Bilseins is the best bet IMO
I have VERY bad experiences with Koni from the "yellows" Sports to the 2812 race dampers. Their quality control is abysmal from the dampers I've seen and worked with.

If you want simple go with option #2 but only the DFV. Most Pro shock builders don't have many good things to say about KW products. Call up Guy/Shaikh or PSI in norcal and see what they have to say about all of your options. IMO I believe the popularity with KW are the reservoirs and number of knobs.

 

You picked my top thoughts from both options.

I have heard mixed reviews regarding Konis. I had good luck with them and still consider them a premier shock manufacture when you compare them to all the brand Xs out there. The Koni/GC route seemed the best way to go if I only had 1200 and wanted stiffer (500lb) springs. Fortunately for me I can spend a little more.

So between the two options....

Custom Bilsteins, how much $$$?

or

OTS Ohlins DFVs for $2500 (seems the best price)

What do you think is better for me? Also I am considering resale value. If I decide to sell my car or try a different more extreme setup. Getting some money back helps.

Thanks

 

You're probably looking at around $2950 for custom Bilsteins through ARE ($1050 for the PSS themselves, and another $1900 or so for the service - revalve, remachined for 2.25" ID springs, hyperco springs to match the valving, custom top hats from ARE, and some other misc "race" parts).

I don't know what FatCat charges. PSI - don't bother, they don't know what they're doing as far as Bilsteins are concerned - they might know their shit with other shocks like Penskes and Ohlins, but Bilsteins are most definitely not their damper of expertise.

As far as resale goes - you'll have better luck with OTS stuff (DFV or the AST4150s). you generally don't get your money back with custom "services" since the vast majority of people will not understand or place value in the "service" that was done/provided.

For resale, most people are only looking at the brand name "Bilstein", "Ohlins", "AST" and already have associated values for what those brand names are worth.

 

If we are talking 3k for the custom Bilsteins, I will have to think about that some. Resale is not my primary concern but it is a concern. Custom Bilsteins may be a bit better than OTS Ohlins, but how much better? And, would I appreciate the difference?