Ohlins DFV Review
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2005
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Ohlins DFV Review
Hi Guys,
After tracking my AP2 with stock dampers with Tein S Tech springs for several years I wanted improved shock control and thoroughly researched many options, particularly those that would allow me to stay in street class for s2000 challenge. I ended up settling on Ohlins DFVs because of their proven track record for superior shock damping, weight savings, high quality construction, and single compression/ rebound adjustment. After discussing my goals with Patrick from URGE designs, I decided to go with a bit stiffer spring rates than originally are paired with the dampers which was accomplished by moving the 572lb/in springs from the front to the rear and adding 700lb/in Eibach springs to the front.
Installation was relatively straight forward, and is a bit easier than replacing stock shocks due to the fact that the Ohlins are a bit shorter. Installing the front shocks required unbolting the upper control arms, but other than that no other tricks were necessary. I had the car corner balanced and aligned after the installation, but left the preload at the factory settings.
My first shake down with the new dampers was at Buttonwillow CW #13 in September with the following setup on the car:
Ohlins DFV with 700/572 lb in springs
APR GTC 200
J's Racing front camber joints and RCAs
Alignment: -2.4 camber f/ -2.7 rear, 5.8 degrees caster, 1/16in toe in rear
255/40/17 BFG Rivals on TR MS 17X9 all around
Carbotech XP10/8
I started out with the dampers 5 clicks out from full stiff front and rear to have a general starting point that would match the stiffer spring rates. However, in my first session I realized that these damper settings far too stiff, as I was experiencing both significant understeer and oversteer on Buttonwillow's rough tarmac. I backed the dampers out 2 clicks front and rear before the next session, and noticed a significant improvement in shock control with a considerable decrease in understeer and snap oversteer. After playing with the dampers more over the next few sessions, I ended up with them at 9 clicks from full hard as the sweet spot which resulted in both incredible turn in and high speed stability compared to my previous suspension setup.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase, my s feels like a completely different car with a much higher limit. I am headed back to Buttonwillow tomorrow now that I have dialed in my new setup to see if I can beat my personal best of 2:01.9. Big thanks to Patrick at Urge designs for helping me out with the selection and making the purchasing process smooth and easy.
Til next time,
-Anthony
After tracking my AP2 with stock dampers with Tein S Tech springs for several years I wanted improved shock control and thoroughly researched many options, particularly those that would allow me to stay in street class for s2000 challenge. I ended up settling on Ohlins DFVs because of their proven track record for superior shock damping, weight savings, high quality construction, and single compression/ rebound adjustment. After discussing my goals with Patrick from URGE designs, I decided to go with a bit stiffer spring rates than originally are paired with the dampers which was accomplished by moving the 572lb/in springs from the front to the rear and adding 700lb/in Eibach springs to the front.
Installation was relatively straight forward, and is a bit easier than replacing stock shocks due to the fact that the Ohlins are a bit shorter. Installing the front shocks required unbolting the upper control arms, but other than that no other tricks were necessary. I had the car corner balanced and aligned after the installation, but left the preload at the factory settings.
My first shake down with the new dampers was at Buttonwillow CW #13 in September with the following setup on the car:
Ohlins DFV with 700/572 lb in springs
APR GTC 200
J's Racing front camber joints and RCAs
Alignment: -2.4 camber f/ -2.7 rear, 5.8 degrees caster, 1/16in toe in rear
255/40/17 BFG Rivals on TR MS 17X9 all around
Carbotech XP10/8
I started out with the dampers 5 clicks out from full stiff front and rear to have a general starting point that would match the stiffer spring rates. However, in my first session I realized that these damper settings far too stiff, as I was experiencing both significant understeer and oversteer on Buttonwillow's rough tarmac. I backed the dampers out 2 clicks front and rear before the next session, and noticed a significant improvement in shock control with a considerable decrease in understeer and snap oversteer. After playing with the dampers more over the next few sessions, I ended up with them at 9 clicks from full hard as the sweet spot which resulted in both incredible turn in and high speed stability compared to my previous suspension setup.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase, my s feels like a completely different car with a much higher limit. I am headed back to Buttonwillow tomorrow now that I have dialed in my new setup to see if I can beat my personal best of 2:01.9. Big thanks to Patrick at Urge designs for helping me out with the selection and making the purchasing process smooth and easy.
Til next time,
-Anthony
#3
Former Sponsor
#4
Member
I'm using 650 front but with a Saner bar the front is a little on the stiff side for my liking, but UK tracks have a big mix of bumpy and smooth. I prefer to keep the coilovers compliant and leave the ARB / sway bars to prevent roll.
I plan to use 600fr 500r, although the car only weighs about 1060kg (race car)
I plan to use 600fr 500r, although the car only weighs about 1060kg (race car)
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#8
Former Moderator
One of these days I'm going to have to write a piece about all the upgrades I've done that didn't make me or my car faster.
#9
Originally Posted by boyguan' timestamp='1382196277' post='22835787
Almost never a bad review. I think I know what m getting next
Post a vid if you get a chance. I would love to see how the car is on a track i know
Post a vid if you get a chance. I would love to see how the car is on a track i know
One of these days I'm going to have to write a piece about all the upgrades I've done that didn't make me or my car faster.
now that sounds useful
#10
Originally Posted by boyguan' timestamp='1382196277' post='22835787
Almost never a bad review. I think I know what m getting next
Post a vid if you get a chance. I would love to see how the car is on a track i know
Post a vid if you get a chance. I would love to see how the car is on a track i know
One of these days I'm going to have to write a piece about all the upgrades I've done that didn't make me or my car faster.