AE86 rear suspension options 2018

[Alex]

Hello all,

it's been a long time since I posted on this forum. However, my AE86 is still with me, and after a few months, engine has been rebuilt and we are almost ready for the road.

However, I have this suspension situation, that need to be dealt with asap.

FRONT
Paradise Racing QA1 coilover kit (40mm cut strut) with 8 kg/mm springs
Koni Yellow AE92 short-stroke

REAR
TRD 6 kg/mm spring
Koni yellow ae86 long stroke

As you may presume, rear is wrong setup because of long stroke. I need to change rear shocks to short stroke

What are my options in Europe in 2018?
Camaro AGX can't be order in Europe
Bilsteins can be ordered, but I don't know which ones T3 uses in their kit.

Any ideas?

[Project D]

T3 didn't come up with the setup, I think it was jondee86 (?) on the AE86fightclub forum (I don't remember for sure, and since that forum no longer exist...)
But anyway, here is the setup:
Bilstein 24-003971 (Saab 900) + energy 9.8107R or prothane 19-903 (lower bushing).

6kg is a bit too stiff for those though, around 4 / 4.5kg (220 / 260 lbs) is recommended. (T3 say up to 300lb -> 5.3kg)
The beauty of Bilstein (so to speak) is that they can be rebuild but also modified via specialists.

And just in case, before those informations are totally lost; the front setup:
34-184530 (VW GTI) + B30-629-C1 (gland nut)

BEWARE, those are NOT cheap !!!

[Alex]

Excellent, didn't hope for exact codes Thanks! I will check prices with local distributors.

I have new 6kg springs for front coilover, so I just need new rear springs rated at cca 4.3kg to have proper balance. It maybe good time to update whole suspension with lower rate springs.
6kg is too stiff for rear Bilsteins (from Saab); Do you know if its ok with front Bilsteins (from VW GTI) to have 6kg springs? Unfortunately, we don't have specialists in my surroundings, so I'm pretty much stuck with what I buy initially.

Suggestions for rear 4.3 springs? AJPS? MCNSport? Someone else?
Did anyone try MCNsport inserts and rear coilovers? https://www.mcnsport.com/collections/d-m...hortstroke

[isac]

My setup it's almost the same, custom front with Koni race inserts (Koni 86101437RACE), 5.2kg D'Faulkner springs, cusco camber plates and T3 Rca's; Rear I have Camaro https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/k.../overview/ with bc racing perches and 4.5kg springs.

BC perche and coil is considered low cost compared to this https://shop.battlegarage-rs.com/collect...lover-type

I owned BC Racing coilovers before and I wouldn't go back, although they are very good at track.

[Project D]

(01-21-2018 07:33 PM)Alex Wrote:  I have new 6kg springs for front coilover, so I just need new rear springs rated at cca 4.3kg to have proper balance. It maybe good time to update whole suspension with lower rate springs.
6kg is too stiff for rear Bilsteins (from Saab); Do you know if its ok with front Bilsteins (from VW GTI) to have 6kg springs? Unfortunately, we don't have specialists in my surroundings, so I'm pretty much stuck with what I buy initially.

Sadly I didn't save what was recommended with them.
But I can give you the valving:
Rebound: 2500 (2560) Newtons at 0.52 m/s
Compression: 730 (725) Newtons at 0.52 m/s
(Bilstein website)

(01-21-2018 07:33 PM)Alex Wrote:  Suggestions for rear 4.3 springs? AJPS? MCNSport? Someone else?

Your first post was about what is available in Europe. Now if you are willing to buy the springs from anywhere in the world, why not the shocks ?
The HTS camaro shocks are still available in the US.

There are many compagnies in Europe that make springs.

(01-21-2018 07:33 PM)Alex Wrote:  Did anyone try MCNsport inserts and rear coilovers? https://www.mcnsport.com/collections/d-m...hortstroke

MCN "insert" used to be made by AVO (a reputable UK manufacturer).
I don't know if that is still the case.

Useful link:
http://www.aeu86.org/forum/Thread-Nohach...ngs-thread
http://eibach.com/us/p-101-suspension-worksheet.html

[mad.matt]

(01-22-2018 01:31 AM)Project D Wrote:  MCN "insert" used to be made by AVO (a reputable UK manufacturer).
I don't know if that is still the case.

Still are, recently bought them but they are now available through Group D

[kazi]

what are the physical size of the Bilstiens like compared to the likes of TRD & HTS? Needing to get another set of shocks as one of the HTS pair i just picked up are done.

[Project D]

No idea, but they are short stroke and apparently they fit right with lower spring. So probably close to the HTS / AGX (?)
The equivalent Koni (26-1087) are 470/300mm so the bilsteins are probably in that ballpark too.

Can you give us the dimensions of yours kazi ?

[Alex]

(01-22-2018 01:31 AM)Project D Wrote:  Your first post was about what is available in Europe. Now if you are willing to buy the springs from anywhere in the world, why not the shocks ?
The HTS camaro shocks are still available in the US.

There are many compagnies in Europe that make springs.

MCN "insert" used to be made by AVO (a reputable UK manufacturer).
I don't know if that is still the case.

Useful link:
http://www.aeu86.org/forum/Thread-Nohach...ngs-thread
http://eibach.com/us/p-101-suspension-worksheet.html

Why not shocks? 35% tax and fees both on shocks and shipping. From EU, it's 0 and I can get discounts on a lot of parts. However, around 800€ for set of Bilsteins.

I just remembered that I spoke with MCN (Mike) 2 years ago, and they were nice and very helpful with suggestions. I think that route is good choice.

Just need to check length of front insert with them, but it will probably fit. Their weld on coilover set is almost exact as mine PR QA1

@mad.matt
Are you satisfied with shocks? Did you get just shocks or complete set?

[mad.matt]

(01-24-2018 09:11 AM)Alex Wrote:  @mad.matt
Are you satisfied with shocks? Did you get just shocks or complete set?

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to use them. It's a long term resto.

I bought the Short Stroke rear coilovers too.
Bushes are Red Poly. Adjusters seem good and the shock body seems solid!