ZZP Coilovers

**Mr D** · 04-24-2012

Koniig,

I tried to upload few pics, but didn't get it. Try to figure it out later. anyway, nothing special. I probably can't say anything you haven't already heard.
To me, the c/o was significant $, and I'm happy w/ them, but everything has pros and cons. If you have a healthy budget, and want to mod your ride height, c/o might be good for you.
On top of $, another con is they are louder than typ mcphearson strut, c/o has no rubber or isolators. It's a different feel, I feel the road more.
Con, as mentioned above, matching valving of strut and spring (which I'm not getting into).
Pros, you should be able to get as low as you want, and what was important to me, you can adjust them without taking them apart. Another pro, you can get as stiff a ride as you want. But not with ZZP, order them from manufacturer, like Arraut (HTM), and he can get you springs as stiff as you want.
Con, I have no idea how you would select the spring right for you, or how you match the valving, just trial and error and more $.

All I can leave you with is: I'm happy with my c/o, but I didn't start off w/ a nice ride to compare it to; and even though I patronize ZZP, in this case I would steer you away from their limited selection and over-inflated shipping and recommend you go directly to Arraut (HTM) if you want to pursue this.

**matt5112** · 04-24-2012

I feel the road with bilsteins, vogtlands and all new rubbers and stock mounts.

Just the coil over mounts will make a difference, but so does the valving and the type of strut used.

Twins are slower to respond, mono's are faster.

**Mr D** · 04-25-2012

Ya, I've read bilsteins/vogtlands is a great match. And have no idea what's on a GXP, but I know its real good.

c/o are a different feel of the road. I drive plenty of different, random cars at work and last car was subaru (I still got the love), and to me c/o feel different than typical cars, not to say better or worse. Can't explain it, just my opinion of having for a couple of weeks.

It is definately NOT a sport/luxery type feel, NOT audi, bmw, cadilac, lexus, infinity, etc. c/o are less smooth, quiet than stock GXP. But response and control are there.

Reference wesstshorefabricators.com

I got the "Stage 1" -kit & struts sep. "Stage 2" is what ZZP re-sells--same $ w/ 2x shipping. "Stage 3" comes w/ Koni monotube.

It's interesting that neither Arraut/HTM/westshorefabricators or ZZP even mention revalving for KYB options. Same w/ ZZP's complete drop in product. Might not be possible w/ KYB twin tubes, as suggested--thats beyond me? The "stage 3" does state adjustable dampening w/ Koni.

If you got the budget and want to get aggressive, seems like Arraut's Koni c/o would be worth checking out. So, I'd say, no to zzp's c/o, but Arraut might have something that you want.

Thanks for heads-up about valving. Probably dumb question, but when you lower car, wouldn't extending strut piston threads down so that strut piston is raised further up compensate for lower springs?

**Bio248** · 04-25-2012

apparently they dont do the stage 3 anymore.

and what you mentioned about extending the threads on the piston is an old school trick. you'll rarely see that done today. most times you'll find that when building something more 'custom' they will just pick a cartridge that is the correct length to begin with so they dont have to mess with the other variables. from there they either build on that cartridge or they can revalve it based on needs/wants.

**matt5112** · 04-25-2012

I've never heard of anyone else using bilsteins and vogtlands.

Though I admit, I do not visit other W body forums much, if at all.

**Koniig** · 04-25-2012

You guys have all been a tremendous help. I appreciate it greatly and I now know what I will be going with, so thanks again.

Nick, I have the answer I need, feel free to close it if you want. Or just leave it open for general ZZP Coilover discussion.