KW V1 vs H&R coilovers

[sir_dave]

With the collection of my 197 cup around the corner, i am now looking into potential ways to perfect it ...

I understand that the H&R's are a little firmer (potentially better on track) and offer scope for a lower ride height at the rear, but the KW V1's are less firmly damped for a more compliant ride on the road ... They are also £150 or so cheaper, which would pay for the Ultra Racing rear ARB that will also be fitted at the same time.

My interest is from a handling perspective really, whilst an improvement in looks via lowering of say -20mm is nice, i am more interested in obtaining a similar handling balance to that of my Trophy, i.e. strong front end bite, with a tendency for oversteer when on/approachng the limit of adhesion.

Damper adjustment is not really something that i am interested in paying extra for really, i also found the additional of the Whiteline ARB to the Trophy added the additional rear end stiffness that i was after.

Alternatively, does someone like Bilstein/Koni offer a damper only solution for the 197, that could potentially be partnered with some of the H&R springs?

Your thoughts?

 

[dangerdaz]

I had the kw1s and thought they were a definate improvement on road n track over 200 cup suspension.
Personally though i would lower the front 25mm and rear no more than 15mm. Otherwise large bumps/potholes can cause some minor grief. I had 30mm front n 20mm (max on rear) and felt raising that 5mm would have made it even better.
Also the kws dont rust at all 8)

 

[Yiannis197]

i am more interested in obtaining a similar handling balance to that of my Trophy, i.e. strong front end bite, with a tendency for oversteer when on/approachng the limit of adhesion.

I haven't driven a trophy to be honest with you mate but for a second I thought you were describing a stock 197 there:tongue_smilie:

I did some research for the suspension and personally (and for the way I use my car of course) I can not justify paying so much money for a coil over. Renault has done a fantastic job setting up the car so for me a RARB, a thicker fARB (from the 200 cup, 19mm) and a set of H&Rs 30mm all around will do the job. To be honest I'm so happy with how the car handles that I'm a bit reluctant to even change the springs. I don't even know what their rate is (popped a question in the past but no one knows apparently). I just hope that they won't ruin the handling because if they do i'm so removing them. Looks are good, but not that good (to me anyway).

 

[N0ddie]

If you go for the H&Rs I would recommend protecting them with some sealant as they do rust when untreated. I treated my set but they still corroded slightly.

I, like Daz, moved up to the Clubsports now but I'd recommend a practical ride height. I didnt go too low as I (More so the wife didnt't) want to have to drive everywhere worrying about scraping.

My ride height:



Also, on track do you intend on using semi slicks (R888s or similar) as even the H&Rs aint quite stiff enough to eradicate some major nose diving on hard breaking, turn in etc.

Just look at Simo's progress thread for pics.

 

[sir_dave]

Also, on track do you intend on using semi slicks (R888s or similar) as even the H&Rs aint quite stiff enough to eradicate some major nose diving on hard breaking, turn in etc.

Wouldnt be using R888's no, i found that they simply made things too easy in the Trophy. Quicker yes, but more fun? Not especially, clio doesnt have enough power to warrant them i dont think. Nose diving isnt an issue that id want to erradicate completely anyways (unless its ridiculous) - purely as the weight transfer helps with front end bite!

I do like your ride height though, although i would perhaps have it a little higher at the rear to keep the standard rake.

Did the H&R's rust badly then? Its more than likely that i'll only keep the car a year or so, so would like the coilovers to stay in decent enough condition to sell on at the end of my ownership ...

 

[N0ddie]

Wouldnt be using R888's no, i found that they simply made things too easy in the Trophy. Quicker yes, but more fun? Not especially, clio doesnt have enough power to warrant them i dont think. Nose diving isnt an issue that id want to erradicate completely anyways (unless its ridiculous) - purely as the weight transfer helps with front end bite!

I do like your ride height though, although i would perhaps have it a little higher at the rear to keep the standard rake.

Did the H&R's rust badly then? Its more than likely that i'll only keep the car a year or so, so would like the coilovers to stay in decent enough condition to sell on at the end of my ownership ...

I wouldnt say badly no. But I did protect them with some metal sealant/treatment from day one (Spray stuff on and rub in once).

I sold them to Jonesy on here and he had no complaints as to how they were when they arrived.

 

[MikeLYR27]

Go for the v1's if your going for a more sensible height.

 

[litchy]

Cup shocks+H&R springs=PERFECT
Perfect height, perfect track\day use and best of all...perfect price.

 

[gaz]

I've had both, never tracked, however i think the H&R's were better day to day. My KW's are the inox units with stainless bodies and look good as new. If buying H&R I'd recommend some of this, semi permanent (lol) wax/oil

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ACF-50-An...cycle_Parts&hash=item5892d13899#ht_1715wt_932

 

[nkojic]

Cup shocks+H&R springs=PERFECT
Perfect height, perfect track\day use and best of all...perfect price.

cup shocks from R27 or 200 cup?