Suspension Buyers Guide - Modified Magazine

What good is power without control? When it comes to improving the performance characteristics of nearly any car, suspension is the best place to start. After all, what good does it do to go fast if you can't control how the car handles? Check out some of the latest offerings in the suspension tuning department; different cars respond well to different modifications, so make sure to research what your specific ride needs before jumping in wallet first.

Stillen
Race Sway Bars
Stillen sway bars maintain feel and control by balancing the vehicle and keeping your car from rolling excessively in the corners. These sway bars are made from high-strength, aircraft-grade steel for maximum torsional strength and durability. The front and rear sway bars are adjustable, allowing drivers to adjust the ride from 21 to 48 percent stiffer than stock in the front and the 37 to 70 percent stiffer in the rear, making the vehicle pleasant on the street and aggressive at the track.
866-250-5542
stillen.com

Powerflex
Urethane Bushings
Powerflex has a full range of urethane performance suspension bushings for many applications, including the new GH/GR-chassis Impreza. The full line includes caster, camber, anti-dive geometry adjustable bushings featuring machined stainless steel hardware and easy adjustment. All Powerflex products come with a lifetime warranty and are made in the UK.
+44-01895-460033 (INTL)
powerflex.co.uk

Skunk2
Front Upper Camber Adjuster
Skunk2 designed its Pro Series and Tuner Series front camber kits with specially engineered A-arms and ball joints that allow for maximum positive camber adjustment in a low-profile design. Enthusiasts who are serious about performance can now correct almost all abnormal tire wear due to negative camber and increase high-speed stability. Pro Series and Pro Series Plus camber kits include three-piece, low-deflection, polyurethane bushings that eliminate the pre-load typically associated with rubber bushings, allowing the arms to pivot freely, dramatically improving handling performance. Skunk2 front camber kits are available for most popular Honda and Acura applications.
951-808-9888
skunk2.com

Fortune Auto
Nissan S-chassis Suspension Rods
Fortune Auto Suspension Rods are constructed of aerospace-grade 6061 forged aluminum and cryo-treated steel, using Japanese-manufactured heim joints with high-quality German Teflon inserts. Fortune Auto is so confident in the quality and longevity of these parts that it offers a lifetime warranty.
877-227-0260
fortune-auto.net

Skunk2
Lower Control Arms
These rear lower control arms are based off the same technology Skunk2 has been using on its own race cars for more than a decade and are a must-have for enthusiasts looking to fine-tune their suspension for maximum handling performance. Skunk2's rear lower control arms are direct replacements, maintain OEM suspension geometry and are ideal for street and race applications. Each arm is forged from aircraft-quality billet aluminum, precision CNC-machined and is more than 25 percent lighter than the OEM arms. Skunk2 rear lower control arms also feature adjustable antisway bar mounting holes.
951-808-9888
skunk2.com

Fortune Auto
Titan Series Coilovers
Titan double adjustable coilovers incorporate all the great features of the 500 Series coilovers and include remote reservoirs for increased fluid capacity and cooler operation in race conditions. These coilovers also feature separate compression and rebound control. Every set of coilovers also gets tested on a suspension dyno, and all Fortune Auto coilovers offer custom spring rates and valving at no additional cost.
877-227-0260
fortune-auto.net

Stance Performance Suspension
XR Coilovers
XR is the newest premium single adjustable coilover from STANCE, featuring 60mm outer diameter for large oil capacity and piston size. The STANCE XR utilizes Swift Springs in conjunction with its new piston and orifice design, which allows for excellent flow characteristics while delivering optimal control at a low speed range - an important factor in traction management. The XR has been developed and tested at the highest levels of racing, resulting in success synonymous with STANCE suspension systems.
847-290-1568
stance-usa.com

Blox Racing
Rear Lower Control Arms
BLOX Racing LCAs are forged from AL6061 and are designed as direct replacements for weaker stock components. These extremely strong and lightweight LCAs help reduce the amount of camber when lowering your vehicle's suspension. As a result, a wider wheel and tire combination can be used with little or no tire rubbing.
510-440-1605
bloxracing.com

Eibach
Pro-Plus Performance Handling Package
Offering a 10 percent discount over buying individual kits, the Eibach Pro Plus Package includes the popular Pro-Kit springs along with the matching antiroll kit sway bars. The special pricing is also available as a Sport-Plus Package, which replaces the Pro-Kit springs with Eibach Sportline springs, providing an even lower ride height. All kits include Eibach's million-mile warranty.
800-222-8811
eibach.com

BC Racing
BR Series Coilovers
These coilovers are perfect for enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, streetable suspension that can also perform on the track. Featuring 30 levels of damping force adjustment, pillow-ball mounts and adjustable camber plates included when applicable, BC Racing has your coilover needs covered.
407-637-2941
bcracing-na.com

Skunk2
Pro-C Coilovers
Skunk2's Pro-C Coilovers feature 12-way adjustable valving, double-adjustable ride height and a state-of-the-art monotube design. Thanks to threaded shock bodies, Pro-C coilovers offer height adjustments independent of spring preload, which results in significant ride-height changes without sacrificing shock travel or ride comfort. Pro-C coilovers are available for most popular Honda and Acura applications, as well as the Mitsubishi EVO.
951-808-9888
skunk2.com

Vogtland
Tec Line Height Adjustable Suspension Kit
Equipped with heavy-duty, twin-tube dampers and designed with a shorter body, the Tec Line makes it possible to lower your vehicle without sacrificing suspension travel. These kits are TÜV-approved and provide an adjustment range between 1-3.5 inches lower than the factory ride height. The racing-style coilover spring rates are suitable for the street yet high enough for light track use.
866-563-5745
vogtlandsuspensionusa.com

Godspeed Project
RS-MAX Coilovers
In mid-2011, Godspeed project will release its newest coilover, the RS-MAX. These coilovers have been tested extensively on the company's time attack car, and soon these monotube 8-way adjustable coilovers will be available to the public.
626-442-3988
godspeedproject.com

Tein
Street Basis Coilovers
The Street Basis is the newest edition to the TEIN coilover lineup, with a scheduled release date of early 2011. It incorporates new features and technologies with a more affordable price, including anti-rust treatment, ZT (Fluorine Resin) coating for threaded sleeve, Delrin spring seat washer, newly designed aluminum spring seat and improved internal components. The Street Basis is produced in Yokohama, Japan, alongside TEIN's high-performance racing products. This coilover is perfect for daily driven vehicles and owners who desire ride-height adjustment, sporty performance and comfortable ride feel.
562-861-9161
tein.com

Tein
S.Tech Springs
TEIN S.Tech Springs are an excellent step toward initial suspension tuning, offering approximately a 1.5-inch drop for a more aggressive appearance and increased road-holding capability. Designed to be used with OEM or OEM replacement shocks, each application is road tested in the U.S. for the proper balance between performance and comfort. Produced with Vanadium (SAE9245V) for maximum spring stroke, durability and lighter weight, these springs include a one-year limited warranty.
562-861-9161
tein.com

HKS
Hipermax III Coilovers
Hipermax III coilovers combine track-quality control with excellent ride and handling characteristics at real-world street speeds. HKS' all-new Hiper Linear piston fluid channel damping system creates a positive relationship between piston speed and damping force, making it possible to produce a suspension that provides track-level control and feedback with exceptional ride quality at the same time.
310-491-3300
hksusa.com

Tein
Mono Flex Coilover
The TEIN Mono Flex coilover has been specifically designed for drivers seeking an affordable track kit, which is also versatile enough for daily street use. The monotube internal design, with new MSV technology, has larger oil capacity for cooler operation during extended lapping sessions. MSV also provides improved damping force for better ride quality. Equipped with separate ride height and spring preload adjustments, the driver is able to set up the suspension to meet advanced street and track conditions. Other features include 16-way damping force adjustability, pillow-ball upper mounts, EDFC compatibility and a special Teflon coating to prevent corrosion.
562-861-9161
tein.com

Toda Racing
Fightex Coilover Systems
The FIGHTEX system is a complete racing suspension system that's specifically tuned for each vehicle application. All systems are produced from aluminum (not steel) to reduce unsprung weight, aide in faster suspension cooling and resistance to corrosion, which is common with coilover dampers manufactured from steel. FIGHTEX suspension systems are among the world's highest quality and highest performing coilover systems. All manufacturing is carried out in-house at TODA Japan for the highest level of quality control. 949-336-6299
todaracingusa.com

Whiteline
Antiroll Drop Links
Performance sway bar links utilize a heavy-duty steel ball joint ends that adjust and rotate to any angular combination. Worn or inadequate mounts and links can hinder OE and aftermarket sway bar effectiveness. Eliminate sway bar preload via the adjustable body providing up to 25mm center to center length adjustment. Whiteline sway bar accessories are heavy duty and long-lasting to ensure the maximum output of the sway bar for improved grip and better handling.
+61-2-4340-2355 (INTL)
whiteline.com.au

Whiteline
Roll Center Kit For EVO And Subaru
These kits are designed to raise the front roll-center geometry by using specially engineered ball joints and tie rod ends while still maintaining original steering geometry. Testing proves that raising the front roll center resulted in a substantial increase to front roll resistance and a significant reduction in suspension compression of the outside front wheel during cornering (less roll). This improves weight distribution and maintains a better camber angle, which ultimately improves front grip. The overall outcome is significantly reduced understeer through reduced front wheel compression as well as improved steering precision and vehicle stability.
+61-2-4340-2355 (INTL)
whiteline.com.au

Whiteline
'08+ WRX/ STI Adjustable sway bars
The fitting of bigger Whiteline sway bars is one of the best handling improvement mods you can make. Cornering loads are spread more evenly across the tires, delivering more grip and also improved tire wear is achieved as your tires stay flatter and more upright. Comfort improves because your car sits flatter through bends, meaning less movement inside the vehicle. The Whiteline adjustable sway bar allows its rate to be altered by increasing or reducing the length of the lever arms. This permits the roll stiffness to be tuned for different situations without replacing the entire bar.
+61-2-4340-2355 (INTL)
whiteline.com.au

Whiteline
PLUS Polyurethane Bushings
Whiteline PLUS is a range of progressive black polyurethane suspension bushings and wheel alignment components. These kits utilize the latest in the polyurethane technology and designs to deliver a more comfortable ride at lower speeds and to become firmer when under cornering at higher speeds.
+61-2-4340-2355 (INTL)
whiteline.com.au

ST Suspensions
Entry-level Coilovers
The ST Suspensions coilover, available for various Japanese and European sport compact applications, permits lowering of the suspension ride height and creates an optimized balance of sportiness and comfort. Important characteristics like safety, quality and performance are all taken into consideration with each coilover design. Each vehicle application is specifically designed and engineered for a proper range of motion, minimum/maximum weight loads and lowering.
800-445-3767
stsuspensions.com

Moton
Club Sport Dampers
The four-way adjustable Moton Damper features 15 positions of high-speed bump adjustment, six positions of low-speed bump adjustment, 15 positions of high-speed rebound adjustment and 10 positions of low-speed rebound adjustment. The low-speed bump adjuster is effective in helping to control body roll while adding to turn-in and helping control pitch and squat. The reservoir is connected to the damper by a high-pressure hose and is equipped with swivel banjos for easy installation of the canisters in the car, regardless of the position.
770-886-8777
motonsuspension.com

Tokico
HTS Dampers
The dampening/rebound adjustable HTS series damper from Tokico provides a superior combination of handling, stability and ride quality that you've come to expect from Tokico. All Tokico shocks and struts are engineered to be application specific. With more than 65 years of manufacturing experience, R&D and OE quality standards, TOKICO offers a limited lifetime warranty on its products so you can drive your car with confidence.
562-295-2500
tokicousa.com

KW Suspensions
Variant 3 Coilovers
The KW Variant 3 coilover suspension incorporates adjustable (and independent reacting) rebound and compression damping, allowing a truly individual performance driving setup for technically demanding drivers. Compression dampening adjustment is conducted in the low-speed range, while the high-speed setup has been preset by KW engineers. All KW coilovers come with a lifetime warranty and pass stringent German TÜV safety and quality testing standards.
559-875-0222
kwautomotive.com

Tanabe
Sustec Pro Five Coilovers
This unique coilover offers patented slide-valve damper technology for a large rebound adjustability range to suit all driving styles. Pro Fives are also compatible with Tanabe's TEAS (Tanabe Electric Active Suspension) controller, which gives the driver total control of the damper's characteristics from inside the vehicle.
310-783-0200
tanabe-usa.com

Blox Racing
Rear Toe Kit
Adjustable rear toe kits are designed to allow the suspension tuner to quickly adjust the toe settings. Toe, including camber, are affected after the vehicle's suspension is lowered or when using different offset wheels and tires. Proper rear toe alignment is necessary in order to reduce tire wear, increase tire contact patch and improve overall handling.
510-440-1605
bloxracing.com