GB: DRM Coilovers (Revisited)

[Daniel_Mc]

Hey Everyone I have been working with Doug Rippie Motorsports (DRM) for another group purchase on the coilover suspension. The DRM coilover set up gives the C4 Race car-level handling, adjustable ride height, and a more controlled ride. The coilover suspension allows each corner of the Corvette’s suspension to react independently by eliminating the leaf springs completely. The DRM coilover suspension can be installed using existing stock shock absorbers or new Bilstein shocks. The group purchase will be for the FX3 or non-FX3 package without shocks. Other shops sell similar set ups ranging from 2300 as high as 5000. The DRM price for this purchase is 800 shipping included. Here is what you will get:
Four (4) Hyperco coil springs, four (4) billet aluminum top hats, four (4) adjustable sleeves, spanner wrench and polyurethane shock mount bushings. (Shocks not included)



Please let me know if you are interested we must have all orders placed by May24th and must meet the minimum order requirement. Please let me know if you have any questions in regards to this. Also this will be the last Group Buy for the coilovers so if you think you want them now is the time to make a move!

Also our very own Carter (Carter200) makes a very trick set up for the coilover that will allow you to install the coilovers in much less time and best of all keep from all the cutting that was required before. He sells the front sway bar relocation brackets and the rear shock mounting brackets. Very minimum modification to the car is required if using these brackets. Please contact Carter directly if you are interested in the brackets (I would strongly recommend them). Here is a link to Demps Coilover install with the Carter Brackets:
http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....highlight=Coil

**Again I want to stress that Coilovers are NOT a “bolt on” modification. Permanent changes to the car must be made.**

[emmvette]

I don't want to dirty up the thread, but can I can get some real world opinions on how much of an improvement this is for our cars on the track? Say for autocross and HPDE? I've read a few people on here put them on or took them off but their cars were mostly street use. I want my car to handle on the track and stay competitive with newer technology.

The one downside for some will be if you autocross your car with the NCCC, I think the coilovers move you up to 3RP (race prepared), which is not a competitive place for my car.

However, it doesn't mean I wouldn't still have just as much fun. I'm not a points collector, just having FUN!

[Daniel_Mc]

emmvette,

Before getting into this let me just say nothing beats seat time and a fresh set of tires and pads. Now as far as coilovers I have been running DRM Coilovers on our 89 since 05 or 07 (can’t remember offhand now..) Your question leaves a lot on the table but I will answer the best that I can. The primary use of our 89 is HPDE and TT events and the coilovers do great in this. Do not expect to put them on and be 10x’s better… The car needs to have a balanced set up. Along with the coilovers I would strongly recommend fully poly bushings, different sway bars (Front 30mm solid some like a 32mm solid however my experience is this is a bit much bar and it causes a push, rear depends on the track and driving style) adjustable end links to take the preload out of the bars and have the cross weighs adjusted with drivers weight and ½ fuel coupled with an aggressive alignment (C4’s like camber). This will get the car to handle the best with the new system. Also the DRM trailing and camber brackets help but are NLA. This before mentioned set up is what I am running for the most part and have had very positive experiences with it. Back around 08 or 09 a good friend and fellow racer was running his T1 C5Z with me at TWS and the 89 hung with him without any issue in the corners. Add a good set of brakes (Not the C5 “upgrade” mess) and you’ll be able to run the car hard without fade or drama. The coilovers when set up properly will allow you to have a very neutral, predictable, balanced, and fun car. You can trail break or throttle steer just as with the stock system. If you have ever noticed if you are going through a corner in a C4 and have it under load that the rear is somewhat unsettled if you hit a bump or rise in the road? This will really take the unsettled feeling out and the car will be more planted.

Autocross is about the same however I do not do this much and do not feel comfortable commenting on this. I will just say what I have noticed the times I have done this in the 89. I have WAY too much bar for the low speeds and have a push. But overall the car handles very well. If I went with a smaller front bar and floated the bar I’m sure the car would do better. Same for the rear I have too much bar and if I backed it off the car feel/handle better. Or at least I think LOL…

As far as the street I like a firm ride and I contribute this to my shock set up not the coilovers. I have really not noticed a better or worse ride under normal driving conditions with or without the coilover

-Daniel

[RICKYRJ1]

You can put me down for a set Thanks

[emmvette]

I'm leaning toward a set. Will decide in a few weeks.

[Karl]

Subscribing to this thread as a possible maybe.

[PhillipsLT5]

I am leaning also

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by PhillipsLT5

I am leaning also

long overdue

[GOLDCYLON]

Suggest using Carters hardware unless you want to use the old school method of nothching the rear frame forward at the shock mount area. Carters brackets save a lot of time in that reguard.

[youngrm]

Thanks for putting this together, I'll take a set.
Ric