Any comments about one set up vs. the other. I'm not really interested in the "Drop" you can achieve..more in how the car feels with each one..mostly on roads and daily "aggressive" street driving. Any pics of cars with the Stage 3 setup would be cool..

thanks.

you just opened a can of worms with this thread, lololol. Dinan is tuned to be daily driver comfortable. I had a set of KW V2, but after getting a ride in a Dinan M3 with Stage 3, I ordered the Stage 2. Dinan set up has a very nice ride. At the same time though, many members here have the GC set up and they love it, and it is good deal when compared to other kits on the market. Can't reall go wrong either way. Do search for both kits and you will get lots of info concerning each.

among these 3, which one has the most comfortable setup?

Well they are all rebound adjustable, they all use Koni adjustable shocks. The Dinan has 12 way adjustable shocks. GC can customize your spring rate to suit your needs, if you use it for street only, then they will use a softer spring for your set up. I have never been in a car with the GC set up so I can't say. I have experience with all others and the Dinan was the most comfortable. But you pay $$$ for the Dinan. There are a few members that have a more street set up with their GC coils, they would be better suited to answer your question about how comfy it is.

PSS9 is a also a good kit, but IMO its way to $$$ now that they have jacked the price up and is hard to get.

Dinan is NOT a coilover correct?
Also, the diff in STG 1 and STG 2 is the sway bars only?

Dinan is springs and 12 way adjustable konis, thats stage 1. Stage 2 is that plus front sway. Stage three is all that plus camber plates.

If that's the case,
Is there any benefit of COILOVERs vs Springs/Shocks?

with coilovers you can adjust the height and get your car cornerbalanced. The Dinan set up the height is set with the springs. Not really sure if there are any other true benefits to coilovers over shocks/springs. Joel or Steve would be better ppl to ask about that specific Q.

OK. So it's not height adjustable..
What is the drop on Dinans?

Wish I could give you an exact, the dealers are not realy helpful, but I would say about 3/4 of a inch. With 19" rims its a really nice drop. My local Dinan dealer has 19" on his car with stage 3 and the drop is perfect. Not the slammed look but nice and aggressive.

Thanks..
OT: How's your SUS?

Honestly, in my research..the Dinan Stage 3 kit installed is only a few hundred more than either the Pss9 or the GC Coilovers. I'm leaning towards the Dinan kit..warranty issues, more comfortable street ride etc..plus I think this in unison with 275/30/19 and 285/30/19 tires should accomplish my goal of eliminating most of the understeer of the car. Yes, no?

ya, that big tire will help plus the sways.

Matt, the SUS is awsome.

excerpt from car and driver magazine...

Dinan feels the greatest improvement he's made over the stock M3 is in the suspension department. As we do, he thinks the M3 is too stiff, but he goes even further, contending that the handling benefits don't justify that hard ride. So the S2-M3 package includes new 12-position adjustable shocks and anti-roll bars, stiffer springs, front camber plates, front and rear strut-tower braces, and larger wheels and tires. Dinan claims his car rides about as well—or not—as the stocker but has a lot more grip. Its 0.96-g skidpad figure is a bunch more than a stock M3's. We've tested three stockers, and the numbers have ranged from 0.84 to 0.87.
Dinan did, however, improve the handling. There's a crispness in the S2-M3 that adds a wonderful liveliness to the driving experience. It's sort of a strange thing, because if you drive an M3, you think it handles pretty well and there aren't really any faults. But then you drive the Dinan car, and it's as if someone had turned on the lights.
Especially noticeable was the turn-in response. The S2-M3 rips through turns with an easy controllability and seemingly limitless grip. We didn't tinker with the adjustable shocks (ours were set with the front slightly stiffer than the rear), but Dinan says there's a large range of adjustability that allows owners to fine-tune the handling for precisely the balance desired.

.... on a racetrack, where the extra grip and handling would come into play, it would leave the stocker for dead.

article from Bimmer Mag...
http://dinancars.com/RoadTestPreview.asp?ID=41

Article from Roundel...

http://dinancars.com/RoadTestPreview.asp?ID=42

IMHO, GC is THE kit!! not only b/c they are cheaper, but each kit is custom setup! and don't let GC's tracker image fool you, it could be as comfort as stock if not better since they customize spring rate for YOU, not a one size fit all kit like others!! plus, another plus for GC is, if you don't like the way it rides, too soft/harsh/etc., you can always change to a different spring rate to better fit you! and their spring is pretty cheap too. like Alex in here, he initially get something towards performance ride setup, found out it's too harsh for his liking, call GC, swap to a soft set of spring and happy with it now!! with other kits, you got stuck with what you've got UNLESS you sell teh whole thing and get another whole kit!!

I do not like harsh ride (getting old) but want better handling than stock (at the track). and I'm very happy with my current setup right now! really much better and comfortable than stock!! love it!!

You can custom order your suspension just the way you want it, from places like GC, but do you know what you want? How serious of a track junkie are you? You can tune your car to be more hardcore for the track, but you are introducing compromises when you get back on the street. Dinan cars are very capable for aggressive driving on the trak, just by looking at how much better it is over stock, which is already track ready.

Suspension tuning is an art, and your safety should be your first concern. I've seen post where people have changed setups, ie. stiffen the rear, and lose control on the track and total their cars. I see several post of people asking questions on what springs and such they should use next because they are unhappy; car's unstable, etc...

A suggestion from someone on what supension parts they use, may react different for you because you are a different driver.

Dinan's suspension has been "tuned"; all the guess work has been taken out for you for an optimal aggressive street suspension and very competent at the track.

If you tune it yourself, you had better know what you are doing because, you will need cash to experiment or you will be asking a lot of people questions; and you will be hit with additional labor rates, if you don't do it yourself. I see more people changing their suspension because of dislikes than those who go with the tuners. If you are really a serious track junkie, then I would perhaps consider places GC, but if you are looking for that no compromise, optimal tuned setting for less than every weekend at the track, and want to warranty to back it all up, then go with a full tuner shop.

Afterall, the shocks, camber plates, and swaybar are adjustable beyond Dinan initial setup, if you see fit to change them.

Dinan's philosophy is performance without sacrifices... Everything is tuned to work in conjunction with stock components and dynamics...

Ced: I know the answer is NO but you are one true loyal Dinan fan.. Do you work for them? :D

Ced: I know the answer is NO but you are one true loyal Dinan fan.. Do you work for them? :D

:dance:

I would love to go to their Silver Anniversary Open House on 12 June...

http://dinancars.com/Events.asp

Too bad it's in Cali.. way to far from Chicago.

I know. I have this buddy pass from Delta, I'm contemplating using...

:dance:

I would love to go to their Silver Anniversary Open House on 12 June...

http://dinancars.com/Events.asp

Road Trip! :beer:

Thanks all for this great info. Based on what I've now read from two schools of thought (Landshark, Ced)..I am certain I fall into the Dinan class of driver on the street..agressive with competent track performance for a school or two. Thanks to Ced's advice on BF.C I was able to source some wheels that should match the Dinan wheels..however, I'm still struggling with their price! Ced, you went with the classic 245/275 setup...any regrets? Why didn't you go with the Dinan size setup?

You have to have the Dinan wheels to have that set up. The BBS wheels that Ced has to now allow for 275 up front tires. As far as I know, its only Dinan that allows you to use those tire size without modifications to fenders or suspension.

Thanks all for this great info. Based on what I've now read from two schools of thought (Landshark, Ced)..I am certain I fall into the Dinan class of driver on the street..agressive with competent track performance for a school or two. Thanks to Ced's advice on BF.C I was able to source some wheels that should match the Dinan wheels..however, I'm still struggling with their price! Ced, you went with the classic 245/275 setup...any regrets? Why didn't you go with the Dinan size setup?

I'm liking my new setup; had it about 2 weeks now. The tires are still breaking in, but I can already feel the difference in responsiveness due to lower weight and more grip with bigger thread width.

The reason I didn't go with the Dinan size setup is because BBS RS GTs are not offered in those rim widths and offsets. The offsets on the BBS are smaller than the Dinan setup; thus appearance wise, the BBS wheels look more aggressive due to them being closer to the fenders for more lateral grip...Dinan setup/offsets are there to maximize in thread width, putting more rubber on the road... But it's all good, because bigger width tires cost more money.... and as often as that comes up, between 6K and 10K miles...I can save a little for a nice meal on the beach :D

Congrats on finding your wheel setup :thumbsup:

Ced,

How do you like the Toyo T1's?

Ced,

How do you like the Toyo T1's?

I can tell I have more thread going from OEM sizes, but I haven't driven the tires over 300 miles to get them completely broken-in yet. At the Sharkfest this past weekend, I did some WOT runs with them and they did well but DSC was on going 85 mph in some turns at times. I believe they are going to be awesome. I won't take DSC off until they break in completely...

I can tell I have more thread going from OEM sizes, but I haven't driven the tires over 300 miles to get them completely broken-in yet. At the Sharkfest this past weekend, I did some WOT runs with them and they did well but DSC was on going 85 mph in some turns at times. I believe they are going to be awesome. I won't take DSC off until they break in completely...


Cool, those may be my next tires.

Cool, those may be my next tires.
they are lightweight, high performance, and a great price!

Ced: I know the answer is NO but you are one true loyal Dinan fan.. Do you work for them? :D

CED is Steve Dinan. I got that from the horses mouth or was that the other end. :hmm:

If you want a simple setup that is a no-brainer then get the Dinan. It costs more but there is less to worry about. I would only do the stage 1 since they only offer front sways that are a tad larger than OEM, which in my opinion is a waste of money. You can always do UUC, eibach or GC sways.

I have the full GC setup and as Gary mention I changed my spring rates and adjusted the shocks for the lousy freeways in S.D. The GC setup is the most economical and versatile setup of the bunch plus it is build using quality products.

TC Kline, Bilstein and KW also make coilovers but you will pay more. Just stay away from H&R coilovers. They seem to be the least popular and the most available used since everybody takes them off soon after.

anyone know how much the dinan s2 installation costs?

http://members.roadfly.com/cbailey781/dinan_flare.gif

I can almost guarantee that GC setup is probably more expensive than Dinan's setup... full suspension pkg w/ camber plates is $1818 w/o the discount incorporated. Price on GC setup anyone?

CED is Steve Dinan. I got that from the horses mouth or was that the other end. :hmm:

anyone know how much the dinan s2 installation costs?
It all depends on your labor rate. Suspension changeout is basically a full days work...5 to 6 hours?

Really sorry guys... :???: Whats a "coilover" ?

Dinan's book calls for 9 hours of labor. I figure $65/hr..so about $600 in labor..total cost for the Stage 3 installed should be around $2500. Labor is probably a little higher than my estimate..but I can dream!

GC runs $1800+ for the parts..labor for install in my area $300.

Dinan's book calls for 9 hours of labor. I figure $65/hr..so about $600 in labor..total cost for the Stage 3 installed should be around $2500. Labor is probably a little higher than my estimate..but I can dream!

GC runs $1800+ for the parts..labor for install in my area $300.

You know that you can get your Dinan parts installed anywhere and still have the warranty...

Really sorry guys... :???: Whats a "coilover" ?

Coil over something..hehehe... The spring over the shocks...technically speaking everything is coilover...But typically when someone speaks of a coilover is a integrated spring/shock combo; they are built as one piece...

http://members.roadfly.com/cbailey781/dinan_flare.gif

I can almost guarantee that GC setup is probably more expensive than Dinan's setup... full suspension pkg w/ camber plates is $1818 w/o the discount incorporated. Price on GC setup anyone?

Full GC setup with camber plates and rear shock mounts is $1795. Considering the fact that it is a coilover system and not just a set of springs and shocks and that it includes the RSM, I would say that it is the better deal. :ha:

CED: How much is the Dinan sway bar?

Full GC setup with camber plates and rear shock mounts is $1795. Considering the fact that it is a coilover system and not just a set of springs and shocks and that it includes the RSM, I would say that it is the better deal. :ha:

what is RSM? an integrated coilover set doesn't make it better; it's make understanding that a coilover system gives a harsher ride with no more performance enhancements at that same height...plus, where is your warranty?

CED: How much is the Dinan sway bar?
around 200 bucks...

what is RSM? an integrated coilover set doesn't make it better...plus, where is your warranty?

RSM is the rear shock mount, which is a great thing to have. Turner also makes thema and they are about $100. Considering the fact that GC uses Eibach springs and Koni shocks (the same companies Dinan uses), I would say that you are well covered by 2 of the most trusted companies in the business.

RSM is the rear shock mount, which is a great thing to have. Turner also makes thema and they are about $100. Considering the fact that GC uses Eibach springs and Koni shocks (the same companies Dinan uses), I would say that you are well covered by 2 of the most trusted companies in the business.

Warranty issues also apply to BMW parts in which the component is attached. I remember reading some thread where a BMW component was cracked due to their new suspension setup. Also, Dinan covers the labor to fix things too, plus you don't have to go through all the changes with contacting the vendors, etc...

BTW, why do you need a RSM?

I read somewhere that Dinan uses JRZ shocks, not Koni?

I read somewhere that Dinan uses JRZ shocks, not Koni?

Dinan uses Dinan-specificed Koni shocks. JRZs are another option, which was still under development when I purchased mine. They may be available now...

CED: I know your stance on Dinan and warranty issues but I would love to see you try to get a component replaced under warranty that may have been damaged by their products.

Have you heard the term "When pigs fly"? ;)

Regardless..I spoke to my man today..says install will be around $800..no set price on the parts yet. There are a few things at play for me here..first, if I get the Dinan setup I can roll the price into the cost of the car and therefore roll it into my finance cost. Second, warranty on a brand new car..I'd rather take my chances with Dinan's/BMWs warranty than with an independent shop's. Third, ride compliance will be important. Seems Dinan will get me the best of both worlds. Finally, thanks to CED again..I think I'm going with Volks LE37T for my wheels. Should be SCHWEET..

Regardless..I spoke to my man today..says install will be around $800..no set price on the parts yet. There are a few things at play for me here..first, if I get the Dinan setup I can roll the price into the cost of the car and therefore roll it into my finance cost. Second, warranty on a brand new car..I'd rather take my chances with Dinan's/BMWs warranty than with an independent shop's. Third, ride compliance will be important. Seems Dinan will get me the best of both worlds. Finally, thanks to CED again..I think I'm going with Volks LE37T for my wheels. Should be SCHWEET..

It's cool that you can roll your mods into your car purchase plan. :thumbsup:

Those Volks wheels are sweet; so you got the fitment that you want? 275/285? I think I've seen those wheels, but the "T" is throwing me off. got a pic?

I'm going to go with 245/275 or 245/285..here are some pics..this car is almost exactly like mine will be..except I'll have the black cloth interior.

http://thezam.org/carpictures/mycars/page6/index.html

Awesome. Can you get 275s upfront?

Awesome. Can you get 275s upfront?

No..I don't think the offset will work..it's already touch and go on the rears as far as rubbing..don't think I'll have a problem..but after I boiled down all the factors..the extra $2500 for 275/285 just wasn't worth it. I'll take that money and buy a beater car so I don't drive the new M in the winter etc...

I do like the look of the Volks..I didn't really care for all the "bling" of the HREs..the Volks look more functional and less beauty queen...although the do look very aggressive. :devilish:

good decision :thumbsup:

No..I don't think the offset will work..it's already touch and go on the rears as far as rubbing..don't think I'll have a problem..but after I boiled down all the factors..the extra $2500 for 275/285 just wasn't worth it. I'll take that money and buy a beater car so I don't drive the new M in the winter etc...

I do like the look of the Volks..I didn't really care for all the "bling" of the HREs..the Volks look more functional and less beauty queen...although the do look very aggressive. :devilish:

Any idea on what the ride height for the Stage 3 is? I'm a little concerned about rubbing issues with the Volks..the dimensions of the Volks are:
19x8.5 30+ offset
19x10.5 22+ offset

What do you think??
YupYup says no rubbing unless you're running 600+lbs heavy. But he's also running 275s not 285 in the rear. I'd think I could get away with some Goodyear F1s in 285s on the rears with the Dinan 3 since it's not as low as the PSS9 these YupYup runs.

Any idea on what the ride height for the Stage 3 is? I'm a little concerned about rubbing issues with the Volks..the dimensions of the Volks are:
19x8.5 30+ offset
19x10.5 22+ offset

What do you think??
YupYup says no rubbing unless you're running 600+lbs heavy. But he's also running 275s not 285 in the rear. I'd think I could get away with some Goodyear F1s in 285s on the rears with the Dinan 3 since it's not as low as the PSS9 these YupYup runs.

based on this setup...
Champion Motorsport RG4, the CSL replica
9" upfront w/ 37mm offset & 10" rear w/ 25mm offset

and the fact that only 275s can be used on the rears... they is perhaps a concern... You are actually 9.35 mm closer to the fender, which is perhaps outside the fender some...

I don't know, but rolling the fenders is an option if, but in stand still position your wheel is not under the fender, but a bump or something could change things...