Myvi Gab SS Series vs BC Racing V1

[brandylau]

https://www.facebook.com/PRS-Trading-Sdn-Bhd-398844246797143/

Have a look. Seri Kembangan. Look for Sim.

Thanks Izso! :) will check it out soon! Will update if I got anything interesting hahaha

 

[devil_kevin]

Thanks Izso! :) will check it out soon! Will update if I got anything interesting hahaha

any update from your discover?

 

[aHLengChai]

currently using gab SS for almost 5 years ++ as i recall since GAB introducing SS model in market that time.. front is 6k.. rear is 4/5k not really sure..

still kinda stiff for town and sometimes to take your family for leasure.. but for handling > SUPERBB..!

 

[NYTM]

Hey there Sifu's!
I know this is an old thread, but need some input based on what is currently available in the market.
I have a 1995 4-door Integra B18C (GSR) Auto (may convert to manual at some stage), which currently has half cut typeR shocks.
Time to change them - so I have BC (V1 or BR), or GAB SS coilovers to choose from - from what has been recommended to me so far.
the SS and V1 seems to be similar in price, (RM2K +) the BR RS is nearly 1K more (just over RM3k)....
I don't do any racing, nor do I do much hard driving - but would like to fit something that performs well enough (can easily take the occasional blast along the backroads), is not too harsh on the ride, and will last.
Any advice would be much appreciated......

 

[Izso]

Hey there Sifu's!
I know this is an old thread, but need some input based on what is currently available in the market.
I have a 1995 4-door Integra B18C (GSR) Auto (may convert to manual at some stage), which currently has half cut typeR shocks.
Time to change them - so I have BC (V1 or BR), or GAB SS coilovers to choose from - from what has been recommended to me so far.
the SS and V1 seems to be similar in price, (RM2K +) the BR RS is nearly 1K more (just over RM3k)....
I don't do any racing, nor do I do much hard driving - but would like to fit something that performs well enough (can easily take the occasional blast along the backroads), is not too harsh on the ride, and will last.
Any advice would be much appreciated......

Between those brands, the BC is pretty much the only one with that's probably reliable in the sense of servicing and availability of the suspension parts and stuff.

But ride quality is highly dependent on personal preferences. Best you go test sit in cars with these suspensions and you decide which is the best for you.

 

[NYTM]

Between those brands, the BC is pretty much the only one with that's probably reliable in the sense of servicing and availability of the suspension parts and stuff.

But ride quality is highly dependent on personal preferences. Best you go test sit in cars with these suspensions and you decide which is the best for you.

HI,
thank you for the reply. Considering the difference in price, is the BR really worth buying over the V1? Would you know what is the real difference in quality/performance that I need to consider?

Many thanks

 

[Izso]

HI,
thank you for the reply. Considering the difference in price, is the BR really worth buying over the V1? Would you know what is the real difference in quality/performance that I need to consider?

Many thanks

V1 is the so-called "entry level" of the BC coilovers. Personally I think if you have the money go for the top spec and live with that. At least you have the flexibility of the top spec BR than having to compromise with the V1.

Anyway, before you opt to buy any coilover or suspension ask yourself these questions :

1. What do you need coilovers for? How often will you need to corner super flat through a corner?
2. Can you live with a harsher ride? How about your family? A harsher ride will mean things will start to rattle inside the car too to some extent.
3. Whats your budget?

After all that go sit in Myvis with coilovers and decide if you enjoy driving around like that. No matter what people tell you - there is no way you can get stock comfort with coilovers.

After all that - perhaps you wanna consider getting uprated absorbers instead and pair it with stiffer anti roll bars?

IMHO - don't settle for cheap suspension unless proven good. You need to consider a lot of things once you've decided that you want coilovers.

1. Are they serviceable? Or are they cheap enough to replace once broken/leaking?
2. Do you want high-low-soft-hard or high-low or what? Tbh go for High-low-soft-hard.
3. Get coilovers with bodyshift so they don't compress the spring when you adjust ride height.
4. See if the coilovers have bumpstops, and see if you can opt for them.
5. Decide the spring rates you want to go for on your car. This will mostly determine the comfort and handling of your ride.

Good luck

 

[KHNG940413]

I just wanna ask Anyone using Bc Racing BR spec coilover? I always see V1 only very rare to see BR series.

 

[NYTM]

V1 is the so-called "entry level" of the BC coilovers. Personally I think if you have the money go for the top spec and live with that. At least you have the flexibility of the top spec BR than having to compromise with the V1.

Anyway, before you opt to buy any coilover or suspension ask yourself these questions :

1. What do you need coilovers for? How often will you need to corner super flat through a corner?
2. Can you live with a harsher ride? How about your family? A harsher ride will mean things will start to rattle inside the car too to some extent.
3. Whats your budget?

After all that go sit in Myvis with coilovers and decide if you enjoy driving around like that. No matter what people tell you - there is no way you can get stock comfort with coilovers.

After all that - perhaps you wanna consider getting uprated absorbers instead and pair it with stiffer anti roll bars?

IMHO - don't settle for cheap suspension unless proven good. You need to consider a lot of things once you've decided that you want coilovers.

1. Are they serviceable? Or are they cheap enough to replace once broken/leaking?
2. Do you want high-low-soft-hard or high-low or what? Tbh go for High-low-soft-hard.
3. Get coilovers with bodyshift so they don't compress the spring when you adjust ride height.
4. See if the coilovers have bumpstops, and see if you can opt for them.
5. Decide the spring rates you want to go for on your car. This will mostly determine the comfort and handling of your ride.

Good luck

Hi,
Thank you for the detailed reply - much appreciated.
Let me summarise what little I know, and what my needs are - in response to the questions you have posed:
- Although this is my only car now, it is coming to 24 yrs old, and I don't want to spend unnecessarily on high end parts etc (unless there arent many options etc); I also have a number of other things I need to spend on the car. So I was not expecting to have to spend more than say 2K on a decent set of shocks. What I have now are (I think) normal springs, and half cut type R shocks (bit on the hard side and car sits just a little too low, and I think due pretty soon to be changed)
- Whilst I enjoy driving, and want to be able to (on the odd occasion) do some spirited driving, I don't intend to do any road racing etc as such at this point. I guess if I had to choose between performance and comfort, I would lean towards comfort as this is a daily use car.
- From input from a couple of Honda mechanics and reading from forums etc, I appears there arent that many options within budget. Original shocks for this model are almost impossible to get; new ones even if can be sourced, would be very expensive. As I am not a motorhead by any means, I don't really know that much about other options - I am guessing that branded non-adjustable shocks are just as if not more expensive; and if I have to change the springs, overall it will come to quite a bit. I may be wrong, so please correct me if so.
- My car is an auto. When this gearbox ultimately goes, I may change to manual, but will depend on what is available at that time, for auto gearboxes. I guess one of the reasons I was recommended to get coilovers, is to give me options for the type of ride that I may want, in the future. I once read that when it comes to such things, buy/fix based on what you plan to use the car for, say 70-80% of the time. Of course availability of servicing, and expected life span of the product, does matter. If I have to consider between BR and V1, I really can't tell if V1 will quite adequately serve the purpose I have described, nor how much of an advantage the BR will give.

Sorry to bore you with my story. If at all anyone reading this can offer any further perspective, or other suspension options (incl non-adjustable) to consider, it would be much appreciated. I am told that the BR (RS) coilovers need to be ordered in advance, the V1 is more readily available.

Many thanks

 

[Izso]

Hi,
Thank you for the detailed reply - much appreciated.
Let me summarise what little I know, and what my needs are - in response to the questions you have posed:
- Although this is my only car now, it is coming to 24 yrs old, and I don't want to spend unnecessarily on high end parts etc (unless there arent many options etc); I also have a number of other things I need to spend on the car. So I was not expecting to have to spend more than say 2K on a decent set of shocks. What I have now are (I think) normal springs, and half cut type R shocks (bit on the hard side and car sits just a little too low, and I think due pretty soon to be changed)
- Whilst I enjoy driving, and want to be able to (on the odd occasion) do some spirited driving, I don't intend to do any road racing etc as such at this point. I guess if I had to choose between performance and comfort, I would lean towards comfort as this is a daily use car.
- From input from a couple of Honda mechanics and reading from forums etc, I appears there arent that many options within budget. Original shocks for this model are almost impossible to get; new ones even if can be sourced, would be very expensive. As I am not a motorhead by any means, I don't really know that much about other options - I am guessing that branded non-adjustable shocks are just as if not more expensive; and if I have to change the springs, overall it will come to quite a bit. I may be wrong, so please correct me if so.
- My car is an auto. When this gearbox ultimately goes, I may change to manual, but will depend on what is available at that time, for auto gearboxes. I guess one of the reasons I was recommended to get coilovers, is to give me options for the type of ride that I may want, in the future. I once read that when it comes to such things, buy/fix based on what you plan to use the car for, say 70-80% of the time. Of course availability of servicing, and expected life span of the product, does matter. If I have to consider between BR and V1, I really can't tell if V1 will quite adequately serve the purpose I have described, nor how much of an advantage the BR will give.

Sorry to bore you with my story. If at all anyone reading this can offer any further perspective, or other suspension options (incl non-adjustable) to consider, it would be much appreciated. I am told that the BR (RS) coilovers need to be ordered in advance, the V1 is more readily available.

Many thanks

oh damn.. yours is the 4-door integra. I had the impression it was a Myvi.. Haha..

Ok based on your feedback this is what I'd suggest then :

- Get a decent set of absorbers or consider custom revalved ones like by PRS. Stick with stock springs or consider getting a new set of standard ones because of the age.
- Upgrade your rear and front anti-roll bars, change to lightweight rims and perhaps the brakes

and be done with it. Based on the internet RS suspension seems to have a lot of positive feedback. I think you should stick around and wait for an integra owner to respond. But most integra owners I know are track focused and aren't daily drivers.

 

[Mitevo7]

oh damn.. yours is the 4-door integra. I had the impression it was a Myvi.. Haha..

Ok based on your feedback this is what I'd suggest then :

- Get a decent set of absorbers or consider custom revalved ones like by PRS. Stick with stock springs or consider getting a new set of standard ones because of the age.
- Upgrade your rear and front anti-roll bars, change to lightweight rims and perhaps the brakes

and be done with it. Based on the internet RS suspension seems to have a lot of positive feedback. I think you should stick around and wait for an integra owner to respond. But most integra owners I know are track focused and aren't daily drivers.

Since you mentioned about PRS, they just quoted me PRS Hi-lo-soft-hard 32 steps adjustable for my converted BMW E46 at BC Racing's price. Just want to check how well is their adjustable fare against bigger brands like BC, Titan, HKS ...

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Izso]

Since you mentioned about PRS, they just quoted me PRS Hi-lo-soft-hard 32 steps adjustable for my converted BMW E46 at BC Racing's price. Just want to check how well is their adjustable fare against bigger brands like BC, Titan, HKS ...

Thanks,
Ken

I like dealing with Ah Sim the boss. He's quite easy going and friendly to chat with. In terms of adjustability I'd say it's on par with BC Racing except the service center is his shop in Seri Kembangan. Whats more Sim will setup your suspension the way you describe it before he installs it in your car. Normally he'll go a few rounds in your own car with you in it, then sometimes if available another car with suspension he was recommending and then from your description he'll setup and recommend the spring rates, damping, etc before installing. I don't know about Titan as their internal structure is all messed up with their head mech opening his own brand called 'premium' and all. I didn't know HKS made shocks for BMW.....

 

[Mitevo7]

I like dealing with Ah Sim the boss. He's quite easy going and friendly to chat with. In terms of adjustability I'd say it's on par with BC Racing except the service center is his shop in Seri Kembangan. Whats more Sim will setup your suspension the way you describe it before he installs it in your car. Normally he'll go a few rounds in your own car with you in it, then sometimes if available another car with suspension he was recommending and then from your description he'll setup and recommend the spring rates, damping, etc before installing. I don't know about Titan as their internal structure is all messed up with their head mech opening his own brand called 'premium' and all. I didn't know HKS made shocks for BMW.....

From the sounds of it you are are happy with his services. HKS not making anything to BMW, just a brand to brand comparisons. Nevertheless, i will pay him a visit to see for myself.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Izso]

From the sounds of it you are are happy with his services. HKS not making anything to BMW, just a brand to brand comparisons. Nevertheless, i will pay him a visit to see for myself.

Thanks,
Ken

I've personally approached Ftuned, Titan, HWL (long time ago), BCRacing/AR-Racing/Improve Hyperflex (EA Autoworks, not the dealer), PRS and Koni/Eibach dealer.

I can safely tell you that PRS provided the best bang for buck with EA Autoworks coming a close 2nd. Service is great, knowledgeable about the technologies and what suites you and they don't make an effort to make you buy the most expensive thing they have. Caveat is HWL was great back then too direct at their factory. But it's been close to 10 years since I last went there so I don't know if they are still the same bunch of fellas.

Personally I feel if you're not going hardcore racing or track, the best brand you should opt for is the one that provides you with the best service. Whether it's monotube, inverted mono, twin tube or whatever, if the service is crap before and/or after installation then the product image is tarnished. Some companies forget this and end up sitting on a throne they think is up there but in reality it's on a pile of rubbish.

 

[Darth Evillus]

I heard alot of good things on ftuned

Is it any good

 

[Izso]

I heard alot of good things on ftuned

Is it any good

Their product has changed throughout the years. Some say good some say bad but their aftersales service has been rubbish. Personal experience btw.

 

[KHNG940413]

Their product has changed throughout the years. Some say good some say bad but their aftersales service has been rubbish. Personal experience btw.

Wow suprise to hear that. I am quite intrested on their CLS spring rarely heard got ppl use in JB.

 

[DNGFashion]

Their product has changed throughout the years. Some say good some say bad but their aftersales service has been rubbish. Personal experience btw.

I heard the same story as well, in which they changed their core parts suppliers.

 

[Mitevo7]

I've personally approached Ftuned, Titan, HWL (long time ago), BCRacing/AR-Racing/Improve Hyperflex (EA Autoworks, not the dealer), PRS and Koni/Eibach dealer.

I can safely tell you that PRS provided the best bang for buck with EA Autoworks coming a close 2nd. Service is great, knowledgeable about the technologies and what suites you and they don't make an effort to make you buy the most expensive thing they have. Caveat is HWL was great back then too direct at their factory. But it's been close to 10 years since I last went there so I don't know if they are still the same bunch of fellas.

Personally I feel if you're not going hardcore racing or track, the best brand you should opt for is the one that provides you with the best service. Whether it's monotube, inverted mono, twin tube or whatever, if the service is crap before and/or after installation then the product image is tarnished. Some companies forget this and end up sitting on a throne they think is up there but in reality it's on a pile of rubbish.

Very high praise coming from OCD guy like. Hopefully if i mention Iszo name to Ah Sim, i can get some special discounts :D. BTW now i have to settle my rear differential case, the fxcking wheel locked up yesterday when i test driven it on trunk road. Looks like this used differential was bone dry in grease !

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Darth Evillus]

Their product has changed throughout the years. Some say good some say bad but their aftersales service has been rubbish. Personal experience btw.

Interesting.
I am on my 5th year with myvi icon 1.5SE stock absorber and suspension

Foreman say still very good (I avoid or slow down on unavoidable bumps and potholes)

When come time to change should I stick to stock? Or use any brands that master izso may recommend. As long as within rm 3.5k and below

Looking at 60 40 comfort spec as sometimes I fetch parents out to market easy parking. But most times I drive myself and I am already on anti roll and fsb as well as potenza for cornering