Silk Road vs KW Variant 3

vboy720 · 05-19-2007, 11:18 PM

Im not sure any of you are familiar with KW Variant's, but when i was racing my s2000 before my 240, everyone raved for the brand KW. The coilovers are made in Germany, which if you know, german's make some of the worlds best suspension. Though they are one of the best for racing, im not sure how they are for drifting, but aside that, i was wondering if you actually KNOW and have first hand experience with kw variant 3's. What would you rather have, KW variant 3's or Silk Road's? (i dont know how to make a poll)

oh yea, i know the kw variant have external reservoir's and are a bit more expensive, but lets just say if both where the same price. If you dont know anything about the suspension please dont flame me for bringing them up. research, they really are one of the best.

***S14DB*** · 05-20-2007, 02:09 AM

I would go with the KW if not comparing costs.

*EDacIouSX* · 05-20-2007, 05:39 AM

i know it's not an option but from what reviews I've seen Stance > Silk. I'm very. happy with my stances GR+ Pro. Reason I mention Stance is because they offer GR+ 3s which come with external resevoir for 2,000 MSRP. But, I haven't heard anyone's review of the new GR+ 3s.

vboy720 · 05-20-2007, 11:15 AM

didnt know stance offers external reservoirs. anyone wanna chime in with first hand experience between silk roads, and stance? Iv always loved the KW's and wanted to see how well they where for the 240, but hearing how everyone says silk roads feel like "silk roads" makes me wanna get them. i havent heard much about stance, but ill have to research that. anymore insight?

sideview_180sx · 05-21-2007, 03:13 PM

I would go with KW. the stance coilovers offer ones with remote reservoirs, but i'm not sure if they have dry break seals to prevent liquid and gas from seeping out. KW is used in many forms of professional racing. Until I see a pro car running stance or silkroad then I may change my mind. By meaning of Pro I don't mean drifting I meant real road racing. SWC, ALMS, FIA, etc.....

driveway ate my lip · 05-21-2007, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vboy720

didnt know stance offers external reservoirs. anyone wanna chime in with first hand experience between silk roads, and stance?

If you do a search for stance coilovers, theres a review somewhere in a 3-6 pg post about stances. The user compares silkroads and stance by features and ride.

blu808 · 05-21-2007, 10:25 PM

Is this a joke?

silk road is comparible to tein, apexi, etc.

KW is comparible to Ohlins, Aragasta, etc

yokotas13 · 05-22-2007, 04:55 AM

KW all the fucking way

Turbogeek · 05-22-2007, 11:36 AM

i tend to agree but love my Silk Road/Section RM-8's for both street and track use! But comparing the V3's to the RM-8's isn't a direct comparison; the v2's would be a better choice if you're in that market. There is just so much more adjustability in the v3's as they are a full competition coilover system. Anyone with race experience knows KW's track record and overall product quality is great. Wait till Silk Road brings these stateside and we'll have a direct comparison to the v3's.

*Slidin240Wayz* · 05-23-2007, 09:54 AM

Look at the way the springs are wound on the KWs. It is not a steady spacing, there is a variation in the spacing which allows for alot better of a feel of the road and takes alot more time in R&D.

If I wanted to spend 3k on coils, I would go with the Arigosta or KW type setups.

nlzmo400r · 05-24-2007, 09:17 AM

Having never driven on them, my opinion is not based on factual information but I would think the R&D behind the KWs would far exceed the typical japanese/korean brands. Just because a coilover has external reseviors doesnt mean the valving is worth a shit. Get a bunch of damper dyno charts and compare em all, thats the only way to see whats really good and not. Ive seen dampers on dynos that actually got stiffer on full soft than full stiff, with everything else being somewhere in between.

*usdm180sx* · 05-24-2007, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slidin240Wayz

Look at the way the springs are wound on the KWs. It is not a steady spacing, there is a variation in the spacing which allows for alot better of a feel of the road and takes alot more time in R&D.

IIRC the correct term is "progressively wound" spring. The spring rate increases as the spring is compressed.

SureShot21 · 05-24-2007, 02:33 PM

Actually, that rear Kw coilover in that pic. only has a helper spring on it, it's not progressive. The front has a variable rate spring, big deal. Basic lowering springs are progressive, variable rate springs. None of the successful privateer open trackers I've seen run progressive springs, even on expensive coilover setups. They're not as predictable as linear rates under jounce.

All that being said, I have SR Rm/A8 on my hatch, and even on full soft it rides like anything OTHER than a silk road. Even after playing around with the adjuster (single adj. is such a joke), there's always too much high speed compression damping and not enough slow speed compression. They're acceptable, nothing more.

I'd like to see a few people get the Kw setups and run 'em hard in the local privateer drift comps. and see what they think. Prob. won't happen though.

*usdm180sx* · 05-24-2007, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the info, but I just posted to let slidin240wayz know that the spring he described is called a progressively wound spring.

I can see that the front kw coilover is linear wound with a helper spring and the rear has a progressive spring.

I have never seen a progressive spring on a coilover either. kw is the first set I've seen.

DriftSpecial180 · 05-24-2007, 06:44 PM

[/quote]

At least someone posted these before. I can't wait for Silk Road to release these for the S-Chassis.

I've had personal expierence with the RM/A8's and i loved them. Unfortunately my car got hit and one got tweaked and they wanted more than half the cost of a whole set for just one coilover.

Reason why? Well, for a little more info on them.... Silk Road matches all the dampers to work together as a set. For them to piece just one out would separate the matched set. For the money the RM/A8's are incredible. I've also heard good reviews from stance, but have not heard of how indepth their construction procedures are.

EchoOfSilence · 05-25-2007, 06:11 AM

lol.
I'll go ahead and concur with what Luke (Blu808) said.

spool_sample · 05-25-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriftSpecial180

Coming soon my ass.

It would be nice if Silk Road had some sort of update for these. The last time their US website was updated was almost a year ago.

As far as the topic, KW V3 > RMA8. They really can't be fairly compared, and the price difference reflects that. It would be more appropriate to compare the Stance GR+3s to the V3s, since both have separately adjustable damping. Granted, this is only if you have an S13, since there is no KW V3 application for S14s, AFAIK.

vboy720 · 05-30-2007, 02:55 PM

yea i was lookin at the gr+3's, and they look pretty well built. dont know much about them. But i think ill be going with the kw's. When i had my s2k, and did some meets, i got a chance to ride in one with kw v3's, and i was in love. As great as the car handles stock, man was it sexy with the kw's. The best part is there only about $1700. Hopefully i can be the first on here to have em.

EchoOfSilence · 06-01-2007, 10:38 PM

can't say shit till i see graphs.

***S14DB*** · 06-02-2007, 12:00 AM

*SimpleS14* · 06-03-2007, 12:16 PM

What's the benefit of an external reservoir? how much are KW's?

They look interesting, but I have yet to read a review of them on a 240.

johngriff · 06-05-2007, 02:39 PM

KW's are really not THAT expensive. 1600ish.

*Aoshi112* · 06-05-2007, 09:46 PM

where can you get em for 1600 ish?

Gumballf355 · 08-07-2007, 03:35 AM

I've always wanted to try KWs when I had my S2ooo... I've always heard good things about them. I also want to try the Peak Performance coilovers.... they seem to be some serious coilovers aswell.

EchoOfSilence · 08-07-2007, 11:34 AM

Why is this still open hahaha

KW > silk road
that's it

no camber plates witht he KW's though. boo.

s13coupe805 · 08-07-2007, 02:39 PM

Samuel Hubinette uses the KW's on his dodge charger and just loves them

spool_sample · 08-07-2007, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumballf355

I also want to try the Peak Performance coilovers.... they seem to be some serious coilovers aswell.

Agreed!

KW Clubsports win... can't find anyone selling them, though.

05-19-2007, 11:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
vboy720 Leaky Injector Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NorCal Posts: 56 Trader Rating: (0)	Silk Road vs KW Variant 3 Im not sure any of you are familiar with KW Variant's, but when i was racing my s2000 before my 240, everyone raved for the brand KW. The coilovers are made in Germany, which if you know, german's make some of the worlds best suspension. Though they are one of the best for racing, im not sure how they are for drifting, but aside that, i was wondering if you actually KNOW and have first hand experience with kw variant 3's. What would you rather have, KW variant 3's or Silk Road's? (i dont know how to make a poll) oh yea, i know the kw variant have external reservoir's and are a bit more expensive, but lets just say if both where the same price. If you dont know anything about the suspension please dont flame me for bringing them up. research, they really are one of the best.

05-20-2007, 02:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
*S14DB* AFC #1 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 昨晩あなたのお母さんの家 Posts: 12,533 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: S14DB	I would go with the KW if not comparing costs. __________________ Coco is the new pink.

05-20-2007, 05:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
EDacIouSX She's Thicka Than a Snicka! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: So Cal Age: 22 Posts: 1,858 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: EDacIouSX	i know it's not an option but from what reviews I've seen Stance > Silk. I'm very. happy with my stances GR+ Pro. Reason I mention Stance is because they offer GR+ 3s which come with external resevoir for 2,000 MSRP. But, I haven't heard anyone's review of the new GR+ 3s. __________________ Hospital Records

05-21-2007, 03:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
sideview_180sx Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: somewhere north of mexico Posts: 1,459 Trader Rating: (0)	I would go with KW. the stance coilovers offer ones with remote reservoirs, but i'm not sure if they have dry break seals to prevent liquid and gas from seeping out. KW is used in many forms of professional racing. Until I see a pro car running stance or silkroad then I may change my mind. By meaning of Pro I don't mean drifting I meant real road racing. SWC, ALMS, FIA, etc..... __________________ feel the rythym. feel the ride. get on up. it's bobsled time. COOL RUNNINGS!!! http://www.geocities.com/acid_fusion42/R34_Cop.gif formerly sideviewcivic Save a Horse. Drift This Cowboy. AirBag Club Member #0014 http://www.aspecproducts.com/forums/...ogan/snoop.jpg

05-21-2007, 10:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
blu808 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SPACE Age: 25 Posts: 4,271 Trader Rating: (0)	Is this a joke? silk road is comparible to tein, apexi, etc. KW is comparible to Ohlins, Aragasta, etc __________________ Weld Locd LSD sale. Luke's new shop. http://www.manjiparts.com/images/121...223923389.jpeg I do affordable Ls1/ Sr20det/ Rb/ and other swaps. S13 Sr swaps starting at just $700 labor. Pm me. Thanks.

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05-20-2007, 11:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
vboy720 Leaky Injector Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NorCal Posts: 56 Trader Rating: (0)	didnt know stance offers external reservoirs. anyone wanna chime in with first hand experience between silk roads, and stance? Iv always loved the KW's and wanted to see how well they where for the 240, but hearing how everyone says silk roads feel like "silk roads" makes me wanna get them. i havent heard much about stance, but ill have to research that. anymore insight?

05-22-2007, 04:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
yokotas13 Wagonofdoom Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: tokyo Age: 23 Posts: 7,754 Trader Rating: (4) Rides Gallery: yokotas13	KW all the fucking way __________________ Grant- Wheels Straight from Japan! Yahoo Auctions japan and Upgarage service! Freshlikesushi1@gmail.com Buy something? Put a review Here

05-22-2007, 11:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
Turbogeek Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: seattle Age: 25 Posts: 40 Trader Rating: (0)	i tend to agree but love my Silk Road/Section RM-8's for both street and track use! But comparing the V3's to the RM-8's isn't a direct comparison; the v2's would be a better choice if you're in that market. There is just so much more adjustability in the v3's as they are a full competition coilover system. Anyone with race experience knows KW's track record and overall product quality is great. Wait till Silk Road brings these stateside and we'll have a direct comparison to the v3's.

05-23-2007, 09:54 AM	#10 (permalink)
Slidin240Wayz Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Everywhere Age: 24 Posts: 5,141 Trader Rating: (2)	Look at the way the springs are wound on the KWs. It is not a steady spacing, there is a variation in the spacing which allows for alot better of a feel of the road and takes alot more time in R&D. If I wanted to spend 3k on coils, I would go with the Arigosta or KW type setups. __________________ Support Zilvia by purchasing a sticker!

05-24-2007, 09:17 AM	#11 (permalink)
nlzmo400r Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: louisiana Posts: 1,236 Trader Rating: (0)	Having never driven on them, my opinion is not based on factual information but I would think the R&D behind the KWs would far exceed the typical japanese/korean brands. Just because a coilover has external reseviors doesnt mean the valving is worth a shit. Get a bunch of damper dyno charts and compare em all, thats the only way to see whats really good and not. Ive seen dampers on dynos that actually got stiffer on full soft than full stiff, with everything else being somewhere in between. __________________ 'my drinking team has a racing problem' http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3.../DSC001552.jpg http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g3...DSC0001300.jpg 13.213@108.75mph - gt32 .6bar

05-24-2007, 02:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
SureShot21 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Los Angeles Age: 54 Posts: 14 Trader Rating: (0)	Actually, that rear Kw coilover in that pic. only has a helper spring on it, it's not progressive. The front has a variable rate spring, big deal. Basic lowering springs are progressive, variable rate springs. None of the successful privateer open trackers I've seen run progressive springs, even on expensive coilover setups. They're not as predictable as linear rates under jounce. All that being said, I have SR Rm/A8 on my hatch, and even on full soft it rides like anything OTHER than a silk road. Even after playing around with the adjuster (single adj. is such a joke), there's always too much high speed compression damping and not enough slow speed compression. They're acceptable, nothing more. I'd like to see a few people get the Kw setups and run 'em hard in the local privateer drift comps. and see what they think. Prob. won't happen though.

05-24-2007, 06:44 PM	#15 (permalink)
DriftSpecial180 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: OC, CA Posts: 642 Trader Rating: (0)	[/quote] At least someone posted these before. I can't wait for Silk Road to release these for the S-Chassis. I've had personal expierence with the RM/A8's and i loved them. Unfortunately my car got hit and one got tweaked and they wanted more than half the cost of a whole set for just one coilover. Reason why? Well, for a little more info on them.... Silk Road matches all the dampers to work together as a set. For them to piece just one out would separate the matched set. For the money the RM/A8's are incredible. I've also heard good reviews from stance, but have not heard of how indepth their construction procedures are. __________________ Creator of the "DIY Miracle X-Brace"

05-25-2007, 06:11 AM	#16 (permalink)
EchoOfSilence Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles/Berkeley, CA Posts: 2,227 Trader Rating: (0)	lol. I'll go ahead and concur with what Luke (Blu808) said.

05-30-2007, 02:55 PM	#18 (permalink)
vboy720 Leaky Injector Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NorCal Posts: 56 Trader Rating: (0)	yea i was lookin at the gr+3's, and they look pretty well built. dont know much about them. But i think ill be going with the kw's. When i had my s2k, and did some meets, i got a chance to ride in one with kw v3's, and i was in love. As great as the car handles stock, man was it sexy with the kw's. The best part is there only about $1700. Hopefully i can be the first on here to have em.

06-01-2007, 10:38 PM	#19 (permalink)
EchoOfSilence Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles/Berkeley, CA Posts: 2,227 Trader Rating: (0)	can't say shit till i see graphs.

06-02-2007, 12:00 AM	#20 (permalink)
*S14DB* AFC #1 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: 昨晩あなたのお母さんの家 Posts: 12,533 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: S14DB	__________________ Coco is the new pink.

06-03-2007, 12:16 PM	#21 (permalink)
SimpleS14 Keeping it simple... Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Woodbridge, VA Age: 25 Posts: 7,100 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: SimpleS14	What's the benefit of an external reservoir? how much are KW's? They look interesting, but I have yet to read a review of them on a 240. __________________ *Goals are dreams with a deadline.* L.H.O.O.Q.

06-05-2007, 02:39 PM	#22 (permalink)
johngriff Post Whore! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Folsom, CA Posts: 3,617 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: johngriff	KW's are really not THAT expensive. 1600ish. __________________ RPSport Tuning John @ RPSport.net 562.489.5016

06-05-2007, 09:46 PM	#23 (permalink)
Aoshi112 Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Oceanside, So Cali Posts: 372 Trader Rating: (0)	where can you get em for 1600 ish?

08-07-2007, 03:35 AM	#24 (permalink)
Gumballf355 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Age: 28 Posts: 514 Trader Rating: (0)	I've always wanted to try KWs when I had my S2ooo... I've always heard good things about them. I also want to try the Peak Performance coilovers.... they seem to be some serious coilovers aswell.

08-07-2007, 11:34 AM	#25 (permalink)
EchoOfSilence Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles/Berkeley, CA Posts: 2,227 Trader Rating: (0)	Why is this still open hahaha KW > silk road that's it no camber plates witht he KW's though. boo.

08-07-2007, 02:39 PM	#26 (permalink)
s13coupe805 Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: OXNARD Posts: 193 Trader Rating: (0)	Samuel Hubinette uses the KW's on his dodge charger and just loves them

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