QA1 Coilovers
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Springfield VA
I've been following this as well. I'm personally concerned with the quality. Not to say I've read anything bad, but I know there was one set of coil-overs available at a low price that people learned to avoid like the plague! I forget the name of the company that made them, but apparently a lot was compromised in the name of quality when the shock units were assembled.
Like you said 99CRJA1, I'm pretty sure these will be provide better handling than the stock leaf springs, but for how long? Anyone owned these things and had them installed on their DD for a while?
Like you said 99CRJA1, I'm pretty sure these will be provide better handling than the stock leaf springs, but for how long? Anyone owned these things and had them installed on their DD for a while?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 623
Likes: 11
From: Ankeny IA
Time will certainly tell. QA1 has been around a while (1993 according to their site). I haven't seen anyone complaining loudly about their shock quality. PDF on these says they can be rebuilt by a service center. Definitely keeping these on the radar. Might be a spring purchase/project.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: Glendale CA
When it comes to performance parts, the last thing you want to go cheap on is coilovers. I understand coilovers are very expensive, and there's a good reason for that.
I don't think there's an alternative here, it's either a good shock, T1 suspension or you go with LG, or pfadt. The inexpensive parts need data, shock data to prove their results.
I don't think there's an alternative here, it's either a good shock, T1 suspension or you go with LG, or pfadt. The inexpensive parts need data, shock data to prove their results.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
When it comes to performance parts, the last thing you want to go cheap on is coilovers. I understand coilovers are very expensive, and there's a good reason for that.
I don't think there's an alternative here, it's either a good shock, T1 suspension or you go with LG, or pfadt. The inexpensive parts need data, shock data to prove their results.
I don't think there's an alternative here, it's either a good shock, T1 suspension or you go with LG, or pfadt. The inexpensive parts need data, shock data to prove their results.
I'd say they're an affordable alternative.It's all in one's perspective. In comparison to these two options below, the Pfadts & LG G2's are a bargain at less than half the price...but I wouldn't call them cheap either.
http://www.mtiracing.com/Purchase/19...Coilovers.html
http://www.mtiracing.com/Purchase/19...Coilovers.html
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 2
From: norcal ca
wow, now i really enjoy my QA1 coilovers while you guys whining about how QA1 perform or need data etc etc.
when there is no competitor (on price) then the company will jack up the price whatever they want, then after there is a lot of competitors than then the price reduce.
i remember on my other hobby rc helicopter 10 years ago when only german and japanese company design them, each heli around $3000
but now when chinese company get invovle, they reduce the price to $1500 while chinese heli cost $1100
same thing about this coilovers
when there is no competitor (on price) then the company will jack up the price whatever they want, then after there is a lot of competitors than then the price reduce.
i remember on my other hobby rc helicopter 10 years ago when only german and japanese company design them, each heli around $3000
but now when chinese company get invovle, they reduce the price to $1500 while chinese heli cost $1100
same thing about this coilovers
I absolutely agree that going cheap isn't the best idea with perormance products...but I wouldn't necessarily call $1300 QA1's cheap. I'd say they're an affordable alternative.
It's all in one's perspective. In comparison to these two options below, the Pfadts & LG G2's are a bargain at less than half the price...but I wouldn't call them cheap either.
http://www.mtiracing.com/Purchase/19...Coilovers.html
http://www.mtiracing.com/Purchase/19...Coilovers.html
I'd say they're an affordable alternative.It's all in one's perspective. In comparison to these two options below, the Pfadts & LG G2's are a bargain at less than half the price...but I wouldn't call them cheap either.
http://www.mtiracing.com/Purchase/19...Coilovers.html
http://www.mtiracing.com/Purchase/19...Coilovers.html
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
wow, now i really enjoy my QA1 coilovers while you guys whining about how QA1 perform or need data etc etc.
when there is no competitor (on price) then the company will jack up the price whatever they want, then after there is a lot of competitors than then the price reduce.
i remember on my other hobby rc helicopter 10 years ago when only german and japanese company design them, each heli around $3000
but now when chinese company get invovle, they reduce the price to $1500 while chinese heli cost $1100
same thing about this coilovers
when there is no competitor (on price) then the company will jack up the price whatever they want, then after there is a lot of competitors than then the price reduce.
i remember on my other hobby rc helicopter 10 years ago when only german and japanese company design them, each heli around $3000
but now when chinese company get invovle, they reduce the price to $1500 while chinese heli cost $1100
same thing about this coilovers
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 52
QA1 coil-overs on '98 Coupe
I replaced the transverse spring with QA1 Adjustable coil-overs from Ecklers. Right off the bat I'm a full inch lower than I was at stock and it looks like I can go at least another inch or more (I'll see if that causes any issues). I had the alignment checked to be sure no funny tire wear will occur. Wow, I really like the ride (using 550 lb springs in rear and 450s up front. Kind of curious on what happens if I go to 550s in front as well as rear. Car handles great, takes turns like a roller coaster car. Can't wait to AX in the spring.
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 623
Likes: 11
From: Ankeny IA
I replaced the transverse spring with QA1 Adjustable coil-overs from Ecklers. Right off the bat I'm a full inch lower than I was at stock and it looks like I can go at least another inch or more (I'll see if that causes any issues). I had the alignment checked to be sure no funny tire wear will occur. Wow, I really like the ride (using 550 lb springs in rear and 450s up front. Kind of curious on what happens if I go to 550s in front as well as rear. Car handles great, takes turns like a roller coaster car. Can't wait to AX in the spring.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 52
QA1 coil-overs
I set my coil-overs for 26' in the front Street to bottom of fender lip and to 27" in the rear. The car looks great and only drags the spoiler a little going over speed bumps / drive ways. The car rocks in handling on the corners now although I'm probably changing the front springs to 550s to mach the rear cause I'm 220 + and I like a stiffer road feedback. Previous posts on the lowering topic say you don't gain anything by going any lower than above and too low causes other suspension and handling issues to pop up. Sombody asked about specs. The spring are LTG and the shocks are rebuildable if they ever wear out according to QA1's website.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 2
From: norcal ca
I set my coil-overs for 26' in the front Street to bottom of fender lip and to 27" in the rear. The car looks great and only drags the spoiler a little going over speed bumps / drive ways. The car rocks in handling on the corners now although I'm probably changing the front springs to 550s to mach the rear cause I'm 220 + and I like a stiffer road feedback. Previous posts on the lowering topic say you don't gain anything by going any lower than above and too low causes other suspension and handling issues to pop up. Sombody asked about specs. The spring are LTG and the shocks are rebuildable if they ever wear out according to QA1's website.
im exactly like yours 26" in the front has gap about less than 1" between fender and tires, and the back 26.75" with about 1.2"-1.5" gap between tires and fender
my shock setup 8/7 for the street
to change the ride height, jack up the car, take off the tires and adjust the ride height.
to change the shock setup i can do it between my wheel, no jack
Last edited by deetee; Oct 27, 2010 at 06:10 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 623
Likes: 11
From: Ankeny IA
what is your shock setup? front and back
im exactly like yours 26" in the front has gap about less than 1" between fender and tires, and the back 26.75" with about 1.2"-1.5" gap between tires and fender
my shock setup 8/7 for the street
to change the ride height, jack up the car, take off the tires and adjust the ride height.
to change the shock setup i can do it between my wheel, no jack
im exactly like yours 26" in the front has gap about less than 1" between fender and tires, and the back 26.75" with about 1.2"-1.5" gap between tires and fender
my shock setup 8/7 for the street
to change the ride height, jack up the car, take off the tires and adjust the ride height.
to change the shock setup i can do it between my wheel, no jack
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 2
From: norcal ca
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 0
From: in ur mirror, 'bout to pass.. CA
I'm in for interest as well. I can't afford to go with LG's or Pfadts either, and these seem to be right on with the price point. The plan is/was to get a set for better cornering on trackdays, since my 'vette is mostly a track day car with amenities (wife won't let me strip 'er down..)
If anyone with a set gets to a track, post up and let us know how they feel!
I'll probably get a set anyway, the price is too good to pass up..
UPDATE:
Found this kit advertised for $1,159...http://www.xplosiveperformance.com/C...9-_p_1808.html
Don't know what the spring rates are, so I e-mailed them and asked..
If anyone with a set gets to a track, post up and let us know how they feel!
I'll probably get a set anyway, the price is too good to pass up..
UPDATE:
Found this kit advertised for $1,159...http://www.xplosiveperformance.com/C...9-_p_1808.html
Don't know what the spring rates are, so I e-mailed them and asked..
Last edited by Armycop; Oct 29, 2010 at 01:29 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 0
From: in ur mirror, 'bout to pass.. CA
Ordered my QA1 coilovers today from xplosiveperformance for the as-stated price. Got the 650lb. springs 'cuz this car does alot of HPDE's during the good months. Bob was very good to speak with, answered all my questions. He lives on his crackberry! I'll post up install once they go on the car. Good winter day project.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 623
Likes: 11
From: Ankeny IA
Was researching spring rates, looks like most springs coilover and factory use a lighter front spring rate and heavier rear. For example the Pfadt coilovers use 425lbs front and 575lbs rear. The FE4 spring rates are 526/714 and T1 use 582/793. Note that leaf spring rates don't exactly translate to coilovers by virtue of the design differences. Looking at the rear bias you have 35.2% for the Pfadts, 35.7% for the FE4 and 36% for the T1. The QA1's with 450/550 give a bias of 22%, 550/650 is 18% and 450/650 is 44%. So it looks like the QA1's with the 450/650 setup come closest to replicating what the factory and the aftermarket has done. The rear shocks may have to be dialed down some to compensate. Anyone who has experimented with spring rates have any thoughts on this?
Last edited by 99C5JA1; Nov 3, 2010 at 12:10 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Well, I got my set today and checked them out for the back of the car. Bad news, the backs are longer compressed than my C6Z06 shocks. I installed just the shock without the coil. Here are the pics to compare. Both are taken with a jack under the suspension holding the suspension compressed against the bump stop.
QA1
C6Z06 with bump stop cut approximately in 1/2 giving maybe another 1/4" or so travel.
As you should be able to clearly see, I could easily stick a finger between the tire and fender with the QA1 while the wheel is slightly tucked into the fender and touching the fender lip with the C6Z06 shocks.
I compared a front to an old F45 shock I have and they look like they might have a little more travel but I'd have to do a better check.
So, next step is to see what QA1 has to say about it and if the answer is no help then it looks like I have a set of QA1 coil overs for sale.
Peter
QA1
C6Z06 with bump stop cut approximately in 1/2 giving maybe another 1/4" or so travel.
As you should be able to clearly see, I could easily stick a finger between the tire and fender with the QA1 while the wheel is slightly tucked into the fender and touching the fender lip with the C6Z06 shocks.
I compared a front to an old F45 shock I have and they look like they might have a little more travel but I'd have to do a better check.
So, next step is to see what QA1 has to say about it and if the answer is no help then it looks like I have a set of QA1 coil overs for sale.
Peter
Last edited by lionelhutz; May 14, 2012 at 12:47 AM.