Ground Control Spring Coilover Kit REVIEW

e60cs5 wrote

...I don't want a race suspension. I just want a good look and a good ride on 20's and Ideally, I don't want to compromise performance...

You sound like a prime candidate for the RD Sport springs and dampers, or maybe a KW V3. For a hard-core suspension system, the KW CS is excellent, but 514# front springs will definitely remind you of every painted line you drive over.

JAJ wrote

You sound like a prime candidate for the RD Sport springs and dampers, or maybe a KW V3. For a hard-core suspension system, the KW CS is excellent, but 514# front springs will definitely remind you of every painted line you drive over.

I have heard of mixed reviews regarding the RD Sport springs and shocks.

STALKER wrote

I have heard of mixed reviews regarding the RD Sport springs and shocks.

Then I heartily un-recommend them. I thought it was the lowering kit that lowered the most and screwed up the handling the least. Too bad it's not.

JAJ wrote

Then I heartily un-recommend them. I thought it was the lowering kit that lowered the most and screwed up the handling the least. Too bad it's not.

Springs-only wise, I think it is....I ran them for a time, and thought they were much better than the H&R at the very least. I mated them up with the OEM EDC shocks, not the Bilsteins though.

JAJ wrote

Then I heartily un-recommend them. I thought it was the lowering kit that lowered the most and screwed up the handling the least. Too bad it's not.

LOL.

Installed the GC kit today. I went with the slightly softer version 600 # springs in the rear and 375 in the front. (instead of 440) Dropped the front 1" to preserve the ride and performance and the rear maybe 3/4" The Ride is awesome. The performance is better than OEM. Overall, I'm really happy with the kit. Really glad I didn't just do springs.

The instructions were not very good... but I really like the kit

To the guys who have had this kit for awhile:

Are you still happy?

Anything you dislike?

Anything you would do during install or ask the installer to do?....did you have to shave you GC modified bump stops at all???

I should be getting my GC kit today or tomorrow.

I went with 6 inch springs with 400lb front and 650lb rear....also got street camber kit.

Looking to drop between 3/4-1 inch front and between 1/2-3/4 inch in rear.

Want slightly stiffer than stock but lowered...also want my EDC to function but this sounds like it might not work at all anymore.

mact3333 wrote

To the guys who have had this kit for awhile:

Are you still happy?

Anything you dislike?

Anything you would do during install or ask the installer to do?....did you have to shave you GC modified bump stops at all???

I should be getting my GC kit today or tomorrow.

I went with 6 inch springs with 400lb front and 650lb rear....also got street camber kit.

Looking to drop between 3/4-1 inch front and between 1/2-3/4 inch in rear.

Want slightly stiffer than stock but lowered...also want my EDC to function but this sounds like it might not work at all anymore.

+1

I'm very happy with my kit and have done at least 15 track days. It is a bit stff but on 18" wheels is really not bad. I can't remember about the bump stops. Do have some noise occasionally from the sway bar endlinks, so have to lubricate them occasionally. Definitely a great kit for the money.

I am loving mine. My drop is very similar to yours. Maintaining factory rake appears to be critical. I didn't dump mine in the front all the way.

I went with the slightly softer setup and the ride quality on the street is awesome. Definitely stiffer but not harsh at all. The car is PLANTED. I love this kit.

Anyone know of a place the sells/installs this kit in California Bay Area (near San Francisco)?

A few pics of mine.

OEM 19's with spacers, GC Kit NOT lowered all the way and my stoptechs.
I love the ZCP wheels and will use them for some light track duty..but stoked for some new concave Klassens.

e60cs5 wrote

A few pics of mine.

OEM 19's with spacers, GC Kit NOT lowered all the way and my stoptechs.
I love the ZCP wheels and will use them for some light track duty..but stoked for some new concave Klassens.

The car looks great. Lovin' the Stoptechs too!

knifegun wrote

Anyone know of a place the sells/installs this kit in California Bay Area (near San Francisco)?

Ground Control has done installs in the past - give them a call

I'm considering picking up this kit till I decide which full coilover set up I want to go with.

STALKER wrote

I'm considering picking up this kit till I decide which full coilover set up I want to go with.

?? i thought u ordered the JRZ kit?

mastek wrote

?? i thought u ordered the JRZ kit?

I did, but things did not work out. No sign of the kit yet.
Hopefully one shows up soon and someone tries it out.

This may not be of much interest to those that are tracking the hell out of their cars... but I just got back from a 1000 mile trip and the ride quality of the softer GC kit was amazing... totally acceptable ride quality, just seems a touch stiffer....which I like because the car is more planted and performs better.

I honestly couldn't see any reason to spend a bunch more on a coilover kit - especially where many are mediocre or have a track record of significant problems. Just not worth it. Too much risk of ending up with crappo ride quality and I wouldn't want to end up being a test mule for a new product. Just my .02

e60cs5 wrote

This may not be of much interest to those that are tracking the hell out of their cars... but I just got back from a 1000 mile trip and the ride quality of the softer GC kit was amazing... totally acceptable ride quality, just seems a touch stiffer....which I like because the car is more planted and performs better.

I honestly couldn't see any reason to spend a bunch more on a coilover kit - especially where many are mediocre or have a track record of significant problems. Just not worth it. Too much risk of ending up with crappo ride quality and I wouldn't want to end up being a test mule for a new product. Just my .02

What are your spring rates?

STALKER wrote

What are your spring rates?

My fronts are 370 instead of 440 and I think the rears are 600 instead of 650. Not sure where I left my receipt.

Just call Jay and talk to him - he'll help you dial it in the way you like it.

He also added some rubber boots to my end links so they could be greased and wouldn't attact dirt. I think it ended up costing me like 50 bucks extra or something like that -but I'm happy not to have any noise issues from the get go.

Some have complained about the joint and the need to grease it every once in a while. Jay knew I was sensitive to (noise) and made a few changes.

Does anyone know a seller/installer in the Bay Area?

Sonic MS (www.sonicms.net) I am sure could install them for you.

I just got off the phone with Ground Control. They suggested for my car to get 440 in the front and 700 in the rear. He said the rear spring rate depended on what type of exhaust you ran (i.e. OEM is heavier thus a higher spring rate).