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KW v3 or clubsport experience, recommendation where to install and corner balance

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Michele

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May 9, 2011
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Hi all

Does anybody run the KW v3 or clubsport coilover suspension on an AMG? Would love to know the perceived difference vs. stock and how bearable they are in the city.

Also, any commendations for installers and who could do corner balancing and alignment?

Thank you very much.

Kind regards
Michele
 
I am running the KW DDC and it changes the handling of the car, feels much more planted and depending what setting I choose it's either slightly softer than stock or rock hard.
After mine was done it was sent to MB for alignment checks by the installer
 
Michele said:
Hi all

Does anybody run the KW v3 or clubsport coilover suspension on an AMG? Would love to know the perceived difference vs. stock and how bearable they are in the city.

Also, any commendations for installers and who could do corner balancing and alignment?

Thank you very much.

Kind regards
Michele
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All AMGs or a specific one? Not all will take coilovers.
 
I have not put them on an AMG, but have fitted several kits to BMW M3's. The V3 kit is very usable on the road, but the clubsports have uniball top mounts, and are a little harsh for everyday motoring. I presume your prime motive is track use? Obviously the clubsport have the edge on the circuit...
 
What car is it for?
 
Thank you all. This is for C63. Occasional track use is one reason, the other and I would say the primary reason is the feel - I was in the C63 AMG race taxi some time ago and the feel of the car with their suspension setup was amazing. Felt very connected, very direct. I believe they run clubsports and their settings are without any compromise for comfort, so surely not something that would work in the UK. Was thinking of v3s as I heard clubsports require some sort of servicing / maintenance once every 12 months. Good to know about ball joints and harshness.
 
gazz said:
I have not put them on an AMG, but have fitted several kits to BMW M3's. The V3 kit is very usable on the road, but the clubsports have uniball top mounts, and are a little harsh for everyday motoring. I presume your prime motive is track use? Obviously the clubsport have the edge on the circuit...
Click to expand...

When you say the edge on the circuit, is it adjustability or is there more to it? Thank you!

Also, prefer a passive set up, don't want the DDC due to electrics involved. Also, the cost is rather high!
 
The clubsport and V3 both are individually adjustable for bump and rebound damping. The main difference is in the springs. V3 use a single spring of progressive design. It is circa 60mm diameter at the lower end and larger at the top, usually fitting to the standard car's top mount. These incorporate rubber, so provide some compliance and reduction of NVH. The clubsport kit utilises a circa 60mm linear rate spring with seperate tender spring. Top mounts are camber/caster adjustable and obviously mate with the 60mm spring. There is no rubber, so NVH are increased. V3 will be great on track, but clubsport will provide better body control and feedback when driving hard.
For road and occasional track the V3 is a great kit. I had V3 on my M3 for several years and was always pleased with it. As time went by, I got a little bit quicker and have now moved to a Nitron setup, with custom tune by Dave Pook. It is now far too firm for road use, and has become a track only machine. Not really a problem, as I wouldn't be seen in an M3 on the road. ;-)
 
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gazz said:
The clubsport and V3 both are individually adjustable for bump and rebound damping. The main difference is in the springs. V3 use a single spring of progressive design. It is circa 60mm diameter at the lower end and larger at the top, usually fitting to the standard car's top mount. These incorporate rubber, so provide some compliance and reduction of NVH. The clubsport kit utilises a circa 60mm linear rate spring with seperate tender spring. Top mounts are camber/caster adjustable and obviously mate with the 60mm spring. There is no rubber, so NVH are increased. V3 will be great on track, but clubsport will provide better body control and feedback when driving hard.
For road and occasional track the V3 is a great kit. I had V3 on my M3 for several years and was always pleased with it. As time went by, I got a little bit quicker and have now moved to a Nitron setup, with custom tune by Dave Pook. It is now far too firm for road use, and has become a track only machine. Not really a problem, as I wouldn't be seen in an M3 on the road. ;-)
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Thank you! This is great to know! Any recommendation who could install v3s somewhere near London? Also, did you do corner balancing on the v3s? Not sure if this is possible with what comes with the kit, but don't know if this level of precision is required anyway.
 
Yes, I have corner weight scales. The best analogy I can give you is if you don't set the corner weights the car could be like a wobbly chair with a short leg. It's not essential that you do it - plenty don't - but imo it's better if you do.
 
gazz said:
Yes, I have corner weight scales. The best analogy I can give you is if you don't set the corner weights the car could be like a wobbly chair with a short leg. It's not essential that you do it - plenty don't - but imo it's better if you do.
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Ok, thank you very much, sounds like a must then. Do you do it immediately after install or wait for some time (a few days?) until the suspension settles under weight?
 
Ideally let it settle for a few days first. Not always possible if the customer lives miles away. Need to ballast the drivers seat with your approximate weight too if you want to be pedantic about it :-)
Corner weight checks is something we do at routine pre/post trackday checks.
 
gazz said:
Ideally let it settle for a few days first. Not always possible if the customer lives miles away. Need to ballast the drivers seat with your approximate weight too if you want to be pedantic about it :-)
Corner weight checks is something we do at routine pre/post trackday checks.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much! :thumb:

Who would you recommend for the install? PM if possible / more convenient?
 
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