rselby

It is time for me to replace the OEM shocks on my 08 F .... I have heard that the 11 and newer ride smoother than my 08, don't want anything any ore harsh than my OEM , so Im looking at getting the BC coil swift combo...I want it to ride as good or better than my OEM 08. don't want to lower the car much but still want it to handle , ride smooth .....what spring rates should I get ?

Vervish

iTrader: (4)

I just ordered mine with 16K/12K but from what I read/researched - 14K/10K will give you what you are after.

subiepunk

iTrader: (7)

I have 18k/14k and its fine to me but I think 14k/10k will be more than enough for you.

iH8RICERZ

iTrader: (3)

After driving 6 months almost daily on my bc with swift upgrades 16k/12k, I can honestly say that if you go with Figs recommended dampening settings, the ride is a night and day difference. Its not so jolting when you hit bumps in the road and it feels planted in the turns. Highly recommended over the stock 08 suspension

JM Auto Racing

iTrader: (1)

If you go Swift springs we see alot of guys go 14/10. PM us if you are interested I'll work you up a nice price :-)

jleonard71

I was actually coming here to research the exact same thing! I too have an '08 IS-F and my stock shocks seem like they're about done (ride has gotten really bouncy), and I have been debating over replacing them with coilovers or regular shocks. I don't really need coilovers since I don't care about having an adjustable height, but I do like the adjustable ride stiffness. If I go with regular shocks I was going to get Swift springs at the same time to lower the front a little (the back is fine where it is), but I would still like to have adjustable ride stiffness.

So here is what I'm debating between:

1. BC coilovers w/Swift springs ($1,295)
2. Tokico HTS Monotube shocks w/Swift Springs ($650 + $315 = $965)

The Tokico setup will save me $330 and they will probably last longer than the BC's without needing to be reubilt, and I'll still be able to adjust the firmness of the ride and get the slight drop in front that I want (again, don't need the height adjustability of coilovers).

Thoughts?

JM Auto Racing

iTrader: (1)

The functionality of a coilover vs that of a spring and shock is a huge difference. Plus unless you have a spring compressor, you are going to be paying around $400 for springs and shocks to be installed while you can install coilovers in 1-2 hours by yourself.

Piston1047

I agree with this. It is always better to run a damper specifically designed for a spring/ ride height (BC coilover in your case) versus a spring and shock combo that wasn't valved/designed to go together. In your case I would run the BC set-up, you might be surprised but the Tockico's might give out earlier due to the lowering springs impact the ideal operating range of shock stroke.

jleonard71

I have a spring compressor and have changed shocks & springs before, so not a problem.
My only concern is that I've read quite a few complaints over the years from people who have bought the BC's - such as poor ride quality & poor durability - and it seems the only reason people buy them is because they want the adjustable height & stiffness that coilovers give you, but they don't want to shell out big bucks for the KWs, Penseks or Ohlins. And since I don't care about the adjustable height, and adjustable stiffness isn't a "must" but it would be nice, I'm trying to explore what other options are out there.

tas02

iTrader: (2)

Does Koni have a shock for the Isf? I believe all of their's have adjustable dampening.

jleonard71

EDIT: Nevermind, I was going to ask about the Ksports, but did some more research and they appear to be low-end and not much cheaper than the BC's.