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Anybody running KW V3's? My car came with this setup, I don't know what the adjustments are set at, but I want to find out and make adjustments if necessary to support track days.
KWs suck for track use! The spring rates are waaaay too soft. They're good for a plush ride if that is what you're after.
I could understand that, if KW chose the rates for ride quality instead of track. However, the shocks have more adjustability so im wondering if someone has used them for track days and what they did to set them up correctly. I could change springs if necessary and still keep the rebound/compression adjustments on the KW's which are not on the factory shocks.
Or I could put the factory suspension back on, but I know I need to get some factory parts because the KW used them with some cutting for fitment, so they cant be re-used. But I don't know exactly what's needed and then I would also probably change springs on the factory shocks and would need to know which to choose.
If you want coils that are more track oriented and can be used for DD use as well look into Penskes.
The only modification required on the OEM parts for use with the KWs are widening holes on the top of the front top hats. If you want some cheap OEM dampers and springs shoot me a message as my 08 set has been collecting dust for some time. You have them for cheap!!
If you want coils that are more track oriented and can be used for DD use as well look into Penskes.
The only modification required on the OEM parts for use with the KWs are widening holes on the top of the front top hats. If you want some cheap OEM dampers and springs shoot me a message as my 08 set has been collecting dust for some time. You have them for cheap!!
MY 08-09 had the stiffest suspension of all years. Coming from KWs it will feel very stiff but IMO handles better. I believe there were minimal suspension changes in MY 10-11 with the most significant change being in 2012 when Lexus went with a totally different damper.
I actually reached out to KW about swapping springs for a higher rate but they never responded.
That's disappointing to hear, but I was also wondering if they would recommend different rebound/compression settings. The KW's offer the adjustability you would want from a performance shock, so Id be surprised that they couldn't be made to work better than the factory suspension.
I remember reading that they were under sprung from KW and there was no real rhyme or reason as to why KW didn't offer a better set-up for our cars? But a lot of guys on here have them and they seem to like them if you aren't tracking the car.
It has been discussed before and the primary reason KW has not reinvested into the platform is that there are few Lexus vehicles in Germany and this was done as a touring upgrade not a performance upgrade on early model cars. The V3 is twintube and undersprung. We have retrofitted several V3 application with higher rates and increased rebound damping to compensate with good results. Bottom line is damping (high speed damping) in not a substitute for spring rate. It slows response which reduces grip. But just consider what type fo track driving you will do, what tires, what speeds, what brakes and for what lapping duration.There is no miracle for every situation, only careful compromises to address various uses.
Our Ohlins setup handles both situations great and is the quietest, widest ride height range track rated setup available. Plus they are road rated for salt spray, longevity etc without maintenance. http://shopfigs.com/v3/index.php?rou...&search=ohlins
For Track dedicated configurations we offer Penskes with the larger lower body cap, which is a larger bearing and offer a maintenance program as part of the price. These shocks will need nitrogen pressure service and rebuild service to keep them working at peak condition.
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09-03-16, 10:04 PM
KW V3 suspension experience
