Need help deciding between StreetLine and Trackline suspensions

[¶Pho€nix]

First off, thanks for the responses to my question regarding coil-over kits a couple of weeks ago.

Anyway, some of the guys here pointed me to <a href="http://www.tckline.com/OPC/susset.html#anchor4767324">TCKline</a> for some coil-over kits. And I'm caught deciding between <a href="http://www.tckline.com/OPC/KONI/SL.html">StreetLine</a> and <a href="http://www.tckline.com/OPC/KONI/TL.html">TrackLine</a> packages. So far, the only difference between the two are the springs (H&R O.E. Sport vs. H&R Sport).

Also they're offering $792 for StreetLine and $762 for TrackLine. Other places sell the track setup more than the street setup. What gives?

I track this car every now and then. Given the prices, which package would you go for? Is there really a big difference in ride comfort between the O.E. Sport vs. the Sport springs? My primary objectives are to lower the car, stiffen the suspension a bit, and replace the stock Boges.

Thanks for the help, guys! :

[tlp-96M3/2]

Both kits are exactly the same except for the springs which are really the same also. If you call TCKline, they will honor the lower price no matter which one you buy. I have confirmed this with TC Kline. The H&R OE Sport and Sport have identical rates except the Sports are slightly shorter which will translate to additional drop. The real decision between the two kits is how much drop do you want.

[fourfa]

the sports will ride on the bump stops a lot around town - the OE sports will be more comfortable and handle better (outside of glass-smooth racetracks). but I guess they don't look as kewl

[¶Pho€nix]

How much of a drop can I expect from the O.E. Sports?

[fourfa]

mine was about 0.25 to 0.5 inches

[¶Pho€nix]

That's the max drop? Wha-ha?

[jayhudson]

I got .25" front and zero drop rear with the OE Sports ('97 M3/2). TCKR volunteered there was a price error on their web site. Gave me the lower price listed for the Trackline setup. Good folks. Jay

[Rel44 M3]

I'd go with the Trackline setup if I did it over again. The OE Sports don't really drop it that much and the spring rates for both are the same.

[¶Pho€nix]

I see.

Both the TrackLine and the StreetLine can be adjusted to as high/higher than stock height, yes?

The TrackLine setup is beginning to sound a lot more appealing to me. :

[jayhudson]

Neither are height adjustable. You get what you get. OE Sport will drop the car very little if at all. Sports will drop and inch or so. Many different reports as to exactly how much.

Jay

[¶Pho€nix]

Originally posted by LUNI2NZ
Neither are height adjustable. You get what you get. OE Sport will drop the car very little if at all. Sports will drop and inch or so. Many different reports as to exactly how much.

Jay

Wait, isn't being adjustable what defines what a "coil-over kit?"

Refer to <a href="http://www.bmw-m.net/TechProc/H&R%20COILOVER%20INSTALL%202.0.pdf">this PDF file</a> I got from TedK of someone's installation on Bilstein coil-overs.

<a href="http://www.turnermotorsport.com/subcategory_detail_frame.asp?subcat_id=90">TMS</a> also states the kits are adjustable.

[mrclam]

Originally posted by ¶Pho€nix


Wait, isn't being adjustable what defines what a "coil-over kit?"

Refer to <a href="http://www.bmw-m.net/TechProc/H&R%20COILOVER%20INSTALL%202.0.pdf">this PDF file</a> I got from TedK of someone's installation on Bilstein coil-overs.

<a href="http://www.turnermotorsport.com/subcategory_detail_frame.asp?subcat_id=90">TMS</a> also states the kits are adjustable.

you are comparing springs to coilovers, h&r sports and oe sports are springs. the springs generally run <300 and a full coilover from H&R Is >1200 i believe.

[Rel44 M3]

Yeah, I think you're a bit confused. Neither the Streetline or Trackline kits are coilovers.

[¶Pho€nix]

Ah, I see. Thanks for clarifying. Yes, I was mistaking one for the other.

What if I got Konis all-around and got GC's adjustable spring kit. Would that have the same adjustability as a coil-over kit?

Thanks, by the way, you guys. These answers have been a lot of help for me.

[fourfa]

that would have more adjustability than the H&R coilovers (shocks plus height, and hundreds of spring rates to choose from), although maybe not the H&R's famously supple ride.

[TedK]

Sorry about the confusion I might have caused. I simply included that pdf link for installation instructions, not at all for product info. The basics for installation are similar, so I found them useful.

Fourfa is right on about GC spring options. You would really be able to get an appropriate rate for the drop that (I think) you are looking for. I think the H&R OE Sport springs are probably the correct length for the relatively light spring rate. I somehow suspect that the Sports are a little too soft for the drop, which is further evidenced by Fourfa's earlier comment about hitting bumpstops.

Just as hear-say, my neighbor insalled H&R Coilovers on his '95 and he wasn't sure if he could stand the ride and is considering removing them. He's no senior either, looks in his early twenties at most. His car still looks pretty lowered, so maybe he kept them, I dunno. Just be careful about what folks define as 'comfy', it's like judging matresses.