Lately i've had a fair bit of experience driving, adjusting, removing and installing coilovers on 3rd gen magnas and i am home sick from work and bored as hell so i'm going to write a little review and explain some differences.

If you are in the market for Coilover suspension There are two types that are commonly available for a 3rd gen magna and i'll use that for two separate reviews.

1. Ksport Coilovers ($1600-1800)
http://i41.tinypic.com/11i0lug.jpg
The build of the Ksports is good but is let down by 2 flaws from my eyes, The thread used along the body of the coilover is too large, they have a decent presision when new but If you want to adjust the height of them after half a year, dirt will have gotten into the thread and will make them very hard to adjust (I just removed a set that were completely seized and it's a PITA!) This doesn't always happen and can happen to any coilover but the larger thread makes it more likely.(I haven't measured the thread but by looking it definately seemed larger and deeper)

The second flaw is that you can't adjust the coilover height on the car, you basicly have to remove the coilover to adjust ride height. This tends to make it Impractical to be used as a track car / track day coilover for people who are series racers. The coilover is better to be used to find a ride height you're happy with when new and then have fun with the car and not worry about it.

However what has caused the lack of on-car adjustment seems to be rubber at the tops of the coilovers that reduce the funny noises you get from coilovers, making it a much more refined ride.


2.Kido Coilovers ($900-1200)
http://i43.tinypic.com/2vnfm3d.jpg
Similar design to the above coilovers but to me they seem less refined for everyday driving which is a good and a bad thing. you will find with these coilovers you will get more creaks and strange noises than with the ksports, in saying that they are usually just one off noises when the car is on an odd angle, putting unusual forces on the strut.(this harshness will vary according to spring rates on the coilover)
The thread in the body of the coilover on these seems smaller and better in my opinion as it is less likely for dirt to get trapped inside, and the lack of the rubber mount at the top of the coilover also makes them way easier to adjust which is ideal if you are changing ride height quite often. Ofcoarse because of that they do creak a bit more then the ksport.
The Kido seem to offer a bit more flexability then the Ksport does too in choosing your springs and shock stiffness, with really whatever spring rates you want and track or street spec shocks.

Shock life as far as i can tell so far are very similar although the 'upto 75,000kms' that QMD_801 achieved on his ksports wont be easily beaten and is impressive for a coilover.


In summing up, the actual ride of the coilover is so similar due to almost the same design in the coilover, stiffness will only vary with what springrates you choose and the dampening adjustment between models is neglegable.
If you want a coilover for everyday driving, that you get set when they are installed and not have to worry about them for a long while and enjoy spirited driving, then I would think the ksport coilovers are more suited to you.
If you're after coilovers that are easily adjustable and have a large range of customisation or you just like to play with your cars settings alot and hit the windy roads or track and find what you like, the Kido sets are more for you.


That's a basic understanding from my experience with them, i'm sure some people have a different view, but each have their negative and positive points, feel free to comment just don't slander my thoughts, You don't have to listen to my opinion if you don't want to ;)

Has anybody tried these XYZ's from the states ??
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/XYZ-SPORT-COILOVER-97-02-DIAMANTE-30-STEP-ADJUSTABLE-SUSPENSION-SYSTEM-COILOVERS-/190830110409?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6e5c66c9#ht_2728wt_1170

Hayden, are you running the 10/8 or the 8/6 spring stiffness on the kidos? Just asking as our Legnum has coilovers & I think they are the racing spring rates (10/8) as they are pretty harsh & we've had to wind the damping settings down to their softest point to give it some level of compliance.

I was wanting to put Kidos on my verada, but the softer 8/6. I just wanted to know if these are noticeably more compliant/comfortable, as I don't want too harsh a ride. I've got kings SPs rear & Kings lows up front with KYB excel G's all round & Front strut brace, Front end for me is too soft so I can go a firmer setup. But not butt jarring harsh like the legnum.

Hayden, are you running the 10/8 or the 8/6 spring stiffness on the kidos? Just asking as our Legnum has coilovers & I think they are the racing spring rates (10/8) as they are pretty harsh & we've had to wind the damping settings down to their softest point to give it some level of compliance.

I was wanting to put Kidos on my verada, but the softer 8/6. I just wanted to know if these are noticeably more compliant/comfortable, as I don't want too harsh a ride. I've got kings SPs rear & Kings lows up front with KYB excel G's all round & Front strut brace, Front end for me is too soft so I can go a firmer setup. But not butt jarring harsh like the legnum.

I have the 10/8 which is not a track set. It ia more a harsh street. 8/6 is a fair bit nicer and as soft as you can really go in a magna coilover.
Ride harshness is all down to personal experience so its hard to say. Best to not ride in one. But DRIVE a car with 8/6 and see if youre comfortable

Has anybody tried these XYZ's from the states ??
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/XYZ-SPORT-COILOVER-97-02-DIAMANTE-30-STEP-ADJUSTABLE-SUSPENSION-SYSTEM-COILOVERS-/190830110409?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6e5c66c9#ht_2728wt_1170

Yes..

Harrison who had a TL VRX on 18x10" Eurolines had them in an 8/6 setup..

They're very similar to the K-Sport/Kido - However they utilise a more basic dampener insert that does not allow as much adjustment for stiffness and they dont allow differing spring rates.

Still a great setup, if you're chasing a simple coilover option.

Ride quality - 8/6kg spring rates are VERY compliant and give an extremely comfortable ride for coilovers.

SuFz :ninja:

I tape over the exposed threads on my coilovers. Saves you from damaged threads.

Spring rates always seem to tend toward a heavier front spring, and I'm not sure why? The math and reading I've done suggests that a heavier front spring promotes understeer. And understeer is something that's already designed into the chassis geometry. So, to iron that out or aim for more neutral steering you really need to increase rear roll stiffness - stiffer springs/bigger rear bar.

I'm running 8kg front and 8kg rear with a 22mm rear bar, feels pretty good.

Adjusting ride height is something else I've looked into seriously. The lower the ride height up front - on strut suspension - the more roll center deviation you're going to get. And that's not such a good thing as far as handling goes. So, don't "slam it" guys or the car will handle like sh!t. I've done some drawings that show the roll center deviation and posted them on my AWD thread. Since then I've jacked things back up to slightly lower than Kings Lows ride height. This I believe is the best compromise as far as ride height goes.

Also, adjusting ride height affects your corner weights and things like wedge, so handle with care as far as tinkering with ride heights go.

I can vouch for what Hayden says about creaks and groans go. The Kido's in my car creak a bit when cold. I've just put a drop of chain lube on the top spherical bearings and that helps. The spring seats collect crud if you lube them up, so go easy with the grease and clean them up once in a while.

Rear shock rebound adjustment can be made easier with a small mod to the rear parcel shelf and making an adjuster out of an old bolt and long Allen key.

I was supposed to draw and fabricate some brake line brackets for the coilovers.... but, the ghetto zip tie arrangement is working well. Not broken - don't fix it.

If you own an AWD the coilover upgrade saves you 12kg!

Skapper the standard spring tensions are general for all cars as more weight is up front so the spring rate is higher so the bodyroll front to rear is similar. But yes you are right for best handling stiffer springs in the rear are usually needed. This is the same with most fwd and awd combinations. Rwd seem to be best with softer rears unless you are using the car to drift.

Ride quality - 8/6kg spring rates are VERY compliant and give an extremely comfortable ride for coilovers.

I have been running these daily for coming up on a year soon, on really bad Adelaide roads. I will say that yes you could consider them comfortable but for coilovers is the important thing to note. For anyone unfamiliar reading this, don't delude yourself, these will be nothing like your factory spring setup comfortwise. You cannot retain a "standard" ride on coilovers, or at least I have never been in a car that did. Handling is an insanely good improvement even with the 8/6kg "street" set, but it is at the cost of a very firm ride, no ifs or buts. The vast majority of my passengers don't notice/care, but I have had one or two comment that it is very hard on bumps, potholes etc. - which is true.

Do I view this as a problem? No, not at all. Again, for coilovers they are very streetable. Anyone buying coilovers should know what they are going in for, these are not a no compromise upgrade for a standard spring/shock setup. On smooth roads they are flawless, you won't know the difference. On bumpy roads they are maybe a little less comfortable but nothing major, you'll forget there's even a difference soon. On bad roads they do become noticeably uncomfortable on bumps, in particular some speed bump designs are "brace yourself" level uncomfortable, but given the height and weight advantages and significant handling advantages, they are more than worth it and really they are designed to be this way, it's nothing to do with brand. I wouldn't trade them for anything short of air suspension, and even then I'm not sure. Static lyf etc.


I can vouch for what Hayden says about creaks and groans go. The Kido's in my car creak a bit when cold. I've just put a drop of chain lube on the top spherical bearings and that helps.

I can also vouch for this, this appears to be the only issue (If you can call it that) of Kidos over other brands. While some on here have foolishly indicted them over the competition just because they cut into profits, claiming they are "cheap shit" or whatever, I think it is becoming clear that those people have egg on their face at this point, they are clearly not cheap shit, I don't know of any failures yet in the group buys (not saying there hasn't been one, I just don't know any, the vast majority of sets sold at the very least have been flawless) and mine personally have got about 15,000kms of potholes and shit roads galore and are still as good as the day I got them. I'm sure other members have put more time into them, and when the shocks do go as they will on any coilover, they can be rebuilt easily. In my opinion they have proven themselves a worthy contender given their lower price. As for them not having that bump stop/cushion/whatever that the K-Sports have, for half the cost and better thread/adjustability, I don't even see that as an issue.

I have K-Sport with 8kg rates.
For me, they are quite compliant, I have travelled across Australia with a car load of gear, and wife and kids with no complaints. I have no unusual noises form the suspension, mainly due to the large pillowball rubber mounts on the strut tops. I like the 2 ways of height adjustment. If you want to lower while keeping full spring travel, then you can adjust the strut length, or, spring height if spring travel isn't a concern.
Mine is set at around King Low height at the front and around SP in the rear. I am looking to lower the rear another 15mm and straighten out the rear camber. That I think will give best in handling.
Passengers have commented positively at how compliant and smooth the car is, even over speed humps and potholes. Even my kids love the ride!
I'm also looking at getting new strut mount sleeve for the fronts to get ABS and Brake line mounts attached.
All in all, a good setup for those after a coilover, with decent adjustment in stiffness, camber and height, while still having a compliant smooth ride.

I'll just leave this here... Roll center deviation (http://i.imgur.com/EeSCF20.jpg) part of this album (http://imgur.com/a/Jb1ve)

Basically, the lower you drop the front on our cars the more that front roll center misbehaves as the body rolls. The king springs height up front is pretty good, keeps the roll center inside the wheel track. Based only on what I've measured, going lower than 670 at the arches starts to push that front roll center outside of the wheel track (on body roll). I could be completely wrong of course.

I have had the kidos fitted for 18 months. I have 10kg and 7kg. They have been great. I have done plenty of street driving, and trackdays.
My understanding is Kido only have the one coilover design but custom valving and spring rates are available, and additional springs, single replacement coilover(to replace damaged part), spare parts can be purchased at any time from Taiwan

Ksport (also made in taiwan) have a range of coilovers with the kontrol pro being their cheapest street coilover which are about $US900+freight
These are the ones being sold here in Aus for $1600-$1800

Even the more expensive Ksports GT Pro, AR or RR coilovers should cost less then US$1300+freight

I have not seen an option for customised springs/valving so that's why I believe Ksport offer a range

If your going to the track then its best to order the customised kido's or the track range from Ksport.
If you just use your car on the street then Kontrol Pro is fine. Im sure people run these on the track but you might as well get coilovers more suitable for track work

Update 2/9/2013 - Just ordered 2 new 12kg front springs from kido in taiwan, and moved the 10kg's I had on the front to to the rear. ( so now 12kg front, 10kg rear) Coilovers are still in great working condition.

Once again australia getting ripped off for car parts.

Once again australia getting ripped off for car parts.

I actually confront the K-Sport people about this. Was ignored. Which was lead me to buy another brand.

I actually confront the K-Sport people about this. Was ignored. Which was lead me to buy another brand.

Dont blame you. Dont mean to turn my thread into a flame thread but k sport also have the idea that unless they install your susprnsion it wont have warranty as my mate found out the hard way. Its just crap though the product has to have warranty. They just dont want you to think they do. Thats it just thought id share my friends experience with k sport.

Guys, coil overs don't need a warranty at all as they are sold on the basis of being for competition or performance use, not advertised as street legal. Like putting a sc on your motor. Yes most do warrant them but don't have to. Many companies will state that the product is made for competition use and no warranty is available

Guys, coil overs don't need a warranty at all as they are sold on the basis of being for competition or performance use, not advertised as street legal. Like putting a sc on your motor. Yes most do warrant them but don't have to. Many companies will state that the product is made for competition use and no warranty is available

Pm me a reply as it shouldnt take up the thread but I was under the impression it was australian law that it had to have a warranty? The ksports are very much a street coilover too, far too soft for a 1500kg track car imo.

No need to PM a reply as this is all a basis of what to choose not only in coil over brand but coil overs point blank.

One disclaimer I often see on performance / competition parts is

"Due to the unusual stress placed on racing parts and because of the circumstances under which they are often used, racing parts are sold without warranty, as is, and all warranties, express or implied, of merchantability, or of fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise are expressly disclaimed and denied"

Coil overs are not a replica of what the manufacturer made for that make or model, they are a performance replacement part and many of the places which sell such parts (not only coil overs but many parts) will have this sort of disclaimer in their terms and conditions. It is impossible to warrant a part which will be generally used and stressed far beyond what the manufacturer originally designed that part or the whole car to be used for. Is fine to say I only ever drove the car down Parramatta Road in peak hour but try and prove this. You cant. Most who use coil overs are lowering the car far below that height designed by the car maker and will generally also be using the car in a way the maker never intended. You take a car which is under warranty which has also been modified back to a dealer and watch them when you try and claim a warranty. Yes you can try the old trick of "that part had not bearing on the failure of the other part" however often things like suspension will play a big part on wear of other parts of the car.

So in short, if you are buying a part which is a direct replacement for a worn part, yes it would be covered, if you are buying a part which is a performance part be sure you know all the ins and outs of any warranty which may or may not be offered in so far as that part goes.

Another reason a company such as KSport may require they fit the item in order to honour any warranty is because of how they are fitted. Many coil over suspension kits are incorrectly fitted, pre loads are incorrectly set on springs etc etc, if they are not able to control the correct fitment then this is a big reason why they would stipulate this. When I sell used transmissions and or engines I state that I will give a warranty conditional to being fitted by a professional workshop and in the case of transmissions a flush is required and use of Genuine fluid. I have the right to state this as it is within the guidelines of what Mitsubishi stipulate is used in their product. I have had 1 return where the fitter mis aligned the torque converter and then tried to claim warranty, once I pointed out what the fitter had done wrong and advised that I would not cover this there was still a 2 week saga drawn out from this issue thus I see where KSport are coming from with their conditions.

Having seen both units, KSport and Kido as well as many other brands here (and yes driven cars with them all) I would if I was going to have to fit coil overs to my car use the KSport over the Kido then again I would prob go for a set of custom Koni or Bilstein units which external gas canisters and just do the job properly from the get go.

Just to add to this..

QMD was at the Aus Garage - Day for Car Enthusiasts, where the DOT were walking around answering questions of enthusiasts and I had to ask the question regarding legalities of Coilovers in QLD.

The DOT guys advised

"As long as the mounting points are bolted to the factory mounts, no modifications to Hub or Strut Top points, and you retain full rebound of the strut - They're legal. The only issue we have, is when you wind them down and have your car less than 100mm off the ground"

I also asked the Police the same question and they replied with

"As long as your height is fine - I don't see the issue"

Now these replies were given to us by the 2 x Queensland Department of Transport Compliance Officers at the event and also the 2 x Queensland Police Officers at the event.

SuFz :ninja:

I know the Magna's are fairly limited to suspension mods compared to some cars but Is there any other brands of coilovers that people are running or could suggest?

I know the Magna's are fairly limited to suspension mods compared to some cars but Is there any other brands of coilovers that people are running or could suggest?

There are a couple of others but I think only 1 or 2 people have bought them and I havent been told of their experiences.

Having seen both units, KSport and Kido as well as many other brands here (and yes driven cars with them all) I would if I was going to have to fit coil overs to my car use the KSport over the Kido

Serious question (Not trying to incite anything, genuinely want to know), do you still stand by your initial comments regarding the alleged poor quality of the Kidos or do you feel having seen how they are going in this community now as well as other car communities there has been sufficient community testing to disprove that and see them more in line with the KSport, even if you still prefer KSport?

While I am happy with my choice of Kido given the quality from what I have seen and my own experience has been shown to be excellent, I agree that if I were to do it again now I too would probably choose the KSport based on what I'm reading here, and how the Kidos cost a bit more these days than when I got in on the first ever group buy plus a partial parts trade. That said, I question if the premium they cost over the Kido is worth it when you break it down, given how the Kidos are 90% as good and as Hayden mentioned actually better in a couple aspects. Not that price prevails over quality when it comes to my car though, as we've seen. :P

Has anyone had experience with or heard of D1 spec coilovers? I've found a set for the 3rd gen Magnas for around $1000 posted

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y510/kevvy07/image_zps9317660e.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/kevvy07/media/image_zps9317660e.jpg.html)

Has anyone had experience with or heard of D1 spec coilovers? I've found a set for the 3rd gen Magnas for around $1000 posted

Pretty much the same as kido afaik.

So most coilovers should be better than the general aftermarket dampers? I'm after something that will help for grip with a 6g75 manual magna, And mine are buggered from lowering the car on stock ones

Has anyone had experience with or heard of D1 spec coilovers? I've found a set for the 3rd gen Magnas for around $1000 posted

I hope that set in the picture is not the set they are trying to sell you. As they wont fit.

Na different set, there just an example

It wont help traction much. You need an lsd and good tyres for that

Anything will be better than the ones in there now ha ha, and I'm after less squatting off the line so got an anti lift kit after some stiffer suspension and got some kumho ku36 semi slicks coming next week, so should help a little overall

Also mine are at the point where if I hit a set of bumps through an intersection the back of the car steps out a bit ha ha

It wont help traction much. You need an lsd and good tyres for that
I disagree.... Chisholm raved on about how stiff rear suspension nearly eliminated squat on take-off in his boosted Magna. While he did have a LSD and good tyres to go with it, he did comment that the stiff rear suspension made a noticeable difference to front end traction on take off.

I disagree.... Chisholm raved on about how stiff rear suspension nearly eliminated squat on take-off in his boosted Magna. While he did have a LSD and good tyres to go with it, he did comment that the stiff rear suspension made a noticeable difference to front end traction on take off.

True but I didnt feel it too much