I was just wondering what the difference between Ground Control coilovers and Skunk2 coilovers? The only difference is GC could use custom rate springs and use Eibach springs right? I keep hearing GC are better than Skunk2 and visa versa. What really separates these two from each other? Better springs?

 

GC's are better cause they are eibach coils. skunk uses some no name brand of springs.

 

Pretty much, both are high quality. I'm trying to decide which way to go myself for my project LS. The skunks run a bit cheaper $25-50 depending on where you go. GCs are race proven. They've been in just about any kind of race car you can find. I have heard a couple of people having a problem with the adjustment not being as high quality (just one ring, right?) so they skunks are higher quality on that front (supposedly). Also, if you order straight from a dealer, you're probably not going to get whatever spring rate you want in the GCs. The nice thing about the skunks is that they use a higher rate in the rear to give you a bit more tail happy car. Also, since they do tend to be stiffer, watch for what struts you use so they can handle it and some people think they're too stiff.

Overall, you're going to hear different things from everyone. People who change height a lot will like GCs b/c they're easier to adjust. People who want oversteer will like skunks. Softer ride = GCs. Stiffer ride = skunks. Either way you go, you'll probably enjoy them (just keep in mind the stiffer ride w/ skunks usually).

 

You can get whatever spring rates you want directly from Ground Control in 25 lbs/in increments all the way up to 1200 lbs/in. Every IT race car I have ever seen has GC. I have never seen Skunk2 on any race car. There might be a reason for that....

 

MaddMatt, you've got a good point. THere are people running skunks on race cars (mainly drag but I've talked to a couple of people for autox) but compared to GCs, there simply is no comparison. THOUSANDS of people use GCs for race. When you consider they use Eibachs, that multiplies the number by 10-100!?! Still, I've heard a lot of good things about the skunks and unless you're buying from GC (not a shop), it's easier to get good rates for neutral handling/oversteer.

MaddMatt, you're in Durham? I'm in Raleigh. You found any good shops local that you use/trust/good selection? We pretty much only have 2 we talk to...Auto Sport Gallery, dude's been there/done that for about everything, & Phantasm (used to work with Nam, the owner). We know another guy opening a shop but do you know anybody else?

 

I get most of my performance stuff for my SE-R from Rosen Autosport in Richmond. They'll match or beat the best internet deals. Auto Sport Gallery is holyshit expensive. No offense, but I've never seen any car with a Phantasm sticker that wasn't completely riced out. When I think of Phantasm, I think of painted brake drums and fire extinguishers on the A-pillar. If that's the type of advice they give to import owners, I'll not deal with them. For all my OE replacement parts, I go to T-HOFF. Tarheel Sports Car Club members get parts at cost + tax from them.

 

i would go with Ground-Control. For the money... GC is unbeatable. I have a few friends with Skunk and I almost bought them as well. Theres a reason they're a bit more expensive.. quality comes with a price tag. If not... then there wouldnt be any difference between my Rolex and a Timex.

 

Matt, we always found autosport to be expensive for everything except for these coilovers. He's actually got the best prices in town. As for phantasm, what do you mean they're all ricers?!?! An 89 ford tempo with japanese writing, chrome wheel covers, and a phantasm sticker is a ricer? NAW! Yeah, Nam is pretty cool but he's dealing with too many idiots. I'd let him build a car for me but not anybody else over there. The only good thing is that he usually gives us parts for cost since we know him. There's very few people that deal with them that know anything about tuning. If they'd only get to work on the 10+ cars they've got out front rather than selling everybody clear taillights, they'd have a pretty good tuning shop. Anyway, thanks for the info. We'll have to check out Rosen.

 

Things I see on cars with Phantasm stickers:
Painted brake drums (woo-hoo!!!)
Type R and VTEC stickers on non-Honda/Acura products
Wings so big I expect the damn thing to lift off the ground above 20mph
Improperly mounted harnesses
Fire extinguishers mounted on the A-pillar
etc.
etc.

Phantasm may very well be a very good and legitimate tuning shop. But the crap I see on the street with Phantasm stickers all over it makes me stay as far away as possible. Perhaps you should tell Nam that.

http://www.rosenautosport.com. I know they specialize in SR20 powered cars and BMWs. I really don't know if they can get things for Hondas, etc, but it couldn't hurt to check. Everytime I call and say "I can get part X from these guys for this amount", they always beat it by a few dollars. Not to mention shipping from Richmond is quick and cheap.

Matt