PSS vs PSS 9

[dboffa]

Hey guys,

I'm new here so forgive me if this has already been addressed.
I'm looking to do some work to my 323i - I thought about engine mods but have decided to work on the handling first (good idea?).
Anyway, I'm looking at the Bilstein kits, specifically the PSS. I can pick it up for about 900 - significantly cheaper than the 1300 they want for the PSS 9. Is there any reason I should be spending the extra $$$ for the PSS 9s? I figured with the money I save I could pick up a swaybar kit as well, which would enhance my handling better than the more expensive kit.
Any advice is helpful, and if you know of somewhere I can get these kits for cheaper I would much appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dave

[fcotanis]

what are we tunning this for - a little bit of track time later on perhaps? Just a bit better street handling?

I am unsure what kind of ride pss gives - I'd ask an EXPERIENCED professional - and then another one and then another one.

PSS9 would give you a bit more adjustability in terms of ride - but I don't know if the range they will give you is centered around the PSS ride or it's from PSS up stiffer only.
900 is a wee bit of dough - if you get stuck with a tough ride you might get pissed you didn't spend the extra and get what ride you really wanted.

Time to make some calls and get some info.
Please let me know,
Filip

[MarvelPhx]

I believe the PSS are = to #5 or #6 on the PSS9s settings.

[dboffa]

thanks both of you guys.

Marvelphx - hows the ride of 5 or 6?? ive never been to a track but would like to eventually - and i want handling as neutral and sporty as possible. any suggestions?

[fcotanis]

Tracks are - supposedly - a whole lot smoother and better then roads so you can actually run a much harder rebound. Hence the joy of PSS9s.
If you need go over some curbs you may adjust your rebound setting again for that.
But you have to honestly think that you will have to get under your vehicle and adjust it to get that last ounce of performance - let's be honest here - how many times will you do that?

#6 is what Todd is running on the PSS9s - he was saying that is simmilar to the stock ride.
Filip

[MarvelPhx]

#6 is a little stiffer than stock, but I like it too much to change. I ran at #1 for about a week and around town I about knocked my vertebrae out of alignment. It is really stiff, and would really only be beneficial on a smoother track surface...

I still believe the PSS9s are the best bang for buck I ever did, followed closely by the supercharger.

[dboffa]

Really appreciate all the help guys - will let you know what I end up with as soon as I act.

Thanks again,
Dave

[bbvvitug]

anybody used PSS9's? do you need camber adjustment plates for this upgrade?. or PSS9's is all that's required for the ultimate ride and handling?

[MarvelPhx]

You don't need camber plates.

[tommyh330]

Me again, with the forgotten 330xi....
I was originally interested in swaybarbarians and was told they don't work with my car. (because of the AWD)
Then I became interested in simply switching out the springs for H&R, but I've heard that they are actually pretty harsh even with the stock struts(even though they are touted to be "near-stock" ride quality).
Now, I'm getting interested in the PSS9 Bilstein because of the adjustability. Is this the setup for me?
As oppose to the typical person looking for an aftermarket suspension for a 330, I would actually like to retain a little bit of the ride-height, (I know it sounds crazy). And, furthermore, since I have kids and a discerning wife, I want to retain ride quality nearly completely.
My real question is, can I adjust the PSS9 to something even softer than Todd's chosen "6" and get a nearly stock ride?
Is this PSS9 THAT much better than an H&R sport set up with stock struts...?
My problem is, like the guy says above, if I'm gonna spend all the time and energy to have something put on, I really am going to want the best. Is the PSS9 the best? (I know about the Praxis, but I don't think I can stomach that much $$$)
Then I would still have the option of getting crazy on a given weekend for a CCA event or a romp down skyline drive by going to a "6" or a "5" or even lower.....
Any thougthts?
Todd?

[tommyh330]

does anyone actually still monitor these old threads?
Todd?

[MarvelPhx]

You can run it even softer, but it can actually get so soft it will bounce over bumps. You can play with the settings to find a balance of damping vs ride comfort.

[tommyh330]

so, the pss9 is that much better than opting for the h&r sport in terms of ride quality (as well as the obvious handling advantages...)

[MarvelPhx]

Once you have them, you will thank yourself for not getting the cup kit. Trust me.

[tommyh330]

get the cup kit,
ok.

[MarvelPhx]

No, once you have PSS9s, you will never miss the cup kit. The PSS9 are so much better.

[tommyh330]

I am still in need of opinions when it comes to spending upwards of 1300 bills or more, so I guess I will check some more forums...
I have heard varying opinions about the H&R set up, but mostly I think they were talking about the one that is comparable to BMW's Sport. Is this the Cup or is there a Sport?
If I end up doing the PSS9, I want it to be just a skosh higher than your setup. I guess I need to reread the DIY for the PSS9 to figure out just how I will accomplish that.
Is there a number "7" in terms of ride quality or do I just go with the 6?

[MarvelPhx]

You can set them as soft as 9 if you want. I kept 6 to keep some firm handling ability while riding great.

[tommyh330]

where is the best place to buy the PSS9 kit?

[MarvelPhx]

I got mine from eurocarparts.com but with the Euro being what it is, I would say fine someplace in the US. I will be opening my megastore soon, Eurovelocity Motorsports, and I will carry them. But for right now, I would say Evosport.

[QuickB]

Happy New Year...Well I am going to buy myself a late Christmas present....PSS9 coilovers. A couple of questions to Todd. Why the JT Design rear shock mounts? Why not something like the Turner adjustable camber plates for the strength and adjustment. If I elect at this time not to install the front and rear camber plates would you suggest the JT or Turner rear shock tower supports? What about Turner front reinforcement plates? And Rear camber correction arm kit from Turner, Bavarian or one of several others. Gotta go party for now but look forward to your answers and suggestions. Thanks

[MarvelPhx]

The JT Designs shock tower braces cannot control camber. I used them to strengthen the shock mounts. I have yet to need camber plates as I don't track the car that much. When the Praxis is in Track setting, it is like -2.7 degrees up front and like -2.1 in the back, plenty for DEs and AutoX.

[QuickB]

:D Thanks for the info. Will let you know what and how things go in the next couple of weeks. Your DYI should provide my local shop some much needed help. Great web site and keep up the greal work. Did you ever get over to ESS in San Diego this past month? Any idea about that NEW system you have been teasing us about? Thanks again.