Originally posted by Spectra SVT:
I don't understand this matched setup thing for our cars. Besides BAT who makes a matched set that is affordable? And unless your racing, how does putting Koni's with Eibachs really make all that much difference?
Koni doesn't make a spring for the contour and Eibach/H&R don't make struts.
SO how is this "understand why" gonna help in a setup on the contour?
Well, if your car is underdamped, it will feel bouncy, and if it is overdamped, then--if I understand this correctly--a rapid succesion of bumps will "walk" your struts down until they bottom out or hit the bumpstops. I know this is probably oversimple, but it's how I'm able to think of it.
As for matched sets, I think that, yes, you are much better off with springs and dampers that are designed to work together, if the struts are non-adjustable. Just throwing KYB struts with any old spring may not be the best option. With the Koni's, though, you should be able to find a setting that works well with whatever springs you choose. Of course, the implication being that there is one "best" place to put the dial and leave it, and that turning it to "extra firm" for special occasions may actually hurt your handling.
Progressive rate springs really complicate matters, too. Which part of the compression range are you tuning your damper to?
Besides the BAT kit, there is a Koni strut/spring set sold in Europe (which may come here, thanks to Terry), and also an Eibach kit. The Eibach kit is made for the European Cougar, IIRC, and should fit our cars, as well. Only bad thing is that the struts are made by Sachs. Now, the valving would be perfect, but for some reason Sachs has earned a rep as low quality in terms of longevity.
