AVO Shocks or Coil Over?

[Nate88]

I'm planning a suspension upgrade to 2805 including new shocks, springs (lowered front), new front lower control arms, and strut tower brace. I tried searching the forum, but couldn't find much with the 2 options I'm pondering.

I pretty much had my mind made up on AVO shocks, but now I'm considering a coil over system. Both options give the ability to adjust the stiffness of the shocks.

What are the other benefits or downfalls to either?

Are the coil overs "better"? Why?

Anybody have the AVO shocks? Thoughts?

Just want to get the opinions of the community that are running some of these setups. 2805 is still on the original suspension and is in dire need of an upgrade.

Thanks for any input!

[eight8toy]

Go with DPI coilovers. Gives you lowered profile and lots of adjustments for stiff or soft ride.

[Josh]

Go with DPI coilovers. Gives you lowered profile and lots of adjustments for stiff or soft ride.

I would contact Matthew David (Drive stainless). He sells the same coilover setup as DPI but for a cheaper price.
Its all just off the shelf QA1 stuff, nothing proprietary about it. I believe the front setup crosses to a Mustang 2 and the rear are just universal springs and shocks. Matt makes the necessary brackets to interface the QA1 stuff with the delorean frame and suspension.

I installed this setup on 2022, with an LS swap. My personal car still has a mostly stock setup (with the exception of front lowering springs) and it is a NIGHT AND DAY difference.
The car handles infinitely better around corners, and the adjustable damping allowed me to firm up the rear shocks to prevent the front from lifting under acceleration. I never had the chance to autox 2022, but I would imagine it would shave seconds off my previous times with 11408.

[Delorean Industries]

I would contact Matthew David (Drive stainless). He sells the same coilover setup as DPI but for a cheaper price.
Its all just off the shelf QA1 stuff, nothing proprietary about it. I believe the front setup crosses to a Mustang 2 and the rear are just universal springs and shocks. Matt makes the necessary brackets to interface the QA1 stuff with the delorean frame and suspension.

I installed this setup on 2022, with an LS swap. My personal car still has a mostly stock setup (with the exception of front lowering springs) and it is a NIGHT AND DAY difference.
The car handles infinitely better around corners, and the adjustable damping allowed me to firm up the rear shocks to prevent the front from lifting under acceleration. I never had the chance to autox 2022, but I would imagine it would shave seconds off my previous times with 11408.

You should probably do your research a little better prior to posting things such as this. We purchase blanks for the rear/ machine housings for the front and build our own valving and internals for our shock offerings. The off the shelf components used by Matt Spittle or David are not the same as what we offer. If you are ok with sub standard attempts at reverse engineering something based solely on how it fits between two points.....

In your defense this information isn't readily available to you due to being black listed for trolling and causing issues on our company pages with inappropriate posts and aggressive derogatory comments towards our clients.

[Riley88]

I dont understand the problems people have with DPI. I have had nothing but amazing service with them, tech calls as well. Every product I have bought is top notch. I dont want to shill DPI, but seriously its comparing two completely separate things when you compare compare DPi's suspensions to QA1's. We dont have many vendors for our cars. Please support them, keep the trash talk to the other car communities that have more options as well.

[Josh]

You should probably do your research a little better prior to posting things such as this. We purchase blanks for the rear/ machine housings for the front and build our own valving and internals for our shock offerings. The off the shelf components used by Matt Spittle or David are not the same as what we offer. If you are ok with sub standard attempts at reverse engineering something based solely on how it fits between two points.....

In your defense this information isn't readily available to you due to being black listed for trolling and causing issues on our company pages with inappropriate posts and aggressive derogatory comments towards our clients.

Unless you can prove me wrong, I find it hard to believe you are sourcing custom valved shocks.

[Josh]

I dont understand the problems people have with DPI. I have had nothing but amazing service with them, tech calls as well. Every product I have bought is top notch. I dont want to shill DPI, but seriously its comparing two completely separate things when you compare compare DPi's suspensions to QA1's. We dont have many vendors for our cars. Please support them, keep the trash talk to the other car communities that have more options as well.

Earlier in my ownership I did 10k+ of business with DPI as well as visited Josh at his shop a few times (I live approx 2500kms away from ohio). I would literally drive a day out of my way when going to DCSs to visit him.
Then things went south between us and i am blacklisted. Furthermore I have come to know several of his previous "clients" that have have paid DPI for parts and services and gotten nothing in return over long periods of time. Im helping a gentleman LS swap his car that paid Josh for a turbo kit that never came. I shipped some extra parts to another owner that took his car back after several years at DPI in worse shape than it was delivered and thousands of dollars later. Other owners have waited up to a year to receive parts from him that had been paid for, holding up their build.

I do not consider DPI an option as a vendor.

Also, calling DPIs coilovers and QA1s completely different is fairly naive. Put the two side by side, they are identical. Maybe the valving is different but the body and the coils are the same thing.

[Delorean Industries]

Unless you can prove me wrong, I find it hard to believe you are sourcing custom valved shocks.

Come on down. I'll personally walk you through our manufacturing facilities.

[Delorean Industries]

We also manufacture our own springs. Off the shelf rates in increments of 25 lbs are just not "right".

[Delorean Industries]

Josh.... You left us no choice. You would hijack our product threads and tell owners that they were better off buying cheap Chinese options from over seas on our company pages. It is all right to disagree and suggest other options in a public forum but seriously how would it have ever been OK for you to link other knock off and Chinese sources on our company pages? Multiple people called you out on this and I personally even took steps prior to ending the relationship and stopping your involvement to express this to you. Then to make things worse you started a not so private social media page for LS swap owners that we were given access to. That is nothing short of a slam dunk defamation case if we were to choose to pursue it. Not to mention countless emails and private messages forwarded to us from owners you have corresponded with making false claims and accusations. At the end of the day our choice to steer clear of you is very justified. I wish you the best moving forward but if you keep making off the cuff accusations and baseless claims casting doubt on our premium product offerings I'll continue to be forced to interject.

[Drive Stainless]

I no longer sell any DeLorean parts, but thanks for thinking of me, Josh S. (and for needlessly disparaging, Josh B.)

QA1 publishes calculations in the Technical section of their website that can be used to design your own custom suspension setup.

https://www.qa1.net/technical-support/street-performance-racing-spring-rate-tech

Based on my requirements, calculations, and experimentation, I determined that suitable parts existed off-the-shelf from QA1. I have enjoyed driving my car with the same setup for about 5 years.

[mr_maxime]

Matt, you mind posting what QA1 parts you used?

[Nicholas R]

We also manufacture our own springs. Off the shelf rates in increments of 25 lbs are just not "right".

25lb increments allows you to be within 12.5lbs/in of any desired spring rate. How much more fidelity do you need? Whether or not you have a passenger is going to affect handling more than this.

[Drive Stainless]

Matt, you mind posting what QA1 parts you used?

PM'd.

[Delorean Industries]

25lb increments allows you to be within 12.5lbs/in of any desired spring rate. How much more fidelity do you need? Whether or not you have a passenger is going to affect handling more than this.

It's more than just the desired spring rate. We control the type and quality of material used, batch test perameters, coil count, spring diameter, wire diameter and so on.

[Josh]

Josh.... You left us no choice. You would hijack our product threads and tell owners that they were better off buying cheap Chinese options from over seas on our company pages. It is all right to disagree and suggest other options in a public forum but seriously how would it have ever been OK for you to link other knock off and Chinese sources on our company pages? Multiple people called you out on this and I personally even took steps prior to ending the relationship and stopping your involvement to express this to you. Then to make things worse you started a not so private social media page for LS swap owners that we were given access to. That is nothing short of a slam dunk defamation case if we were to choose to pursue it. Not to mention countless emails and private messages forwarded to us from owners you have corresponded with making false claims and accusations. At the end of the day our choice to steer clear of you is very justified. I wish you the best moving forward but if you keep making off the cuff accusations and baseless claims casting doubt on our premium product offerings I'll continue to be forced to interject.

Let me break this down for the readers here: There were maybe two items on the DPI public page that i linked to another vendor in one isolated comment showing how yours was more expensive by a large margin. Shortly after i found myself to be blocked from your personal FB and the DPI facebook. You know what, i understand, I was poking, and it was rude. However you did not get "called out" for it, and you took no intermediate steps in blocking me.

As for me assisting a small group of owners with their LS Swaps, it is simply that. I put together a page with all the information I have gathered over the years that has been useful to me with my swap in the hope to help others. To make it anything more than that is just delusional, especially thinking it is some ploy against you and DPI. Im not sure how you have access to the group or if you are just bluffing but if you actually do and are looking for anything other than Swap information you will come up empty handed.

[Josh]

It's more than just the desired spring rate. We control the type and quality of material used, batch test perameters, coil count, spring diameter, wire diameter and so on.

You just are listing the attributes of a spring that affect the spring rate.

[Nicholas R]

It's more than just the desired spring rate. We control the type and quality of material used, batch test perameters, coil count, spring diameter, wire diameter and so on.

Totally fair; you would have to specify those features if you were designing a spring. I've had to design springs in my job (compression and torsional) and it tends to be pretty straight forward, especially if the spring rate is fixed. That being said, the only reason I've ever needed to design a custom spring was due to packaging. It's never been because I couldn't find a spring with the spring rate I needed, it's because I couldn't find a spring with the spring rate I needed to properly fit the space I needed. That is why I asked about the spring rate fidelity, as packaging isn't much of an issue in a shock tower. There are a lot of ways to make different springs that function the exact same way.

EDIT:


As for me assisting a small group of owners with their LS Swaps, it is simply that. I put together a page with all the information I have gathered over the years that has been useful to me with my swap in the hope to help others. To make it anything more than that is just delusional, especially thinking it is some ploy against you and DPI. Im not sure how you have access to the group or if you are just bluffing but if you actually do and are looking for anything other than Swap information you will come up empty handed.

I was going to say something before but since you mentioned it, I'll attest to it. I don't understand the original comment about this LS group being: "a slam dunk defamation case??" I've been an admin of that group with Josh from the beginning. I believe it began back with Mike was doing his swap so we could exchange information to assist with his swap. I'm not sure what Josh B's perception is of that group, but it's literally for exactly what the name says: DeLorean LS Swaps. It's a place where owners of LS swapped DeLoreans share experiences, designs, tips, and technical information, with other people with LS Swapped DeLoreans, or people whose LS swaps are currently in progress, or soon to begin.

There is admittedly a small aspect of exclusivity to the group as neither Josh nor I have time to help people that aren't fully invested in doing these swaps. It is also this way as both Josh and I are somewhat protective about the designs and intellectual property that we've developed, and would prefer it not end up getting monetized by someone else.

Regardless, as Josh mentioned, you'll find little more than information about DeLorean LS swaps.

[Delorean Industries]

You just are listing the attributes of a spring that affect the spring rate.

Correct, because we want to control all of those constraints just like with everything we do. Not to mention it is cheaper to manufacture yourself in quantity than go with an off the shelf generic component.

[Delorean Industries]

Totally fair; you would have to specify those features if you were designing a spring. I've had to design springs in my job (compression and torsional) and it tends to be pretty straight forward, especially if the spring rate is fixed. That being said, the only reason I've ever needed to design a custom spring was due to packaging. It's never been because I couldn't find a spring with the spring rate I needed, it's because I couldn't find a spring with the spring rate I needed to properly fit the space I needed. That is why I asked about the spring rate fidelity, as packaging isn't much of an issue in a shock tower. There are a lot of ways to make different springs that function the exact same way.

EDIT:



I was going to say something before but since you mentioned it, I'll attest to it. I don't understand the original comment about this LS group being: "a slam dunk defamation case??" I've been an admin of that group with Josh from the beginning. I believe it began back with Mike was doing his swap so we could exchange information to assist with his swap. I'm not sure what Josh B's perception is of that group, but it's literally for exactly what the name says: DeLorean LS Swaps. It's a place where owners of LS swapped DeLoreans share experiences, designs, tips, and technical information, with other people with LS Swapped DeLoreans, or people whose LS swaps are currently in progress, or soon to begin.

There is admittedly a small aspect of exclusivity to the group as neither Josh nor I have time to help people that aren't fully invested in doing these swaps. It is also this way as both Josh and I are somewhat protective about the designs and intellectual property that we've developed, and would prefer it not end up getting monetized by someone else.

Regardless, as Josh mentioned, you'll find little more than information about DeLorean LS swaps.


You are correct on the spring comment.

Nothing personal with this assessment but there is nothing to copy and monetize there in regards to how these swaps are being done. If a company were to take this to the level in which this would need to be engineered there is no existing ground work. Nothing that has been completed on current swaps would be applicable. A first principles approach would be taken with extensive development from scratch. It's nothing more than adapters and fitment into the current constraints of the existing frame and engine compartment with a variety of used engines and transmissions. I agree more DeLorean's still on the road. But I can tell you it is not what clients in this community want. If it was someone would be "monetizing" it already.

[Christian Dietrich]

I have DPI's QA1's on my car and I have no complaints. Been on there now for over 3 years with no issues. My car is used as one of my daily drivers and see's about 13k miles a year. Several days a week I take 11035 on a 164 mile a day commute to work and over various road conditions and how I have the valves adjusted make for a firm ride that doesn't beat the car to death. Added to the list when I purchased the QA1's is the LCA support bars which help to reduce front end body roll tremendously.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[mr_maxime]

Can someone please answer the questions in the original post?

What's really going to be the functional difference between adjustable shocks or coilovers?

[Delorean Industries]

I have DPI's QA1's on my car and I have no complaints. Been on there now for over 3 years with no issues. My car is used as one of my daily drivers and see's about 13k miles a year. Several days a week I take 11035 on a 164 mile a day commute to work and over various road conditions and how I have the valves adjusted make for a firm ride that doesn't beat the car to death. Added to the list when I purchased the QA1's is the LCA support bars which help to reduce front end body roll tremendously.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Christian, did you see the link we sent you? I believe you were asking us about these before. Sent an text.

https://deloreanindustries.com/19-radiator-lower-bracket-pair-stainless/

[Christian Dietrich]

Christian, did you see the link we sent you? I believe you were asking us about these before. Sent an text.

https://deloreanindustries.com/19-radiator-lower-bracket-pair-stainless/No i didn't. Email?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Delorean Industries]

Sending again.

[Delorean Industries]

Can someone please answer the questions in the original post?

What's really going to be the functional difference between adjustable shocks or coilovers?

Biggest thing is not having to fight front lowering springs into place. Along with the ability to fully adjust the ride height front and rear with a true coil over configuration. With a spring held between the lower arm and frame you are stuck with the lower rate provided by the spring. This can be adjusted considerably with a coil over set up.

[mr_maxime]

Biggest thing is not having to fight front lowering springs into place. Along with the ability to fully adjust the ride height front and rear with a true coil over configuration. With a spring held between the lower arm and frame you are stuck with the lower rate provided by the spring. This can be adjusted considerably with a coil over set up.

Got it. Don't know why I had completely forgotten about the adjustable ride height. Just slipped my mind lol. Considering I'll most likely be adding around 200lbs to the front axle with the batteries, I definitely want more adjustability. I got a set for my z3 with a camber plate and will be looking at possibly adapting a similar setup to the DeLorean.

[white out]

When KW has a DMC specific coilover, I don't know why anyone would consider QA1 components made-to-fit for nearly the same price.

[white out]

Are the coil overs "better"? Why?

Just want to get the opinions of the community that are running some of these setups.

Thanks for any input!


Can someone please answer the questions in the original post?

What's really going to be the functional difference between adjustable shocks or coilovers?

Coilover allows for the ride height and the balance of the car to be adjusted to each owner/driver's needs; spring rates and adjustable dampening so the components work together instead of against each other; actual performance upgrade over merely lowering the car; weight reduction; allows for a quicker install.

[mr_maxime]

When KW has a DMC specific coilover, I don't know why anyone would consider QA1 components made-to-fit for nearly the same price.

List of QA1 components I got was around $1k. KW's set is $1650. It's definitely the most expensive set I've seen for the delorean.

They don't use the actual picture on the site so I wasn't sure about them, but the instructions do show them on an actual Delorean.

[BladeBronson]

I bought the AVO shocks from DMC Midwest. Nice folks there, if you value that sort of thing. The rears are height adjustable and I’ve got it sitting just right. I did the work in my very small garage. It was nice not having to take the front springs out to do the install. All are adjustable dampening. Would buy again.

[Nate88]

Thanks for the replies so far. Sounds like coil overs are the preferred upgrade. I'll start looking at those more.

Any other input is welcome.

Delorean Industries - Couple of questions:
- My car already has the front end recall in place. I noticed the kit you provide has this in it. Is the new one needed? Do you recommend to replace the factory recall pieces?
- I'm assuming instructions are included?

[Delorean Industries]

Instructions yes, kit can be prorated with components you already have.

[eight8toy]

Delorean Industries - Couple of questions:
- My car already has the front end recall in place. I noticed the kit you provide has this in it. Is the new one needed? Do you recommend to replace the factory recall pieces?
- I'm assuming instructions are included?

I got the complete kit with their new LCAs. I left my original front end recall bracket in place. Didn't affect the rest of the new parts.

There seem to be a lot of negative comments in here so here's my story. First kit I got from DPI had me sitting a bit too low in front for my tastes. I contacted Josh after having them installed for a short time. He simply had me send my front pair of coilovers back and he shipped me out a new pair with a slightly different spring rate and brackets to swap in the fronts.

Honestly it's great to have that kind of help and variations of parts to customize your setup.

[Delorean Industries]

Yeah I should note there are three different options-

Lowered extreme for those wanting the car slammed

Standard lowering (most popular)

Normal stance ( yes some like it)

stainless chassis options are the above but completely different. Factory suspension components do not fit on our frames.

[white out]

List of QA1 components I got was around $1k. KW's set is $1650. It's definitely the most expensive set I've seen for the delorean.

They don't use the actual picture on the site so I wasn't sure about them, but the instructions do show them on an actual Delorean.

While MANY coilovers exist at a wide range of price-points, there are many differences in the quality of brands. I understand that many DMC owners are refreshing their suspension and want to go a bit lower which the QA1 achieves as it is a step up from the OEM layout. But choosing between QA1 vs. KW, for a fairly minimal price difference (especially when purchasing through DPI), is a no-brainer for anyone looking to do more than just lower the car.

QA1 is a cheap coilover, best known for producing coilovers for hot rods, older American show cars and dirt track. For example, BC coilovers are considered to be a low cost option and using the C5 Corvette as an example, BC is $995 while QA1 is $811. KW on the other hand is one of the best suspension manufacturers in the world, produces OEM equipment for many auto manufacturers, obtained TUV certificate and used in some of the highest levels of motorsports. Think about this, KW engineered the coilovers to fit the DMC, DPI/QA1 require the front spring perches be removed.

I agree, KW could have done significantly more on the marketing. For reference, here's the DMC coilovers:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48005726266_5d20eea8a6_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027159813_864350c54e_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027161433_70db8dc69d_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027158233_f3b8514d3b_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027123626_3497a732b0_z.jpg

[Delorean Industries]

Spring perch removal isn't required. Just looks stupid keeping something that is no longer required.

[Nate88]

Yeah I should note there are three different options-

Lowered extreme for those wanting the car slammed

Standard lowering (most popular)

Normal stance ( yes some like it)

stainless chassis options are the above but completely different. Factory suspension components do not fit on our frames.


How do you go about ordering the different options? When I'm ready to order, I would be interested in the Standard lowering.

What does this actually mean? I thought the coil overs were adjustable all the way around, does the "Lowered" version have more range than the "Standard"?

[Delorean Industries]

How do you go about ordering the different options? When I'm ready to order, I would be interested in the Standard lowering.

What does this actually mean? I thought the coil overs were adjustable all the way around, does the "Lowered" version have more range than the "Standard"?

We offer three different operating ranges of the configuration. Coil overs are adjustable within a range based on a minimum required preload on the coil to a maximum advised base compression of the spring. We manufacture different spring lengths to achieve different heights to operate within the desired range. (The highest version are not kept in stock and have a 3 week lead time due to low interest) While you could technically run the standard grade spring all the way up to achieve a nose high ride height for example. Or the lowest version up to the standard, this would require excessive compression of the coil spring within it's operating range and have very poor ride quality.

When ordering we always reach out and ask prior to assembling. Also we design special applications as well per request. For example if you are making massive changes to the car with conversions etc.

[Nate88]

We offer three different operating ranges of the configuration. Coil overs are adjustable within a range based on a minimum required preload on the coil to a maximum advised base compression of the spring. We manufacture different spring lengths to achieve different heights to operate within the desired range. (The highest version are not kept in stock and have a 3 week lead time due to low interest) While you could technically run the standard grade spring all the way up to achieve a nose high ride height for example. Or the lowest version up to the standard, this would require excessive compression of the coil spring within it's operating range and have very poor ride quality.

When ordering we always reach out and ask prior to assembling. Also we design special applications as well per request. For example if you are making massive changes to the car with conversions etc.

Thanks for the explanation!

[white out]

Spring perch removal isn't required. Just looks stupid keeping something that is no longer required.

Are your coilovers a twin tube or monotube design?

[Nate88]

While MANY coilovers exist at a wide range of price-points, there are many differences in the quality of brands. I understand that many DMC owners are refreshing their suspension and want to go a bit lower which the QA1 achieves as it is a step up from the OEM layout. But choosing between QA1 vs. KW, for a fairly minimal price difference (especially when purchasing through DPI), is a no-brainer for anyone looking to do more than just lower the car.

QA1 is a cheap coilover, best known for producing coilovers for hot rods, older American show cars and dirt track. For example, BC coilovers are considered to be a low cost option and using the C5 Corvette as an example, BC is $995 while QA1 is $811. KW on the other hand is one of the best suspension manufacturers in the world, produces OEM equipment for many auto manufacturers, obtained TUV certificate and used in some of the highest levels of motorsports. Think about this, KW engineered the coilovers to fit the DMC, DPI/QA1 require the front spring perches be removed.

I agree, KW could have done significantly more on the marketing. For reference, here's the DMC coilovers:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48005726266_5d20eea8a6_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027159813_864350c54e_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027161433_70db8dc69d_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027158233_f3b8514d3b_z.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027123626_3497a732b0_z.jpg


Can you adjust the ride firmness/softness with these? It says adjustable on the website, but I don't see the dial in your pictures. However, the picture on the front cover of the instruction PDF shows one on the top or bottom, but doesn't reference anything in the rest of the instructions. If that's the case, how easy/hard is it to adjust?

[white out]

Can you adjust the ride firmness/softness with these? It says adjustable on the website, but I don't see the dial in your pictures. However, the picture on the front cover of the instruction PDF shows one on the top or bottom, but doesn't reference anything in the rest of the instructions. If that's the case, how easy/hard is it to adjust?

Yes, they come with a tool to adjust the rebound, it goes into the top of the housing and is simple to adjust.

[Josh]

While MANY coilovers exist at a wide range of price-points, there are many differences in the quality of brands. I understand that many DMC owners are refreshing their suspension and want to go a bit lower which the QA1 achieves as it is a step up from the OEM layout. But choosing between QA1 vs. KW, for a fairly minimal price difference (especially when purchasing through DPI), is a no-brainer for anyone looking to do more than just lower the car.

QA1 is a cheap coilover, best known for producing coilovers for hot rods, older American show cars and dirt track. For example, BC coilovers are considered to be a low cost option and using the C5 Corvette as an example, BC is $995 while QA1 is $811. KW on the other hand is one of the best suspension manufacturers in the world, produces OEM equipment for many auto manufacturers, obtained TUV certificate and used in some of the highest levels of motorsports. Think about this, KW engineered the coilovers to fit the DMC, DPI/QA1 require the front spring perches be removed.

I agree, KW could have done significantly more on the marketing. For reference, here's the DMC coilovers:

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48005726266_5d20eea8a6_z.jpg

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027159813_864350c54e_z.jpg

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027161433_70db8dc69d_z.jpg

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027158233_f3b8514d3b_z.jpg

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48027123626_3497a732b0_z.jpg

Thanks for the rundown! you have talked me out of QA1s. Looking forward to running these next season.

[Nate88]

Thanks everyone for the replies. It seemed the overall consensus was that coil overs are the better way to go.

I ordered DPI’s kit sans the front end recall parts (already on car). Can’t wait to get these installed!

For people who have this kit, what shock stiffness are you running?

[Drive Stainless]

Thanks for the rundown! you have talked me out of QA1s. Looking forward to running these next season.

“white out” should have disclosed he has a financial interest, seeing how he’s currently selling KW DeLorean kits on eBay.

Aside from that, TUV is a German/Austrian product certification, so naturally few U.S.-based companies would even apply for it unless they expect to sell in Germany.

QA1 meets ISO 9001, which is an international product certification. Can KW make the same claim?

QA1 is older than KW. QA1 also provides to OEM manufacturers.

KW does cost more, which by itself isn’t persuasive. The threaded spring collar is plastic, which I wouldn’t consider symbolic of quality.

What else makes KW better?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lorraine5292]

I have to come to Delorean Industries defense on this one. I have been an owner for about a year and a half and all this bashing other venders is nonsense. I see I have nothing to say but good things about Josh@DPI. He's a good guy. When I ordered the wrong color fuel lines and it took me 4 months to return them, he gladly exchanged them for the correct color. My stage1 exhaust? I love it. Josh has always answered my questions and treated me fairly and respectfully. I just ordered the QA1 setup with the stabilizers, and I can't wait to see how it drives. (Thanks for the demo Christian!) I would even be willing to drive the 10 hour drive to have my car serviced by Josh if I needed it! I support all of the DMC vendors, and each vendor has their niche with parts. Josh is #1 when it comes to exhaust and suspension, hands down.

[white out]

“white out” should have disclosed he has a financial interest, seeing how he’s currently selling KW DeLorean kits on eBay.

Aside from that, TUV is a German/Austrian product certification, so naturally few U.S.-based companies would even apply for it unless they expect to sell in Germany.

QA1 meets ISO 9001, which is an international product certification. Can KW make the same claim?

QA1 is older than KW. QA1 also provides to OEM manufacturers.

KW does cost more, which by itself isn’t persuasive. The threaded spring collar is plastic, which I wouldn’t consider symbolic of quality.

What else makes KW better?


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First off, since a very important part of my previous post, was skipped, here it is again:


While MANY coilovers exist at a wide range of price-points, there are many differences in the quality of brands. I understand that many DMC owners are refreshing their suspension and want to go a bit lower which the QA1 achieves as it is a step up from the OEM layout. But choosing between QA1 vs. KW, for a fairly minimal price difference (especially when purchasing through DPI), is a no-brainer for anyone looking to do more than just lower the car.

With that said….

I do sell KW on eBay (and my website), thanks for the plug. I also have QA1 available at wholesale and don’t market the brand, or products, at all.

QA1 is two years older (LOL) than KW. QA1 has its location in Minnesota. KW has grown to have facilities in: Germany, UK, US and Switzerland.

Here is a list of motorsports series which KW is a manufacture for: Formula Drift, 24 Hours at Nurburgring – 6 overall wins, German Touring Car, World Touring Car Championship, Asain GT Championship, VLN Endurance Championship, BMW Sports Trophy Series, Multiple Nurburgring oveall lap records with different manufacturers and development with Grand Turismo.

I cannot find a specific OEM manufacturer that QA1 supplies. But I did find the types of markets they provide for: Agriculture, Lawn and Garden, Construction, Off Highway, ATV/UTV, Packaging, Energy, HVAC, Car Washes, Medical Equipment, Fitness Equipment, Motorsports. Which makes sense why QA1 is pushing that ISO 9001 certification, most likely for the individual components they provide to combat lower prices from China.

Here are some of the OEM Applications KW supplies for: Alpina, BMW, Mercedes AMG, Mini, Chrysler/Viper ACR, Roush Vehicles (available through Ford).

QA1 R&D center:
https://www.qa1.net/about/news/qa1-expands-on-research-development-facility
QA1 lists their equipment: FaroArm, 10 CNC Machining Centers, CNC Laser Cutter, CNC Press Brake, CNC Tubing Bender, CNC Band Saw, Hydraulic Presses, Shock Dynos, Shock Assembly Machines, TIG Welders, MIG Welders, Radial Riveting Machines, Injection Mold Machines, Filament Winder, Torsion Tester, Balancer, CMM, Tensile Tester.

KW R&D center:
https://www.kwsuspensions.com/technology/kw_7_post
Used as development center for: Formula series, LMP1, LMP2, DTM, ADAC GT Masters, WTCC and Rally Car.

More on the composite spring seat can be found here:
https://www.kwsuspensions.com/technology/coilovers

Each KW system is developed for that specific vehicle where the QA1 route is combining off the shelf parts to fit the car. KW is monotube construction and QA1 (and from the looks of it DPI) is twin tube construction, aka cheap. I stick with my point that QA1 is better than stock, but deciding between QA1 and KW for nearly the same price is an easy choice.

[Nate88]

Parts came in last week from DPI. Awesome quality for everything. I can't wait to get to get it installed!

[Delorean Industries]

Our coil over systems with their associated components are now available individually for owners who want to build over time or perform a complete update all at once.

Front lower aluminum coil over control arms.
https://deloreanindustries.com/31-aluminum-front-lower-control-arms-coil-over-pair-loaded/

Front only coil over system.
https://deloreanindustries.com/1-spec-coil-over-front/

Full coil over system featuring all of the above.
https://deloreanindustries.com/delorean-spec-suspension-coil-over-package/


Recommended add on components:

Rear lower adjustable control arms- All new construction. Manufactured in the USA. No core required.
https://deloreanindustries.com/delorean-16-adjustable-lower-control-arms-rear/

[Chris 16409]

Hey Josh, when did you convert to aluminum control arms? I must have missed the product announcement!

[Delorean Industries]

2018ish? They were first made to order for stainless frame builds. I purchased the manufacturing firm last year instead of the owner retiring and closing the doors. Now I disrupt workflow with personal projects and DeLorean part runs on demand. Some of the current products now being machined in house:

https://deloreanindustries.com/3-caliper-piston-rear-stainless/
https://deloreanindustries.com/brake-pin-kit-rear/
https://deloreanindustries.com/delorean-2-engine-piston-liner/
https://deloreanindustries.com/9-pin-pivot-clutch-pedal/
https://deloreanindustries.com/3-pin-pivot-brake-pedal/
https://deloreanindustries.com/delorean-16-adjustable-lower-control-arms-rear/
https://deloreanindustries.com/delorean-36-top-link-arm-adjustable-pair/
https://deloreanindustries.com/31-aluminum-front-lower-control-arms-coil-over-pair-loaded/
https://deloreanindustries.com/delorean-dpi-efi-fuel-rail-set/
https://deloreanindustries.com/3-gear-change-lever-stainless/
https://deloreanindustries.com/throttle-body-to-metering-housing-spacer/
https://deloreanindustries.com/1-door-hinge-front-lh-stainless/

Other productions that are now 100% controlled inhouse:

CNC tube bending of all stainless brake, fuel lines. Aluminum heater core and coolant pipe sections.

Braided fuel line kits (including manufacturing all custom stainless line ends)

DOT brake lines (our same crimper above is used by a DOT certified assembler)

Gasket stamping- Almost all engine and transmission gaskets (head gaskets, exhaust gaskets and o rings excluded)

Wiring harness assembly (by far the hardest nut to crack in terms of process and the right people for the job) All assembled by hand here.
https://deloreanindustries.com/delorean-dpi-efi-main-wiring-harness/

air to water intercoolers, heat exchangers, radiators all assembled in house. ( all featuring premium Bell cores)

More to come!

[DeLoreanTech]

I just noticed the change from stainless steel LCAs to billet aluminum a couple weeks ago.

Any plans for new construction rear adjustable upper control arms?

[Delorean Industries]

Yes, already available along with lower units. I believe the product offer still needs to be updated at this time to reflect the change.

[eight8toy]

Those new billet LCAs look great, are they stronger than old ones I'm running?

[Delorean Industries]

Forwarded you an email about details regarding upgrading to the latest spec available.

[DeLoreanTech]

Yes, already available along with lower units. I believe the product offer still needs to be updated at this time to reflect the change.

Thanks. I am glad I've been dragging my feet on the Spec suspension. I also just noticed the new free shipping on orders over $50 in the CONUS. Is this permanent or a limited time offer?

[Delorean Industries]

We plan to maintain the shipping option as long as our main carrier holds our current pricing. We successfully negotiated a tiered rate making this economically viable without having to adjust product pricing substantially.

[Nate88]

Installed this kit last weekend. After an email to Josh about a few parts and where they went everything went smoothly and is pretty straight forward. I haven’t been able to drive it much yet because of the weather. Can’t wait to drive it more!

I did have a couple questions:

When we reinstalled the sway bar (with poly bushings in LCA and on frame) we did it with the car in the air. Should the car be on the ground for this? Does it matter?

Josh said they always start at shock adjustment 6 for the softness/hardness. That’s where I’m going to start. However, I’m interested as to what other people have their’s set at that have this setup.