Looking for a coil-over system for your daily driver, but also want it to perform at the track? One of the most attractive features of the following options is their ride height adjustability. They feature an adjustable spring perch and a threaded shock body. You can thread the perch up and down, allowing you to customize how much lowering you prefer for each corner of the vehicle. These coil-over systems will also let you customize the tuck of the vehicle's corners.
Below are my three favorite track-ready coil-overs available at Tire Rack:
Utilizing Bilstein's shock absorbers that are designed for heat dissipation and ride control, the PSS10 Coil-Over System adds a matched performance spring and threaded ride height adjuster to provide a complete suspension system for your vehicle. The system offers ten vehicle adjustment settings and includes numbered adjusters at the base of the shock body so you know exactly what setting you are on without counting clicks.
The RSS ClubSport Coil-Over Kit is designed for the committed motorsport enthusiast who's willing to relinquish some ride comfort in return for handling performance. The firmest coil-over in the H&R street line, the RSS is the choice for weekend track and club sport events.
KW Variant 3 Coil-Overs are state-of-the-art motorsport technology for proven performance on the streets. Independently adjustable compression and rebound damping allows for custom driving set-ups. The exclusive KW patented system has dual-level valves to provide the adjustment of the rebound damping (comfort) and the compression damping in the low-speed range. High-speed settings for driving comfort are preset by KW engineers.
To find the suspension component that's right for your car, shop by vehicle.
Valeo wiper blades can help ensure that your windshield is kept free of heavy rain and dangerous streaks.
While traditional blades use a frame structure that can easily ice up and restrict the blade from coming into contact with a portion of the windshield surface during winter months, Valeo wipers rely on a center locking design and a flexible blade that allows them to operate free of this troublesome old technology. For roughly the same cost as an over-the-counter blade, these blades are not only superior, but also very cost-effective. Moreover, these blades feature more contact patches for cleaner passes time and time again.
If you're considering either the ULTIMATE Wiper Blades or OE Wiper Blades, both options utilize Tec-3 technology:
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Rubber wiping element combines synthetic and natural rubber with a patented, bonded protective coating
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Synthetic rubber upper body provides resistance to permanent set deformity in high temperatures and a superior wipe in all temperatures
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Natural rubber wiping edge provides improved wiping quality and is flexible in cold conditions
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Protective coating reduces chatter and squeaking noise during the life of the blade and makes them last longer than standard blades
Take a look at what consumers have said about their experience with the Valeo ULTIMATE Wiper Blades:
"I've had these wipers for over a year and they are just as good as the day I put them on. Living in Iowa is a great test for them: snow, ice, sleet and lots of rain. I can even see at night in the pouring rain. Love them and would never put anything else on [my vehicle]." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2000 Subaru Legacy GT Limited
"I've been using Valeo wipers for over five years and I am extremely satisfied with their performance and durability. I've used them on all my cars and have found them to clean the windshield significantly better than standard O.E. or refill blades.Valeo wipers are also ten times easier to install than the O.E. wipers and look so much better, too." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2007 Ford Mustang GT Coupe
Customers also love the ULTIMATE OE Wiper Blades, see for your self:
"The car is parked outside 24/7/365 exposed to all weather conditions. We have driven in all types of weather as well as long highway trips and local daily driving since installation, and these blades have performed extremely well under all conditions." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2006 Volkswagen Passat Sedan 3.6L
"I have purchased these wipers several times in the past, they are by far the best wipers I have used." -- Tire Rack Consumer Review, 2005 Ford
We are excited to be carrying Toyo competition tires this spring. The Proxes R888 is Toyo's most advanced DOT-legal track tire. The tire is developed for driving enthusiasts participating in road racing, track days and high-performance driving schools. R888 tires are produced in a wide variety of sizes ranging from 13" to 20" wheel diameters.
While Proxes R888 radials meet DOT requirements, they're not appropriate for highway use. The R888 is molded at 6/32" tread depth and at this depth it offers the ability to handle intermediate wet conditions. Advancements in the Proxes R888's casing and tread design improve dry performance while maintaining wet traction and control. However, drivers should avoid wet conditions if the tire is shaved or worn down closer to 4/32" or less.
The Proxes R888 is the successor to the venerable Proxes RA1, which is still in production to serve a number of spec racing series events. Compared to the RA1, the R888 is noticeably faster around the track, although it requires a little more fine tuning of the car's set-up to extract the very best performance. Toyo recommends the following general set-up guidelines for the Proxes R888:
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Operating Temperature: 160ºF to 220ºF
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Hot Inflation Pressures: 32 to 38 (psi)
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Camber: -2.5º to -5.0º
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Caster: As much positive as possible
When racing on DOT-approved tires air pressure is a major consideration in tuning the handling of a car, especially in cases where suspension adjustments are limited. To see how you can change the balance of your car, read "Air Pressure for Competition Tires."
Are you looking to increase horsepower and improve your vehicle's fuel economy?
Last fall, I installed the AIRAID QuickFit with SynthaMax on my 2007 Dodge Charger 3.5L V6. No, it's not a Hemi, but it did come stock with an engine adequately rated at 250 horsepower. The AIRAID intake immediately gave my vehicle better responsiveness, a deeper sound and a slight uptick in fuel economy. According to AIRAID, this modification gave me an increase of 12HP.
This spring, I followed that mod by tuning the engine with the Hypertech Max Energy Power Programmer. This tune really woke up my car. My first impression was a noticeable improvement in torque, throttle response and power. According to Hypertech, it gave me an increase of 7HP. The combination of an intake and tune was simple, easy to install and has given the car a whole new attitude. And I'm getting my best fuel economy since owning my vehicle!
The QuickFit with SynthaMax air intake and Max Energy Power Programmer combination is also a great fit for the following vehicles:
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Chevy Camaro
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Ford Mustang
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Dodge Challenger and Charger
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Chrysler 300
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Ford F150/F250
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Chevy Silverado
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Dodge Ram 1500/2500
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JEEP Wrangler
To find the right combination for your vehicle, shop for engine tuning parts here.
My 1997 BMW 740 is likely overdue for a suspension overhaul. The potholed and broken pavement that is typical of this time of year has highlighted that fact. With over 180,000 miles on the vehicle (only about 20,000 are from my driving), I have not replaced the BMW shocks or springs and do not know whether the original owner did either. The existing components could very well be the ones that came from the factory!
The decline in handling from sloppy, worn-out suspension components is taking a toll on my enjoyment of the car. Therefore, it's time to start plotting my replacements. Springs are easy to replace and relatively affordable. I have narrowed my choices between the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and H&R Sport Spring Set. Both brands are excellent and well priced. For a car like mine that may see some fast driving but is generally a daily driver, the Pro-Kit offers an excellent combination of comfort and handling.
Shocks are a little tougher choice and more expensive. Check back next week to see what option I've chosen.
With most of the country experiencing warmer-than-average temperatures, many driving enthusiasts, including myself, have shed their winter / snow tires and wheels for "stickier" summer tire options. For the last few years, the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec has consistently been a staff favorite in our tests, as well as a best seller for those looking for a great balance of exceptional dry and wet traction.
Soon after the tire was introduced, we performed our internal tests, and more recently I had an opportunity to test the Z1 Star Spec at BMW's training and testing facility in South Carolina. All those who participated were very impressed.
In our wet skidpad and slalom testing, the Direzza Z1 was poised and very predictable right to the limit of the car which mirrored our customer's feedback and survey results. The tire also proved to be relatively quiet and expected life span is consistent with the competition.
Are you looking for Miata tires or something for your Honda Civic? Or maybe you're interested in M3 tires or a set of tires for your Porsche 911. Dunlop knows their customer base and that's why the Z1 Star Spec is offered in a wide range of sizes from 14" up to 18". This allows drivers with both smaller and larger applications to enjoy the race-like traction of the Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec.
To see if the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec is the right tire for you, enter your vehicle's information here.