Steinmetz Suspension Kit

**The Doc** · 21st February 2006, 09:36

Anyone used this full kit?

Or am I gonna be test mule?

£675 for a full kit inc. vat and delivered from SteinmetzDirect.Com is a VERY good price...

They recommend I don't use the springs as not a worthwhile upgrade.

Spoke to Regal about the Koni kit and don't think it will offer much more than my existing SRi setup.

**The Doc** · 22nd February 2006, 16:03

Looks like i'm test mule then lol!

**Duncan** · 22nd February 2006, 16:09

For just a bit more than that price you could get the Irmscher one supplied and fitted. Is the Steinmetz one a lot superior to that one?

Is that just for the dampers then? Wasn't 100% sure what you meant about the springs bit - whether they didn't recommend you use their springs or the existing springs.

D

**Andy** · 22nd February 2006, 16:21

the thing is, i doubt steinmetz actually make the kit at all but more than likely contract someone like Koni to make it for them. Worth checking out before spending the cash when the same units maybe available under a different branding.

**The Doc** · 22nd February 2006, 16:25

Is the Irmscher actually any better than the SRi kit or not though? Thought it was almost on par?

Steinmetz is a complete kit.

Andy - Good point will look into that.

**Andy** · 22nd February 2006, 16:30

The standard Sri kit is a compromise. Its nowhere near the same standard as an eibach or Koni kit. As with steinmetz, i doubt irmscher make their own kits too so again, worth looking into.

Any aftermarket kit will be much firmer, but you will see a noticable difference in handling.

But, as i found out with my old VTR, firmer suspension doesnt always equate to better handling. I much prefered the fling ability of the standard VTR set up, to the firmer spax set up i fitted. It didnt roll as much, but it wasnt actually any quicker round the bends.

**The Doc** · 22nd February 2006, 16:40

Not so much looking for firmer, I am looking for a better damper in all honesty.

Bit like a BMW M type damper. Very good on the motorway, but when you throw it around it just goes where pointed. The SRi just seems a stiffer standard damper. Not really any better in all honesty.

**Andy** · 22nd February 2006, 16:48

i may have the perfect solution....

Sounds like you are wanting a nice ride on the motorway, but then take on a nice firm sporty ride when you get to the twisty stuff. Almost like a jekyl and hyde?

Spikey may have found the perfect answer..

http://forum.vectra-c.com/showthread.php?t=5226

**Duncan** · 22nd February 2006, 16:49

Originally Posted by CDTi

Is the Irmscher actually any better than the SRi kit or not though? Thought it was almost on par?

Steinmetz is a complete kit.

Is it better than the SRi - not sure. The Irmscher is also a complete kit, main difference being the springs are lower then the SRi. TBH I don't know the exact differences between the Irmscher and SRi dampers.

As Andy said, it's unlikely Steinmetz make their own suspension, same with Irmscher. I've heard that the irmscher stuff is actually Eibach - so you may get equally god Eibach/Koni etc. for less money.

I went for the Irmscher stuff (fitted by dealer) just so that it kept the warranty and it all under the same roof. Glad I did after ending up having the rears replaced after one of the Irmscher dampers started to leak.

D

**The Doc** · 22nd February 2006, 16:56

Andy - Yeah I saw that but wasn't sure as Spikey came from a LX suspension setup. But that contradicts what I said above RE: the SRi stuff.

Duncan - Not worried about paying for the right thing, but don't want to get the 'wrong' thing if you see what I mean.