BC coilovers installed on my '14 MDX
#41
Intermediate
Thread Starter
They are from the Infinity FX50/QX70 9,5X21 ET50
I didn't want aftermarket wheels as those almost always have quite low ET (mostly ET35/40) which puts a lot of extra load on the wheel bearings as compared to the OE Acura ET55.
So searched a lot and found these, which are in my opinion very good fit and look good..
I didn't want aftermarket wheels as those almost always have quite low ET (mostly ET35/40) which puts a lot of extra load on the wheel bearings as compared to the OE Acura ET55.
So searched a lot and found these, which are in my opinion very good fit and look good..
#42
Some clarification! the loaner 2019 MDX advance model I had a chance to drive in had dramatically better dampening and handling prowess because it had the electronic dampeners like the ones in the Sport Hybrid! I had complained to the dealership about my 2014 mdx and wanted to see whether I needed to replace my shocks, or springs to 2016-2019 model which apparently is swappable and different spring rates, and the parts manager mentioned that 2019-2020 advance models have the electronic dampener option. damn, that thing rides like a dream with the adequate sportiness for what the MDX really needed to be in the next level!
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bmoua15 (07-24-2019)
#45
Some clarification! the loaner 2019 MDX advance model I had a chance to drive in had dramatically better dampening and handling prowess because it had the electronic dampeners like the ones in the Sport Hybrid! I had complained to the dealership about my 2014 mdx and wanted to see whether I needed to replace my shocks, or springs to 2016-2019 model which apparently is swappable and different spring rates, and the parts manager mentioned that 2019-2020 advance models have the electronic dampener option. damn, that thing rides like a dream with the adequate sportiness for what the MDX really needed to be in the next level!
#46
I was going to point that out as well. Do you know if the wheels are the same and only tire size was changed or does it require new wheels to hold those tires? I believe you have the sport hybrid so you have both wider tires and electronic dampers. Anyone here with stock shocks and wider 265 tires for feedback?
#47
I was going to point that out as well. Do you know if the wheels are the same and only tire size was changed or does it require new wheels to hold those tires? I believe you have the sport hybrid so you have both wider tires and electronic dampers. Anyone here with stock shocks and wider 265 tires for feedback?
Stock shocks with 8.5" width wheels and 265 tires will feel just fine on a non sport hybrid, but their [sport hybrid] increased torque capability gives that larger contact patch more of that umph you would expect. For non sports, it could feel a bit slower off the line/heavier overall since you've increased weight overall and in each corner, but you should still feel more planted (20" vs 19" also means smaller sidewall, so the entire setup is stiffer). It just depends how sensitive you are to these things.
#48
Racer
of course the lowering means lower gravity point,
Last edited by merlin the wrench; 07-24-2019 at 12:00 PM.
#50
So perhaps the best thing to do is get some light weight wheels with similar offset to stock and summer tires with lower profile rather than on suspension parts that are neither available from good brands nor reliable like the BC and Megans. Another thing I might try is tire pressure. Mercedes and Porsche tire pressures are always past 40 psi while Japanese brands are in the 30s.
Last edited by shenofjo; 07-25-2019 at 01:30 AM.
#51
Off topic from the coilovers, update on the tire pressure increase has transformed the way the MDX drove today! Instead of 35 psi all around on the 19” tires, I upped it to 37 psi front and 44 psi rears. Stock cayenne my father’s has is 37 front 46 rear. The change reduced side to side lean dramatically! The car reacts a lot faster and minimal squat on tight turns. Only thing is obviously slightly harsher ride. After 200 miles half as driver half as rear passenger, my wife and I are sold on the tire pressure change. We intend on keeping the increased pressure and watch for how the tire wear is affected
#53
Im not changing the tire size or wheels, just tire pressure difference, Im not sure how much that would affect the diff. the stiffer characteristics of the rear tires from the higher pressure reduced lean dramatically, but increasing the front might not give the heavier end enough dampening through the tires themselves. the Cayenne is also awd though not the same as SH-AWD. I dont really see a problem with it.
#54
Its officially not just in my head! my wife, and my parents all agree that MDX handles much better with the tire pressure changes! my mother who sits in the 2nd row regularly said she doesnt feel like shes being thrown to another seat when I make fast turns anymore. my father also commented on how the car has less side to side lean overall. i think this is by the the best free mod to the MDX! I've also tried it on our accord which has 16" wheels at 32 PSI stock. bumped it to 35 front and 40 rear. same result. drives and handles much better.
#55
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Update
After long thinking about what to do, either:
So since last weekend the MDX is at the workshop of a very reputable suspension specialist who makes custom suspension for race/rallye/ high end custom cars.
They will make a custom setup based on Öhlins shocks with specially made springs, all custom made to size to fit.
It will be a upside-down setup with both adjustable ride hight and adjustable combined bump/rebound damper settings, they will make full setup adjustment, but I will be able to make adjustments if I want to play with it a bit.
They measured/ investigated and tested the Megan (and as such BC as that is 99% the same) setup and were not surprised that it doesn't function.
At first they were somewhat surprised how it is possible to manufacture such a relatively good looking kit for such a low price, but after taking things apart they found out Megan/ BC produce something like a lego set, using more or less the same basic shocks and springs with all different mounting parts to fit to loads of different cars ....thus making really cheap production possible.
It turns out that the front Megan shocks have about 70mm free travel which isn't bad.....but when the wheels are on the ground, so load is on them... only 17mm ingoing suspension travel was left on the fronts to take up bumps, after that, they hit the bumpstops.
So now it is clear why the front suspension rattles like crazy and car is jumping all over the place when on bad road: it is hitting the bumpstops all the time
Due to the design time, custom production and lasercutting + corrosion protection of parts, building all together, testing and setup, it will be about 3 weeks to get things done.
Very curious what the difference will be..
After long thinking about what to do, either:
- get rid of the MDX and turn to a BMW Alpina/ Porsche SUV but having to dish out a lot of additional cash to do so
- keep the MDX and have a real good suspension custom made at still high cost, but lot less then buying another car..
So since last weekend the MDX is at the workshop of a very reputable suspension specialist who makes custom suspension for race/rallye/ high end custom cars.
They will make a custom setup based on Öhlins shocks with specially made springs, all custom made to size to fit.
It will be a upside-down setup with both adjustable ride hight and adjustable combined bump/rebound damper settings, they will make full setup adjustment, but I will be able to make adjustments if I want to play with it a bit.
They measured/ investigated and tested the Megan (and as such BC as that is 99% the same) setup and were not surprised that it doesn't function.
At first they were somewhat surprised how it is possible to manufacture such a relatively good looking kit for such a low price, but after taking things apart they found out Megan/ BC produce something like a lego set, using more or less the same basic shocks and springs with all different mounting parts to fit to loads of different cars ....thus making really cheap production possible.
It turns out that the front Megan shocks have about 70mm free travel which isn't bad.....but when the wheels are on the ground, so load is on them... only 17mm ingoing suspension travel was left on the fronts to take up bumps, after that, they hit the bumpstops.
So now it is clear why the front suspension rattles like crazy and car is jumping all over the place when on bad road: it is hitting the bumpstops all the time
Due to the design time, custom production and lasercutting + corrosion protection of parts, building all together, testing and setup, it will be about 3 weeks to get things done.
Very curious what the difference will be..
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sooththetruth (11-28-2019)
#56
Instructor
Just trying to cheer you up.
#57
#58
Intermediate
Thread Starter
My exact experience with Megans. Mine were not on an Acura/Honda product. Allowed so much better cornering, and eliminated the "wallow" of my "luxury" vehicle that would make passengers seasick. Instead, they were bruatalized by the loud bumpstock shock, and would comment that it felt as though the car would break. Fortunately, there was a factory licensed aftermarket shock set up that has met my needs, and would have cost me a lot less than the coilovers. I hope your new set up works. I agree, almost always less expensive to correct/repair an older vehicle than to replace it, but sometimes the compromises just build up until.....you buy a new vehicle out of exasperation, and you have a honeymoon of joy until you slowly find the new compromises you will have to cope with for the life of the vehicle.
Just trying to cheer you up.
Just trying to cheer you up.
My answer: because manufacturers always have to make a economical/ technical/ enviromental compromise and even though I may like a car overall, I know in some aspects it can be made better with the right mods ....
Last edited by G3RS; 11-29-2019 at 03:05 AM.
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sooththetruth (11-29-2019)
#59
Instructor
My post is confusing perhaps; MY 2010 Hyundai Genesis, a fabulous value purchased new, and proven to be reliable, but with a wretched suspension, with wallowing (insufficient damping that let to the car rocking up and down long after the bump was hit.) I did try the Megan coilovers for the Genesis, and kept them for 4 years, shocked that I never damaged the wheels as often as I hit the bumpstops. So I found an alternative set up from ARK, a Korean aftermarket company (and maybe licensed by Hyundai) that sold replacement shocks for my 3.8 Genesis Sedan. These fit perfectly, lower the car about an inch, decreased the wallow to manageable levels, allows better cornering, and I am no longer hitting the bumpstops. I don't know of any equivalent Acura product for MDX.
My Genesis is looking old, and that is why I am evaluating the MDX Sports Hybrid as a replacement, which brings me to this forum, and I noted the coilover thread, and wanted to share my experience.
My Genesis is looking old, and that is why I am evaluating the MDX Sports Hybrid as a replacement, which brings me to this forum, and I noted the coilover thread, and wanted to share my experience.
#60
Intermediate
Thread Starter
As the Black friday sale is still on, and in anticipation on the new roadholding setup, I just ordered new brakes too.
The R1 concepts Front Premier Carbon Geomet Cross-Drilled Brake Rotors Disc & Ceramic Brake Pads.... that I put on the car about 15 K Mls ago (as the OE front discs were already warped when I bought the car with 34K Mls, quite common I have read) has been giving hot judder braking for quite some time, so needed to be replaced too.
I decided on a full kit of:
Powerstop front and rear brakes PWR-K6956-36
Brake Rotor and Pad Combo, Z36 Truck and Tow, Front/Rear, Cross-drilled/Slotted, Zinc Dichromate Plated, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Pads, for use on Acura®
(Mfr. #: K6956-36)
As this is a truck and tow setup, it should hold up better to high brake temps..
Let's see if this setup will stay straight...
The R1 concepts Front Premier Carbon Geomet Cross-Drilled Brake Rotors Disc & Ceramic Brake Pads.... that I put on the car about 15 K Mls ago (as the OE front discs were already warped when I bought the car with 34K Mls, quite common I have read) has been giving hot judder braking for quite some time, so needed to be replaced too.
I decided on a full kit of:
Powerstop front and rear brakes PWR-K6956-36
Brake Rotor and Pad Combo, Z36 Truck and Tow, Front/Rear, Cross-drilled/Slotted, Zinc Dichromate Plated, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Pads, for use on Acura®
(Mfr. #: K6956-36)
As this is a truck and tow setup, it should hold up better to high brake temps..
Let's see if this setup will stay straight...
#62
As the Black friday sale is still on, and in anticipation on the new roadholding setup, I just ordered new brakes too.
The R1 concepts Front Premier Carbon Geomet Cross-Drilled Brake Rotors Disc & Ceramic Brake Pads.... that I put on the car about 15 K Mls ago (as the OE front discs were already warped when I bought the car with 34K Mls, quite common I have read) has been giving hot judder braking for quite some time, so needed to be replaced too.
I decided on a full kit of:
Powerstop front and rear brakes PWR-K6956-36
Brake Rotor and Pad Combo, Z36 Truck and Tow, Front/Rear, Cross-drilled/Slotted, Zinc Dichromate Plated, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Pads, for use on Acura®
(Mfr. #: K6956-36)
As this is a truck and tow setup, it should hold up better to high brake temps..
Let's see if this setup will stay straight...
The R1 concepts Front Premier Carbon Geomet Cross-Drilled Brake Rotors Disc & Ceramic Brake Pads.... that I put on the car about 15 K Mls ago (as the OE front discs were already warped when I bought the car with 34K Mls, quite common I have read) has been giving hot judder braking for quite some time, so needed to be replaced too.
I decided on a full kit of:
Powerstop front and rear brakes PWR-K6956-36
Brake Rotor and Pad Combo, Z36 Truck and Tow, Front/Rear, Cross-drilled/Slotted, Zinc Dichromate Plated, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Pads, for use on Acura®
(Mfr. #: K6956-36)
As this is a truck and tow setup, it should hold up better to high brake temps..
Let's see if this setup will stay straight...
Attachment 97553
However, I am worried about excessive pad wear from different friction composition combined with the drilled and slotted rotors.
#63
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I will be doing pads and rotors all around in about 6 months. Could you please measure the pad thickness before installing, and then when you have 5-10 K miles measure again to compute the wear factor. I would love better braking for when I tow,
However, I am worried about excessive pad wear from different friction composition combined with the drilled and slotted rotors.
However, I am worried about excessive pad wear from different friction composition combined with the drilled and slotted rotors.
By the way, hat is one nice looking tow combo
Last edited by G3RS; 12-15-2019 at 05:24 AM.
#64
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Components are finally manufactured, sent off for zinc coating and then will be assembled.
After that, will be fitted on the car and testing/ setting will be done, hopefully all will be finished in a week from now.... anticipation is rising..
Rear strut tubes
Lower damper mounting kit
Rear spring and upper seats
Öhlins damper components
Frnt struts
After that, will be fitted on the car and testing/ setting will be done, hopefully all will be finished in a week from now.... anticipation is rising..
Rear strut tubes
Lower damper mounting kit
Rear spring and upper seats
Öhlins damper components
Frnt struts
#65
Intermediate
Thread Starter
#66
Any updates on the coilover? I'm interested on a set of BC for my 2018 MDX. I had BC coilover on my RL before I got the MDX. Letme tell you that is it the best coilover for the RL. I used to own Ksport, but it was really stiff! How is the tires wear after you lowered? Are there any aftermarket camber kits for the MDX because Im planning to lower around 3 to 3.5 inches. Thank you.
#67
Any updates on the coilover? I'm interested on a set of BC for my 2018 MDX. I had BC coilover on my RL before I got the MDX. Letme tell you that is it the best coilover for the RL. I used to own Ksport, but it was really stiff! How is the tires wear after you lowered? Are there any aftermarket camber kits for the MDX because Im planning to lower around 3 to 3.5 inches. Thank you.
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