So we'll throw your coilover options in to the mix now! Here's a stack of brands that do them. Please ask for recommendations based on your needs and we'll sort out the most suitable kits for you.
Cusco
More specific to track and rally, great competition kits and the street spec kits are well priced also - much like Tein. Great for endurance too.
JIC Magic
They've peeled back on their options to focus on either pure performance cars, or K-Cars / VIP / Wagon. So unless you drive one of the marque models from your brand chances are there's not an option =[
Ohlins
Ohlins are well proven in race environments and build street spec and race spec kits. The new Road and Track line will eventually take over as their lead offering, but the DFV and PCV kits are so well used. Serious piece of kit!
Toda
Toda don't really do street, or cheap. They do race. So if you are looking to slam your car, or street it, Toda won't suit. At all. If you want to run the lightest chassis out in pure time-attack format, Toda is it.
Tein
Much like Cusco. Huge range and options, from street, to GT, to cruising, to track, to race. A good priced entry kit but at the top end, customers tend to prefer the specialist brands like KW, Toda, Moton and so on.
Stance USA
Made by HSD in South Korea. Solid kits, heavish, but good endurance racing options.
K-Sport
We only recommend K-Sport for street and for cars that are not covered by all other brands. Not because we think you should keep away from them - but because the pricing puts them right in the middle of many other better-value options. A good back up street option.
Crux / Showa / Aragosta
Top flight endurance and race options from Japan. 99% not needed by the general population unless you want to conquer Nurburgring or Le Mans. For example, they sell $6000+ kits for cars worth half that. You need to be super-serious!
Koni
Excellent shock and kit makers for many, many cars. Plenty of replacement shock options that span street to race. A safe investment and great value for street or part-time track users!
Bilstein
Good sports / track option with a range similar to the combined Ohlins, Koni and H&R options. Sporty - always!
H&R
More for the Euro team. Great springs and kits, with a lot of race-related research behind them. They don't just lower the car, they do it safely with benefits. We like that!
KW Suspension
A dominant race option for the US and Euro markets but they cover lots of Japanese cars too. Solid kits, a little heavy but that's because the weight pays off in this instance, not because it's inferior materials!
Eibach
Very similar to a Bilstein / Koni / H&R mix. Great results, a large market coverage and very specialised - noramally suited for sports and track work.
Neuspeed
A thin line up but the springs are great. A Koni / Neuspeed combo is half the price of most sports kits and performs just as well!
Buddyclub
A good range, one of the better "out of Asia" options with well proven performance results. Not really soft for street but they can certainly be used there, and if you are a weekend warrior they are right up your alley!
KTS
KTS don't really do soft. Their valving and springs are harsher than most as they orientated purely towards track. Your dentist will make money. Solid kits, great race options for the budget orientated!
Apexi
Apexi are a slow on delivery but have expanded their range recently. Well made, middle-weight, good for street and track!
HKS
A popular kit option for the performance Japanese car because they work in most environments right away - street - track - race. Solidly made and they last years.
Trust
A more streamlined option now - much like JIC they have culled options to focus on newer cars including K-Car, sports and Eco-Vans. They still cover the performance cars but only the newer ones. A solid, safe kit.
Blitz
A bit of a black sheep. A strong kit for sports, not well suited to hard streets with pot holes and designed to be complimented with strut and sway bar upgrades because of the spring rates. More for the performance car market!
Skunk2
Thin range but great price and performance. Honda / Mitshi only - sorry! Covers street to track but if you are a racer, we've got better options!
GAB and KYB
The lost problem-children of Japan. They've cut back on their offerings and really don't do much beyond shock inserts and K-Cars (small cars). A shame!
Tokico
Like Koni - great for shock inserts especially OEM replacements!
And of course, the niche brands who use other suppliers (i.e. J's use Crux / Showa / Racing Gear, ASM use Aragosta, and there's other options) are available on sale too:
J's Racing
ASM
GP Sports
Spoon
Mugen
D-Max
Nismo
Mines
There's hundreds I've not listed, like RE Amemiya, Knightsport, Top Secret and so on (where applicable) so ask for a recommendation or three!
