GSR4B11

Alright gang long time lurker and sporadic poster here with a very long over due review of a brand of suspension not very well known, but built beautifully and excels in performance. Yes I'm talking about the brand Aragosta. For as long as I've been into the car scene not once have I ever heard this name mentioned. From my understanding they are very hands on and they test and use their owns products very extensively. I had a couple of small pieces that needed replacing (I'll follow up with this later) and they actually took a while to get back to me about them because it was during race season.

Let me give you a quick summary of the setup before going into details. They are put together beautifully. As you would expect from all high quality brand name Japanese manufacturers. I mean just because I didn't know of their existence doesn't mean that they weren't out there making a name for themselves, right? Everything fits and works like how it was all designed to be. The best ride description I can give you is that at a quick (firm) rebound setting it feels stiff (firm), but soft. Not jarring like some other brands, inexpensive or not, feel. I've gone so far as to "soften" up the dampening a bit as to where it almost rides like a luxury car. Now I say almost because I didn't lose the cornering or handling confidence you may or may not have with some luxury ride's suspensions. This would be your mid upper tier line of coilovers. They come with all the basics unlike some other brands that are missing the top hats or pillow ball mounts.

Now on to the good stuff. Installation is straight forward. If you've never installed a set of coilovers before, have someone help you or have your favorite shop do the install. I was fairly confident with my wrenching skills to take on the task even though all the included literature was in Japanese. I did get a little help from a couple of friends just to clarify some literature about the dampening settings. This brand CANNOT be set over the maximum limit of dampening (different types have different limits for finer tuning capabilities). So the instructions tell you to actually set them on the hardest setting then back them off to what you desire. Side note I have a X. I highly recommend you install and route the extension knobs for the rear coilovers as this will make your life that much easier. I have mine routed through the gusseted welds over the strut humps in the trunk. The front coilovers are inverted so adjustments to the dampening force may be a little more difficult compared to the rears. Another quick warning is do NOT over tighten the hex bolt on the spring perch/collar. I'm not sure what grade or type of metal they are, but they do NOT stand up to a lot of torque pressure. Rob and Avi from Bulletproof helped me out and got me a couple of new locking collars with bolts. Thanks guys !

So if you're looking for a excellent set of mid-upper tier coilovers that are aesthetically and performance pleasing hit up Bulletproof Automotive. Here are some pics.........

P.S. I daily my X and it's a lot of "spirited" driving. Aragosta also uses Rana springs on their coilovers.

hoobastnk90

So how much were these? Have you done any track days on these, to know how they would compare to a lot of the more popular ones that are more well known?

GSR4B11

Car or this setup has not seen any track days. All due to the fact that Oahu (main island in the state of Hawaii) doesn't have a track. I based my comparison on previous brands that I myself have owned (Megan, Tein, Koni, Eibach & KW). I'm a little confused myself as to the price of this particular set per Bulletproof's website. As there are a few listings with different prices. I would say to contact Bulletproof directly and get a quote that way. Hope this helps!

hoobastnk90

I was just wondering to help improve the review, yea kind of hard to have a track on Hawaii lol. What spring rates did they use for the the coilovers?

RazorLab

iTrader: (8)

Why anybody would purchase these at $3,000+ over something like Ohlins, I have no idea.

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

Is this a sponsored review?

Chef-j

iTrader: (16)

3k? I "heard" they using some AST parts but i didnt know they go that much. Idk maybe JDM thing lol

GSR4B11

My spring rates are 10F/7R. I believe they do offer a track version which is 12F/10R. Track version meaning still a Type-S system. They also have a Type-SS as well. Think those have more adjust-ability and external reservoirs.

GSR4B11

I wish I was sponsored by Bulletproof and Aragosta! Just your normal enthusiast here.

GSR4B11

You are correct sir as I remember one of the Bulletproof guys saying that is exactly what Topline performance (Aragosta manufacturer) does. I can't compare these to Ohlins as I've never had the chance to sample a set, but to each his own. I wouldn't consider myself a JDM enthusiast, but I do have a lot of respect for fitment, manufacturing and quality of reputable JDM parts.

Robevo RS

iTrader: (16)

For a same price its not even a competition of Ohlins. So I am guessing you buy it because you want to be different, but not necessarily better.

RazorLab

iTrader: (8)

Ohlins are cheaper. Ever since Ohlins dropped their prices, there really is no reason to choose anything else in the 2-3k range.

Robevo RS

iTrader: (16)

Seems to me they are in a same price range

D8.B1.000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X CZ4A F:12 R:10 kg/mm - Pillow Ball Upper Mounts (Sports Type )

EVO X - CZ4A US $ 2,270.80

and some cheaper versions on they site

http://www.nengun.com/aragosta/coilo...pension-type-s

RazorLab

iTrader: (8)

Then even more reason to get the Ohlins.

GSR4B11

If price was your purchasing factor why would you get the Ohlins? They're $500 more than the Aragostas!