Bc Racing Br Coilovers Review

Are you looking to upgrade your vehicle's suspension and improve its handling? BC Racing BR coilovers are a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance and adjustability. This review provides a comprehensive look at the BC Racing BR series, exploring their features, performance, adjustability, and overall value to help you decide if they're the right fit for your needs.

What are BC Racing BR Coilovers?

BC Racing is a well-known manufacturer specializing in high-performance suspension systems. The BR series is their most popular line, designed as an entry-level, yet highly capable, coilover system suitable for both street and track use. BR coilovers offer a significant upgrade over factory suspension, providing improved handling, a lower ride height, and a more aggressive stance. They are designed for a wide variety of vehicles, from daily drivers to dedicated track cars.

Key Features and Benefits

Ride Height Adjustability: The primary benefit of coilovers is the ability to independently adjust your vehicle's ride height. You can lower your car for a sportier look and improved handling, or raise it for more ground clearance if needed. This adjustability is achieved via threaded shock bodies, allowing you to precisely dial in your desired stance.
30-Way Damping Adjustment: BC Racing BR coilovers feature 30-way adjustable damping. This allows you to fine-tune the firmness of the ride, from a comfortable setting for daily driving to a stiffer setting for track days. Damping adjustment affects how quickly the shock absorber rebounds after compression, influencing body roll, cornering grip, and overall ride quality.
Monotube Design: BR coilovers utilize a monotube damper design. This design separates the oil and gas within the shock, preventing cavitation (foaming) under harsh conditions. Monotube shocks generally provide more consistent performance and better heat dissipation than twin-tube designs.
Pillowball Upper Mounts (Depending on Application): Some applications include pillowball upper mounts, which replace the factory rubber bushings with spherical bearings. Pillowball mounts provide a more direct connection between the suspension and the chassis, resulting in sharper steering response and improved handling. However, they can also transmit more road noise and vibration.
Spring Rates: BC Racing offers a range of spring rates to suit different driving styles and vehicle setups. While they often provide a suggested spring rate based on your vehicle, you can customize them to your liking when ordering. Choosing the right spring rate is crucial for optimal performance and comfort.
Durability and Build Quality: BC Racing coilovers are generally regarded as having good build quality for their price point. The components are made from durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of daily driving and occasional track use.

Performance and Handling

The performance improvements offered by BC Racing BR coilovers are noticeable. The reduced body roll, improved steering response, and increased grip make your vehicle feel more planted and confident in corners. The 30-way damping adjustment allows you to dial in the perfect balance between comfort and performance. For daily driving, you can set the damping softer for a more compliant ride. For track days or spirited driving, you can stiffen the damping to minimize body roll and maximize handling.

However, it's important to understand that lowering your vehicle's center of gravity can affect handling. A lower center of gravity generally improves cornering ability, but it can also reduce ground clearance and increase the risk of scraping on speed bumps or uneven roads. Proper alignment after installing coilovers is essential to ensure optimal handling and tire wear.

Many users report a significant improvement in handling compared to the stock suspension. The ability to fine-tune the damping allows drivers to tailor the suspension to their specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a comfortable daily driver or a track-ready machine, BC Racing BR coilovers offer a versatile platform for achieving your goals.

Adjustability and Installation

The 30-way damping adjustment on BC Racing BR coilovers is a key selling point. Adjusting the damping is relatively straightforward, typically involving turning a knob on the top of the shock absorber. It's recommended to start with a middle setting and then adjust in small increments to find the optimal balance. A few clicks can make a noticeable difference in ride quality and handling.

Installation of BC Racing BR coilovers is generally considered a DIY-friendly project for experienced mechanics. However, it's highly recommended to have the coilovers professionally installed, especially if you're not familiar with suspension work. Improper installation can lead to serious safety issues. Once installed, a proper wheel alignment is crucial. Alignment settings play a big role in how the car handles and can cause unusual tire wear if done improperly.

Ride height adjustment is also relatively easy, requiring loosening a locking collar and turning the shock body to raise or lower the vehicle. It's important to ensure that the ride height is even on both sides of the vehicle to maintain proper balance. Be aware that making large ride height adjustments may affect the camber and toe settings, requiring further alignment adjustments.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Improved Handling: Offers significant improvements in handling and cornering ability.
Ride Height Adjustability: Allows you to lower your vehicle for a sportier look and improved performance.
30-Way Damping Adjustment: Provides a wide range of damping settings to fine-tune the ride quality.
Monotube Design: Offers consistent performance and better heat dissipation.
Relatively Affordable: Provides a good balance of performance and value.
Wide Application Range: Available for a large variety of vehicles.

Cons:

Ride Quality Can Be Stiff: Even on the softest settings, the ride can be firmer than stock, especially on rough roads.
Pillowball Mounts (if applicable) Can Increase Noise: Pillowball upper mounts can transmit more road noise and vibration.
Installation Requires Expertise: Improper installation can lead to safety issues.
May Require Additional Components: Depending on the vehicle, you may need to purchase additional components, such as camber plates, for optimal alignment.

Alternatives to BC Racing BR Coilovers

While BC Racing BR coilovers are a popular choice, there are other options to consider. Some alternatives include:

Tein Flex Z: Similar to the BR series, the Tein Flex Z offers adjustable ride height and damping. Tein is another reputable brand known for quality and performance.
ISC Suspension N1: ISC Suspension N1 coilovers are another competitor in the same price range, offering similar features and adjustability.
Fortune Auto 500 Series: For those seeking higher-end performance, Fortune Auto 500 Series coilovers offer more advanced features and customization options.
KW Variant 1/2/3: KW Suspension is a well-regarded German manufacturer known for producing top-quality coilovers. Their Variant series offers a range of options with varying levels of adjustability and performance. These are generally considered a premium option with a higher price tag.

The best choice for you will depend on your budget, driving style, and desired level of performance.

Conclusion: Are BC Racing BR Coilovers Right for You?

BC Racing BR coilovers are a solid choice for enthusiasts looking to upgrade their vehicle's suspension and improve its handling. They offer a good balance of performance, adjustability, and value. The ability to adjust ride height and damping allows you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific needs and preferences. However, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as a firmer ride quality and the need for professional installation.

If you're looking for a relatively affordable coilover system that offers significant improvements in handling and adjustability, BC Racing BR coilovers are definitely worth considering. Just be sure to do your research, choose the right spring rates for your vehicle, and have them professionally installed and aligned.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase BC Racing BR coilovers depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider your budget, driving style, and desired level of performance before making a decision. By weighing the pros and cons carefully, you can determine if these coilovers are the right fit for your vehicle.