PI dampers?

[KM666]

I need to replace the rear dampers on my Megane mk1.

Renault no longer produce the OE items. So my options are motor factor (GSF) knock off imitations, or 'aftermarket'.

I had ordered a pair of Koni Str.t dampers as an upgrade but was told by Larkspeed there is a 13 week estimate from the factory. (My plan was to fit Koni's all round with Eibach springs on the front.)

My next preference was the Bilstein B4, but the Coupe seems to have different rear dampers to the cabriolet which in turn is different to the hatch and Bilstein only produce a B6 for my car. But will supply a B4 for the front which uses the same 'design' across the Megane range.

This brings me round to my dilemma, EuroCarParts can supply an OE Sachs item for my car for around about the same price as PI will supply an OE+ damper, so does anybody have any experience with PI dampers? Have I missed a vital review that would tell me to steer clear?

Outside of VAG 'how can I lower my car 100mm for under £200?' forums it seems nobody bothers writing about various damper options.

Why would a manufacturer even bother fitting different rear dampers across a range of models?

Edited by KM666 on Wednesday 6th March 19:08

[The Wookie]

Can't say that myself or anyone else sitting with me have heard of Pi and that might concern you! As with any of the budget manufacturers there's no guarantee each kit has been tuned by someone that knows what they're doing.

You stand a much better chance of getting something decent (both in terms of setup and quality) with a good supplier like Bilstein but I wouldn't mix B4 and B6, especially with the heavier damped B6 on the back as it'll cause a change in handling balance.

Personally unless you want the car to do something different (like better body control at the expense of ride) I would go back to OEM in the absence of original equipment. They'll be durable and will be well suited to the car.

KM666 said:

Why would a manufacturer even bother fitting different rear dampers across a range of models?

Might not be different construction just different valving. Each will have been tuned to the varying physical properties of each configuration, or to suit things like differing spring rates to cope with higher loads, or even manage higher loads better with the same spring rates.

If they are different construction then the manufacturer might have shifted hard points for packaging or some other reason or perhaps nabbed some hardware from another model to achieve something.

Edited by The Wookie on Thursday 7th March 11:35

[KM666]

Thanks for the answer. Decided PI are a bit too '' and went with Gmax in the end after finding positive reviews.

All i'm after is a slightly stiffer feel. Considering Gmax are only £30 a side they're almost disposable.

Konis would've been perfect but I guess the guys are too busy eating pancakes and watching porn in the Holland factory.

[one eyed mick]

There is nothing quite like a good stiff feel

[KM666]

one eyed mick said:

There is nothing quite like a good stiff feel

Oi oi savoloy?

[stevebroad]

£30 a side? What are they made of, cardboard? Eibach springs are around £60-70 each on their own and this should tell you something. Buy cheap and pay twice.

[PaulKemp]

Coilover springs for most cars are £30 each or less
Gaz do cheap but functional adjustable shocks
If you just want to lower the car 25mm to 30mm lower springs are available that are higher rated to reduce compression under load
If your not racing you don't need to go mad on expensive shocks and springs