Hey Guys,
Just picked up a set of KW V3 Coilovers and looking to get them installed. Can you guys help recommend a reasonably priced, quality tuning shop near the Seattle/Redmond/Bellevue area that can do the work? I’m still new to the area and not really familiar with the local tuning scene here. I gave SpeedWare a call, but they seem pretty pricey. I wanted to get a second opinion.
Any leads would be awesome. Thanks!
Michael

 

There are two great shops that I would recommend based on personal experience. The first is Alex at MaxRPM Motorsports. The 2nd is Colin at Cantrell Motorsports. Colin has worked on our 996 and Alex has worked on my Boxster. Both guys are great! Cantrell is in Kirkland, and Alex is in Bremeton, but they will pick up/drop off your car if you wish.

You can tell them that Jody with the Boxster and pink calipers sent you.

Best wishes!

 

I recommend Kelly at Speedware Motorsports.

He has one of the nicest MK3's I've seen

http://www.mkippen.com/blog/?p=364

 

Thanks guys! I'll give these places a call Monday. If there's more the them coming.

 

For suspension work I would highly recommend Colin. He is very knowledgeable and a great guy to work with!

 

Come on you know you want to do it yourself. Tossing in a suspension is a great way to spend an afternoon!

 

How do you like the M3 vs. the RS4? I had an RS4 last year and had to put a coilover suspension on it to make it a decent driver's car.

 

+1 for Speedware, hear nothing but good things. They also are good for alignment so suspension would be perfect to get done there.

 

I totally would, but I don't have the tools! I left most of it back in California. Now if anyone wants to lend there garage and a pair of hands, that is a different story.

Michael

 

Another one for Cantrell's here. They work on all my cars now. Wouldn't even think of going anywhere else now.

 

Hi,

Personally as a daily driver, the RS4 was a better car. The torque range was just more usable. The car "felt" faster at lower RPMs. With that said, the M3 is much more toss-able. It feels smaller and more agile then the RS4. The M3 also seems to rev much faster. I got rid of my RS4, mainly due to the lack of after market tuning parts available for it. The BMW tuning scene is just a lot more active.

Where the RS4 felt weighted and planted, the M3 felt light and direct. Styling wise, I wish the M3 had the RS4 hips. The M3 styling is a bit tame for my taste.

I'm also adding coil-overs to the M3, as I feel it's a bit too GT-ish and soft for my taste.

Cheers!

 

I have tools and hands but no garage anymore. Well technically but I doubt you want to drive to my house in Buffalo for a coilover install. lol

 

Thanks for your comparison! It is appreciated. I am with you 100% on the shortage of mods for the newer Audis. And when you CAN find something, the costs are outrageous. I'm in the process of adding power and downforce to my R8, and now I'm in Lambo territory cost-wise for what I've put in this car. Your M3 would be stunning on the track with coilovers, I bet.

 

I just saw Kelly today (dropped off some wheels/tires)... they installed the KWs on my GT3 and corner balanced and aligned it... they can easily do it. You mentioned that they are expensive, is it possible that they factored in the CB and alignment?

Anyway -- I do not really need to know... I am just posting my experience...

If not Kelly, then Mike there as well... sharp guys.

 

From this board's recommendation I went to Colin @ Cantrell to have my KW V3s installed on my C63. They quoted me the best price, and they set the suspension up AWESOME! The stock suspension on the C63 was already light years ahead for a Benz, expect for perhaps the Black Series cars, but with the KW V3s, lowered, and neg. camber it handles like a dream. Colin will get your car setup just the way you want it.