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Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need them?

PostPosted: Sat Dec 07, 2013 2:10 pm
by GTbee
I'm looking at getting KW's or Racecomp coilovers from overseas. The seller say they do not come with top mounts.

Is the top mount the flat plate that you can see on the top of the strut tower in the engine bay?

Can I use my existing ones? Or do I need to get other mounts only if I want to adjust castor/camber?

Does this also apply for the rear?

If so, what exactly else would I need to purchase and where is the best place(s) to get it from?

This aside, I assume there is no issue with the fitment/installation of coilovers normally intended for US spec Legacies as long as it is all 4th gen?

Re: Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need t

PostPosted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 10:40 pm
by GTbee
Anyone? :-?

Re: Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need t

PostPosted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:20 pm
by seanmau5
How can they sell coilovers without the strut top mounts?????

Re: Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need t

PostPosted: Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:28 pm
by zch91
Actually not uncommon, lol. Weird I know..

Yes the top mount is the plate with the 3/2 bolts sticking thru which attach the top of the strut to your car..

Yes you can re-use stock ones but at the end of the day I would personally go aftermarket at least for the front for camber etc (rear not camber adj)

As long as it is to suit BL/BP chassis it will be fine.

Can I ask what the application of your vehicle is? Most people in our community are just daily driven and there are much cheaper/more straight forward brands out there.. But each to their own!

Re: Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need t

PostPosted: Tue Dec 10, 2013 6:45 am
by bigBADbenny
Or try Whiteline camber caster tops with rubber mounts for less nvh...
Options:
The vendor in the USA will have Vorshlag or Gtworx plates.

Slightly less expensive versions are sold by C.S. Marche in J with a caster offset version available.

Just Jap sell BC camber adjust tops and bearing carriers as spare parts, as do other mfgs some with the option of upgrade thrust bearings to prevent bind when turning.

Some mfgs offer fixed tops with rubber bearing mounts: a compromise between the adjustable and OEM types.

I emailed DMS and they replied their tops only fit their shocks, not sure how accurate that is.

Kiks got custom fixed tops machined for his Ohlins...

GRB+ front tops fit BP BL hole pattern.

Extra caster can be achieved by swapping L & R tops and rotating so the slots point rear inwards.

I've heard of front shock shafts needing height or diameter shimming to fit certain tops...

That's about all know, please correct any misinformation :)

Re: Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need t

PostPosted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 7:21 am
by bigBADbenny
Fairly sure RCE will supply and install top hats prior to shipping too. :wink:

Re: Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need t

PostPosted: Wed Dec 11, 2013 9:45 am
by GTbee
Thanks very much. I will ask them when I order.

Re: Top mounts/hats 4 coilovers - what are they/do I need t

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 9:46 pm
by cooki_monsta
Installation would be faster if you bought coil-overs with strut top mounts. Your original ones are wearing out and the adjustable camber top up front comes real handy when you want to dial in more camber for the weekend runs.