AST 5100 or Bilstein PSS10?

[bozothenutter]

Overkill for a daily I know, but I'm a sucker for pukka parts....
What would you choose and why?

 

[adamlstr]

Can't comment on the AST, but the Bilsteins on my Cup were much more comfortable and compliant than the OE setup. It felt like part of the road, rather than perched on top of it, bouncing along.

 

[Martin.]

Billstein for a fast road car. AST for track.

 

[bozothenutter]

Just to make sure, i'm not talking about B14's, but about these:

Pure Motorsport/Bilstein Adjustable PSS10 Full Coilover Kit Clio 2 RS

This Pure Motorsport/Bilstein coilover kit is probably the best adjustable rate damping coilover kit available on the market. This particular kit has been developed by us in conjunction

www.pure-motorsport.co.uk

 

[frayz]

I had PSS10s on my Mini GP and they’re a decent damper to be honest.
Not used AST on a Clio but used them on an Impreza and to be honest I was never that blown away by them. I think they’re much of a muchness to be honestly.

Best sensible priced dampers I’ve ever used are KW Clubsports. The KWs knock both the above out of the park in terms of build quality, ride quality, and actual feel when adjusting them. One click on the Clubsports you could actually feel a difference in the chassis response. Ride was compliant and cornering was so nicely controlled.

Add to that they’re stainless bodies so again a different league of corrosion resistance.

Assuming they’re available for your application. I wouldn’t look at the others.

 

[Usr117063]

Those bilsteins look very nice. If your up for spending that then I doubt youd be disapointed. Though Im not sure Id get something like that for fast road, Im sure they'd come into their own setup more for track with a stiffer spring.

Asts on mine and think they're superb. All theyd need is a lower spring rate to make it daily friendly, even though Ive driven many road miles on mine 9kg front 11kg rear, it can be tiring after a while, fine on the motorway though

 

[bozothenutter]

I had PSS10s on my Mini GP and they’re a decent damper to be honest.
Not used AST on a Clio but used them on an Impreza and to be honest I was never that blown away by them. I think they’re much of a muchness to be honestly.

Best sensible priced dampers I’ve ever used are KW Clubsports. The KWs knock both the above out of the park in terms of build quality, ride quality, and actual feel when adjusting them. One click on the Clubsports you could actually feel a difference in the chassis response. Ride was compliant and cornering was so nicely controlled.

Add to that they’re stainless bodies so again a different league of corrosion resistance.

Assuming they’re available for your application. I wouldn’t look at the others.

The corrosion resistance is of interest, as the car is used as a daily as well, but they don't seem to make Clubsports for 1*2's. (Might send off an email for a quote)
Been looking into gaiters to keep dirt off, but reckon they'd keep moisture in for too long?

 

[bozothenutter]

Those bilsteins look very nice. If your up for spending that then I doubt youd be disapointed. Though Im not sure Id get something like that for fast road, Im sure they'd come into their own setup more for track with a stiffer spring.

Asts on mine and think they're superb. All theyd need is a lower spring rate to make it daily friendly, even though Ive driven many road miles on mine 9kg front 11kg rear, it can be tiring after a while, fine on the motorway though

Thanks for the input!
I know they are overkill for my car, but more is better right?
So overkill is best....😈
Spring wise I'd go for something like 80Nm fronts and I am intrigued by the dual/progressive (48N /65N) rate Pure do for the B14 set, seems like a good compromise (they told me they could do that spring for the rear too)

Running 60/40 atm and still have all my fillings!

 

[Steven103]

Properly designed gaiters on high-end OEM dampers have a small hole at the lowest point to: let water out, let cold air in, let hot air out & stop it acting like an airspring

Imagine most aftermarket/motorsport stuff doesn’t give much thought to dirt though.

 

[bozothenutter]

Properly designed gaiters on high-end OEM dampers have a small hole at the lowest point to: let water out, let cold air in, let hot air out & stop it acting like an airspring

Imagine most aftermarket/motorsport stuff doesn’t give much thought to dirt though.

I was thinking of the woven ones, they'd both I guess....

 

[gambit]

What's the latest view on the PSS10's now that they have been out for a while?

 

[bozothenutter]

really really love'm, went for 80/60 and they do seem to 'round' bumps off nicely.
compared to other road users, cornering is even better now than it was (RCK also fitted)
but the most mind blowing improvement lately has come from the Pure sump protection plate, just a sheet of aluminium, but wow what a difference it makes to front end stiffness. Car feels even more precise now.