I'd like some opinions from those who have had first-hand experience with the H&R Cup Kit; namely what you did/did not like about it, and if it is the recommended choice versus Bilstein Sports w/ H&R Race springs. Also, what online retailer has this kit at the best price? Understeer and TireRack seem to be in agreement at about $595 for the kit. Thanks for any help :)

for what purpose?

High speed stability and passing, and occasional track use. Namely; I want to be able to tear through mountain roads around Lake Placid without any/much body roll.

We all have track oriented suspensions here. The H&R cupkit IMO kinda sucks. Try the M3 and regular E36 forum. :)

Why does it suck?

For one, it's too low for the spring rates they use. I hear about a lot of bottoming out. There is a guy on the boards that went from the H&R Cupkit to a GC track/school kit. He said the difference was night and day. He also commented on the H&R setup being too soft for the height.

For one, it's too low for the spring rates they use. I hear about a lot of bottoming out. There is a guy on the boards that went from the H&R Cupkit to a GC track/school kit. He said the difference was night and day. He also commented on the H&R setup being too soft for the height.
I can only assume you mean me :D

For all who care...

Just so I don't end up offending people, this is by no means a terrible option for E36's. Its inexpensive, and if you want a really aggressive drop and need to replace the dampers, its not a bad alternative.

However... a lot of people (myself included) take the fact that people claim the Cup Kit as "very very harsh" as "well, that must mean its very very stiff! Stiff = good handling! Not only is this equation flawed, as stiff does NOT always mean an improvement in handling, the cup kit isn't stiff: its harsh. This is a different beast.

The harshness doesn't come from ultra-agressive dampening, it doesn't even come from high spring rates... it comes from something much more neffarious: riding the bumpstops.

The cup kit is a very very significant drop... think 2-3 inches. When you are dealing with a loss in suspension travel as significant as this, there are certain things that need to be done to prevent the suspension from compressing onto the bump stops. First off, the spring rates need to be very high, and second, the dampening and rebound need to be able to match this spring rate. This will allow the suspension to properly handle any bumps or compress under hard cornering, but keep it off the bumpstops. The cup kit combines mild shocks matched to low spring rates (not much higher then stock.). Add to the fact that the springs are progressive, not linear, so they do not reach their full rate until significant compression.

This is starting to sound like not that sporting of an option...

My ground-control setup with 450/550 springs (*significantly* higher rates then the stock m3 springs) rides MUCH more comforatable then my old cup kit did. This suspension is truly firm... but not that harsh.

The cup kit is a great bargain for what it is... just don't expect too much for it. Who knows, it may be all you ever need...

Didn't like the cup kit. Spring rates were way too low for how little suspension travel there was... which made for a bouncy ride and lots of bottoming out. On the bump-stops alot, too. Don't even know if its a handling improvement over a fresh stock suspension set up.

HR Race with Koni SA seems like a good combo. The best option for our cars is still just ground-control. I highly recommend just saving up for that and biting the bullet, you won't end up regretting it in the long run.

If you plan on doing anything serious with your car (autocross, track, etc etc) stop considering the cup kit.

I've had it, everything I say here on in is from EXPERIENCE. Most observations were made at an autocross at the limit.

The cup kit uses spring rates that are too low, with shitty dampening and then a hellaciously low ride height to boot.

What does this combination mean? You are always on the bump stops. Most people will tell you the cup kit is 'stiff.' And some of you may think that means its 'sporty.'

WRONG.

The cup kit is actually very SOFT. The 'stiff' notion comes from the fact that in hard cornering and on undulating pavement, you will be riding on the bumpstops. And what happens when you ride on bump stops? Your spring rate goes to infinity, and your suspension is worthless.

Add to the fact that the cup kit uses progressive springs. What this means is that the spring rate of the spring INCREASES with compression. Most (if not all?) OE springs opperate on a progressive scale, since it enables a nice, smooth ride. However, a progressive setup is obviously flawed for any sort of performance application, as it allows more body movement before the desired rate is reached. Also, a progressive system only really works with a lot of suspension travel, something the cupkits SLAMMED rideheight does NOT allow. A progressive system will also work fairly well with good, agressive dampening, such as mating HR Race springs to Koni SA's.

Go push on the strut attatch points on a cup kit equipped car, and then try it on a car with some koni's, or even the ever so popular bilstein/HR combo. The difference should be enough to make you reconsider.

The Cup Kit is PERFECT for people who just want a nice, low ride height, and can stand compromising their cars handling prowess. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: a healthy, stock system with koni's will handle MUCH better then a car equipped with the Cup Kit.

I now have ground-control, and have gotten nothing but compliments from people who have driven my car. I love the way my car handles now, its been a massive improvement out on the autocross course, and the ride quality is actually more STREETABLE then the cup kit! Dampening is KEY here, spring rate as well.

And THAT'S why I think the Cup Kit is crap. I did not come to this conclusion lightly.

Steve

I had the H&R Cupkit on my 330Ci for roughly a year. The setup does not handle very well and is rather harsh for daily driving.

I can only assume you mean me :D
Was it you?! I wasn't sure anymore. It has been awhile!

Good words on the kit Steve.

I recommend suspension setups to people on the phone and in person at work all day long. All I do is get blue in the face. I learned the hard way. I guess most others need to learn that way too.


Call Rob @ MPACT. He has driven everything. One more opinion won't hurt.


JB