IslandLife82

Member
T6 Pro
So I thought I would give some feedback on the KW version 3 suspension for the T32 as I found very little information on this setup when I was looking about.

Following on from the issues I experienced with the B14 Komforts I purchased and subsequently returned due to knocking at the rear (another thread explains this), I decided to go all out and purchase the KW V3s.

Steve from @CRS Performance couldnt have been more helpful both in providing great upfront and honest information on the expected long lead times and on the performance potential of the kit.

I got the call a few weeks ago (earlier than expected) that the kit had arrived so I booked my ferry and got to Steve’s workshop on Friday afternoon just gone. Steve showed me the kit and I was very impressed with the build quality, especially the stainless steel body on the shocks, the anodised adjusters, and the quality of the design and manufacture to ensure it is a fit for purpose kit straight out of the box.

Steve made me feel very welcome as they immediately set about fitting the suspension. I was very impressed with the speed the suspension was fitted and the level of care and attention to detail throughout the process.
The suspensions adjustable compression and rebound was set to the KW manuals middle ground settings and Steve went through the adjustment process so I could adjust them as I like once I got home.
The stance of the van was lowered 60mm which is perfect for my use.

Steve and I then went for a short test drive and I was immediately impressed by how smooth the ride was, especially the rear of the van which I found hard on the B14 Komforts with nothing in the back of the van.

After paying my bill and having a long chat with Steve I set off for an hours B road drive and was even more impressed by the smoothness of the suspension and the ability to soak up pot holes and dips in the road surface with ease. I had told Steve I would reserve my final judgement though until I got back to the Isle of Man and tested it on some of the notoriously bumpy roads here.

So my final verdict is that I am very impressed. The suspension just seems to soak everything up whether at high or low speed, body roll is well controlled and the van looks great. I have read a lot of comments saying that you can’t expect it to handle like a car, but I would say it now handles better than most family cars. The added fact that they are adjustable for compression and rebound also means they can be made even better.

Although they are at the top end of the suspension market cost wise (excluding air), I would highly recommend this set up to anyone wanting to splash out a bit.

Big thanks to @CRS Performance.

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As the suspension market for Transporters matures in UK and the obsession for B 14 slowly fades i think there is indeed a space for this kit on the Transporter market .
Guys are spending £1700 on kits that have proven to be problematic , so to spend another £500.00 ( t32 model and £250 more on a T28 t30 ) to have Stainless Steel construction , Bump and rebound adjustment as well as a fantastic result is well worth the money

Remember almost every van we see in our shop is different some slight difference and some big differences . The main difference of course is weight , with this kit we can customize the performance, handling and comfort for everyone and every van .

Over kill ?? definitely not , compared to other offerings this is tremendous value .

We have only fitted 3 x this month and still learning all the various setting changes . As we build up data on the Vans and settings we will get more slick and the results will get even better out of the box .
Anyone interested in more info on this kit please let me know .

We have placed stock orders now to try and eliminate the 10 week build time ? and we will have T 28, T 30 and T 32 kits off the shelf soon .
 
Ok, a couple of questions. Are the compression and rebound damping adjustable on the van?
what is the lowering range on these? finally would installing them on an empty van and then at a later date adding the weight of a pop top and conversion cause problems?

@CRS Performance
 
Yes the damping is fully adjustable Bump and rebound , these adjustments can be done with out removing the dampers , Installation on an empty van and readjusting after a full conversion piece of cake !! no issues whatsoever
 
I dont know any manufacturer that separates the 4 motion from 2 WD on their web site ?? so not sure i understand your concern . The only difference is weight the T 32 4 motion can only carry 800 kilos NOT a ton like a 2 WD can , but they are the same weight .
The chassis 's are identical on all the vans T 26 throught to T 32 ?
 
These KW kits are extremely popular with the VAG family cars , Limited edition BMW and Porsche cars also have them fitted at factory level
 
These KW kits are extremely popular with the VAG family cars , Limited edition BMW and Porsche cars also have them fitted at factory level
What is the lowering range please? I can only find a figure of 60mm but not if thats max or middle of the range?
 
@CRS Performance

Steve I was really keen to post last night after my drive back which was all very pleasant - but I held back until I had driven on my local roads ;)

I want to say a big thanks to you and your team for all the help & advise on my options . Using the options we spoke about over the past few months I did as much research as I could to try understand how each offering would work for me.

All I can say is my new KW v3s you fitted on Tuesday are unbelieveable for my personal setup, my van is now a real pleasure to drive - even with the BFGs the road noise has seriously been subdued and the van has become a more relaxed place to be.

I've driven it harder today than I have ever had the confidence to do before of the factory pogo shocks, it's like a different van , no more wallowing suspension , no heavy nose diving or vague steering under braking.

:grin bounce:I'm blown away by the way the van now drives on real suspension.:grin bounce:

So my initial thoughts - Peeps from the Forum please be gentle with me and don't shout at me .. as these are just my thoughts ......

1) Nose diving - This is now almost non-existent under normal and hard braking.

2) Corners - These are now something I look forward too even with the tall BFGs sidewalls - previously I'd be approaching them like I was "Driving Miss Daisy".

3) Speed bumps - what speed bumps - I hit a few today at @ 10-15mph just to test the KW v3 Two-Step Compression Stage Valve claims and all I can say is it works :D-it's crazy before with the factory suspension it would feel like I was on a bucking bronco and I could hear scary sounds from the springs as they deloaded. - With the v3s of course you know you've gone over a speed bump, but its so well controlled and damped.

4) Potholes & Grids - they are still there for sure, but its a massive difference and the wheel doesn't feel like its dropped into the hole, it seems to be more car like and deal with it much smoother.

5) Comfort - I know this is a personal and subjective thing , but I'm really impressed with the improved level of comfort compared to my T32 std pogo suspension- which was serious poor for my almost empty van setup

6) Cabin Road Noise - Much improved , guess thats the dampers actually dampening rather than allowing the vibrations to resonate into the van.

I honestly didn't think I'd feel this much of a difference, but it's like night and day, the handling and ride comfort has gone from Doggy Do-Do to the Dog's Dangly Bits :thumbsup:

Downsides : None - Unless my missus sees the credit card bill :whistle:
 
G
@CRS Performance

Steve I was really keen to post last night after my drive back which was all very pleasant - but I held back until I had driven on my local roads ;)

I want to say a big thanks to you and your team for all the help & advise on my options . Using the options we spoke about over the past few months I did as much research as I could to try understand how each offering would work for me.

All I can say is my new KW v3s you fitted on Tuesday are unbelieveable for my personal setup, my van is now a real pleasure to drive - even with the BFGs the road noise has seriously been subdued and the van has become a more relaxed place to be.

I've driven it harder today than I have ever had the confidence to do before of the factory pogo shocks, it's like a different van , no more wallowing suspension , no heavy nose diving or vague steering under braking.

:grin bounce:I'm blown away by the way the van now drives on real suspension.:grin bounce:

So my initial thoughts - Peeps from the Forum please be gentle with me and don't shout at me .. as these are just my thoughts ......

1) Nose diving - This is now almost non-existent under normal and hard braking.

2) Corners - These are now something I look forward too even with the tall BFGs sidewalls - previously I'd be approaching them like I was "Driving Miss Daisy".

3) Speed bumps - what speed bumps - I hit a few today at @ 10-15mph just to test the KW v3 Two-Step Compression Stage Valve claims and all I can say is it works :D-it's crazy before with the factory suspension it would feel like I was on a bucking bronco and I could hear scary sounds from the springs as they deloaded. - With the v3s of course you know you've gone over a speed bump, but its so well controlled and damped.

4) Potholes & Grids - they are still there for sure, but its a massive difference and the wheel doesn't feel like its dropped into the hole, it seems to be more car like and deal with it much smoother.

5) Comfort - I know this is a personal and subjective thing , but I'm really impressed with the improved level of comfort compared to my T32 std pogo suspension- which was serious poor for my almost empty van setup

6) Cabin Road Noise - Much improved , guess thats the dampers actually dampening rather than allowing the vibrations to resonate into the van.

I honestly didn't think I'd feel this much of a difference, but it's like night and day, the handling and ride comfort has gone from Doggy Do-Do to the Dog's Dangly Bits :thumbsup:

Downsides : None - Unless my missus sees the credit card bill :whistle:

Great review!
The V3 is THE best setup you can get (IMO) so I would be surprised if you weren't impressed by the ride quality
 
KW’s are my next mod or do I go STX, what about Twin Projekt… :eek:
My advice is have a chat with Steve @CRS Performance and if you can find other suspension specialists on the forum and outside the forum.

Ask lots of questions, do your research and try to get a spin in a van like yours with the suspension fitted,

Bognor Motors has a few vans with different suspension setups including STX if you live down that way.
;)

Good luck
 
Hi I live near the south coast but still went to crs performance as steve is a suspension specialist
Expressing a preference will always “offend” someone, but @CRS Performance gets my vote every time on any matter suspension related! (I even suck up the poxy M6 toll charge!)

In fairness, @BognorMotors have many, many other service offerings including tuning, van sales/rentals etc so it’s hardly an “apples with apples” comparison!
 
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