Install + setup + track test of JRZ RS PRO3 dampers

[tomtang]

Hey everyone, I just received the world's first ever set of triple-adjustable JRZ RS PRO3 dampers on Wednesday and I can't wait to share my findings with the F80/F82 community. Here's the recent announcement by JRZ: http://www.jrzsuspension.com/first-e...-rs-pro-3.html

I just got back from testing at Laguna Seca yesterday, and am now busy working on my blog post. Check back here for updates first!

[ashmostro]

Triple the fun!

Looking forward to the post.

[x.shell]

Ooooooooh yeah..... I saw this announcement and knew you were gonna be the guinea pig. I can't wait to read your review.

[tomtang]

Haha, thanks guys. Hoping to have something up this week.

[tomtang]

The blog is now live! http://www.jrzsuspension.com/rs-pro-3.html

In-car video here:

[ashmostro]

Very cool blog and video! You can really tell how sorted the car is in how cleanly your steering style is with few corrections save for power oversteer. Looks like so much fun.

I’m curious though, you said a lot of positive things about the Pros and their bump compliance but didn’t come out and say how much of a subjective improvement they are over the twin tube RS Twos. I’m very interested in that direct, albeit subjective comparison.

Thanks,
-Ash

[M4 CSL]

Nice. Your car is quiet. What spring rate did you go with?

[hellokitty]

Sick!!

[tomtang]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Very cool blog and video! You can really tell how sorted the car is in how cleanly your steering style is with few corrections save for power oversteer. Looks like so much fun.

I’m curious though, you said a lot of positive things about the Pros and their bump compliance but didn’t come out and say how much of a subjective improvement they are over the twin tube RS Twos. I’m very interested in that direct, albeit subjective comparison.

Thanks,
-Ash

Thank you, Ash. Great question. In my opinion, the improvement is significant.

Compared to the RS TWOs, the RS PRO3s are a totally different shock. They are already 2 steps above the RS TWO on paper:

RS TWO: 2 way non reservoir (rebound, compression)
RS PRO: 2 way with remote reservoir (rebound, compression)
RS PRO3: 3 way with remote reservoir (rebound, low speed compression, high speed compression)

The PRO3s remind me of my old JRZ Motorsport Triples that I used to race with on my S2000 (before JRZ switched me over to the Motorsport 12 31 series on that car). But the PRO3s are much more reasonably priced, because they are still in the "RS line." I feel these dampers provide hardcore motorsport performance, when you want it; for a fraction of the cost. If you aren't familiar with JRZ Motorsport damper series, as a reference: a set of 12 31 for an E46 costs about $11,000.

If I were to do it all over again, personally I would skip the RS TWO and the RS PRO and go straight to the PRO3. But granted, if budget is an issue and depending on what you use the car for; the TWOs are plenty already and a great value. I think what's cool with JRZ is they offer a flavor for everyone. If you only want to spend $4,900 and want something that works well on street and on the track, get the TWO Sport. If you want even more performance, get the RS PRO which I believe are around $6,200. And lastly, if you want some badass dampers that give you racing-level control and performance, and better comfort go for the PRO3 which I think go for around $7,200. (<-- PS: I'm not a dealer, so my pricing is just based on what JRZ told me retail is. To get an actual quote, contact Trackspec Autosports in Fremont, CA.)

You have to choose what's best for you. But I've always believed dampers are the best thing you can do to increase the overall performance of any car. They make a car easier to drive and control, which is important when our cars have the mighty S55 engine. It's a torquey handful. =)

Originally Posted by M4 CSL

Nice. Your car is quiet. What spring rate did you go with?

Yeah, too quiet when on track. My car is completely stock as far as the engine/exhaust goes.

I kept my same Eibach ERS springs, 700lb front and 900lb rear.

[tomtang]

By the way, if anyone is seriously considering these and you are local to the SF Bay Area I'd be happy to meet up for a cup of coffee and to give you a quick ride around the block.

[TAL2GK]

Do you still feel this way? My local shop is pitching this to me on my Z4MC.