ST's vs KW V1's - What's the deal?

[dennisA4]

Ok, i want to know once and for all… WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?!
Everyone says it's just that KW V1's are stainless (corrosion resistant) and the ST's are not. Otherwise they are the same.
But I'm not buying it!
Looking at retail prices, there is like a $900-$1000 difference with KW's being almost twice the price of ST's.
And then there was another thread here recently with people complaining about the ST's only being able to be adjusted to a certain height before needing spacers to go higher.

So what's the deal?
Does anybody REALLY know????

[o1turbo30v]

KW V1's are stainless and are a true strut, meaning the oil and piston assembly is built into the strut housing, where as the ST's are galvanized and use a strut insert that threads into the strut housing (much cheaper). For a DD in a mild-winter area, there is not a big difference but the build quality/serviceability of the V1's are a little better.

[dennisA4]

KW V1's are stainless and are a true strut, meaning the oil and piston assembly is built into the strut housing, where as the ST's are galvanized and use a strut insert that threads into the strut housing (much cheaper). For a DD in a mild-winter area, there is not a big difference but the build quality/serviceability of the V1's are a little better.

As, see… i knew it was more than just galvanized vs stainless.
What about that height adjustability issue? Anyone know how the v1's compare? I didn't have that issue with my last set but just curious.

Does that strut difference you mention have an affect on ride quality?

[Jerry1847]

I just put a set of ST's in last week and like them so far. A few off sounds the first few days and on the first hard corners but none since, assume the springs were just settling. Its a little floaty on some of the bridge joints that elevate and drop very quickly (not a bump) but still way better than stock. Def not uncomfortable on rough roads. Def got what i was looking for in the ST's.

Ride is great for a DD in an area with lots of potholes and road joints.

Chances of me keeping a car more than 3 years is slim to none, so don't really care about warranty.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

KW V1's are stainless and are a true strut, meaning the oil and piston assembly is built into the strut housing, where as the ST's are galvanized and use a strut insert that threads into the strut housing (much cheaper). For a DD in a mild-winter area, there is not a big difference but the build quality/serviceability of the V1's are a little better.

This not true. ST's are an exact replica of a KW V1, the only difference being that KW V1's are constructed from stainless steel. Believe it or not build materials can have huge differences in price.

KW V1's



http://kw-suspension.com/us/kw_damper_basics.php

ST's



http://www.stsuspensions.com/technology

ST's are made from galvanized steel which is lower quality but still offers some corrosion resistance, not to mention they have a 5 year warranty.

Jason

[o1turbo30v]

This not true. ST's are an exact replica of a KW V1, the only difference being that KW V1's are constructed from stainless steel. Believe it or not build materials can have huge differences in price.

ST's are made from galvanized steel which is lower quality but still offers some corrosion resistance, not to mention they have a 5 year warranty.

Jason

Direct quote from Phil Castro at KW North America after my ST's had to be rebuilt after 5,000 miles for terrible squeaking under 15mph, "Unfortunately our ST coilovers are inserts , not wet filled like our KW brand"

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Direct quote from Phil Castro at KW North America after my ST's had to be rebuilt after 5,000 miles for terrible squeaking under 15mph, "Unfortunately our ST coilovers are inserts , not wet filled like our KW brand"

When I asked about this I could not get any calcification, below was the response I was given when I e-mailed them about the differences.

"Hello Jason,

Thank you for contacting KW Automotive, the difference between ST and the V1 is that the ST line has a galvanized housing and a limited 5 year warranty while our KW line has a stainless steel inox coated housing and a limited lifetime warranty.

If you have anymore questions please let me know.

Chad Gordon

Technical Advisor"

Jason