Review: SMA Type SS-7

[Nastyboy]

So the other day I was able to obtain some new coilovers that are being introduced to the US market.



The initial impression: product looks solid and well made. The struts come with brackets to hold the brake lines in place, front struts come with upper pillowball mounts and all parts (coils and struts) are can be adjusted easily.

Pros-
15-way adjustable
Both strut and spring height adjustable
Solid monotube construction
QUIET!

Cons-
Never heard of the brand (not sure if you can call this a bad thing )
Adjustments: takes as long as any other 2-wrench system



I would recommend these SMA’s for daily and/or spirited driving. They handle solid, yet smooth depending on how soft you want the ride. Regarding the ride height, lets just say there’s plenty of room for you to not only lower the car, but slam it!

I admit, I was worried about the installation since I haven’t heard the product name before. Thought something might not fit, align or reach… but no, everything was up to OEM specs. The installation was cake.



Overall I was impressed with the SMA coilovers; the product delivered more than what I expected.

[Voboy]

cool. it is just a shame you have nothing to compare it with other than stock. There are many people will vouch for crappy coilovers b/c they don't know the difference. Just gonna have to wait for a good comparing review to see how well this product performs!

edit: found this on myg37... not much info but these coilovers are competing against/in the same range as BC Racing.

http://myg37.com/forums/brakes-and-s...gifts-0-a.html

[Slow*Jim]

What are the spring rates? Linear or progressive? How much?

[Nastyboy]

Originally Posted by Voboy

cool. it is just a shame you have nothing to compare it with other than stock. There are many people will vouch for crappy coilovers b/c they don't know the difference. Just gonna have to wait for a good comparing review to see how well this product performs!

edit: found this on myg37... not much info but these coilovers are competing against/in the same range as BC Racing.

http://myg37.com/forums/brakes-and-s...gifts-0-a.html

Hmm, didn't realize the thread sounded like it was being compared to stock. In the 5 years I've owned the Z, I've had Tein S-Techs, Tein Basics and Tanabe Sustec Pro S-OC (which I believe are now, or will be discontinued)

Compared to springs, well it goes without saying that I enjoy the benefit of being able to lower or raise my car to the desired stance.

Compared to the Tein Basics, well, I do enjoy the fact that I can adjust both height and dampening. Not to mention how these new struts feel a bit more "sharper", yet smooth enough for daily driving.

Compared to the Sustec's, the ride comfort feels almost the same, although I would have to say the Sustecs feel/felt a bit more agressive/sharper when cranked to the stiffest setting.

These are the only brands I've had on my personal car, hence these are the only products I can compare it to. Hope that helps, but if you need me to elaborate a bit better, feel free to ask questions.

I almost forgot, the rates are 12/8.5 if I'm not mistaken

[Chromex319]

So what was the price?

[Kev@US-Autotech]

Originally Posted by Chromex319

So what was the price?

Please PM me for the price.

[Motormouth]

who is SMA?

[Kev@US-Autotech]

Originally Posted by Motormouth

who is SMA?

SMA is a Coilover Suspension Manufacturer based at S. Korea.
They have been making Coilovers over 10 years and were very successful to share Coilover market in Korea. And all their Coilovers are 100% made in Korea.
We are the authorized Importer for their Coilovers to US market.
Here is their web site, but at international section, not much info yet.
www.smasus.co.kr

[Nastyboy]

Sorry for the late reply. Work me. But hey, rather have too much work than no work these days.

Anyway, yeah, Paul got me a deal since I was local to SoCal. He's the man that'll answer any price questions.

[OldDirty Z33]

Originally Posted by Slow*Jim

What are the spring rates? Linear or progressive? How much?

[Nastyboy]

I want to say the spring rates are progressive. (The manufacturer doesn't specify on the box)

As stated before, the suspension feels soft enough for daily driving, yet stiffens up when taking sharper turns or going on a spirited canyon run.

Hence the reason I would recommend them for daily/spirited driving. Obviously you can also use them at track days, but track junkies may want to stick with linear springs which are stiffer and more predictable for this particular application.

As for pricing, you would need to contact Paul as he's a vendor on this site.

Hope that helps

[Kev@US-Autotech]

Hello Guys,
We started Pre-Order Sale !!!!!!
Check it out ---> http://my350z.com/forum/suspension/4...rder-sale.html

[Kev@US-Autotech]

Standard Spring rate is 12Kg/mm for front, 8.5Kg/mm for rear.
You have an option to choose 14Kg/mm for front by the time of order.

[Kev@US-Autotech]

Please check my pre-order post

[OldDirty Z33]

My Korean friend said stay away from parts made in Korea?.... Why whould he say that?

[Kev@US-Autotech]

Originally Posted by OldDirty Z33

My Korean friend said stay away from parts made in Korea?.... Why whould he say that?

First of all, I wouldn't know why he said that.... everybody has different taste,he might got burnt from his previous purchase... or something.
As you know, if you find one bad one, that doesn't mean everything is bad from that company.
Made in Korea reputation is pretty high right now as SamSung, LG, Hyundai.. etc. and the quality of made in Korea products is being noticeable throughout the countries
We carefully select the products we bring to our customers once we know it is good, reliable, and benefit to our customers quality wise, and price wise.

[BashaZ]

Bump 4 SMA

[BashaZ]

Bump 4 SMA

[god350z]

ill drop $500 on these now and give a review!

[Nastyboy]

^^ LuLz.