Front axle/nose lift? Is there interest?

[PREDATOR786]

We chatted on FB. (Sent you pics of the HKS lowering kit).

I'd definitely be interested.

So, if I understand correctly, this kit could also work with the OEM struts and a set of aftermarket lowering springs like H&R etc?

Also, how much stack height, if any, would this kit add?

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[RyanA90]

I would love this, but it would depend on pricing as everything on this car has "BMW" tax smh.

 

[mkivalex]

We chatted on FB. (Sent you pics of the HKS lowering kit).

I'd definitely be interested.

So, if I understand correctly, this kit could also work with the OEM struts and a set of aftermarket lowering springs like H&R etc?

Also, how much stack height, if any, would this kit add?

Hey, Thanks for those pics again. So yes a kit could be made for the OEM struts, as well as for aftermarket coil-overs. There would be some differences though, so I would have to gauge which would be a better option to focus on first....

The Cylinder is about 80mm from the bottom to the spring perch.

How would this work with an existing set up? 2 ways, the first way is you would need to have approx 80mm between the bottom of your current spring at your desired ride height, and the bottom of the threads on your adjustable spring perch, or threaded body on your coilover. If you have 80mm of space there, then this kit can bolt on as is.

However, if you do not have 80mm of threads from the bottom of your spring(not spring perch), this can easily be resolved by including a shorter spring matched to the rate of your existing lowering spring, or whatever rate you want, which will provide you with the same driving characteristics. Based on the pictures I have looked at of some of these adjustable spring kits for the A90, the springs appear to be quite long and if a shorter spring is required to provide the space for the cylinder, that can easily be achieved.

I think I will likely provide it as a lowering kit complete with springs (Swift) so that it is a complete package and no variable trying to use another manufacturers springs. If you are unfamiliar with Swift springs, they are often the "upgrade" spring many coilover manufactuers provide as an option. Very nice springs.

I would love this, but it would depend on pricing as everything on this car has "BMW" tax smh.

Have no fear, I hate stupid markups. I am a car enthusiast, not a rich guy by any means. This is exactly the reason I started developing this kit for the 997 crowd. I work with this technology every day, and there is no reason this needs to be a crazy premium product. I want to provide an excellent quality, nicely packaged product that allows you to drive your low car everywhere, and make the drive more enjoyable. I promise you there will never be a "BMW" tax from me.

 

[Telion]

Interested as well

 

[akhelodad]

Hey everyone. A couple of years back, I ended up picking up a 997. After lowering it, I was terrified of destroying the expensive and hard-to-get front lip. So, with over 10 years of experience in mobile hydraulics engineering and design, I decided to make my own kit. I didn't want an air-based system (I know there are a couple of air options), as that involves a tank and is generally slower and less reliable. Plus, the KW kit costs way too much for what it is and only works with KW systems. So, after some time, I developed my own kit for myself. After some other 997 guys saw it, there was enough interest to make this as much of a plug-and-play kit as possible.

Now, I'm wondering if you A90 guys would be interested in a product like this. Not a universal kit, but an A90-specific kit with pre-made lines, mounting brackets, and a compact design.

 

[akhelodad]

Hey everyone. A couple of years back, I ended up picking up a 997. After lowering it, I was terrified of destroying the expensive and hard-to-get front lip. So, with over 10 years of experience in mobile hydraulics engineering and design, I decided to make my own kit. I didn't want an air-based system (I know there are a couple of air options), as that involves a tank and is generally slower and less reliable. Plus, the KW kit costs way too much for what it is and only works with KW systems. So, after some time, I developed my own kit for myself. After some other 997 guys saw it, there was enough interest to make this as much of a plug-and-play kit as possible.

Now, I'm wondering if you A90 guys would be interested in a product like this. Not a universal kit, but an A90-specific kit with pre-made lines, mounting brackets, and a compact design.

 

[akhelodad]

Hey everyone. A couple of years back, I ended up picking up a 997. After lowering it, I was terrified of destroying the expensive and hard-to-get front lip. So, with over 10 years of experience in mobile hydraulics engineering and design, I decided to make my own kit. I didn't want an air-based system (I know there are a couple of air options), as that involves a tank and is generally slower and less reliable. Plus, the KW kit costs way too much for what it is and only works with KW systems. So, after some time, I developed my own kit for myself. After some other 997 guys saw it, there was enough interest to make this as much of a plug-and-play kit as possible.

Now, I'm wondering if you A90 guys would be interested in a product like this. Not a universal kit, but an A90-specific kit with pre-made lines, mounting brackets, and a compact design.

I'd be interested. Do you have an idea of what the cost might be to the consumer yet?

 

[PureDrifter]

Any idea on the expected lifespan of the seals and such? and future maintenance?

 

[mkivalex]

I apologize for the delay in my response, my full time job keeps me VERY busy from September through December. I plan to be digging back into this in the coming weeks. I am to have this ready for production early 2025 so that you guys can get them installed for next season

What would be really helpful is someone in the Southern Ontario Canada area who I could work with for development as I unfortunately do not have access to a MKV anymore as my friend just sold his.

Any idea on the expected lifespan of the seals and such? and future maintenance?

This would be a maintenance free system. All seals used are capable of providing years of life in cylinders that are stroked constantly, for the (relatively) low cylinder speed and fact these are not constantly stroked, I have no doubt these would easily last 10+ years in service. With that being said, they are fully rebuildable.

The hydraulic power unit & hydraulic lines are only used at 30% of their maximum pressure rating, and with stainless steel connectors, there is no issue with longevity. I have opted for a PTFE stainless steel braided hydraulic line with a molded black sleeve for both OEM look as while as additional protection against any potential abrasion.

The PCB control module is made using all Automotive OEM grade components and mounted in a IP67 sealed PCB enclosure, the wiring harness is using all high quality Deutsch connectors, and will be made to length for the chassis for a plug and play install.

I'd be interested. Do you have an idea of what the cost might be to the consumer yet?

Right now cost I am aiming to be in the 2000-2500 USD per kit range. This would depend on if for aftermarket coilovers (and if they needed custom swift springs or not) or for use on the oem shocks. I have been finalizing the kit for the 997 application and am working to make my power unit more compact. I won't release the product until it is to the standard I would expect for a high end vehicle.

I am currently finalizing vehicle integration in my module to auto lower when a set speed is reached.

I would be including in a kit

-Hydraulic Power unit with self contained fluid reservoir.
-(2) 6061 Aluminum Hard Anodized hydraulic cylinders
- Pre-assembled braided stainless steel hydraulic lines with stainless steel fittings
- Swift springs (if required)
- OEM grade PCB control module with professional loomed wiring harness with Deutsch connectors with safety override to disable feature above 40mph.
- activation switch, or wireless key-fob for activation.
- All brackets, hardware and instructions for installation.


I do not want to break any rules in regards to sale or advertisement on this thread as I am not a vendor, this is for interest and to share some development as well as get some feedback from you guys.

I will be sure to keep you guys posted with the process!

 

[PureDrifter]

Well I guess I'm in.

 

[stormsupra]

Definitely interested in these. Currently running front and rear air cups with HKS Hipermax SP coilovers. Not having the best experience with this set up...

 

[PREDATOR786]

Definitely interested in these. Currently running front and rear air cups with HKS Hipermax SP coilovers. Not having the best experience with this set up...

Can you elaborate on this? One of the options I was considering were the BC coilovers and Stanceparts aircups all around.

What challenges are you facing?

 

[sic_speed]

I apologize for the delay in my response, my full time job keeps me VERY busy from September through December. I plan to be digging back into this in the coming weeks. I am to have this ready for production early 2025 so that you guys can get them installed for next season

What would be really helpful is someone in the Southern Ontario Canada area who I could work with for development as I unfortunately do not have access to a MKV anymore as my friend just sold his.

I am in Southern Ontario (Niagara Falls) and Interested if you still want to build this out.

Derek

 

[CWO5805]

Maybe revive an old thread? Is this still in the worlds?

 

[geo.MKV]

Seems like this his died out, which is unfortunate because I would definitely be interested.

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