After having the ECU finely tuned, I was excited to discover a remarkable improvement in throttle response in my Cruze. This newfound enhancement reignited my passion for car modifications and racing, sparking a desire to delve deeper into upgrades that would prepare my vehicle for high-performance driving on a dedicated race track.
If I chose one modification that would yield the most noticeable enhancement for both performance and handling, it would undeniably be tires. However, I decided to kick off my journey with an upgrade to the suspension and brakes. You might be wondering why I didn’t start with tires. Well, I intended to fit the widest tires possible on my Cruze, and to achieve that, I had to first establish an optimal ride height. Plus, since I would have everything disassembled, I could also take the opportunity to upgrade the brakes, but I’ll save that discussion for another time.
After extensive research and weighing numerous options, I ultimately decided on the KW V2 Coilover Kit. My appreciation for KW dates back to my racing days when I was part of a competitive team. Following the closure of my own racing venture, I had the privilege of working with an IMSA race team in the Koni Challenge series that relied on KW Suspension. Through that experience, I gained a deep respect for their reputation for quality and reliability on the track.
Furthermore, the V2 kit’s adjustable features were particularly appealing. They allowed me to fine-tune the damping settings to balance comfort and performance perfectly. I anticipated that this upgrade would enhance my driving experience and give the Cruze a more menacing and aggressive stance. Who doesn’t appreciate a car that looks as fierce as it performs?
The installation process was straightforward. Alongside to assist with the installation was my former crew chief, aka Dad. Armed with my typical arsenal of tools—including a jack, jack stands, a wrench set, a socket set, a torque wrench, camber gauge, toe plates, tape measure, gloves, safety glasses, my trusty Cruze repair manual, and arguably the most crucial tool of all, a spring compressor—we were ready for the challenge. If you’ve ever sent a spring shooting across your garage, you’ll understand the necessity of that compressor.
Removing the stock suspension demanded a bit of elbow grease and careful maneuvering; however, everything went smoothly with the right tools and a methodical approach. With the old suspension out of the way, it was finally time to install the KW V2 Coilover Kit. This kit came equipped with all the components needed for a seamless installation. I followed the instructions meticulously and ensured every nut and bolt was torqued to GM’s specifications.
With everything securely in place, I lowered the car to the ground and began the adjustment process. I started by setting the ride height, which involved a few meticulous measurements, lifting the vehicle repeatedly, and rolling it back and forth to allow the suspension to settle properly. After some careful adjustments, I achieved the desired height.
Next on the list was adjusting the camber, followed by the toe. For camber, I opted for a slightly more aggressive negative setting than the factory default, yet I was careful not to overdo it to avoid excessive tire wear. As for the toe, I set it to zero. However, these settings were preliminary until I could drive it to the alignment shop for a more accurate adjustment.
The following day, I brought the Cruze to a shop that specializes in working with lowered vehicles. We discussed my desired specifications in detail, and soon, they set to work. Admittedly, the Cruze’s rear suspension has limited adjustability, but they managed to get the front specs spot-on.
And then came the exhilarating moment of truth—the test drive. As soon as I hit the road, the difference was distinguishable. The damper adjustment was initially too stiff for everyday driving; they felt incredibly firm. However, after a few spirited runs on winding back roads, I found the sweet spot, achieving a delightful balance between comfort and responsive handling. The KW V2 Coilover Kit transformed my driving experience into something truly special. Cornering felt sharper, and the dreaded front-wheel-drive understeer had significantly diminished.
Installing the KW V2 Coilover Kit was a gratifying endeavor that transformed my Cruze’s performance and elevated its aesthetics. The installation process, equipped with the right tools, proved manageable. If you’re contemplating upgrading your suspension, I wholeheartedly recommend the KW V2 Coilovers for their outstanding quality and incredible reliability. Embrace the journey of modification—you won’t regret a single moment!
