The Öhlins DFV may be the most underrated track damper on the market.  Since Öhlins classifies the DFV as a “Road” & Track damper, many track enthusiasts do not consider them as a top track damper.   Don’t be fooled, even though the DFVs are more compliant that stock dampers, they have features that keep it at the top of the track damper class including its unique namesake feature. 

DFV Dual Flow Valve = 3rd distinct oil path

Typical dampers have 2 sets of paths for oil to flow through, one for low speed piston movements and another for high speed movements.  Ohlins DFVs actually have a 3rd Super High-Speed oil path for extreme compression and rebound movements.  Other dampers use a blow off valve for extreme compression movements, however there is no rebound support.  So the rebound movement uses the high speed oil path creating a situation where the damper compresses faster than it can rebound causing the tire to lose contact with the road creating instability.

During these extreme wheel movements, DFVs allow the wheel to get back down to the ground as quickly as it went up.  This is where the DFV (Dual Flow Valve) gets its name as it is essentially a 2 Way Blow off Valve.  These 2 way “Super High Speed” Oil valves are noted via solid lines below.

Driver Confidence

The number one modification you can make for your car is the driver and drivers drive faster when they feel confident.  The DFV 3rd super high-speed oil path provides the ultimate driver confidence during those extreme moments on track.  Hitting a bump, dip, curb or hole at high speed can create instability or twitch that will rattle the driver and it could take a few corners or even laps to feel confident again.  Even worse, these extreme moments can cause the driver and car to crash.  The DFV will allow the tire to move up AND down quickly and control the car in situations that many other track dampers physically cannot.  The DFV is top tier technology and design at a value price.

Road Comfort

The same DFV super high-speed oil path that provides vehicle stability in extreme situations on track also provides road comfort off the track.  While driving over potholes, train tracks or rough roads, your dampers will experience extreme movements, even at low vehicle speed and typical damper don’t have a fast-rebound response creating an effect of the car crashing into road imperfections.  Ever wonder why going over train tracks a little faster doesn’t feel as harsh?  The car doesn’t have enough time to fall down, limiting the crash down feeling.  The DFV 2-way Super High-speed oil paths support those extreme rebound movements over potholes, train tracks or rough roads allowing the tire to stay in contact with the road providing a more supple ride than other performance suspension and OEM suspension.  Many drivers believe stiffer springs create a harsh ride, while slow responding dampening is the primary reason.

Temperature Sensitive Low Speed Valve

Öhlins DFVs have a temperature sensitive valve on the low speed oil path.  When the dampers are cold the needle opening contracts providing the colder, less viscous oil a less restrictive path to move through.  During hot lapping the sessions the needle opening expands to restrict the more viscous oil, creating a more consistent low speed damping across operating temperatures.

Single Adjuster, Dual Adjustments

Another reason the DFV often gets overlooked as a great track damper is the fact that it is classified as a single adjustable damper.   However, each adjustment changes BOTH compression and rebound, providing changes similar to a dual adjustable damper.   The single adjuster allows the DFV to be more affordable while maintaining Ohlins quality and revolutionary design.

16 lbs of Weight Savings

The Ohlins DFVs are designed in Sweden and machined in Japan out of aluminum.  Aluminum allows the shock to dissipate heat better and shed about 16lbs over the OEM S2000 dampers (35 vs 51lbs).   16lbs is a significant weight savings for on a sub 2900 lbs car.  More importantly the 16lbs savings is on unspring weight, further improving handling by improving wheel dynamics.

URGE designs S2000 DFV spring rates

The Öhlins DFVs are the best suspension value on the market as they provide damping characteristics on par or better than $3500 to $5000 dampers at a fraction of the price.  However, some of our customer’s need less “Road” and more “Track”.  No one has more experience with S2000 DFVs than URGE designs and we have options to suite your car set up and use case.  URGE designs take into consideration your wheel width, tire type and size, anti-roll bars and aero mods to recommend optimized spring rates. 

URGE designs Öhlins USA Club Racers

URGE designs have been working with Öhlins USA for 5+ years to develop an Öhlins DFV option to support higher spring rates for set ups that need that next step.  The URGE designs Öhlins DFV Club Racers are valved 35-50% stiffer than Öhlins DFV Road and Track supporting higher spring rates for more weekend or track focused S2000s with wider wheels, stickier tires or aero.  For drivers that don’t mind a little more harshness, drive more track or primarily weekend, the Öhlins DFV Club Racers are like the way to go. 

Do I need URGE S2000 DFV Road & Track or Club Racers? 

Please provide a few details: 

1. 1. Do you have 9”+ front and rear width wheels?
   2. Do you run track or R comp tires?
   3. Do you run OEM anti roll bars or does your car may roll too much?
   4. Do you run a front splitter or rear wing?
   5. Do you drive more weekend or track than daily?   

If you answered yes to this many questions.. 

1 = Road and Track with 10/8 kg/mm springs is probably the better set up  

2-3 = Club Racers with 12/10 to 13/11 kg/mm springs is the optimized set up 

4+ = Your car is probably not registered and you have a racing license, you need Club Racers with 14/12 to 14/16 kg/mm springs

Real Experience & Reviews

We are confident in saying that the Ohlins DFV is comparable to Moton Club Sports, AST 5000s and JRZ RS Pros (all essentially the same design) at a 30-50% lower price point.  Having driven on Moton Club Sports for several years I can personally attest that the DFVs provided a higher level of confidence over high speed bumps.  They delivered more control by allowing the car to get back to full grip over larger bumps.  Also, the DFV’s significantly reduced my 265mm wide front tire induced bump steer vs the Moton Club Sports.  Please read some of the reviews below to get other opinions.

DFV Description from Ohlins Engineer

Evo Magazine DFV Comparison

reviews