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 Upgrades

The Ohlins DFVs are the best suspension value on the market as they provide damping characteristics on par or better than $3000 to $4500 dampers at a fraction of the price.  However, some of our customer’s need more, specifically, less “Road” and more “Track”.  No one has more experience with S2000 DFVs than URGE designs and we have a variety of upgrade options.

URGE Öhlins DFV S “Sport” Upgrade

The URGE Ohlins DFVs Sport upgrade is for S2000s that need custom spring rates beyond the standard kit 10/8 Kg/mm (F/R) springs.  We have customer proving the standard damping can scale to 14/12 Kg/mm springs without needing a revalve.  URGE designs will recommend Sport spring rates based upon your car set and drive use case.  Our most popular spring combinations is 12/10 with some mainly track customers at 14/12 Kg/mm (F/R)

URGE Öhlins DFV T “Track” upgrade

URGE had developed an T upgrade for track focused cars with high force aero, 10”+ wide wheels or R Comp tires.  We will revalve the DFV High Speed to support a 50-60% increase in spring rates.  Our most recommended rate is 16/14 kg/mm providing the ultimate roll resistant performance while maintaining balance for a 50/50 weight distribution RWD car.  Please provide details of your setup including wheel width, tire type, anti-roll bars and aero mods and we will make the appropriate recommendation.

Do I need URGE S2000 DFV S or T Upgrade?

Answer these Questions?

• Do you have 9”+ front or 9.5”+ rear width wheels?
• Do you run track or R comp tires?
• Do you run OEM anti roll bars or does your car may roll too much?
• Do you run a front splitter or rear wing?

How many times did you answer yes?

1. You are a candidate for URGE S2000 DFV-S
2. We Highly Recommend URGE S2000 DFV-S Upgrade
3. We Recommend URGE S2000 DFV-T upgrade
4. Your car is probably no longer registered, and you have a racing license, you need the T Upgrade.

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