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Originally posted by KiLLJ0Y shocks/struts were just made to absorb bumps.. which my KYB's do a good job of
when you add all these in, even mediocre shocks/struts will do, my car corners like its on rails and i know the shocks only have about 10% to do with that if not less. if im going in a straight line and hit a pot hole and spill a drink, yeah im going to complain about my shocks sucking.
I don't agree with you on a few things. First off, listen to the people that have had both KYB's and replaced them with Bilstiens... we aren't making any money on the deal so when the conclusion is that it's better I doubt we're only talking 10%.
As for the shocks absorbing bumps, that's only half the story if that. The bump and rebounding of a strut/shock is the only thing that keeps your tires stuck to the ground. With even slightly worn out shocks/struts you loose the balance. There is a reason why shocks cost as much as they do and when a strut/shock costs half as much but needs to be replaced 3 times or more than the better brand I consider that a waste of money. Yeah if you're in a pinch but even then you'll save money in like 2 years. Keep in mind we're talking daily driver here. For a weekend warrior and strip/cruise only car the KYB's should clamp that market!
Look at the size of the Bilstien sturts and you can see why they last twice as long, not to mention GM and many other high performance model cars trust Bilstien for valving their shocks... everything else pales in comparison.
I know I can tell the difference between cheap shocks and expensive shocks, I'd consider them more important than springs and swaybars. If the shocks/struts on your car aren't shot then there's no reason to replace em, I'm just telling you now, there isn't a person alive that's done the switch that's regretted it for a reason!
Originally posted by pwmin my sister's 98 fireturd has bilsteins (definitely not an SS) and many gm trucks had them also
Sorry, I have never seen a 4th gen other than one of the higher performance models that had factory Bilsteins (if you call SLP "factory"); they didn't come on 98 Firebirds. Heck, they weren't even standard equipment on the SS (and possibly the Firehawk, not sure )...unless it was a level II car. Most got the same junk De Carbon shocks the rest of them did.
It doesn't surprise me that Chevy would put the Bilsteins on trucks though...after all, thats the only market they care about anymore anyway.
Originally posted by JPrevost I don't agree with you on a few things. First off, listen to the people that have had both KYB's and replaced them with Bilstiens... we aren't making any money on the deal so when the conclusion is that it's better I doubt we're only talking 10%.
As for the shocks absorbing bumps, that's only half the story if that. The bump and rebounding of a strut/shock is the only thing that keeps your tires stuck to the ground. With even slightly worn out shocks/struts you loose the balance. There is a reason why shocks cost as much as they do and when a strut/shock costs half as much but needs to be replaced 3 times or more than the better brand I consider that a waste of money. Yeah if you're in a pinch but even then you'll save money in like 2 years. Keep in mind we're talking daily driver here. For a weekend warrior and strip/cruise only car the KYB's should clamp that market!
Look at the size of the Bilstien sturts and you can see why they last twice as long, not to mention GM and many other high performance model cars trust Bilstien for valving their shocks... everything else pales in comparison.
I know I can tell the difference between cheap shocks and expensive shocks, I'd consider them more important than springs and swaybars. If the shocks/struts on your car aren't shot then there's no reason to replace em, I'm just telling you now, there isn't a person alive that's done the switch that's regretted it for a reason!
this sums it all up for me... i have had almost every option under the sun on my thirdgen alone as well as various of similar setups on my gtp which handle completely different. getting into a heated discussion is pointless as i'm just trying to help others out.... personally i would rather spend $35 on a cheap gabriel strut/shock or some other less known brand then the price for kyb. kyb is definately a cheaper alternative to bilstein and koni no doubt but in the end i'd rather have the extra money for a similar product that's much cheaper. a common thing i hear is well it's worth the slight extra for kyb, well in my own opinion they aren't much better... unlike the true difference when you go slightly more for the better setups and it doesn't stop there. i mean you could spend $1,000 a strut on our cars if you really wanted to without blinking so 3-400 for excellent strut/shocks is well worth it.
as far as handling... cornering is very important but i care more about how my car handles going down the road and through city streets then how fast i can take an offramp. there is a night and day difference between kyb and these other setups... so much that i quit driving my car until i could replace them.
all of you may do as you wish, your going to anyhow i am just giving you one point of view. if i really wanted to steer you towards something i'd tell you to put it on air!
Last edited by Kandied91z; 11-26-2004 at 01:06 AM.
Originally posted by JPrevost I'm just telling you now, there isn't a person alive that's done the switch that's regretted it for a reason!
I replaced my factory Blistein's with KYB's and have never regetted it in the least. To each his own but I like the way my car handles on the KYB's..they are not junk by a long shot, infact they lasted longer than the factory shocks.
Originally posted by Morley I replaced my factory Blistein's with KYB's and have never regetted it in the least. To each his own but I like the way my car handles on the KYB's..they are not junk by a long shot, infact they lasted longer than the factory shocks.
wow that's a bold statement... kyb better then bilstein is bad enough but better then new factory shocks.
Sorry, I don't by the whole my factory Bilstiens lasted less than KYB's.... did you own your car since new?
Sorry, you're like 1 in a 1000 if you think that's the norm.
Originally posted by JPrevost Sorry, I don't by the whole my factory Bilstiens lasted less than KYB's.... did you own your car since new?
Sorry, you're like 1 in a 1000 if you think that's the norm.
Sorry, I'm not the norm and will never be.
Sorry, I HAVE owned my 1985 IROC since I ordered it new from GM.
Sorry, The KYB's DID out last the factory Blistiens.
Sorry if you don't "buy" the "whole thing", thats your right.
Sorry if my opinion and experiances don't go along with the herd.
Sorry, I'm more like 1 in 1,000,000
Originally posted by Morley Sorry, I'm not the norm and will never be.
Sorry, I HAVE owned my 1985 IROC since I ordered it new from GM.
Sorry, The KYB's DID out last the factory Blistiens.
Sorry if you don't "buy" the "whole thing", thats your right.
Sorry if my opinion and experiances don't go along with the herd.
Sorry, I'm more like 1 in 1,000,000
Originally posted by JPrevost You just won first prize for being the a$$hole
Very mature..you win the boobie prize
Sorry if my opinions don't match yours, get used to it. You don't have to believe what I have said, you "asked" or called into question what I had said and I clarified with the information you seemed to doubt...and embellished/expounded on it.
The first tell tale of loosing an argument is resorting to name calling
Originally posted by Morley The first tell tale of loosing an argument is resorting to name calling
Actually I'm just tired of you.
I think you were misleading the readers of this post by saying your KYB's have outlasted the OEM Bilstiens. You should have said it was abnormal. I could have respected that. But instead you didn't bother to mention it. Let me ask you a simple "I would, or I wouldn't have" question. If a new member posts a question about wanting to buy shocks that'll last a lifetime and you were the only person to reply, what would you say? From your reply I'd guess something like this, "KYB because they last longer and are cheaper."
Quote:
Originally posted by badjuju342 *Le sigh* Another flamewar, nice.
Originally posted by JPrevost Actually I'm just tired of you.
I think you were misleading the readers of this post by saying your KYB's have outlasted the OEM Bilstiens. You should have said it was abnormal. I could have respected that. But instead you didn't bother to mention it. Let me ask you a simple "I would, or I wouldn't have" question. If a new member posts a question about wanting to buy shocks that'll last a lifetime and you were the only person to reply, what would you say? From your reply I'd guess something like this, "KYB because they last longer and are cheaper."
How is that misleading? The OEM shocks lasted about 8 years, the KYB's have lasted going on 12 years now half again as long as the blistiens...that is "misleading"?
And yes, I would suggest KYB shocks to someone, and have. Just becaust YOU and some others don't agree...oh very well. I know lots of other people that use them and are very happy with their performance. Just because they don't cost over $100 a piece does not mean they are inferior
And speaking of "tired of you", yes I am...welcome to ignore
Originally posted by Kandied91z wow that's a bold statement... kyb better then bilstein is bad enough but better then new factory shocks.
Well my factory shock blew out their seals at 17,000 miles. One of the first things i had to fix on the car when I got it. KYBs have been on at least that long and no seals are blown. I have had gabriels too and they blew a seal in about 10,000 miles, but again KYBs have held. Also another parts store shock and it did not last 10,000 miles either before blowing a seal...
Originally posted by redraif Well my factory shock blew out their seals at 17,000 miles. One of the first things i had to fix on the car when I got it. KYBs have been on at least that long and no seals are blown. I have had gabriels too and they blew a seal in about 10,000 miles, but again KYBs have held. Also another parts store shock and it did not last 10,000 miles either before blowing a seal...
It can happen... experiencing way diff. results than other people. I bought a car in 98 with KYBs on it. Everyone I knew with them on their same chassis told me they had a tendency to wear out. Mine lasted until 2004 (and were functionally fine when removed) but man they rode like complete *** compared to Bils. Monroes I've had the experience that they wear out quickly. I have not regretted spending good $ on Bils.
From a safety standpoint , I personally feel going cheap in this area is not good for your longevity. The Konis are good enough to offer a lifetime warranty and they've been around for quite some time.I don't mind spending the extra bucks as my convertible is something I plan on hanging on to . It depends on your budget and what you expect out of the car. I wouldn't feel comfortable with a KYB purchase myself. Oh , JPrevost , were you speaking to me? I'm so sorry ,I didn't hear anything worth listening to coming out of your keyboard. Calling other people vulgar names really helps you come across as someone who I should listen to. (flamesuit on and ready)
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Originally posted by jmd It can happen... experiencing way diff. results than other people. I bought a car in 98 with KYBs on it. Everyone I knew with them on their same chassis told me they had a tendency to wear out. Mine lasted until 2004 (and were functionally fine when removed) but man they rode like complete *** compared to Bils. Monroes I've had the experience that they wear out quickly. I have not regretted spending good $ on Bils.
this is a very true point and one why i'm not doubting redraif or anyone else that claims their kyb's work for them. having experienced them on several platforms that's the only reason i even offer my .02 into the conversation. with a stock spring in good shape i think they would probably fair well however i do feel strongly that coupled with sportline or even pro-kit springs they just don't handle as well as similar market tests aim to prove. while i for one think it's worth saving up a few more months for something like koni or bilstein it's just an opinion.
take it for what it's worth and everyone relax....
Originally posted by SLP IROC-Z my KYB Gr2s and gas adjusts cant handle the sportline springs, the car still floats a little. i hope to get bilsteins before its back on the road
again this was something that wasn't completely evident on the z but definately unbearable on my gtp. different formats yes but all in all in my book they just aren't worth the extra amount when the same problems as well as what is good out of them work in other examples. the fact they have worked for many of you here claiming so is obviously a reason why they are still on the shelf. i just wouldn't recommend them is all. either way if they do work that's $$ in your pocket that you didn't spend on bilstein, koni, qa1, etc so it all comes down to a matter of preference. one thing is for sure though is that i've never heard anyone complain about the more "quality" seutps however then again they could just be affraid to speak out.
Originally posted by Thunderstruck My Daughter has KYB's on her Z-28 and we both like
them. Maybe a little stiff, but the handlings there.
I have road raced a good bit in my 58 years, and I'm
not unhappy with the KYB's.
Just my 2 cents
Ever had Bilstiens on her Z-28? If not, yes, the KYB's are better than stock shocks but unless you've tried both.... well I'm not trying to belittle you but I hope you understand why some opinions mean more than yours.
Like I've said before, KYB's are great if you don't need the best and don't drive 10k miles or more a year. They'll probably last a long time that way, but in NJ, driving 20k a year on crappy roads and spirited driving... the Bilstiens just never die, and when they do they get replaced for free .
Originally posted by Thunderstruck Opinions are just that ...... opinions
If you're doctor gave you his opinion would you listen to him or some stranger? Which opinion has more weight?
People sometimes just want to hear what they want to hear, I'm guilty but so is the rest of the world.
"Do I need to replace my shocks with Bilstiens? They're more expensive ", you could tell them why and have proof why he should but he's already made up his mind and just wants somebody to tell him no, you can replace them with cheaper alternatives.
Tell me we do not have 73 replies to a post, in which people are actualying arguing that KYB might be comprable to Bilstein. This as got to be a joke. What kind of tech are you looking for? I'll be happy to find it, to settle this stupid thread.
If you really want an expert opinion on the subject. Call Sam Strano Jr. at Strano Parts. He is a multi-time national ESP champion, and a real suspension guru. Ask him what he thinks of KYB, then ask him what he sells.
Or Maybe call Jason at Unbalanced Engineering. See what he think, in fact he recommended to me, to call Strano about bilsteins for my application.
Heck, you might also try calling Steve Spohn, I bet he gives you the same answer.
Originally posted by Dewey316 Tell me we do not have 73 replies to a post, in which people are actualying arguing that KYB might be comprable to Bilstein. This as got to be a joke. What kind of tech are you looking for? I'll be happy to find it, to settle this stupid thread.
If you really want an expert opinion on the subject. Call Sam Strano Jr. at Strano Parts. He is a multi-time national ESP champion, and a real suspension guru. Ask him what he thinks of KYB, then ask him what he sells.
Or Maybe call Jason at Unbalanced Engineering. See what he think, in fact he recommended to me, to call Strano about bilsteins for my application.
Heck, you might also try calling Steve Spohn, I bet he gives you the same answer.
But i guess opinions are opinions
Well, I'm not sure when it became comparing Bilsteins to Kyb? Not what I was discussing. Just saying that in my situation I had no prob with KYBs in daily driving and some moderate performance driving. That they have lasted beyond all other mid grade shock/struts that have ever been on the car. And they are better then stock. I have never had Bilsteins, so can't say how they handle when compared to kyb. To my knowledge the thread was KYB sucks and this is what I was refuting.
I just think too many are too quick to say you have to have these high performance parts and everything else is junk...when for the average person, with the average 3rd gen the midline stuff is fine. KYB would work fine for the average person, with the average 3rd gen. Others have said KYB costs more, but offers nothing over the cheaper parts store shock/struts (ie Gabreils). this is what they have found in their experience. My experience...I say the kybs do offer something over the cheaper ones, since they cheaper ones blew out on me multiple times and KYB have lasted longer and felt better then the cheaper shocks/struts on my car!
That is the root of the thread/arguement as I'm arguing!
Throw in the Bilsteins and now we are talking much more $. No one said they are not worth it. But is the cost worth it to the person who is never going to drive the car to the Bilsteins potential. This is the point!
For example, something we all can relate to...
Take a slow car (17+) to the track, you run reg tires. You don't need drag tires, everyone knows this. Why though? The drag tires are far surperior for running on the track?!
Well the cars power is so low it can't use the drag tires to their potential, so they are a waste of money for the 17+ car. Reg tires work just as well for the 17+ car. The extra expence is unecessary.
Is this really that different?
For my next set of shock/struts...I plan to upgrade, but that is because the car is going to have more performance and more handling needs over what it is now!
people with slow cars, do see a benifit from drag rads. Even a slow car is capable of melting the tires on launch. performance is performance.
The point is. Dampers are important. The have a profound effect on how a car performas, and the general feel of it. They are maybe the single most import peice to get a good quality peice, in the whole susppension. This thread is titled KYB Sucks. No matter how good you want to feel about your purchase, they do. Anyone on this site, asking for advice on shocks/struts, engines,trannys, or heck even spoilers (maybe that will relate to you better), is an enthusiast. They are trying to make their car perform better, or look better, or stand out in some way. The point that people here are trying to make, is for the $100 diffrence between KYBs and Bilsteins, the later is a FAR better product. It is a proven brand, with a reputation around the world for performance, and longevity. That is somethign that KYB cannot claim.
Originally posted by Dewey316 people with slow cars, do see a benifit from drag rads. Even a slow car is capable of melting the tires on launch. performance is performance.
The point is. Dampers are important. The have a profound effect on how a car performas, and the general feel of it. They are maybe the single most import peice to get a good quality peice, in the whole susppension. This thread is titled KYB Sucks. No matter how good you want to feel about your purchase, they do. Anyone on this site, asking for advice on shocks/struts, engines,trannys, or heck even spoilers (maybe that will relate to you better), is an enthusiast. They are trying to make their car perform better, or look better, or stand out in some way. The point that people here are trying to make, is for the $100 diffrence between KYBs and Bilsteins, the later is a FAR better product. It is a proven brand, with a reputation around the world for performance, and longevity. That is somethign that KYB cannot claim.
And no not all slow cars can get the tires spinning. And what if they can't, would a drag tire really help them at all. Not being heated up? So I picked a bad example while I was in a hurry...
Never said Bilsteins were not a proven excellant brand. That the $100 difference might not be worth it to some. Like when I got the KYBs my car was not ready for anything more. I could not justify the extra cost for the little performance running the car was going to be seeing then. And for some $100 is alot of money. Why are you fixating on it like I said the Bilsteins were garbage? I never did.
I just don't remember the thread being about "I want the best performance out of my Shocks/struts for the $ what do you recommend!" That was my point. And If you all are entitled to an opinion on how KYBs have performed in your experience, then I have as much right to say why I think the did for my current application. And as much as you want to say KYBs suck...they don't suck on my car. Plenty have ridden in the car and agree with me. The car handles so much better then stock and then other 3rd gens with the Gabriel level shocks/struts. Yes, have had many to compare to!
The point is that I have put them thru more then just simple daily driving. They have been on many roads under plenty of conditions. Good hwys and bad (AL and OH). Remember I drive this car to shows out of state (AL, FL, OH). Has been above 85 and has had plenty of normal city driving. Car has been driven hard @ little Taladega (road course in AL), and performed amazingly. I live on a twisty little road and the car gets pushed to the point where you smell rubber and brake when I park @ home. And for what I paid, and for what they are, the KYBs held up better & performed better then the others of same or lower price.
The beauty of the world is having options and the freedom to choose. If they KYBs were bad for you so be it. For me they have held up and performed Beautifully! Maybe I will try the Bilsteins next and decide they are the ones for me. But I've never tried to say the KYBs were the best for everything or that they are the best performance choice, or had this world wide rep of being the best! They worked for me. Maybe I got the only set in America, who knows...maybe mine are the flukes...
The point is to get feedback and give it! Yes that is why people post. That and to help others by offering solutions or opinions. And yes this is a site for enthusiasts, but are you going to say that is all that is here? Not true. Some people come here to simply get advice, w/ no special applications. They just want a daily driver, not a race car.
I mean if the point is to only have the best performance and nothing in the middle, because it is crap/sucks then why do people even have 3rd gens. Go buy a new c6 or something!
Not that you care, but your credibilty just tanked with me based on the spoiler comment. Amazing how people just make assumptions and say things to try and dig others. What's the point. I have as much of a right to say how my KYBs performed for me as the next guy...reguardless of what you think of the modifications to my car. I mean I have been driving this car longer then most of the people on here have been driving (15 years). And because of that I think I have the right to offer my experiences. Its a real car that still gets driven everyday, not garage furniture like most show cars!
I have owned my Iroc for 15yrs as well, and really like the car. But I have also owned both, and my opinion is I left alot of handling on the table when I saved alittle and switched to KYB. yes they have held up for probably over 50k miles, for the money a definite bargain. however next time I buy it will be bilstien. the car is doe not handle at the level it could alot of it is due to the kuhmo 712's and KYB's. Yes my car does run in the 13 sec range, and I would rather have more handling than save a little. My opinion , if you are keeping your car , put the best stuff on you can afford, otherwise you end up replacing stuff earlier (usually) that is why I look to this board for people's experiences, sometimes it's internet BS, but some of these guys here at Thirdgen.org really know what works and have already made the misteaks so we don't have to. And more often than not the hyped up cheap stuff are the items that end up being crap in the long run. Spending to have the best for the sake of spending is stupid, but researching and getting high quality/ best value make the most sense if you plan on holding on to your car, which I do. And yes anyone who thinks shocks don't make a huge difference needs to do alot more homework before they make any more statements. Don't want to piss anyone off but if you think KYB's are great shock's you probably haven't driven anything with really good shocks, meaning you don't know what you don't have experience with.
__________________ 88 Grey 5.7 IROC -Z
350, slp 1-3/4, Hot cam, Vortec head, AZSM large tube runners, holley 52mm,24LB SVO,Spohn Subs,ASP pulley, BMR STB,TDS wonderbar, 36mm 1LE, BEAR claw sport system, full MSD,wires, coil, 6AL, Pro Built ,Act 2200 stall - Viper Pearl grey metalic paint, Bilstien HD/Sports, pro-kit, spohn steel strut mounts, adj PHB, Intro GT,BFG KDW-255/285- looking for a super ram
2000 NMB SS, Full SLP, Hard top, chrome ZR-1's,6spd, full BMR, Global west upper control arms, direct flow lid,air hog, msd, LS6 maf, Hawk pads, koni yellows, earl's lines, bridgestone RE750's
Originally posted by Kennerz Don't want to piss anyone off but if you think KYB's are great shock's you probably haven't driven anything with really good shocks, meaning you don't know what you don't have experience with.
That is exactly what i ahve said earlier. And why I said I have never driven on Bilsteins and can't say what they are like in comparison. Also why I never said KYBs are the best or perfect for every application. At the time I purchased my KYBs, (2001), my current shocks had blown a seal and needed replacing again, I was more concerned with putting my $ towards getting the car running right. Performance shocks/struts do not matter on a car that will not get out of its own way and backfires constantly. So I choose something that would meet my needs at the time. The KYBs did and have. Even you said they lasted a while and you got you $ out of them for what they were...that is my only point.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kennerz I have owned my Iroc for 15yrs as well, and really like the car. But I have also owned both, and my opinion is I left alot of handling on the table when I saved alittle and switched to KYB. yes they have held up for probably over 50k miles, for the money a definite bargain. however next time I buy it will be bilstien. the car is doe not handle at the level it could alot of it is due to the kuhmo 712's and KYB's. Yes my car does run in the 13 sec range, and I would rather have more handling than save a little. Spending to have the best for the sake of spending is stupid, but researching and getting high quality/ best value make the most sense if you plan on holding on to your car, which I do.
And see this is where my car is headed now. I have worked out the kinks and the performance level is coming up and I will be out growing the KYBs soon, if not already. But I had to get the car to the point where it was worth it and the purchase made sence.
Originally posted by redraif I will be out growing the KYBs soon, if not already. But I had to get the car to the point where it was worth it and the purchase made sence.
And this is the point some of us are trying to make. People downplay the roll of shocks and stuts. Take it or leave it. But my nearly 5000 posts on TGO, and I beleive I have a pretty good reputation here for being able to 'bring the tech'. With my experiance, coupled with the experiances of MANY other technical people, and other prominant members of this board, with racing and high performance suspension experiance, are making a point, that unless your are really strapped for cash, the extra cost for the Bilsteins or Koni is well worth. Until you experaince the diffrence that a GOOD set of shocks/struts gives you, you cannot appreciate the huge diffrence, that the extra $100 will give you.
Originally posted by Dewey316 And this is the point some of us are trying to make. People downplay the roll of shocks and stuts. Take it or leave it. But my nearly 5000 posts on TGO, and I beleive I have a pretty good reputation here for being able to 'bring the tech'. With my experiance, coupled with the experiances of MANY other technical people, and other prominant members of this board, with racing and high performance suspension experiance, are making a point, that unless your are really strapped for cash, the extra cost for the Bilsteins or Koni is well worth. Until you experaince the diffrence that a GOOD set of shocks/struts gives you, you cannot appreciate the huge diffrence, that the extra $100 will give you.
To each his own. I have owned 4 iroc's( #5 is in the garage being built as we speak) with 1000.00 koni off road use to 200.00 kyb's. Unless you are doing SCCA road course driving or something like it I really don't think you will get everything out of the expensive shock. Just my opinion.
This particular car is going to be shown and it gets nothing but high quality components . I've purchased an LS1/T56 to go in it and I'm not cheaping out on anything including Baer brakes on all four corners.
ok alls i have to say is my iroc felt very nice at 150 even with my worn out orignal factory shocks/struts
but onto my suspension rebuild...im obviously starting with shocks and struts i want the best value i want an all out shock that doesnt cost 1,200 to have adjustments i dont understand what they do.... but i dont want cheapo replacements either whats better ie
koni yellows, blistiens, qa,
Ive put over 100,000 on the set of KYBs I have on my car. They just started showing a little softening to the front end. They gave me one of the best riding thirdgens ive ever ridden in. And handles with the best of them. For the price these are the best shocks struts ive had on this car. Ive found them to last alot longer then most over the counter shocks with similar prices. So i was kinda suprised to hear some comments.
I guess if i paid all that money for those pricey shocks. I wouldnt want to think it was for nothing. Kinda funny how the mind works that way.
I like my KYB's...My car sites in the garage most of the time and I like the stiffer feel and it keeps the huge 18" wheels and 295 tires out of the wheel wells!
These shocks are a carry over until I feel like spending 700 for Koni's the KYB's will get the job done!
Does it matter to spend 1000 on shocks and have other copmonents of the car that are cheap and weak? And or does it make sence to spend lots of money on everything else and miss the shocks??
Originally posted by Dewey316 ...But my nearly 5000 posts on TGO....
see therckid.......
My GR2s feel much much better than the 140k originals
would have purchased my other choice (Bils) but i dont have the funds at the moment, in the future...
JDubya18: My brother has tokico on his mirage (this out handles my dads Se-R SpecV!!!) and they are holding great, its a track car used on the street :lala:
Hmmm, well I do only auto-x my car, with some road course time. I put on tokico adjustable with a spring upgrade. I will let you know how they work in the real world
Ok from my experiences the KYB's are much better than the gabriel or whatever it is that autozone sells. And the KYB's are only a few more dollars than the autozone crap. But as far as comparing the KYB's to Bilstein no way. My 88 with ORIGINAL bilsteins far outperformed my 87 with KYB's. And they both have the same suspension setup. So
cheap part store crap < KYB < Bilstein,Koni, and all the other real performance stuff
They're built so thin I'm not suprised.
Take a look at how thick Bilstien made the front strut and you'll understand why they have a lifetime warrenty. I LOVE my Bilstiens. It's been over 4 years with winters and still as stiff as the day I got em. Expensive, yes, but well worth not having to worry about how long they'll last.
Thumbs up for Bilstiens. When i swapped to Bilstiens on my rockcrawler it was night and day on and off road. Worth every penny.
well heres my opinion on the matter, i like my kyb's comparatively speaking. they definetly work better than my originals did at 144k miles haha.
truth be told, i think they feel like every other, every day shocks/strut i've ever put on a customer car lol.
they serve there purpose well imo..... they do ever so slightly dampen down my iroc springs.
they felt better on my rs than they do my iroc (slow valving struts obviously).
i think they are a nice everyday stock replacement that i'm sure could easily out handle the factory absorbers.
on the other hand from what i've seen and installed in the past i dont see any reason for there slight price increase over monroes or gabriels..... they are all cheap replacement shocks and struts.
It's just like everything else you get what you pay for.
thing is most of you guys are comparing apples to oranges so obviously opinions will vary.
no one has argued that kyb is a bad absorber....... the only real argument has been who would spend there money on which brand.....
hence comparing apples to oranges, some of us need the high end stuff others like myself want them and are just to damn poor to afford them haha........ as for what i personally beleive, i think i would have saved my couple bucks and stuck a set of cheap *** gabriels on mine until i could afford koni's.
although i surely have no real complaint with my kyb's.
anyone on this board ever thought of trying to adapt an active suspension of sorts to one of these guys?
You just won first prize for being the a$$hole 
. 
", you could tell them why and have proof why he should but he's already made up his mind and just wants somebody to tell him no, you can replace them with cheaper alternatives. 
even with my worn out orignal factory shocks/struts 
