Lowering...bilsteins or konis?? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

TA5point0 · 05-30-2009, 01:40 PM

Ok so im about to rebuild my front end and install new shocks and struts all around since my front end sounds horrrrible and my shocks are in need of replacement. I allready bought the eibach pro-kit for a 1" drop. I am having trouble figuring out which shock will be best for my driving style. Im looking for something that has a nice ride (trying to avoid a real harsh ride), but can handle well in the corners. I also dont want something thats adjustable.. So far I've narrowed my choices to:

Koni Reds Special non-adjustable shocks ($624 shipped for all 4)
Bilstein hds ($689 shipped for all 4)
Anyone find a better deal on these, please let me know!

I know that both shocks are good, but what would be best for what I am trying to accomplish? In the near future I will be installing a STB and subframe connectors. Is there anything else thats a real necessity when lowering the car? Please keep in mind the car is pretty much my DD...

gregsz-28 · 05-30-2009, 04:41 PM

http://shox.com/

426 Wedge · 05-30-2009, 04:56 PM

Why non adjustables?

TA5point0 · 05-30-2009, 09:00 PM

i hear that with the adjustable koni yellows the fronts are easy to adjust but the backs are kinda a pain to do.. i dont want to have to adjust them all the time.. i just want to put them in and drive

gregsz-28 · 05-31-2009, 02:02 AM

Why would you adjust them all the time if you don't want to? You can just set them how you want them, then leave them like that.

91_5.7_TPI · 05-31-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregsz-28

Why would you adjust them all the time if you don't want to? You can just set them how you want them, then leave them like that.

Exactly. The adjustability is there to tune the shocks closer to what you like and how the car is set-up. Once you know what it is, leave it there. Or you can do what I do- leave them full soft for daily driving and turn them to whatever your preferred setting is if you plan on getting with it. My rears stay full soft, though.

TA5point0 · 06-03-2009, 07:36 PM

I dont want to have to adjust them, id rather just install them and have them work.. Im going to go with bilsteins.. now i need to know what the difference is between the bilstein hds and sports?

im assuming the sports have a harsher ride than the hds but what else is different??

1988-305-tbi · 06-03-2009, 08:32 PM

if you buy the rear koni shocks for a 4th gen. they adjust inside of the car, much easier than the thirdgen style, 3rd/4th shocks are identical besides being able to adjust inside the car

91_5.7_TPI · 06-03-2009, 09:55 PM

You don't have to adjust them. But, if you want to get the most out of the car, you'll want the adjustability to fine tune it. Unless you're just so lazy to not take the time to do that.

No, the 4th an 3rd gens shocks aren't identical other than the adjustment style. The 4th gens are twin tube while the 3rd gens are single. The 3rd gen shocks 'react' faster if I'm not mistaken.

1988-305-tbi · 06-03-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91_5.7_TPI

No, the 4th an 3rd gens shocks aren't identical other than the adjustment style. The 4th gens are twin tube while the 3rd gens are single. The 3rd gen shocks 'react' faster if I'm not mistaken.

are you sure??????? i'm running the fourth gen rears, everything i read said they were exactly the same except how they adjust, and the 4th gen are abit more expensive, i'll have to do some more reading,

If your to lazy to adjust them, just set them somewhere in the middle and call it a day, thats were non adjustables will put you, some where in the middle, all the time, everytime, but if they were adjustable you couild change that, if you wanted

i keep my konis at 2/3 full adjustment on the front, and like 1/8 full on the rears

91_5.7_TPI · 06-04-2009, 10:45 AM

I'm 90% sure that's the difference. It's the reason I didn't go with the 4th gen rears. Not sure it makes a huge difference in street driving though. I know Sam Strano offers 4th/3rd and 4th/4th shock combos, and he doesn't seem to be the type to offer different combos without a purpose.

TA5point0 · 06-04-2009, 03:51 PM

thanks for the advice guys i know with the adjustables i could fine tune everything but i dont want to adjust them ever.. the car is a street car so im not looking to tune my suspension, i just want something a little nicer than stock that will work with the pro-kit.

91_5.7_TPI · 06-04-2009, 04:54 PM

I know what you mean. Mine's a street car too (DD, average 17500 miles a year). I guess I just like having the adjustments to play with lol

arrowcamaro · 06-04-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA5point0

Ok so im about to rebuild my front end and install new shocks and struts all around since my front end sounds horrrrible and my shocks are in need of replacement. I allready bought the eibach pro-kit for a 1" drop. I am having trouble figuring out which shock will be best for my driving style. Im looking for something that has a nice ride (trying to avoid a real harsh ride), but can handle well in the corners. I also dont want something thats adjustable.. So far I've narrowed my choices to:

Koni Reds Special non-adjustable shocks ($624 shipped for all 4)
Bilstein hds ($689 shipped for all 4)
Anyone find a better deal on these, please let me know!

I know that both shocks are good, but what would be best for what I am trying to accomplish? In the near future I will be installing a STB and subframe connectors. Is there anything else thats a real necessity when lowering the car? Please keep in mind the car is pretty much my DD...

Check Lingenfelter performance engineering for good prices on the bilsteins. Be aware though, they dont stock them so you'll have to wait for them to come from bilstein for that. It took about 2 weeks to get them for me, and that was about 2 months ago.

my89 · 06-09-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1988-305-tbi

if you buy the rear koni shocks for a 4th gen. they adjust inside of the car, much easier than the thirdgen style, 3rd/4th shocks are identical besides being able to adjust inside the car

I noticed you have a new ARG steering box- I was wondering how much of a difference it made? My steering box feels a bit worn and I am deciding if a rebuild or a new box is a better solution. Thoughts?

1988-305-tbi · 06-10-2009, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my89

I noticed you have a new ARG steering box- I was wondering how much of a difference it made? My steering box feels a bit worn and I am deciding if a rebuild or a new box is a better solution. Thoughts?

all in all i'm not too happy with agr. all in all.... the first box they sent me was the 16 to 1 ratio not the 12.7 to 1 and the valve was off so the there was no steering effort to the right, so i called, and larry at agr, was a total prick, didn't give a crap, the second box they sent was the 12.7 to 1 ratio i had a 225 valve installed in it, but it arrived with a butt load of slop on center, i was able to adjust it out an now itm feels great, smooth/sensitve/and returns to center. at first larry at agr was very nice and helpful but when i had a problem, he made it clear he didn't give a crap, "couln't wait to get me off the phone" i would try Lee Manufacturing or a rebuild unless you don't mind going through alot of crap

91_5.7_TPI · 06-10-2009, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the information. Looking like I'll be going with Lee when the time comes.