KYB: worth considering?
 

I searched the first few pages of threads, but still didn't find exactly what I was looking for. I'm looking to replace the struts on my IROC. I asked Summit what they suggested for a street shock that could be used at the track on weekends. They told me the best choice (for the money) was the KYBs (i forgot which ones specifically). From what I understand most of these are a step above stock shocks, which is all I'm looking for right now anyway. I've also heard that they're pretty fair freeway ramp "huggers." I'm not really familiar with these shocks, but are the GR2s what I should look at? or are those for something else?

KYBs for a little something extra: Yay or nay?

Thanks

Just replaced my rear shocks with KYB Gas-a-just and front struts with KYB GR2's, huge improvement and the car now copes with the twisty roads here in the UK. I've also fitted the TDS Wonderbar at the same time, this has dramatically reduced the creaks and squeaks from the front end too.

KYB, highly recommended.

spend the money on the Bilstein's.

gr2s are one of the nicest bargain bin suspension pieces ive seen and rode on. 100 dollars plus shipping gets you a full set on new from everyones favorite electronic marketplace.

I love the KYB's Gr-2's.....especially for the money. Sure there are a lot of better ones out there, but as stated earlier, it's a good bang for the buck.

I know this doesn't really apply to 3rd gens, but in my daily driver 240sx, I replaced the stock Koni's with GR-2's and they felt great.

I went with KYB gr2 struts and gas-a-just rear shocks and was very happy with the way the car handled. My old suspension components were dead so I rebuilt the whole front suspension with moog parts and replaced the springs with moog pieces as well. Alot of people will say get Bilstein or Koni and it is true that you get what you pay for but there were so many things that needed attention to make my car safe to drive I could not justify spending the extra $4-500 just on struts/shocks on a car that isn't autocrossed. I put that cash towards tires and a C4HD brake kit since I felt the stock brakes were always inadequate. Pick what parts are right for you based on what you use your car for (track time/daily driver).

everything summit said about them is true. i dont think you will find a better street strut/shock for the money. Ive got over 100,000 on a set and they still feel good not floaty at all.

I will buy them again...if your going racing/changing out the stock springs. those high dollar strut/shock might show there stuff. but for the street with stock IROC/WS6 springs the KYBs work great, The ride is good as well, and they last.

i got mine shipped to my door from the states -> canada for 160$, the KYB GR2's. i would have to say very good shock/strut combo for the $$$

I had the adjustable KYB's. I thought they were just ok. I couldn't tell a difference when I adjusted them at all. I couldn't really tell a difference between them and the stock ones from autozone. I think I'll try the Bilstein's next time.

KYB's are good if you're looking for an alternative to a set of Monroe's. Most of the shocks you get at PepBoys, Advance, etc., are valved similar to the RS shocks so you'll be softer than your stock IROC's. The KYB's are stiffer, closer the the IROC's or WS6 option shocks. So if you've got an RS the KYB GR2's are an upgrade. If you have an IROC or WS6 you'll loose firmness.

If you're looking to handle a lot better or lower the car then you need to upgrade to a better shock. Billsteins, Koni's, KYB Adjustables are the top 3 choices.

if you are even considering kyb go with something as cheap as possible like a gabriel that uses the same dampening for a fraction of the cost. KYB's are not a very good strut, their shocks aren't too bad.

HAHA...That makes alot of sence.You have got to be kidding!!Gabriels are nothing like KYBs... ive had both.They are very soft and floaty with stock IROC/WS6 springs. And they dont last long.

Ive used KYBs..for over 100,000 and there still going strong. I dont know how they work with those overly stiff aftermarket springs but for the stock IROC/WS6 they work great.

thanks for the input guys! i'm learning a lot.

If your worried about aquality, but don't want to spend high dollers, do some searching and you may find a good price on Tokico's. Price and quality is inbetween KYB and the big dogs (Bilstien, Koni).

KYB gas-adjust on my girl's car and it rides pretty good, they are pretty stiff.

So your saying KYB GR2's are a step down from my 18 year old WS6 gta ???

My GR-2s on my 240SX have been on there for nearly 5 years with lowering springs. They are still very firm and it handles great. I like the KYB struts. For the price it's hard to beat, in my opinion. :2cents:

ok, i just did all the suspension on my car...and KYB's were part. i LOVE them, the front is extremely stiff and the rear is stiff but not too stiff. here's what ya do...get on ebay. do a search for "camaro kyb shocks". you'll find a listing for '4 KYB 82-92 camaro shocks'. the seller is in i believe New England. i ordered mine from there. i was worried at first cuz we sent a check and it took me a good 3-4 weeks to get them back...but i paid like 120-130 shipped to my door. i know the listing says '4 shocks' but it is 2 shocks and 2 struts.

I'll be putting a set 4 KYB GR-2s on next week and will post the difference (hopefully quite a bit). :yup: I got the set from Ebay for $134 with shipping and insurance delivered in less than a week.

Right now, even when taking slow turns the car leans to the corner. I drive 10 miles of winding road through the Franklin Mountains which feels quite unsafe commuting to work. The swaybar bushings are new as well as a fairly new wonder bar from TDS and strut tower brace. Those made an improvement and hopefully the new KYB GR-2s will too. Of course I don't expect much since the suspension is about 256k miles old (aside from putting shocks a few years back) but we'll see. :driving:

I also recently got done with suspension mods and KYB GR-2 fronts and Gas a justs for the rear were part of the mods. I LOVE them. I think they are extremely stiff. My car handles great now! I don't see the need to spend the extra money on Koni's or such if you're only looking for a little street fun. I'm sure the Konis or Bilsteins would be better suited for track use.

Read my thread below you on the the KYB adjustables and a few other shocks. There's some interesting info there.:welcome: