Well I got scammed by the owner @ gen5alive.com who sold my pos blown kyb agx struts.

I need new struts and here is what I have found for a 97 Accord:
KYB AGX $370
Tokico Illumina: $420
Koni STR: $330
Tokico HP Blues: $286
Skunk2: $299 obo


I am looking for a non-stiff ride but want them to last and the cheaper the better. I am using these in conjunction with Ground Controls.

Also, all my ground controls came w/ were the spring/adjustment perch and top hats. Aren't I missing the guards that go around the strut and something else? Where can I get these?

 

Are you missing the GC collars? If so, you can use almost any type of slip over coilover collar. Just aslong as they fit 2.5inch (diameter) springs. I'd def recommend the Koni yellows if you can afford them. If not both the Illuminas and Agx's are good well rounded shocks as well. I've had GC's (OTS spring rates) paired with Agx's and ride quality was the closes i've ridin to a stock suspension. I was slammed as well...Keep in mind running higher spring rates is a must when you want drop lower than 2inchs.

 

This is all that I received. Just the spring/perch and top hats. What is a collar?

 

If you want them to last, DO NOT go cheap. Trust me on this. I paid over $500 for Koni Sports back in early 2002, and I'm still on the same shocks. Over 170K miles on them and they still work great. Best $500 I ever spent on my car. Cheaper shocks would have no doubt needed replacement at least twice by now, which would end up costing more than $500.

 

^^ wrd Koni Yellows for 5 years still rockin them

 

Well what would you guys say about the Tokico Illuminas?


Also, when I jack the rear of my car up, the springs are loose....meaning I can move them around with my hand. Is this supposed to happen with Ground Controls b/c the springs are shorter?

 

Yea it's fine for the springs to be loose like that. It's never going to be like that when driving unless you do Dukes of Hazzard jumps or something like that

 

Okay, good! Thanks

I just discovered that GC's for 5th gen accords come in 3 different version depending on what strut is used. E-mailed them, so we'll see what version I have soon hopefully.

Do you guys know if the Tokico Blues are the same as the Illuminas except the adjustability?

 

Not even close.

Blues = OEM replacement. Only use with stock or very mild lowering springs.
Illuminas = Capable of handling a drop and increased rates.

 

Any idea as to what drop? I have been looking but only can find that they are for lowered vehicles.

 

Koni Yellows by far, worth the money. I beat the snot out of mine every day and they keep coming back for more.

 

x2
just got koni yellows and h&r race springs
i love the set up and the konis are great even at full stiff

 

Well I'd like to get the Konis but I guess there are 3 diff. versions of ground controls for different struts. Once I find out which version I have i'll go ahead and pick them up. Hopefully I have the koni yellow version

 

not to thread jack but im also looking to upgrade my suspension couldnt decide which rout to go tokico blue,gr-2 etc or koni yellows,agx,illuminas. For springs was looking at eibach prokit or tein 2-tech i dont wanna slam her. This is my DD with a lil bit of sprit driving when i can. Im also sitting on 18's 225/40/18 with a sub box(2 12'). By the way its for a 97 accord any info would be much appreciated

 

is that with shipping. Tirerack is having a 10% discount on all koni. those same struts are going for 288.00 dont know how much shipping will be to your area.

 

If you have the cash,
I really like my h&r race/koni yellows
Not too bouncy, no too slammed

Don't get tokico blues. They don't take low springs
More of a own replacement.

 

yea i have the money for koni's looking at 533 shipped thats the cheapest i found you know any good sites.... you have a pic of your drop?

 

i honestly got mine of ebay for about the same price. 535 shipped
sorry for the shitty iphone picture

 

Thanks for the advice guys!

In all I just ordered the Tokico Illuminas. The Ground Controls I have won't work with Koni Yellows, so it looks like the best option I had were the Iluminas.

So far it seems that people say they are good and better than the KYB AGX so hopefully thats true!

 

Want to say thanks as well i just order my koni yellows should get them hopefully friday if not monday. now i just need to decide what springs to get i dont wanna slam her so what do u think about tein s-tech or eiback pro-kit

 

Good choice going with the illuminas bro, they are second best when compared to the koni yellows.

 

I like hearing they are 2nd to the Koni Yellows....I just want a strut that will last w/ my drop.

 

The illuminas should hold up very well with a moderate drop. My old GC/AGX setup lasted me a good 18 months at a drop height of 2inchs or so. Keep in mind going 2inchs or lower will cause bottoming out issues so Remember to cut the bump stops in half. Doing so wont stop you from bottoming out but will prevent your shocks from being destroyed.

 

What would you consider a moderate drop? I am dropped about 2.5 inches. I also did cut the bumpstops in half.

Sounds like the AGX arent great. The Illuminas should last much longer, correct?

 

just recieved my koni's today will post pic's later