After owning only VWs, I recently made the switch to an acura/honda. I've had both Konis and Bilsteins on my VW and always preffered the "feel" of the Bilstein. It seems that the VW community prefer Bilsteins and honda/Acura community lean toward Konis.

I've read a while back the differences between these two shock designs, but vaguely remember.

can anyone give some info on these designs and why you would choose one over the other?

Thanks! (hope it makes for good discussion)

 

I prefer the Bilsteins. They can be rebuilt by anyone including the end user. There are some that do require a small modification to make them rebuildable, but it is rather easy. The tuning options are limitless, and bilstein is great over the phone when trying to build shim stacks. Also making repeatable and consistant damping with the Bilsteins are much easier due to the defelctive disk valving they use. On top of that they have a monotube damper that does not fade and is less prone to shock aeration.

 

Why is there no Bilstein love on HT?

 

have used both, enjoy both. i really have no preference.

in a totally stock application the koni is a little more fun since it's rebound adjustable out of the box. bilstein you have to revalve

 

Thanks for the link! I posted my question there!!

 

Aren't the Bilsteins quite stiff? I think I remember either reading or hearing that the Bilstein is close to a Koni adjusted to maximum stiffness.

 

there is a dyno plot in the link kristo put up.

 

Koni offers a more for Honda than Bilstein does. I run Koni, my bud runs Bilstein. Both raced and generally beaten on for years. I think quality is similar, but Koni has more products for an old civic and the adjustable dampening is a bonus in my eyes.