Northwest Rider

Hey guys, I'm currently planning on a suspension purchase. I'm looking at this deal for some Tokico Illumina's with skunk2 springs at a good price. In the past I've heard that Koni Yellow with GC is a great set up and that was my plan until I started looking at what was out there.

I'm posting this for some real facts and not just a vote. I know that Koni with GC is very popular, in fact my good friend recommends it, however I'm still looking around for a good setup at a good price.

I want to know your personal experiences/preferences/opinions and please include why you think this particular way.

This will be my first suspension purchase and I'm weighing the options. This is my DD, 95 GS-R, I DO NOT plan on slamming my car but it sits too high on stock suspension. I plan on turboing the car in the Spring if that makes any difference.

Thanks guys.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

I have read that they are two comparable shocks. I wouldn't TOUCH the S2. Maybe some Eibach springs instead. No personal experience so take what I say with a grain of salt.

GagnarTheUnruly

iTrader: (3)

Illumina/GC is also an option, as is Progress if you're looking to save money.

I would choose between Illumina/GC, Koni/GC, and Progress CS2 depending on your budget and adjustability goals.

Northwest Rider

So far it sounds like the struts are both comparable and I'm looking at getting GC either way?

GagnarTheUnruly

iTrader: (3)

Illuminas and Koni Sports are pretty comparable AFAIK. Both are rebound adjustable and both have lifetime warranties.

For springs, GC is probably your best bet with either so that you can tune your ride height and spring rate. Of course, you might save money with lowering springs but you might also ride uneven or not be totally happy with your ride height. Plus with GC you are getting Eibach springs which are very good.

If you want to save a few hundred dollars, you can get Progress CS2 coilovers in a more restricted range of spring rates. These are not damping adjustable, but damping has been matched to spring rate by suspension experts, so that's not necessarily a minus.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

You still have to decide on spring rates. If you go Koni you HAVE to get the Koni specific sleeves.

GagnarTheUnruly

iTrader: (3)

Just wanted to clarify -- the Progress coilovers come with shocks, sleeves and springs so you don't use GC with those.

And Integras use shocks, not struts.

Northwest Rider

Mis-typed struts

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Correct. I run these. You have to re-use the upper perches from your stock setup.

GagnarTheUnruly

iTrader: (3)

Grumblemarc, I'm sure I'v read this before, but what rates do you have?

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

350F/250R. Rears are too soft. Hopefully if I ever get around to installing my swaybar it'll make the car more neutral. As it is there's too much understeer.

GagnarTheUnruly

iTrader: (3)

I'm getting those rates but I've got an ITR sway bar. I'll let you know if it helps.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

That's what I have. Never got around to installing it. Looking forward to see how much it balances things out.

98civdx

I would stear clear of the Skunk2's. They tend to ride like ****, and be bouncy.


What type of driving do you have in mind? Sway bars?

Northwest Rider

It's mainly DD and I have sway bars

98civdx

A sporty DD?

I dd mine, but wont hesitate for a second to find some twistys.

baummy

iTrader: (1)

I have koni's and love the ride of them.

98civdx

That is a very vouge statement.

Northwest Rider

What is nice about them.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Maybe read the first page of threads in this forum and find out. It's pretty much the shock to get as far as the general consensus goes. My question would be; you're looking at possibly purchasing them. Why?