Koni Sport Kit Review - 2000 GSR
I’d like to share my experience with my Koni Sport kit with everyone looking for a good value in suspension. I’m no expert driver or track day junkie, but I’m a discerning engineer who enjoys his time behind the wheel, so take this in that context.
I have had my Koni Sport Kit #1130-1000 installed on my 2000 GSR for almost a year now, which for me equates to about 25000 miles. Being in Ohio, I have driven this car in conditions ranging from crappy snow and ice with potholes to warm and dry pavement. I also do autocrosses now and again. I drive on snow tires and performance tires – so this suspension sees just about any conceivable condition. Other than this Kit, my car also has the ITR 22mm rear sway bar installed.
In summary, for a daily-driven comfort with a performance edge, this Kit makes for a great setup. As it includes the Koni Sport externally adjustable dampers, the firmness is completely tunable. Low traction and rough roads in the winter? Dial them down to soft. Enjoy that firm ride? Crank them up a bit. Looking for more neutral handling characteristics? Bias the rear firmer than the front and feel the rear tires moving around.
As the springs have a progressive characteristic, the initial travel is a relatively low rate for reasonable comfort on rougher roads. However, as the rate firms as travel continues, they do reduce body roll significantly. The picture shown was taken under hard cornering, and the body is well-controlled. The car was lowered 32mm, approx. 1.25”, enough to give a more aggressive appearance without sacrificing curb clearance or ride comfort, and the alignment is still fine.
So – if you’re looking for something to give your daily a more purposeful look and real performance benefits without completely killing your comfort, this is a great way to go. Plus, Koni quality is always a nice thing to have.
I have had my Koni Sport Kit #1130-1000 installed on my 2000 GSR for almost a year now, which for me equates to about 25000 miles. Being in Ohio, I have driven this car in conditions ranging from crappy snow and ice with potholes to warm and dry pavement. I also do autocrosses now and again. I drive on snow tires and performance tires – so this suspension sees just about any conceivable condition. Other than this Kit, my car also has the ITR 22mm rear sway bar installed.
In summary, for a daily-driven comfort with a performance edge, this Kit makes for a great setup. As it includes the Koni Sport externally adjustable dampers, the firmness is completely tunable. Low traction and rough roads in the winter? Dial them down to soft. Enjoy that firm ride? Crank them up a bit. Looking for more neutral handling characteristics? Bias the rear firmer than the front and feel the rear tires moving around.
As the springs have a progressive characteristic, the initial travel is a relatively low rate for reasonable comfort on rougher roads. However, as the rate firms as travel continues, they do reduce body roll significantly. The picture shown was taken under hard cornering, and the body is well-controlled. The car was lowered 32mm, approx. 1.25”, enough to give a more aggressive appearance without sacrificing curb clearance or ride comfort, and the alignment is still fine.
So – if you’re looking for something to give your daily a more purposeful look and real performance benefits without completely killing your comfort, this is a great way to go. Plus, Koni quality is always a nice thing to have.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Salt Lake City, Chicago at heart, UT or IL, USA
Thanks for posting! I just got the sport kit for my car, and have had it for a little less than a week, but I couldn't be happier. It's firm when it needs to be, but is soft enough to drive comefortably on any road, and being from chicago, some roads are quite bad. I haven't had a chance to test the suspension to it's fullest, but I noticed an instant improovment overall.
I gotta say, that's a huge-*** cone in that picture. Looks almost as big as your car. If you hit that thing, think it would go thru the windshield?
I used to have a 4dr 2001 GSR and I drove my car back to back with Big Al's. I have to say that the Koni sport kit really did a great job and seemed to be very well suited to the car.
This probably isn't the hot kit to win STS nationals or to race Honda Challenge on, but for a daily driven car that also sees some autox and track day work it is a great option.
In addition to the quality product, Lee from Koni is always on here. Him (and the rest of the Koni staff) have always been very helpful.
- Markus
I used to have a 4dr 2001 GSR and I drove my car back to back with Big Al's. I have to say that the Koni sport kit really did a great job and seemed to be very well suited to the car.
This probably isn't the hot kit to win STS nationals or to race Honda Challenge on, but for a daily driven car that also sees some autox and track day work it is a great option.
In addition to the quality product, Lee from Koni is always on here. Him (and the rest of the Koni staff) have always been very helpful.
- Markus
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I've only seen these being sold for 96+ civics... does anyone know if they make this for 92-95? Or can I use one of the other years? Several sites I've looked at pricing them on didn't have my car listed 

Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City, Chicago at heart, UT or IL, USA
I think they got em at http://www.kingmotorsports.com. check there. they might have them for your civ
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tranquil »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've only seen these being sold for 96+ civics... does anyone know if they make this for 92-95? Or can I use one of the other years? Several sites I've looked at pricing them on didn't have my car listed 
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Doesn't the DC2 have the same suspension geometry as the EG? I could be wrong, but...

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Doesn't the DC2 have the same suspension geometry as the EG? I could be wrong, but...
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 813
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From: Salt Lake City, Chicago at heart, UT or IL, USA
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by allenp »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Doesn't the DC2 have the same suspension geometry as the EG? I could be wrong, but...</TD></TR></TABLE>
yes, it does, but spring rates are different.
yes, it does, but spring rates are different.
Back from the dead, does anyone know if the Koni sport kit has the adjustable perch? I know the Koni yellows have adjustable perch but in not sure about with the kit.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89rexsi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Back from the dead, does anyone know if the Koni sport kit has the adjustable perch? I know the Koni yellows have adjustable perch but in not sure about with the kit.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Try neuspeed.com, I just got mine from them they have the adjustable perch.
Try neuspeed.com, I just got mine from them they have the adjustable perch.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jpres927 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Try neuspeed.com, I just got mine from them they have the adjustable perch.</TD></TR></TABLE>
All Koni Sport shocks have adjustable perch. The SP3 version has 5 settings whereas the Sport version has 3. Both are externally adjustable.
There are a few more differences but I can't remember.
Anyways, I'm riding on SP3 shocks and stock springs and I couldn't be happer with the ride... Firm enough to take some spirited turns but soft enough to be comfortable on a long drive and not spill your coffee
All Koni Sport shocks have adjustable perch. The SP3 version has 5 settings whereas the Sport version has 3. Both are externally adjustable.
There are a few more differences but I can't remember.
Anyways, I'm riding on SP3 shocks and stock springs and I couldn't be happer with the ride... Firm enough to take some spirited turns but soft enough to be comfortable on a long drive and not spill your coffee
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by shogun-dc2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">All Koni Sport shocks have adjustable perch. The SP3 version has 5 settings whereas the Sport version has 3. Both are externally adjustable.
There are a few more differences but I can't remember.
Anyways, I'm riding on SP3 shocks and stock springs and I couldn't be happer with the ride... Firm enough to take some spirited turns but soft enough to be comfortable on a long drive and not spill your coffee
</TD></TR></TABLE>
difference between the SP3 version and the sport version ?
There are a few more differences but I can't remember.
Anyways, I'm riding on SP3 shocks and stock springs and I couldn't be happer with the ride... Firm enough to take some spirited turns but soft enough to be comfortable on a long drive and not spill your coffee
</TD></TR></TABLE>difference between the SP3 version and the sport version ?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jEE »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">difference between the SP3 version and the sport version ? </TD></TR></TABLE>
as stated above, the SP3 has 5 perch settings whereas the Sport has 3. SP3's were made by Koni but also branded by Neuspeed.
again, i don't remember the differences but i remember they were posted before... do a search, you may dig something up
as stated above, the SP3 has 5 perch settings whereas the Sport has 3. SP3's were made by Koni but also branded by Neuspeed.
again, i don't remember the differences but i remember they were posted before... do a search, you may dig something up
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