Well guys, I created a thread a while back asking for a comparison of KYB AGX's and Konis -- trying to decide whether or not a switch to Koni was worth it. Well, I suppose noone was stupid enough to have KYB's, and switch to Konis.

I was.

I managed to find a hell of a deal around here on htech for some nice Neuspeed Koni Yellows, and, in my desire for superior handling, squeezed enough cash out of my account to get them. Here is my comparison.

First of all - I really liked my KYBs. They treated me very well. Being lowered on H&R sport, which is a bit more than their warranty recommends, was no problem for them. I ran 3F, 4R everyday -- after having tried numerous other settings, this was the best for me. Handling was good -- but it felt like there was room for improvement. No doubt, this had to do with the conservative rates of the H&R sport (276F/276R), but I also felt that when I adjusted the KYB's, there wasnt much of a noticable difference between 1 and 4 - and on 4 I was looking for some hardcore handling...and I just wasnt feeling it.

Now...for the actual comparison. I cruised around on the Neuspeed Konis on the softest settings for a while. To be 100% honest, I would say that:

1) No setting on the KYB's compared to the ride QUALITY of the Konis...they were smooth, and yummy.
2) I would say that the Konis on their SOFTEST setting rivaled the kybs on their HARDEST setting.

After turning up the Konis to half-hardness, this is what I found:

1) They are FAR superior in handling compared to the KYBs.
2) The ride quality on half-hardness is still as good or better than the KYB's on 1.

Alright - I have not taken the Konis past half a turn yet. I am pumped to try them out hardcore when I get some new tires on the teg - my Kumhos are toast, and I dont want to push it. I will be sure to keep all of you updated on the comparison. Furthermore, eventually here Ill have a comparison of H&R/KYB vs. H&R/KONI vs. GC/KONI, just so we can have a complete understanding of the differences in these suspension setups.

My recommendations for those choosing between KYB's and Konis -

1) If you are on a budget, and are just going to cruise around town with your shocks, dont plan on dropping past 2", and dont ever plan to road race or autox, the KYBs will suit you perfectly. $300 for those is a hell of a deal.

However, I wish I wouldve saved up the $200 the first time and gotten the Neuspeed Konis. They are noticably superior to the KYB's, on all levels, and offer a superior ride quality in general. The ability to rebuild them is a ridiculous plus - and their construction is obviously amazing. The better handling is noticable off the bat, and I cant even compehend how they are going to run when I turn up the stiffness past 1/2.

In no way do I want to hate on the structural or handling integrity of the KYBs, for $300 they are a great shock, and wonderful for casual guys just lowering the car and want some better handling than stock. I had many a good time on back roads with them. For a modest setup, they are awesome.

They just arent Konis

That should do it. Questions are welcome.

Cliffs Notes - Save your money and buy the Konis



[Modified by neo1z, 4:04 PM 4/5/2003]

 

Nice writeup

 

Good stuff! One quick Q: why did you get Neuspeed Koni Yellows over regular Koni Yellows?

 

Hey Scott -- I found a great deal on some from reefer_bob around here on h-tech...that was the main deciding factor

The 5 perch settings and shorter shock rods are perks of the whole thing, but if I had found a deal on normal Konis, I wouldve had no qualms about picking those up. I just got lucky

 

very nice writeup! i think a lotta people on here as well as myself will find ur insights informative and helpful. thanx!

 

Thanks man -- I spent forever trying to find a comparison...but to no avail. Hopefully this helps some people

 

I'm running H&R/KYB AGX's on my hatch and the front looks good but the back is a little high. A friend of mine is runnin' Eibach(Hatch spring rate, my olds ones he got for free)/AGX KYB's and it sits pretty good. The only bad thing is the spring rate. He'll change them out one of these days.

 

damn, I had my mind set on GC's and KYB's. Now you are making me think twice

 

lol - sorry man

 

I have OTS Koni Sports and H&R Sport springs also, and IMHO the H&R spring is just too soft for the amount they drop. I run 1/2-5/8 turn from full soft in front and 3/4-7/8 turn from full soft in back for everyday driving, and over certain bumps on roads near my house, the car becomes extremely unsettled. Since the Konis are not adjustable for compression damping, the relatively soft H&R spring compresses quite a bit, and so the Koni ends up having to dampen more rebound motion.

This is why I will be switching to GC's w/ 350f/400r rates. My thinking is a stiffer spring will not compress as much over bumps and will make the car more stable. Am I right on this thinking?

 

How does Tokico's compare to the Koni's or KYB?

 

Very nice write up indeed. I'm heading towards the route of H&R/KYB. What you said this combo is good for is excatly what I'll end up doing with this setup. Maybe, in a few months I'll want something that handles better but, I'm confident this will do for now.

Thanks for the informative writeup. I'm glad you didn't bash on the KYB even though the Koni's are far superior. I wish all posts could be as informative and fair as this one.


[Modified by RuskeR, 12:35 PM 4/5/2003]


[Modified by RuskeR, 12:36 PM 4/5/2003]

 

I have the H&R Race springs and adj. Koni's(came stock on my car)...(yes from the factory) and I love them. I was contemplating switching to arvins...but the adj. factor can't be ruled out. Good write up BTW

 

Im glad you found it helpful man. There is definitely nothing to bash about the KYB's, especially for their price.

Pat - I will probably be doing 400f/400R on the GC's -- are you running an ITR rear sway yet?

 

I personally find Tokicos to be on the same level as the KYBs - with KYBs costing less. Id personnaly pick KYBs over Tokicos.


[Modified by neo1z, 4:38 PM 4/5/2003]

 

Tokico HP (blues) are about the same as KYB GR-2's, both designed to be pretty much a stock replacement, maybe 20% stiffer than stock. The AGX's are better than that obviously.

And you betcha I'm running the ITR sway.

 

Ooops....I thought he was talking about Illuminas.

Yay for ITR rear sways!