Konis on the fron for the '97

[SHOZ123]

this is a copy of a post I made in the product feedback forum. I'll start a thread here so it can be further discussed......

After a couple of months using the Gen 3 Konis setup that SHO Source is selling is just the the right thing for the Eibachs lowering springs. They SARCs in hard mode would still bottom out. They are using the GEN 2 Konis in GEN 3 struts which are a bit shorter.

With the Konis in the softest mode they are comparable to the SARCs and will bottom out under harsh conditions. Bump them up a notch and this goes away. They also sit about a 1/2" lower than the SARCs with Eibachs. The only thing lacking is somewhere to mount the ABS wires and the brake hose.

ABS is easily fixed with the GEN 2 clip on wire holders. The price is competitive to new SARCs which fail with the Eibachs.

Here is a picture of the two side by side. When installed the Knois and new springs are about a 1/2" lower than the SARC and Eibach.

 

[luigisho]

A few questions.

Are they priced in pairs?

The price is sort of confusing. Can you clarify the cost on fronts vs rears? The drop down has + $200 for one and -$180 for another.

I thought that Koni discontinued the SHO model insert. Is that correct? If these fail are they warrantied and does Koni still replace or revalve failed units?

I know you're not involved with SHOsource but these are the questions you post initially bring to mind.

I know they are only adjustable in one direction but is there damping in compression and rebound?

 

[SHOZ123]

You should address all your questions towards SHO Source.

 

[shopartsnw]

The price on SHO Source is for a set of four. The -$180 is if you just wanted the fronts only. I realize the software can be a little confusing, but it was tough to get all the options listed. You can buy just the inserts, or you can buy them installed in the housings. I recommend the installed option, not for the money, but because if you install them yourself you really should use a press. Koni has been making them a tighter and tighter fit, to the point they are a press fit right now. Honestly, cutting the housings, cleaning them, pressing in the rings, painting, and assembly takes more time and material costs than we charge, but it is much easier to sell Konis if they are fully assembled. We rarely sell just the inserts.

As for the warranty, Koni warranties the inserts, so you would need to remove them from the housings first (a bit of a pain). It would be impossible to tell if the struts were installed in a Gen 2 or a Gen 3 once the inserts are removed.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Mike

 

[zak]

Paul, it would appear that the SHOsource Koni packaging solution offers some additional strut travel (a good thing). Can you take some measurments?

 

[SHOZ123]

Measurements of what?

 

[Silvapain]

You know...measurements 36-24-36

 

[three50one]

For what it's worth I just put Konis and Eibachs on the rear of my 97 and am taking a break from the fronts at the moment. I had pretty bad SAS as well as 60 profile tires. The tire goes into the wheel well just a little and its about the same height as before but MUCH stiffer. I'm still not even feeling the whole setup because last week I had a swaybar end link bust on me on the way to work.

To adjust on the rear is a tight fit but that rear carpeted section needs to come out to do it. It could easily be adjusted with needle noses, but the tool is JUST long enough to do it.

The rear struts with Eibachs didn't need any compression tools to assemble either. Just a little bit of pressure and can easily be done by yourself, but another hand makes it easier.

 

[three50one]

Hey Paul. Do you have any rubbing on hard bumps from your setup? My tires are a bit oversized and rub very slightly on hard compression.

Yea I just got the fronts on because I decided to hold off because I needed to replace an axle and didn't want to do the job twice.

 

[SHOZ123]

I don't have any rubbing on the strut. But I use 225/50/16 tires.

Yes you can get hard bumps with the Konis and Eibachs. I run mine on the street at a half turn firm over full soft.

 

[three50one]

I don't have any rubbing on the strut. But I use 225/50/16 tires.

Yes you can get hard bumps with the Konis and Eibachs. I run mine on the street at a half turn firm over full soft.

I'm not rubbing on the strut. I'm rubbing on the fender. My tires are 225 but they buldge a bit on the sidewall. When I say oversize I mean the sidewall is taller then stock. It's only a slight rub and I figured it would go away with stock size tires.

 

[SHOZ123]

I have some rubbing issues in the back but those are SARC struts with Eibachs there.

 

[NebraskaSHO]

Pics on car please?

 

[three50one]

I have some rubbing issues in the back but those are SARC struts with Eibachs there.

Odd as I had no rubbing with my saggy rears with these tires and with the Konis it sits about the same. I had slight rub with my 18s but that could have been taken care of with a fender roller. I'll have to trial fit my 18s and see if that takes care of it.

I can get pics this weekend after I put the new swaybar bushings in.

 

[three50one]

Don't mind the fender. A truck slammed on its brakes and swerved into me make a tight left turn at the last moment.

I know not the best pics, but theyre still pics. It is a bit low, but nothing to be scared of.

 

[SHOZ123]

I should say my rubbing issues are with Kumho high perfromance tires. The 225 width is a bit under stated. Thinking of going to 215s the next time because of this.

 

[three50one]

I should say my rubbing issues are with Kumho high perfromance tires. The 225 width is a bit under stated. Thinking of going to 215s the next time because of this.

Then I should probably say my rubbing issues were due to that accident and a slightly bent down mounting screw for the fender liner.

Edit: Why don't you roll your fenders a bit Paul? You can get the tool and a heat gun from harbor freight for less then $100. There is plenty you can roll in the rear. If it's just rubbing slightly then youre perfectly fine if you roll that lip.