Will Koni's from a 71E fit a 69S?

[ZCAT3]

The shocks on my 69 S are completely dead. A buddy of mine has a new set from a 71E - will these fit a 69S? I cannot tell from looking at the Koni website. Thanks.

[Grady Clay]

Bill,

Assuming everything is as original, yes if you are talking about struts. Both fit the “S” caliper assuming the E just had the Hydropnumatic struts replaced with “S” struts.

Remember that you can just replace shock absorber inserts. You do not normally have to replace the entire strut. The replacement shock inserts are both by brand (Koni, Boge, Bilstein, etc.) and by what original strut you have (Koni, Boge….) A Bilstein replacement shock insert designed for a Boge strut will not fit a Koni strut and so on.


There is a significant safety issue with the ’69-’71 strut-to-ball joint attachment. In ’72 Porsche changed from a pinch bolt to a wedge-pin type of attachment (in use today). This is a good opportunity to buy new ’72 and later struts (with shocks), ball joints, and attachment hardware.
You should replace the rear at the same time with matching shocks.
Adding Turbo tie rods is a very worthwhile “while you are there.”

With a proper alignment, you won’t believe the improvement in handling.

Best,
Grady

[ZCAT3]

Hi Grady - the car actually had hydropneumatic struts from the factory and a PO switched them to Koni struts from a 1973 car years ago. So I believe I have the type of ball joint attachment you speak of. I also have turbo tie rods. I just need to replace the front inserts and back shocks. Am I stuck with using only Koni's at this point, or will Bilstein sports fit in the Koni strut (I think not because I seem to remember that the Bilstein insert's top nut threads on the outside of the strut housing whereas the Koni insert threads to the inside of the strut housing).

[Grady Clay]

Bill,

Some inspection will tell if you have the up-dated struts and ball joints.

Here is the difference, note the early one has a split to the inboard
and the later has no split:

"
"
(C) Dr Ing. h.c. F. Porsche A.G.


I think all the manufacturers now supply either adaptors or
a fitting that matches the threads of you shocks.
Determine exactly what shocks you have, many have
everything stamped in the shock tube above the spindle.
Clean and inspect.

Yes, you can install current Bilstein inserts in a ’73 strut.
Another reason you need to know exactly what strut you
have is the locating device at the bottom of the shock
insert must match the strut.

Best,
Grady

[ZCAT3]

Hi Grady - it looks like I have the later style as shown on the right. Here are a few pictures.








I spoke to a Bilstein rep and they seem to think that nothing they have will fit a Koni strut. I sent you a PM regarding the Koni set I am looking at. Thanks for the help.

[Grady Clay]

Bill,

Yes, you have the later style – good.

I am surprised you can’t put a Bilstein insert in. There must be a location or fit issue with that strut. Your decision is now to replace the struts with new Bilstein struts or buy new Koni inserts for these struts or the ones on your ‘69. What is your intended use for your ’69?

While you have everything apart, take the A-arms to a Dealer or someone who has the P-tools to check for straightness. Note the little rusty area alongside the ball joint. Many times a strut and ball joint are damaged and replaced and the tech didn’t notice the paint was cracked there on the A-arm. Of course eventually water and rust flakes off the paint. This just an indicator of a possibly damaged A-arm, only the tool can tell for sure.

BTW, I see the right size Channellocks for the job.

Best,
Grady