Koni vs. Bilstein - Opinions?

[Tidybuoy]

I'm going to purchase new strut inserts in a couple of weeks. I was wondering if anyone has comments about Koni vs. Bilstein.

I have Koni Red Adjustable in the rear. Last year, I installed Koni Red Adjustable in the front but after a month, I made a big mistake - I tightened up the struts & snapped one of the Koni's and since then, I've been back to my old struts.

One thing that I didn not like about the Koni's was that I felt that the car seemed bouncy. However, I have replaced all of my suspension parts since then.

Personally, I am leaning towards the Bilstein. I really don't like anything adjustable because I tend to adjust all the time.

Anyone have any comments.

[JmuRiz]

I've had good luck w/ my red adjustable Konis on all four corners. I have 135lb adj height springs in the back and 21mm torsion bars in the front. Feels great after a wheel alignment and ride height adj (ghetto corner balance). Then again I have 5-bolt fuchs wheels and that reduced unspring weight helps a ton w/ the bouncy feel.

I don't think you can go wrong w/ either brand as long as it's adjusted properly. Good luck

Nathan

PS: This is a street driven car only (for now), but I don't mind a stiff ride on the streets.

[Thomas Wilkinson]

I recommend going Bilstein.
I have had KONIs on 3 cars (914-4, 914-6, and 73 911).
All were replaced with Bilsteins.
I feel that KONIs have a harsher ride.
The Bilsteins feel tight, and controlled, without the harshness.
FYI all my cars are street cars.

Hope that helps.

Tom Wilkinson

1970 914-6 2.5
1973 911 2.7

[banjo]

i have bilsteins on my scirocco and it handles as good as any FWD front engine car.. a little better actually(little being a slight understatment). however i have koni reds on the tail end of my teener, the fronts are boges. the konis have done me well and so have the bilsteins, i aggree that the feel is all in the setup, especially in somthing as fine-tuned as suspension, on the 914 i have them set a tad on the soft side...but they handle beautifly compared to a 914 that doesnt have them, the scirocco handles as good as it can ,in its present state, and isnt quite as ”harsh”.


all in all, i think its all in the setup/adjustment, and what you're using the car for.


-David

[scg]

It's not supposed to ride like a cart?????

Koni Yellow (sport)

[chrisreale]

Koni Yellows on mine. I AX it and drive it on the street. They are a little stiff, but not bad. I think the over all condition of your springs, torsion bars and suspension bushings are going to play a greater role in how comfortable/uncomfortable the ride is

[Mark Henry]

I've got the Billy-bobs on all fours, nice and stiff, but not harsh.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Bilsteins for street. Koni Yellows for a car that is more compromised toward "race car". A little better grip at the limit at the expense of a noticeably harder ride.

--DD