Which front struts to use?

Speedo959 · 05-02-2002, 10:35 AM

I am going to replace the front struts and thought about using the KYBs. Any of you guys have any experience with these? I might do some autoX in the future. I did call Pep Boys asking for the KYBs and they said not available, but they had some Gabriels.
Just wondering what you guys thought. I probably will just get a set from Pelican. Thanks for the info.

J P Stein · 05-02-2002, 11:04 AM

KYB makes some good shocks, but not for 914s or 911s (IMO)
Boge, Koni, or Bilstein (I use the Bs).

Speedo959 · 05-02-2002, 11:17 AM

JP,
My 911 before it was mine had Bogis and felt really good. Then my dad put KYBs and the rear wanted to move all over the place in a straight line. How do they feel on the front of the 914?

J P Stein · 05-02-2002, 11:40 AM

I've never used them on a 914.
I had them on the rear of a 911 (like your dad) and they were terrible (a PO trick). Rode like they were made from concrete and didn't dampen well to boot.......the last thing a guy needs on the rear of a 911

Based on this, I tend to believe the anecdotal evidence I have heard since.

Jim Smolka · 05-02-2002, 05:00 PM

I like the Koni Adj shocks. Well worth the exta $$$

rdvnac · rdvnac's Garage

KYB = Kick Your Butt.

Very harsh ride and the handling does NOT make up for it IMHO.

BTDT, now I go with Boges or Konis on 914s.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

The Bilsteins are supposed to be a very good ride/handling compromise. They ride somewhere between the Boges and the Konis in comfort, but offer handling almost as good as the Konis.

There are several different kinds of Konis. The better handling they offer, the harsher the ride.

The KYBs, supposedly, offer very harsh ride but only medium-good handling. I haven't done an A/B comparo, though.

--DD

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

I'm running Bilsteins with 140s in the rear on my 914-6 conversion...

-Wayne

DDS · 05-03-2002, 03:21 AM

I have older adjustable Konis all 'round. If you are thinking about upgrade paths, used 911 front struts are commonly available with adjustable konis (Were you contemplating a brake upgrade anyway?) If you look for used konis be aware that older ones like mine (both F&R) may be the type which require the strut to be collapsed to be adjusted - a PITA if you want to fiddle with the settings much.

Speedo959 · 05-03-2002, 10:20 AM

Dave (DDS)
I already did an upgrade to the BMW calipers. So if I do find some used off of a 911 I'll have to change the calipers also? Maybe I can find a set of used konis and calipers for the price of a new set. Not sure but this is getting deeper than I wanted to go. I gotta do something quick though, the strut on the drivers side has alot of play and wanders all over the place. I don't want to drive the thing till it is fixed. Also what brand is original equipment? Maybe I will just use the struts off of my 74 parts car. Thanks for the help

DDS · 05-03-2002, 10:56 AM

It may be deeper than you want given that you've already upgraded the brakes. You'd get the whole strut, rotor, caliper and hub assy and convert to 5-bolt. OE 911 SC was boge or koni, or boge or bilstein depending on the year. (I look it up in the automotion book.) Again, it might only be worthwhile if the shocks were the beginning of bigger upgrade intentions. Good luck.

Dave

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

I believe that stock was Boge. Bilstien was optional.

--DD

Zeke · 05-03-2002, 07:37 PM

I have the older "collapse to adjust" Konis all around. Stock, not sport model. What setting do you recommend I start with for track? Also have stock 930 front Konis. Any good there? I should aalso mention that my front suspension is Carrera/Boge, so my front Konis are replacement type. 19mm bars front/ 165# rear. Thanks.

DDS · 05-04-2002, 03:31 AM

FYI - from an old automotion catalog.

Speedo959 · 05-05-2002, 09:56 PM

Thanks to all who replied. I know a local 914er who is always calling me up with questions. I said man you need a computer! I have learned so much about these cars since I started coming to these forums. So I take it from what everyone has said the konis are the way to go? I think the KYBs are definately out of the picture then. Once again thanks for the help.

Bleyseng · Bleyseng's Garage

For the most for the money go with the Bilsteins, if money isn't a concern go with the Koni Sports! The best deals were at Paragon but Pelican is price matching so you can't go wrong with that.
Geoff