KYB or Boge struts?

justin · justin's Garage

Ok, I already have KYB's on the back,and need new front struts,I can't afford Koni's,Bilstein ect.... but I was wondering which is better,KYB or Boge's? I want something stiffer than stock and I am running H&R 200lbs springs.
Thanks

justin · justin's Garage

--bump--

Eric 951 · 07-10-2003, 05:16 AM

Justin,

I went with Boges for my car 2 years ago, when I couldn't afford Konis. They are an OEM repalcement(among others). Not sure how much stiffer over stock they would be on an N/A(if at all). However, I have no complaints.

97XRAY · 97XRAY's Garage

Last month I removed KYB from the front and replaced then with the Boge "Turbo" (not 951, just a product name) strut inserts. Not only were tyhe KYBs not EXACTLY the correct hieght in the cylinders, but because they don't have the 7mm hex offset in the top, they were a MASSIVE B&%TCH to get out.
As to performance, no choice on this one... it may be twice the cost, but the Boge are 10 to 100 times better than those old KYB. I would guess that they had been in there for ~5years, since that's when the PO purchased the car and "upgraded" it. So after ~5 years, the KYBs were absolute crap.

Rot 911 · 07-10-2003, 05:51 AM

In my opinion, having used both, I don't think there is much difference between KYB and Boge. And of course any new shock is better than almost any 5 year old shock.

Deeks · 07-10-2003, 08:06 AM

I'd go for fully adjustable KYBs.

justin · justin's Garage

Thanks everyone, I still don't know which to go with,need more advise here,Thanks

Kirk924S · 07-18-2003, 07:05 PM

I have KYB gas-adjust on all 4 corners and they are pretty stiff. Too stiff for any comfort on the city streets around here. Performance is OK. The rest of my suspension is bone-stock. The price was right...

1.2gees · 1.2gees's Garage

I have seen too many KYBs fail. If you're going to spend money on your suspension (and there's nothing that NEEDS to be adressed, like a worn out ball joint, or a torn bushing, etc.), the best place to put money into is usually schocks. I wouldn't go too cheap on them.

I prefer bilstein's over either of your choices (and usually over Koni's as well). I've gone through some KYBs in the rear of my 944na (the one in my sig), yes they're better than any worn out shock, but they lasted a very short time. Since installing the shocks in the front is a fair bit more involved compared to the rear, I would get the more durable shocks, if you're planning to keep the car. Also note your car will need an alignment afterwards.
Ahmet