968 Front Struts

[deekay911]

Hi, has anyone done the Koni replacement inserts for the 968 Front Struts? Looks like a much cheaper option than buying new complete sealed struts, and should give some performance improvement over standard. I'm interested in how easy it is to do the whole cut-and-shut thing, and what improvement in ride the Koni Sports give...thanks!

[hpservertech]

Koni has instructions on their web site. Paragon also has a very good write up.

If you can use a saw, tape measure & drill then you can do it. It's easy.

Get a shop to take the springs off for you though if you dont have the right tool. you dont want to mess with a spring flying into your face.

[flash968]

yes - done it - not bad

you can avoid the spring issue entirely - you do not have to use a spring compressor to remove the springs - remove the front sway bar entirely - then remove only the center nut on the strut, leaving the strut bearing in place - then the control arm will swing down and out of the way freely, without the spring causing any harm - you will likely need to compress the strut a bit to facilitate this, but it is pretty easy - then you merely remove the sensors and 2 bolts holding it in, and you're ready to begin the conversion

ride change is noticeable - strut setting is spring rate dependent - stock springs are about 3/4 - 1 turn from full soft - stiffer springs get stiffer settings accordingly - do NOT dial up the struts thinking it will stiffen your suspension - it only stiffens up bump, and not compression

as a gas cartridge, there is an inherent preload - this results in a bit harsher ride - it's not huge, but it's there

also, there is a ceiling for street-ability when it come to spring rate - the max is 400#, but it will not be street-able, and the max street rate is a bit over 300#

i had these in my car, and they were "OK", but i wanted more - i just recently changed to a dual adjustable hydraulic - i haven't driven it yet, but will later this week

[Tidybuoy]

I did the project on my '88 944 which is the same process as the 968. Attached is a link to my original post with pictures of the whole process - it was much easier than I expected and the whole project can be done in a long afternoon.

Vern

Weekend Project Pics - Koni Inserts

[Tidybuoy]

One more thing.....Flash968 is correct that the ride change will be noticable. At first I thought the ride was too harsh but after I installed 968 M030 swaybars, all of the harshness went away - Koni's & the beefier swaybars is a good combo....Koni's and nothing else is not as good. No matter what, the car will handle in the turns much, much better than stock.

[flashgordon13]

I just did mine on an '89 944 and love the handling. The job is super easy and will make you wish you had done it sooner. The ride is just barely different while cruising with the settings just off of full soft, but turn the steering wheel and you will think you're driving a different car. The car sets much quicker into a turn and is not thrown off balance by every bump in the road.

[deekay911]

Thanks Guys - sounds good - can't wait to git r dun now!!