[ScoobySteve]

KYB does the OEM shocks for many Japanese cars. Most notably, they do the struts for Subarus, including the inverted ones for STi's.

With that said, even when the valve is right, they seem to screw up the ride / handling balance. Over on the Subaru forums the adjustable KYB are the cheapest stiffer option, but they will make your car ride like a truck. Everyone knows if you want it to ride more like a BMW, get Konis or the Tokicos. The stock units also lack any durability. Even very light lowering (less than 1") seems to cause failure within 40,000 miles.

I think my Porsche mechanic said it best when he told me he had installed 4 sets of KYBs at the behest of customers and every single one of them changed them out within 12 months.