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Old 06-10-2015, 12:48 PM   #1
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Koni or Bilstein Shocks?

Koni shocks cost roughly double the Bilsteins. I doubt anyone has tried both on the same rig for comparison, but wondering if the handling improvement justifies the Koni cost?
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Old 06-10-2015, 12:53 PM   #2
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The Koni shocks will give you a smoother ride, I believe handling will be about the same with either. What are you installing them on?
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Old 06-10-2015, 12:58 PM   #3
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Used Bilsteins on an E450 and was happy with the handling. Havde never used the Koni's (too cheap....lol)
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Old 06-10-2015, 01:42 PM   #4
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I went with Monroe Gas Matic 60's through Napa since they were in stock and the Bilsteins were on back order. They made a big difference and were $60 each.
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Old 06-10-2015, 03:17 PM   #5
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rear only?

[QUOTE=Pod2Vibe;889192]I went with Monroe Gas Matic 60's through Napa since they were in stock and the Bilsteins were on back order. They made a big difference and were $60 each.[/QUOTE

Did you go front & rear or only rear on the Solera? I'm thinking rear only?
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Old 06-10-2015, 03:50 PM   #6
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I'm looking to change the stock rear shocks only on my Solera 24R. I already put the Hellwig bar on which made a huge difference vs stock sway bar!
I see that Koni, which claims to be the world's leading shock manufacturer, has "frequency selective damper", or FSD, technology in their shocks, which is supposed to be a leap forward in shock manufacturing. I'm not sure if Koni would make that much difference on a smaller rig like my 24R, but I'm just looking for the best shock upgrade for my application to compliment the Hellwig bar..
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Old 06-10-2015, 06:38 PM   #7
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Here's the link to a tech video on the Koni FSD. Not sure I need them or would want to buck up for them. Maybe I'll put a set on my Ferrari......Ha!...I wish!
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Old 06-11-2015, 12:55 AM   #8
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[QUOTE=motorscooter;889314]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pod2Vibe View Post
I went with Monroe Gas Matic 60's through Napa since they were in stock and the Bilsteins were on back order. They made a big difference and were $60 each.[/QUOTE

Did you go front & rear or only rear on the Solera? I'm thinking rear only?
Did the rear only.
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Old 06-11-2015, 12:31 PM   #9
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I have used both types on high performance cars. I still like the Bilsteines. I installed them on my TV. I have used them on all my vehicles since.
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Old 06-11-2015, 09:17 PM   #10
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Had a pair of FSD's installed on the rear of my Chevy 2251sle Forester today. Will know how well they work on I-95 between Central FL and Ashland VA at the end of this month. Any additional tweeking my be the Safety Plus steering control. Will see after the trip.
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Old 06-14-2015, 11:56 AM   #11
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I went w/Koni FSDs about a year ago. Yes they cost more, ride and handling w/Helwig sway bar is phenomenal. Big improvement and when towing the Konis really standout. Konis also carry lifetime replacement warranty. Yes the do cost more, but believe well worth it.
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Old 06-14-2015, 07:25 PM   #12
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front & rear?

I' about ready to do the same. Did you put them (Koni FSD's) front & rear only. I'm thinking rear only?
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Old 06-15-2015, 09:40 AM   #13
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The valuing on a Koni shock is "harder" then most if not all Bilstenins so if you are looking for a smother ride Konis are not the way to go.
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Old 06-15-2015, 09:44 AM   #14
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All shocks are not created equal, Konis are built for handling so they are going to be a stiffer shock, Bilsteins are built for all around and they have a patent on their valving so it gives you a smother ride. But some applications only have one or the other or neither, so you will need to look at that first.
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Old 06-15-2015, 11:55 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by silverback 35ts View Post
The valuing on a Koni shock is "harder" then most if not all Bilstenins so if you are looking for a smother ride Konis are not the way to go.
That is just not true, there is a lot more to shock valving that just harder or softer. I have used both and the Koni is much smoother for small irregularities such as expansion strips, even if they are fimer for large movement. You would need to see the damping curve for each to know for sure.
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