Question on Koni FSD
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: CA
Question on Koni FSD
I have read a lot of reviews in the forum about the FSD shocks and it looks like almost everyone reports great results. I have a 2009 Z51 and am looking to smooth out the ride. The issue for me is the constant jerking and roughness over monor road imperfections. Bumps like railroad tracks I expect some roughness and don't really bother me. I have driven all three suspensions (Z51, Base and Magnetic). I opted for the Z51 because I like the feel/handling, but am tied of the rough ride and the wife is complaining now too. Mainly looking to smooth out the ride on the freeway because we use the car for trips. What can I expect... will the ride comfort compare to the base suspension after adding the Konis?
Also, anyone know what it would cost to have them installed? I think this is something that I would rather have done professionally.
Also, anyone know what it would cost to have them installed? I think this is something that I would rather have done professionally.
Last edited by MAS12; Jan 13, 2011 at 05:30 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Talk to miami08vette I think is his handle. I do know it will lower your car anywhere from 1/4" to 1/2" or more. I don't know if it's definitely the case, but you might need an alignment after installation. If you haven't had a good alignment already, that might not be such a bad idea anyway.
You don't say where you live, what type of driving you do, or what kind of roads there are in your area, but my impression from talking with owners is that the ride may improve slightly. Slightly meaning it won't be so jittery or jarring on slight bumps and generally rougher roads.
You also might comment on tire pressures that you have your tires set at; that's a big factor, too.
Price to install? I'd say it might be a 1-2 hr. installation. Figure in your local rates; mine are anywhere from $100-$125.
You don't say where you live, what type of driving you do, or what kind of roads there are in your area, but my impression from talking with owners is that the ride may improve slightly. Slightly meaning it won't be so jittery or jarring on slight bumps and generally rougher roads.
You also might comment on tire pressures that you have your tires set at; that's a big factor, too.
Price to install? I'd say it might be a 1-2 hr. installation. Figure in your local rates; mine are anywhere from $100-$125.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,681
Likes: 2
From: Mooresville (Race City USA) NC
I have read a lot of reviews in the forum about the FSD shocks and it looks like almost everyone reports great results. I have a 2009 Z51 and am looking to smooth out the ride. The issue for me is the constant jerking and roughness over monor road imperfections. Bumps like railroad tracks I expect some roughness and don't really bother me. I have driven all three suspensions (Z51, Base and Magnetic). I opted for the Z51 because I like the feel/handling, but am tied of the rough ride and the wife is complaining now too. Mainly looking to smooth out the ride on the freeway because we use the car for trips. What can I expect... will the ride comfort compare to the base suspension after adding the Konis?
Also, anyone know what it would cost to have them installed? I think this is something that I would rather have done professionally.
Also, anyone know what it would cost to have them installed? I think this is something that I would rather have done professionally.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
The FSD's you will love. The Z51 suspension was to harsh for me too. The Base which I bought, was to wimpy/bouncy. The Koni's are perfect with added handling over the Base and comparable ride.
Wife response>>>>>>>
Wife response>>>>>>>
Last edited by Boomer111; Jan 13, 2011 at 06:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: CA
I'm not looking to start up the Z51 vs. F55 suspension arguments again, but I tried the F55 and personally found the handling somewhat disappointing. It felt pretty much like the base suspension to me. I rented a Hertz HZH two different times before I bought mine and put about 500 miles on it. I never could tell much difference when I switched between Sport and Tour modes.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
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From: CA
The FSD's you will love. The Z51 suspension was to harsh for me too. The Base which I bought, was to wimpy/bouncy. The Koni's are perfect with added handling over the Base and comparable ride. I added the Z51 sway bars and got rid of the Run Flats. Big improvement in noise, handling and ride. I thought the shocks upgrade was the most significant until I went to a 4:10 Differential.
While the shocks upgrade was a must with the FSD's contributing nicely the gear swap elicited the most change.
Wife response>>>>>>>
While the shocks upgrade was a must with the FSD's contributing nicely the gear swap elicited the most change.
Wife response>>>>>>>
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
By exchanging shocks you will not be reaching Nirvana. If F55 disappointed you I am not sure what your looking for. I think The FSD's are similar in ride to the F55 while in Sport. ( I have only driven F55 equipped car once briefly)
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: CA
F55 Ride was fine, but I didn't think much of the handling. It felt like a base suspension in either mode. If I could get Z51 handling with F55 Sport ride by adding Konis I would be thrilled!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 668
From: North Fulton Georgia
Hello!
I have them for about a year or more now. Sorry lost track of time. Anyway, the FSD's will 100% guaranteed get rid of the Z51 twitchiness for sure! All the harshness and what I like to call "paranoid" behaviour will be 97% removed. Why not 100% you ask? Well the Z51 does have stiffer springs as well so the ride will remain firmer than if you had a base suspension.
As for handling, my opinion is that it has improved due to better, more predictable behavior. I also upgraded to Hotchkiss sway bars front and rear when I did the shocks so my handling vastly improved!
They are a little pricey at $600 to $700 but worth the $$$ in my opinion. I did the install myself so I can't comment on what a pro install would cost.
Good luck and feel confident that you would be making a great decision to chenge over the FSD's. By the way it will lower the car by at least 1/4" or slightly more so be ready to have your alignment done and make sure you are ok with an even lower Vette!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
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From: Ventura County, Calif
No personal experience, just offering this review in case you didn't see it:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562831212-post1.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562831212-post1.html
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
I will add though I did also add the Z51 Sways and did a tire upgrade. I do not Track but for street use I am very happy. The car corners flat and is not jumping all over.
Good luck
Last edited by Boomer111; Jan 13, 2011 at 09:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
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From: CA
Thanks. I heard that there is a height adjustment on the car. I have not read up on that yet so sorry for the ignorance. Can you adjust it back to standard height after installing the Konis? Lowering might be a concern as I always scrape a little going into driveways, etc.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 668
From: North Fulton Georgia
Thanks. I heard that there is a height adjustment on the car. I have not read up on that yet so sorry for the ignorance. Can you adjust it back to standard height after installing the Konis? Lowering might be a concern as I always scrape a little going into driveways, etc.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Thanks. I heard that there is a height adjustment on the car. I have not read up on that yet so sorry for the ignorance. Can you adjust it back to standard height after installing the Konis? Lowering might be a concern as I always scrape a little going into driveways, etc.
Scrapping is NORMAL even mentioned as such in the Owners Manual.
This car looks great lowered but I have come to the conclusion that it is to low already for road debris, let alone slamming on dips at freeway speeds.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 668
From: North Fulton Georgia
