Back in mid July I started a tread trying to get opinions on the Koni Sports Adjustables. My responses were few so I decided to do my own analysis and after some deliberation I decided to jump in.

Mods made:
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sports ZP
Shocks: Koni Sport Adjustables
Sway Bars: Z51’s

Before I get into telling you all how much better the ride is, let me first say anyone considering these shocks note the Koni Sport Adjustabless are considerably higher pressure than the base suspension shocks and your car will sit a good ½ in higher. Both the front and rear shocks have to be compressed before they’ll go in. I mention the rears as I’ve seen a very good link with pics that said the rear shock will come out and go back in with only a little twisting. They do come out easy enough but as the Koni’s design is heavier duty, you’ll run into interference between the control arm and the axle. Compressing them about 1 ½ to 2 inches will take care of that. Examine the shock carefully as Koni’s Quality control isn’t as good as I remember. The welds on the top shock body are rough and uneven. I needed to file 2 of them down just a bit before the base washers sat flat. Sorry guys – no pics…

Also make sure they work before installing them because once they’re in, getting them out is a bear—unless you’re going to start dropping the suspension! Long story short one of my shocks was broken (Quality Control?) and didn’t realize it until it was in. The damping adjuster, which is located just above the lower shock mount did not work. I know I should have checked first - you don’t have say it but indulge yourselves if you must! I was anxious and figured I was going to have to make final adjustments in place anyway but compressing that shock in place was a killer. If there is a tool to compress shocks I would appreciate the knowing.

Now to the ride. First let me say I don’t track my car. My kinda ride is spirited cruising up country roads from Westchester to the Adirondacks. To put it mildly the changes made it feel like a different car. Now it rides as good as it looks. The car is very stable when I encounter dips in high speed sweepers. The shocks and tires are very compliant and I hardly notice frost heaves. When I hit them in moderate speed sweepers, I don’t feel that bump steer. Body roll is essentially gone. Definitely worth the work. As far as cost…The Koni sports are not cheap! You’ll have to decide.

I’m looking for my next little project. I have my sights on steering. Anybody have recommendations on how to increase the responsiveness of the steering? Anyone swap out their racks?

 

I believe DRM sells a solid/poly (?) bushing for the rack. Change the sway bars.

 

I did swap out the sway bars with the Z51's. Much happier now.!

Thanks, I'll check out DRM.

 

seriously the shocks raised the car a 1/2"?

 

Yeah it did. I have to admit I didn't measure it with a ruler but I could get another finger between the fender and the tire. Also when going into my garage I no longer drag the air dam under the nose any longer. I've put on about 1000 miles it appears to have settled a slight bit but not much.

Side by side the Koni sport are much more difficult to compress-not just because it has greater damping but due to the pressure.

 

The Koni FSD's lower the car about 1/4 in. or more.

 

My Z51 shocks had so much gas pressure you had to use ratchet straps to get them compressed enough to remove. The FSD's dropped the front 1/2" and the rear 3/8"..

 

Racket Straps? That's a new tool to me. Is it easy to work with inside the suspension?

 

He means "ratchet" similar to cargo straps sold in auto parts shops, and, yes, they make Z51 shock removal MUCH easier.

 

Just saw this.. Ratchet straps are used to tie down motorcycles and atv's. Available at wally world...