SLP Bilstein $409.99 shipped
#61
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
Gojira- I currently have the kyb Agx / strano springs setup. it absolutely BLOWS. I would say it rides basically the same as stock except stiffer- I would never recommend agx's to anyone especially with lowering springs. I personally just ordered koni 4/3's to fix this problem, you probably will not be satisfied with your car after installing agx's. I wasn't.
koni 4/3's ($750) and strano springs ($275) puts you right around your $1000.00 mark. You should seriously consider it.
koni 4/3's ($750) and strano springs ($275) puts you right around your $1000.00 mark. You should seriously consider it.
Thanks Pro_built7 for the testimony on your AGXs. Can you give me an example of something specific it does or doesn't do under certain conditions/maneuvers? I'm curious what shortcoming you found with it that makes them so objectionable. I can't wait to see how the Konis compliment these Hotchkis springs...
#62
The post about the agx was helpful indeed.
Now a post from personal experience. Wouldn't any of Sam's posts be from personal experience? If this guy from Germany has a friend that spoke of a stock suspension being the best ever, that would be their personal experience as well. This proves my point that you can't go believe just anything some guy tells you. As of now, I have heard from plenty of sources that the slp bilsteins with bmr's/stranos/hotchkis are just fine. In the end, it's about 50/50 konis/bilstein with sprinkles of people saying agx work just fine as well.
Time to shop for some bilstein slp's.
Now a post from personal experience. Wouldn't any of Sam's posts be from personal experience? If this guy from Germany has a friend that spoke of a stock suspension being the best ever, that would be their personal experience as well. This proves my point that you can't go believe just anything some guy tells you. As of now, I have heard from plenty of sources that the slp bilsteins with bmr's/stranos/hotchkis are just fine. In the end, it's about 50/50 konis/bilstein with sprinkles of people saying agx work just fine as well.
Time to shop for some bilstein slp's.
#63
TECH Senior Member
Its not like Sam has only tried one setup, and then coincidentally won national champions with it. He uses that setup because he has tried many (probably almost all) other setups and has built his using that knowledge.
EDIT: Oh and I do want to add one thing, do you see ANY other sponsor on here actually tell you why you should go with product X over their product? Do (or can) any of them explain why they feel theirs are better? How a shock actually works? How many of them win races in their cars?
All I see is the auto-answering machine:
"Hello please consider our product, thanks!"
If this guy from Germany has a friend that spoke of a stock suspension being the best ever, that would be their personal experience as well. This proves my point that you can't go believe just anything some guy tells you.
As of now, I have heard from plenty of sources that the slp bilsteins with bmr's/stranos/hotchkis are just fine. In the end, it's about 50/50 konis/bilstein with sprinkles of people saying agx work just fine as well.
Time to shop for some bilstein slp's.
Time to shop for some bilstein slp's.
#64
So let me see if I have this correct? There is more than one person here who is somehow pissed at me for explaining my view and answering questions in a thread I started? Well, I guess that's fine, others have made some very good points, and frankly I don't feel I need to add much here. Except:
I am the one who started this thread. If I have some underlying conspiracy to not sell you Bilstein then why exactly you do you think I posted that we have those shocks on sale for a pretty good delivered price too? I'm confused, greatly. I guess I can't have an opinion, or at least one that differs from the know-it-alls that are so pervasive on the internet.
Yes I have some shiny trophies. And some nice jackets, and a lot of Hoosier tires and some money too. But more than that, where you all are concerned is I have experience (prove by those shiny things), and a conscience to make sure that my customers have the more appropriate part for their needs. You don't like that in a shop? I'm not your guy then.....
The other thing is this: I sell more variety of part brands than most anyone else so folks know I'm not making a recommendation based on what I think would be best for THEIR NEEDS. If you call around to most other vendors, you'll find real fast, they don't offer much in the way of choice or options, and personally I think that will skew their recommendations. I try to cover all my bases. I can't carry every part known to man, but I try and cover a big range of parts I feel are necessary and useful.
I'm more than a little disheartened to have learned that my honesty has, yet again, garnered ill-will. It's truly sad when folks who've I've never even spoken to draw all these conclusions as to my reasoning and that I must be up to something with no basis on which to build such thinking. You know, if I had terrible prices on Bilstein then *MAYBE* I could see you guys thinking I was up to something by mentioning Koni... but alas that's not true either.
I am the one who started this thread. If I have some underlying conspiracy to not sell you Bilstein then why exactly you do you think I posted that we have those shocks on sale for a pretty good delivered price too? I'm confused, greatly. I guess I can't have an opinion, or at least one that differs from the know-it-alls that are so pervasive on the internet.
Yes I have some shiny trophies. And some nice jackets, and a lot of Hoosier tires and some money too. But more than that, where you all are concerned is I have experience (prove by those shiny things), and a conscience to make sure that my customers have the more appropriate part for their needs. You don't like that in a shop? I'm not your guy then.....
The other thing is this: I sell more variety of part brands than most anyone else so folks know I'm not making a recommendation based on what I think would be best for THEIR NEEDS. If you call around to most other vendors, you'll find real fast, they don't offer much in the way of choice or options, and personally I think that will skew their recommendations. I try to cover all my bases. I can't carry every part known to man, but I try and cover a big range of parts I feel are necessary and useful.
I'm more than a little disheartened to have learned that my honesty has, yet again, garnered ill-will. It's truly sad when folks who've I've never even spoken to draw all these conclusions as to my reasoning and that I must be up to something with no basis on which to build such thinking. You know, if I had terrible prices on Bilstein then *MAYBE* I could see you guys thinking I was up to something by mentioning Koni... but alas that's not true either.
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
#65
Okay..I would like to know just what kyb agx struts are good for then. Thy must have some kind of application. Same as with the tokico hp's. What are they good for? There are so many manufacturers out there and all I seem to see is a push for konis for those that "care about suspension".
I am more than willing to buy from you Sam. You have good prices. Perhaps it was my fault for only seeing a push to buy konis? I don't know how I might have gotten that idea.
I am not looking to earn trophies of my own but, as you have mentioned before, that isn't the only thing the konis do for people. They also provide the best ride around the city. This IS what you are saying right? Next best bet is bilstein slp but they are not really recommended by you because they just don't seem to get the job done the way it should. Anything else you sell beyond that just doesn't belong on our cars? If not, could you explain which situations they DO fit?
I would like to weigh ALL my options. Some selling points for other manufacturers would be appreciated to help me with my purchase.
I am more than willing to buy from you Sam. You have good prices. Perhaps it was my fault for only seeing a push to buy konis? I don't know how I might have gotten that idea.
I am not looking to earn trophies of my own but, as you have mentioned before, that isn't the only thing the konis do for people. They also provide the best ride around the city. This IS what you are saying right? Next best bet is bilstein slp but they are not really recommended by you because they just don't seem to get the job done the way it should. Anything else you sell beyond that just doesn't belong on our cars? If not, could you explain which situations they DO fit?
I would like to weigh ALL my options. Some selling points for other manufacturers would be appreciated to help me with my purchase.
#66
I don't post here often, hardly ever, but I've been reading Sam's posts for years now and have learned more from a handful of his posts than 100s of other posts. I really don't get the hate. Just came to check the board to see if Bilstein was still the best choice for me, looks that way. I have Bilstein HDs on my car now just a DD, stock springs. They are tired and it just seems like they don't soak up anything anymore. Which I'm assuming is normal after 70 or 80k miles?
Looks like I'll be placing an order tommorow
Looks like I'll be placing an order tommorow
#67
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (2)
Okay..I would like to know just what kyb agx struts are good for then. Thy must have some kind of application. Same as with the tokico hp's. What are they good for? There are so many manufacturers out there and all I seem to see is a push for konis for those that "care about suspension".(end quote)
The AGX are fine for stock spring rates. when you increase springrate they tend to wear quickly. It's not just a fbody thing either. Miata guys have worn them out in short order. In regards to Tokico blues- Flyin Miata calls them "craptastic"-it isn't just Sam.
The AGX are fine for stock spring rates. when you increase springrate they tend to wear quickly. It's not just a fbody thing either. Miata guys have worn them out in short order. In regards to Tokico blues- Flyin Miata calls them "craptastic"-it isn't just Sam.
#69
I heard about tokico hp. I had an eclipse awd trubo and was planning to go with konis, tokico illumina or a full coilover setup. I won't touch hp's. Are bilstein slp's hit and miss from set to set? Only 90 day warranty on those as well?
#70
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
Okay..I would like to know just what kyb agx struts are good for then. Thy must have some kind of application. Same as with the tokico hp's. What are they good for? There are so many manufacturers out there and all I seem to see is a push for konis for those that "care about suspension".
I am more than willing to buy from you Sam. You have good prices. Perhaps it was my fault for only seeing a push to buy konis? I don't know how I might have gotten that idea.
I am more than willing to buy from you Sam. You have good prices. Perhaps it was my fault for only seeing a push to buy konis? I don't know how I might have gotten that idea.
The Koni's are the best shocks out of those, but the Bilsteins and AGX's are "good for" people who want to upgrade their shocks but save some money. If you still want an upgrade and save a couple hundred dollars, the Bilsteins/AGX's fit the bil, but if you buy the Koni's you'll have a better shock that will last longer, and is also better at handling different types of springs.
I'm not a suspension expert, but this is what I've gathered from doing my own reading on this site.
#72
I've got on set left in stock right now, but am ordering more. ...
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
#75
Ok, I'm more or less sold on the Koni 4/3s, maybe even go for the 4/4s so I can adjust the rears on the car getting it dialed in to where I like it best (and can stiffen it when/if I want to). Nothing else on this car has been a shortcut. I didn't give much forethought to the cost of this phase of the project, but it is what it is.
Thanks Pro_built7 for the testimony on your AGXs. Can you give me an example of something specific it does or doesn't do under certain conditions/maneuvers? I'm curious what shortcoming you found with it that makes them so objectionable. I can't wait to see how the Konis compliment these Hotchkis springs...
Thanks Pro_built7 for the testimony on your AGXs. Can you give me an example of something specific it does or doesn't do under certain conditions/maneuvers? I'm curious what shortcoming you found with it that makes them so objectionable. I can't wait to see how the Konis compliment these Hotchkis springs...
Now mind you I have strano springs--
they ride sharp and harsh. Living in MI which has some of the worst roads I'll hit a pothole or bump and the car will Jar and bang and bounce, it doesn't feel cushioned or confident.
sometimes (often) I'll feel a reverberating bounce from them not being able to dampen the springs.
I feel like I'm in a lowered honda civic sometimes.
It doesn't corner that well and they genuinely are not impressive. I find them to be a direct replacement to stock except for adjustablity and harsher ride.
Don't waste your money on AGX's- despite what others say (no offense to agx owners).
I'm not sure how koni's will do with hotchkis springs- thats a strano question.
#76
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (4)
Thanks Pro_built7, just the sort of thing I was looking to hear. I've ridden in a lowered Civic and it's the worst...
The Strano springs I would guess are not far off from Hotchkis (285-525F/100-140R), and they're .2 more drop. So I'd guess I'd have almost the same experience you've had with the AGXs. Thanks for sparing me the expense.
Sam, how do the Hotchkis 1904s compare to the SP141s (with Koni 4/4s, that is)? I chose the 1904s because of the miminal 1" drop and pretty consistent acclaim of other forum members over the last 3 years. How do you like them? If they're a close second to yours, I might be able to live with that.
Thanks,
Rob
The Strano springs I would guess are not far off from Hotchkis (285-525F/100-140R), and they're .2 more drop. So I'd guess I'd have almost the same experience you've had with the AGXs. Thanks for sparing me the expense.
Sam, how do the Hotchkis 1904s compare to the SP141s (with Koni 4/4s, that is)? I chose the 1904s because of the miminal 1" drop and pretty consistent acclaim of other forum members over the last 3 years. How do you like them? If they're a close second to yours, I might be able to live with that.
Thanks,
Rob
Last edited by Gojira94; 02-16-2010 at 06:20 PM. Reason: clarification
#77
Thanks Pro_built7, just the sort of thing I was looking to hear. I've ridden in a lowered Civic and it's the worst...
The Strano springs I would guess are not far off from Hotchkis (285-525F/100-140R), and they're .2 more drop. So I'd guess I'd have almost the same experience you've had with the AGXs. Thanks for sparing me the expense.
Sam, how do the Hotchkis 1904s compare to the SP141s (with Koni 4/4s, that is)? I chose the 1904s because of the miminal 1" drop and pretty consistent acclaim of other forum members over the last 3 years. How do you like them? If they're a close second to yours, I might be able to live with that.
Thanks,
Rob
The Strano springs I would guess are not far off from Hotchkis (285-525F/100-140R), and they're .2 more drop. So I'd guess I'd have almost the same experience you've had with the AGXs. Thanks for sparing me the expense.
Sam, how do the Hotchkis 1904s compare to the SP141s (with Koni 4/4s, that is)? I chose the 1904s because of the miminal 1" drop and pretty consistent acclaim of other forum members over the last 3 years. How do you like them? If they're a close second to yours, I might be able to live with that.
Thanks,
Rob
Hotchkis springs are one of the brands I sell (I don't just sell my own like some places do). However, I don't use the 1904, but use 1905's on all cars. If you notice the rates at the same, just a little difference in height, which is really of no matter since the LT1 and LS1 cars really don't weigh anything tangibly different anyway....
I have had some folks switch from Hothckis to my springs and report a firmer ride overall, but better over the quick hits. Presumably that's because the Hothkis rates are kind of soft for the drop (they only get to 525 @ max compression). And they don't gain rate fast enough to keep the car from really pounding down onto the bumpstop. So it's a situation where they will "ride" better because of softer wheel rates. But when you need more wheel rate to support the car and not just smash down on the stops (say undulating roads, or driving hard, or both) then mine are better.
Koni's work great with any springs (within reason) because of the huge range of adjustment and the fact the shock isn't cheap and does not use a cheap piston or adjustment mechanism.
Bilstein and Koni are hugely superior in quality to AGX. Both will ride better than AGX's too. Bilstein's are not adjustable, Koni's are. AGX's are, but equating AGX adjustment to a Koni is like equating a Hypertech power programmer's tune to a true dyno tune of your car done on HP Tuners or LS1 Edit....
__________________
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
www.stranoparts.com --814-849-3450
Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
10 SCCA Solo National Championships, 2008 Driver of they Year, 2012 Driver of Eminence
13 SCCA Pro Solo Nationals Championships
2023 UMI King of the Mountain Champion
#78
TECH Senior Member
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Will the slp bilsteins match up well with a set of your strano springs? I am curious as to wether they compliment each other well for ride comfort and handling. Also, will they stand the test of time with a 1.25" drop? The first time I have one blow on me I will start regretting I didn't save up for konis. If I can save some money by getting the bilsteins, I can put more money towards other toys.
I have Koni's on my car, there is a reason for that. Bilstein's are a good next choice, but they are not the absolute best shocks for control, or controlling a lowering springs of any serious performance potential.
Bilstein's are not designed for springs like mine, or most others. They were built with SLP Eibach's in mine which are softer and taller, and the shocks were meant to ride well first, handle well second with those springs. Are Koni's better? Yes, they are also $350+ a set more.
I won't jerk you chains, that's not my bag. If you can afford Koni's, get Koni's that's my opinion.
Bilstein's are not designed for springs like mine, or most others. They were built with SLP Eibach's in mine which are softer and taller, and the shocks were meant to ride well first, handle well second with those springs. Are Koni's better? Yes, they are also $350+ a set more.
I won't jerk you chains, that's not my bag. If you can afford Koni's, get Koni's that's my opinion.
Last edited by 01ssreda4; 02-17-2010 at 09:13 AM.
#79
Dude what the hell is your problem?? You go on pissing and moaning for 2 pages about bullshit and the man answered your dumb question right after you asked it. He says the SLPs were made for Eibachs, the handling package that came from SLP on some optioned SSs. OK, go back to pissing and moaning
Sam...can you update the thread once you get your next shipment of bilsteins in? I understand quantity is low. Thanks.
#80
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I could give a **** about road course handling but even I know Sam is very well respected in this community and you and a few others come in and try to run him out of his own thread. Pretty shitty I would say, and I have seen quite a bit since joining here.