mattygritt

Hey guys, I know this is a common topic and I have used the search but I'm really just looking for a clew answer. I have been looking to get a set of Bilsteins HDs because people say they are good.

I use the stock springs and stock front suspension right now, my rears are some cheap KYBs. Again it's just for a daily driver so I'm looking to get as smooth a ride as possible and any help will be great!

Tolley's94z28

iTrader: (4)

I've got koni yellow single adjustable and bmr lowering springs.
I put my koni's on the firmest setting because it isn't my DD, and I feel like it helps with keeping my long-tubes from scraping.

I will throw in my vote for koni's if you can find a good sale. I have never driven them on their softer settings, but firm is certainly...firm!
I just really like the adjustability. Want a nice balance between comfort and firmness, you can do that. If you want your car to feel firm and uncompromising, they can do that too!

metalmilitia606

iTrader: (8)

You'll be fine with the hd's. Koni also just released a budget shock too.

unioncarpenter84

iTrader: (22)

u interested in a set of lowering springs I called a new set of bmr springs

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

You have it right. Bilsteins. Best riding shock out there and great for a DD. Keep your stock springs also for max comfort.

mattygritt

Okay thanks for all the help guys, I appreciate it.

BMR Tech2

iTrader: (5)

Bilsteins do ride great for their price. Very good for a hassle free daily driver application. The new Koni Str.t is a great budget option also. But, are nearly impossible to get your hands on without a long wait. The Koni Sports are a great all around option and are adjustable to fit your driving style. We are currently running a very good sale on Konis with our lowering springs

SparkyJJO

iTrader: (11)

Another vote for the Bilstein. I have them in my Camaro, and also a set in my Trailblazer, and love the ride of both vehicles.

wildbird02

I am actually going through the same decision right now. Today I just noticed Koni has 25% off when logging into this forum.

I also want a very good ride with my stock suspension components. I wouldn't mind a hint of stiffness in the corners though. I'm staying with non-adjustable shocks to minimize cost and I don't plan on racing anyhow.

I had planned on getting the Bilstein HDs until I now see that Koni has the STR.T shocks which look to be direct competitors. These new ones entice me, but mostly just because of the Koni name. Bilstein actually has a lot more data on their website backing their design, so it makes me lean that way.

So if you don't mind me asking, which side would you guys lean between Koni STR.T or Bilstein HD's?
If anyone has tried the Koni STR.T, please pipe in this thread as I am eager to hear some first-hand reviews!

(I don't mean to hijack the thread here, but I think we both could benefit from the feedback)

transwiz

iTrader: (26)

If you can put the money out,the Koni's single adjustables are the best. They are better than the bilstein shocks. Better ride and so forth. If your on a tight budget get the Bilstein's. I was not that impressed with the Bilsteins,felt like the stock shocks to me.I would get the Koni's on sale if you can.

Tolley's94z28

iTrader: (4)

Im a cheap bastard, but I saved up a bit and got the koni's. It is worth the bit of extra cash by far!

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

My experience with Koni shocks in general - not just f-bodies - is that they are harsher riding than Bilsteins. My expectation thus would be that the new Koni STR.T shocks might be stiffer than Bilsteins and rougher riding. Nothing more than an educated guess at this point ... not many reports are in on these new shocks.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Bilsteins are a great all around shock. Got a compliment just the other day for how well my car rode from an older gentleman.

BMR Sales2

iTrader: (40)

I really like both the Bilstein shocks and the Koni shocks for a daily driven car. I would say that if you are mainly concerned with handling and have the budget the Koni shocks are the best option. If you don't have the budget for the Koni shocks than the Bilstein shocks are definitely a good, more affordable option that don't perform quite as well in the handling department.

Now the valving for the Koni shocks is definitely stiffer than the Bilstein shocks and that is an issue for a few people out there but almost everybody that has the Koni shocks are very happy with both their ride and performance. I have had two different sets of Koni shocks on different 4th gens I have owned and I always thought that they gave it a nice, tight ride.

Tolley's94z28

iTrader: (4)

It really does come down to what you want. The koni's make my car feel tiny and nimble, but they are pretty harsh.

AnotherWs6

iTrader: (17)

That's kind of scaring me..... was planning on going with your Koni/Lowering Spring setup. Of course I want the car to handle well, but the roads can be pretty godam rough around here.

Is there much of a difference between the firm and soft setting on these things?

BMR Sales2

iTrader: (40)

As far as the Koni shocks go we have really only gotten 2-3 complaints since we started selling them so they are really only too harsh for a very few people. Personally I really liked them and would definitely recommend them.

There is a pretty good difference between the soft and firm settings on the Koni shocks but most people tend to run them on the softer side.

Y87bird00

iTrader: (6)

I have Koni SA rears and Str.t fronts, the ride is noticeably stiffer for daily driving. The car feels planted and stable for sure. The only thing I don't like is the car hates being jolted. Cracks in the road really shake the car, while waves or dips feel smooth as silk.

JD_AMG

The difference in ride is not that much IMO, but thats because you are adjusting rebound only. However the difference in handling, feel, stability, and turn-in changes quite a bit.
If you are worried that lowering springs are going to be too stiff for your roads try the Koni SA's on the front lower perch and do the HH mod in the rear. You will get a slight drop but a huge handling increase because of the konis, you definitely don't need lowering springs to handle well.