KYB AGX vs Bilstein HD / SLP
#1
KYB AGX vs Bilstein HD / SLP
I did some searching up and can't seem to come to any conclusion as to whether or not the KYB AGX is comparable to the Bilstein HD / SLP.
Main complaint about the KYB AGX seems to be that both the rebound and compression change with the adjustment ****. How do they compare to the Bilstein HD's otherwise?
They will be paired with BMR springs on my 1999 Camaro SS 6MT.
Thanks
Main complaint about the KYB AGX seems to be that both the rebound and compression change with the adjustment ****. How do they compare to the Bilstein HD's otherwise?
They will be paired with BMR springs on my 1999 Camaro SS 6MT.
Thanks
#2
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punch this:
kyb vs. bilstein site:ls1tech.com
into google and read, this subject has been discussed to death, and brought back to life again and again.
to sum it up, Bilstein is a quality budget shock and KYB aren't bad (better then Monroes) but there quality standards aren't as high as Bilsteins, given the choice between the 2 it is always suggested to go with the Bilsteins, Personally I went with the Bilstein SLP's from ws6store (also where I got my BMR springs) because I didn't want to wait on the Koni STR.T's to get back in stock. I just finally got my BMR/Bilsteins installed on the front of the car on friday (did the rears months ago) and got it back from the alignment shop monday afternoon and didn't get a chance to really open her up but in what driving I did do it was quite the improvement over factory.
kyb vs. bilstein site:ls1tech.com
into google and read, this subject has been discussed to death, and brought back to life again and again.
to sum it up, Bilstein is a quality budget shock and KYB aren't bad (better then Monroes) but there quality standards aren't as high as Bilsteins, given the choice between the 2 it is always suggested to go with the Bilsteins, Personally I went with the Bilstein SLP's from ws6store (also where I got my BMR springs) because I didn't want to wait on the Koni STR.T's to get back in stock. I just finally got my BMR/Bilsteins installed on the front of the car on friday (did the rears months ago) and got it back from the alignment shop monday afternoon and didn't get a chance to really open her up but in what driving I did do it was quite the improvement over factory.
#3
Would you say that the Koni SRT.T is very comparable to the Bilstein HD/SLP or even better?
I did read many posts stating that they would go with the Bilstein over KYB-AGX, however there seemed to also be just as many stating that the KYB AGX were comparable to the Bilsteins.
I did read many posts stating that they would go with the Bilstein over KYB-AGX, however there seemed to also be just as many stating that the KYB AGX were comparable to the Bilsteins.
#4
TECH Junkie
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OP You realize that the Bilstein HD and The Bilstein SLP shocks are 2 different shocks, right?
I can't recall which of the Bilstein shocks is supposed to work better with lower springs, but I believe one of those versions is.
With something like this, I'd call Sam Strano and just chat with him on the phone quick. He seems to have a "no-bs" reputation and will likely give you straight answers.
I can't recall which of the Bilstein shocks is supposed to work better with lower springs, but I believe one of those versions is.
With something like this, I'd call Sam Strano and just chat with him on the phone quick. He seems to have a "no-bs" reputation and will likely give you straight answers.
#5
In reading Sam's posts, it looks like the KYB AGX shouldn't even be considered.
My understanding is that the older Bilstein SLP shocks were different than the HDs but current stock are all the same?
My understanding is that the older Bilstein SLP shocks were different than the HDs but current stock are all the same?
#6
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I always steer people away from the KYB's. They are cheap, and for a reason. I have seen alot of failures with them, and they do not offer very good "adjustability". I would definitely recommend the Bilsteins, or if you can find them available the Koni Str.t's. The latte being in high demand and short supply. Both companies are much higher quality and have warranty backing as well.
#9
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Would you say that the Koni SRT.T is very comparable to the Bilstein HD/SLP or even better?
I did read many posts stating that they would go with the Bilstein over KYB-AGX, however there seemed to also be just as many stating that the KYB AGX were comparable to the Bilsteins.
I did read many posts stating that they would go with the Bilstein over KYB-AGX, however there seemed to also be just as many stating that the KYB AGX were comparable to the Bilsteins.
#12
#13
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I currently have kyb agx shocks and they do not have adequate settings for daily driving use
Monroe's - too soft - living on the bump stops
Kybs - too soft for the street. Hard bumps and pot holes leave you bottoming out.
Tokico's - great for daily driving - in my fbody they had the perfect amount of comfort and strength
Bilsteins - great mix of performance and street ability.
Konis - can be a bit harsh on the street.
Note I have used all except the bilsteins. The best handling lowered car I've ever driven had the tokico shocks and bmr springs on my last formula
Bilsteins are $400 for a set, well worth it. Tokicos are $350 I think but hard to find and for the most part in proven and not as popular to purchase
Monroe's - too soft - living on the bump stops
Kybs - too soft for the street. Hard bumps and pot holes leave you bottoming out.
Tokico's - great for daily driving - in my fbody they had the perfect amount of comfort and strength
Bilsteins - great mix of performance and street ability.
Konis - can be a bit harsh on the street.
Note I have used all except the bilsteins. The best handling lowered car I've ever driven had the tokico shocks and bmr springs on my last formula
Bilsteins are $400 for a set, well worth it. Tokicos are $350 I think but hard to find and for the most part in proven and not as popular to purchase
Last edited by chrysler kid; 06-25-2014 at 08:35 PM.
#14
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I just installed a set of Bilstein HD and the shocks are OK....however the bushings and boot that they supply are total crap, very disapointed. Would I do it again probably not I think it's just a lot of Hype to get people to buy the name. Next time I will give the KYB a try. I put them on my Montero Sport and am very satisfied with that application.
#15
TECH Senior Member
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The rear upper shock bushing can easily be replaced/upgrade with very little time/effort /money. The boots can also be easily modified to stay on the retainers better. I've ran into minor issues like this with KYB, Tokico, Monroe, Bilstein, Koni,. I know there's no excuse for inferior hardware, but it's better you have issues with things that are fairly easy to correct than issues with inner workings of the shocks themselves. The best mounting and exterior hardware in the world on a poorly valved and designed(crappy) shock still leaves you with a crappy shock . FYI, a set of bilsteins will long outlast a set of KYB, Tokico, Monroe, in the same conditions
#19
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Both of your options are very good it just really depends on your budget and what your goals are with the car.
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Glenn ***
Sales Tech
www.bmrsuspension.com
813.986.9302
Find a Quality alignment shop near you!
#20
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What's the price difference? Easy. SLP's, when in stock, do NOT have a lifetime warranty. HD's, right now... are only in stock one place and they cost more to buy, and have the warranty, hence the price difference. The "normal" price difference for the full warranty is more like $40. But this isn't a "normal" time.
I caution folks all the time to not take things they read on the 'net out of context, and I'm glad someone at least, kinda/sorta asked what the difference is. The issue is that Bilstein is out of shocks, they can't supply SLP, and my normal stock and supply of HD's is out, so I'm using a secondary place, the only place I know has them... and they cost more (probably why they have them).
All that said. None of these shocks are ideal for lowering springs. KYB's pretty well suck. The Bilstein's weren't ever meant for the job anyway, and when they were used it was with a more mild spring than you have (and I think they lacked rebound in that situation anyway).
Koni STR.T would be a better option, if there were any, but right now there aren't. Some trickle in and a few backorders get filled here and there, but no certain stock I can promise you without a backorder (and even then we have to wait). Or Koni Sports.
I caution folks all the time to not take things they read on the 'net out of context, and I'm glad someone at least, kinda/sorta asked what the difference is. The issue is that Bilstein is out of shocks, they can't supply SLP, and my normal stock and supply of HD's is out, so I'm using a secondary place, the only place I know has them... and they cost more (probably why they have them).
All that said. None of these shocks are ideal for lowering springs. KYB's pretty well suck. The Bilstein's weren't ever meant for the job anyway, and when they were used it was with a more mild spring than you have (and I think they lacked rebound in that situation anyway).
Koni STR.T would be a better option, if there were any, but right now there aren't. Some trickle in and a few backorders get filled here and there, but no certain stock I can promise you without a backorder (and even then we have to wait). Or Koni Sports.
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Results matter. Talk is cheap. We are miles beyond the success anyone else has had with the 4th gens, and C5, C6, C7 Corvettes,
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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