springs with the koni kit

[tomsky]

After kind peoples help and feedback here I have decided to opt for the koni route. As I need springs to im thinking of buying the koni kit as seems quite a saving there over the individual items. Just wondered what users think of the springs in the kit compared to other options available. Overall im just looking to sharpen things up but I still want to retain a decent ride quality. Is the drop about 30mm with these springs?

[elbon50]

After kind peoples help and feedback here I have decided to opt for the koni route. As I need springs to im thinking of buying the koni kit as seems quite a saving there over the individual items. Just wondered what users think of the springs in the kit compared to other options available. Overall im just looking to sharpen things up but I still want to retain a decent ride quality. Is the drop about 30mm with these springs?

I recently bought a set of Jamex 30 mill springs from another member Tomsky

However, I have now decided to get Koni dampers & was surprised to find that they come with springs included in the kit

I read somewhere on here that one member didn't like the Koni springs

So shall be doing quite a bit of experimenting with various spring & damper combinations

Peter

[kaiowas]

You'll probably get a pretty mixed response as there is not a great deal of consistency with the springs included in the kit because Koni tend to change their supplier every now and again.

I got Apex springs with the kit I bought new a few years ago and they were fine.

[Jimbo_Jet]

I got some unbranded one's with mine and they were too soft. With the Koni's set to full soft the car rolled more than the old shocks and springs I had on.

If I had my time over I would have bought springs separately, and then ebayed the ones that came with the kit.

[tomsky]

Seems a bit of a mine field this and with the kit maybe a waste if the springs arent that great. Im just trying to get this right as the kybs ive already fitted are far too hard so dont want to get it wrong again though appreciate well worth spending out on something decent. If anybody has any suggestions for springs that work well with the koni that be great again decent ride a priority so im guessing not something that doesnt lower things too much 15mm or so.

[un1eash]

I got Lesfor Springs with my kit and they are too soft if you have the koni's on full soft. The car will dip and dive under harsh braking and acceleration. I found half a turn on each shock sorted this and made good everyday ride quality.

They are meant to be -30mm but are more like 20mm drop.

[010on1986]

I got red Lesjofors springs with the kit I don't think they are really suitable for the SC so took em off.

Have apex & kyb on the na, ok set up, nothing to tweak. Only problems are speed humps and bumps.

[Jiveman]

I got Lesfor Springs and I am happy with them. You do need half a turn on the shocks but find the ride firm but OK for long trips. It does not dip into corners as some have said with their springs.

[Jimbo_Jet]

Well I've no idea what brand springs came with my Koni kit but yes I think they are too soft but half a turn on the Knoi's (they have 2 full turns from hard to soft) fixes that. The car now rolls less than it did before and comfort wise is probably comparable to the original set up I had. And this is with a 25mm drop.

If I'm in the mood for a good A road blatt I'll put 3/4 a turn on each corner and body roll reduces fairly significantly again. This is fine for motorway and good surface tarmac roads for as long as you like, and poor tarmac for 1/2hr probably before it starts to annoy. 1 full turn and body roll is almost not an issue on most bends but can be headache inducing over bad tarmac

Tried 2 full turns once, did 2 miles before I had to pull over and turn them down again. Ouch

[elbon50]

Well I've no idea what brand springs came with my Koni kit but yes I think they are too soft but half a turn on the Knoi's (they have 2 full turns from hard to soft) fixes that. The car now rolls less than it did before and comfort wise is probably comparable to the original set up I had. And this is with a 25mm drop.

If I'm in the mood for a good A road blatt I'll put 3/4 a turn on each corner and body roll reduces fairly significantly again. This is fine for motorway and good surface tarmac roads for as long as you like, and poor tarmac for 1/2hr probably before it starts to annoy any. 1 full turn and body roll almost vanishes on most bends but can be headache inducing over bad tarmac

Tried 2 full turns once, did 2 miles before I had to pull over and turn them down again. Ouch

Good to read that the Konis can support that amount of variation Jimbo

Gives me all the more confidence to order them

Peter

[AdamP]

I've ordered Apex to go with my KYBs and Whitelines for the moment as a half way house. Will give my opinions when they're fitted!

[Jiveman]

Just a word of warning Koni are probably the worst company I have ever had the missfortune to deal with. If the kit arrives complete and working you are fine otherwise I had 3 months contacting Koni and they never got the order right. I was missing the lock rings. Finally got them made from a local engineering company. Koni never asked if it was sorted out. A truly awful company. What happens with a warranty request I can only guess at. My view you are on your own. I am not the only one to find this if you search. Just go into this with your eyes open. You may have to look after yourself. sorry to give you bad news.

[tomsky]

thanks for the heads up jiveman that seems pretty worrying and makes me think twice especially as not exactly talking peanuts for the kit

[Jimbo_Jet]

I ordered mine from Larkspeed and had good service so I wasn't dealing with Koni direct.

When they arrived one of the bump stops was missing so I phoned Larkspeed and they sent me another out in the post the next day. No complaints with Larkspeed whatsoever

[Jiveman]

I used Larkspeed and they were great but even they admited defeat after a while. I am not talking one attempt to get the problem sorted I had many packages arrive all sorts of nuts and bolts none fitted. I finally got a call to say they had found the problem and the nuts would be with me next day. I was so excited at last sorted, M42 nuts on their way. Open the parcel and dispair 4 x M12 nuts. Larkspeed cant be blamed they were in the hands of Koni.

[elbon50]

Paul will probably say "told you so"

Have fitted one of the Jamex springs to the front

All but one of the gaps between coils are narrow when the weight of the car is on the suspension



Measured rom the edge of the skirt to the ground before & after

OSF was 7 3/4. Now 6 1/4 inches

Car is drivable (have only tried it gingerly)

At a quick glance car doesn't look obviously lopsided considering only one corner done so far

Peparing a better strut for t'other side

May get some Konis later

This is the Jamex fitted to the strut compared with a stock one



Peter