questioning what everyone is using. I don't want the stiffest koni or kyb, but definitely stiffer than OE.
Monroe and Gabriel shocks and struts seem to be the only other replacements I can source from a store. and the delco's I can find on ebay, but you know how it is... no performance numbers on anything anywhere maybe a compatable race shock like QA1?
I wish they had a specific bound and rebound measurement to make things less complicated.
So you don't want 'stiff' like Koni but something comparable to a race shock from QA-1? As you found out, you aren't going to find much. I believe the Koni direct fit parts have been discontinued and that leaves you Monroe, Sachs, Gabriel and KYB. All are stock replacements, non are 'performance' parts.
The KYB GR-2 rear struts available for the Fiero are not stiff... they are essentially a stock replacement. The Gas-a-Just front shocks are a little stiffer than the stock-like GR-2 but not much.
KYB GR-2® / Excel-G® twin-tube shocks, struts, and cartridges Purpose: Restores a vehicle’s originally designed handling and control
Calibrated to compensate for worn suspensions
Components and valving are designed specifically for each application
The best choice to restore OE performance and normal driving conditions
Built with quality that matches or exceeds OE
Coverage for domestic and import cars, trucks, vans, minivans, and SUVs
KYB Gas-a-Just® monotube shock absorbers Purpose: Significantly increases vehicle stability, handling, and control over twin-tube designs.
Gas-a-Just is the replacement for an OE monotube shock
Ideal as an upgrade from an OE twin-tube
The more responsive monotube design automatically adjusts to driving conditions
KYB's have been good for me. My last 2 Monroe struts had to be returned. My alignment guy found one with so much slop new that I couldn't believe it wasn't leaking. The other had chrome coming off the shaft out of the box.
I have Sensa Tracs on all 4 corners. In the 70's I used Koni but allot of guys were using Billstein. If you want a performance stiff response, either Koni or Billstein does the job nicely. If you want a more comfy ride with good control, the Sensa Tracs are good.
I just got Koni Reds from Tirerack two months ago. I saw them on Summit Racing this week.
They're adjustable. Mine are said to be at factory soft. They allow some roll and dive, especially in the front, but with tires now at 35psi the ride is still pretty hard on less than smooth roads.
Have used Monroe SensaTracs on a number of vehicles, including two Fiero's and no issues. They ride moderately firm and seem to last about 50,000 mi on a daily driver, occasionally more. If using on a seasonal Fiero they should last a long time. Also on bad Michigan roads they seem to keep the tires pretty well planted to the pavement. Good stock replacement .
Monroe's, yep 50,000 mi or so. At least on the crappy roads around here. Really though, it's tough to find a set of shocks that can handle pot holes in blacktop roads, or bad expansion joints, for more than 50,000 before you blow at least one of the four. The Monroes are a good value for a OE replacement. Just be sure to get the SensaTracs, the Monroe Matics are a total waste of money.
kyb's are incredibly easy to to find just look on rockauto or amazon the are cheaper on amazon and free shipping. i just redid my complete suspension before i hit the middle walk divider At 75mph
KYB GR-2s are available for the front and rear, the KYB Gas-a-Just products are mono-tube shocks only, there are no struts.
If you want a balanced system, stick with all the same line... KYB GR-2 or Monroe Sensa-Trac...
Amazon or Rock Auto... you can go to the manufacturer's website and get the specific fitment part number if you want to be sure. Both KYB and Monroe have a listing for the Fiero.
I wish I could get some NOS replacements... they seemed to last at least 20 years XD
ACDELCO PROFESSIONAL SHK/STRUT B
STRUT ASM,RR SUSP Part Number: 503-108 Product Notes: Premium Gas Charged Rear Suspension Strut 2Dr Per Vehicle: 2; Years: 1985-1987
ABSORBER ASM,FRT SHK Part Number: 530-24 Product Notes: Premium Gas Charged Front Shock Absorber 2Dr Per Vehicle: 2; Years: 1985-1987
Not technically NOS, but both available on Rock Auto and Amazon... you do know how to use the internet, right?
And as for lasting 20 years... they don't. People just ride around complaining about the ride quality of the Fiero and then act amazed at the handling when they put in a cheap set of KYBs...
[This message has been edited by carbon (edited 12-06-2013).]
the stock delco from rock auto do the job, a great front shock I now have cheapest Monroe on the front ,I just wanted to try them ,,they are xcellent for around town one is weaker when I hit the rail road track doing 50 mph,but an OK cheap alternative I have a set of rear delco struts ready to install ,but my Midas struts refuse to quit a really surprising great shock!!!
The reason I got Koni's was in the hope they would last. It seems to me saving a few bucks on the parts is being penny wise and pound foolish given how expensive (or hard) it is to install them.