Have an older set of Koni red adjustable struts on my 88 Formula race car. Tried to find replacements but failed. Is there a source for these? Who is rebuilding them and what would be the cost and turnaround time?
They are no longer making them; I apparently got the last ones. I am not sure if they are rebuildable (The monotubes like Bilsteins are but these are twin-tube shock which are far more complicated)
If that is the case what options are there for an adjustable unit? I have my Koni struts converted to coil overs now. I will probably run out the season with the current ones but will be revamping the suspension over the winter months.
I have a set of the KYB Gas-A-just up front- they are (Basically) a copy of the Bilstein Monotube shock.....They have been discontinued also....
The Bilstein Monotube is a quantum leap above the other shocks- including the Koni adjustables...they can be tuned to whatever your cars purpose/spring stiffness is. (Must be done at a shop)
The front are regular shocks- you should be able to find a Bilstein that is close and then make modified brackets to mount them.
(23 years ago, I had a 1973 mach 1 w/ 5.0 FI engine- set it up for handling but wasn't happy with the ride and body control; A friend who raced BMWs told me about the monotube shocks- found that KYB made them for the old Mustangs.........The car rode AND handled better- how does it improve both ends? Variable orifice valving....To give you an idea how big an improvement, my BMW buddy was flabbergasted that the car rode and handled so well. (Over broken RR track crossing rode smooth (vs knocking teeth out!) then over a big hump/dip the body made one cycle and then STOPPED (Before it made three cycles)...The shocks I replaced were the Gabriel Strider 3 click adjustables.)
I believe some Vettes used shocks that are close in stroke/length to the 88 Fiero's.....
I bought a 8040 series for a Corvette and had Performance Shock shorten and re-valve it. You can call Performance Shock and they can find the right Corvette damper for you. This was a good solution for much stiffer (~650 lbs) front springs with a 1" lowering. My total cost was $515 for the shocks and modifications.
I have a set of the KYB Gas-A-just up front- they are (Basically) a copy of the Bilstein Monotube shock.....They have been discontinued also....
They appear to still be available. I can order them through my Tire Rack account. I'll soon have a set with <5k miles on them available if anyone is interested. Never even seen rain
So, Koni referred me to Classic Garage in Brewster, NY, as they had made the last bulk order of the front Koni Red dampers (8040 1092). They still have ~ a dozen of the fronts in stock, in case anyone needs them. $179.96 each. After this, I checked my inbox and found that this was the same source that Jay-ID had.
I spoke with Joe at Classic Garage (www.classicgarage.com): (845) 940-1900
Unfortunately, they don't have the rears. In order for them to get Koni to make another run, they'd need to place an order of at least 50 of each.
So, Koni referred me to Classic Garage in Brewster, NY, as they had made the last bulk order of the front Koni Red dampers (8040 1092). They still have ~ a dozen of the fronts in stock, in case anyone needs them. $179.96 each. After this, I checked my inbox and found that this was the same source that Jay-ID had.
I spoke with Joe at Classic Garage (www.classicgarage.com): (845) 940-1900
Unfortunately, they don't have the rears. In order for them to get Koni to make another run, they'd need to place an order of at least 50 of each.
Cheers
Actually, I gave you a hint in private message that it was Classic Garage. I guess you didn't credit me for it. SMH!
When people tell you where to go, it usually is a nice manner to thank them & credit them.
See this thread from the Mall. Got no thanks from this guy. Good to know what kind of person he is.
I think I mis-credited Jay-ID by mistake. I was bouncing between my inbox, here, and calling Koni and Classic Garage, that I got the names mixed up. I believe I meant to credit you there. I don't have any PM's from Jay-ID. Simple mistake. No need to call my character into question here.
It looks like WCF is making them up using old struts or possibly new KYB's as they can be had fairly cheap from any discount Autoparts store. If you really want Koni struts it really is not that complicated to install these in to your old struts.
------------------ 86 GT built 2.2 ecotec turbo rear SLA suspension QA1 coilovers on tube arms
I will be attempting to install the koni inserts into my old OE struts soon. One gotcha doing this is that I believe you'll have to have a gland nut adapter machined.
I have watched the video twice now and I don't see anything other than common tools required. I was thinking of going back to a strut system on the rear of my car but once I added up the cost of making Koni's up I decided against it.
------------------ 86 GT built 2.2 ecotec turbo rear SLA suspension QA1 coilovers on tube arms
I will be attempting to install the koni inserts into my old OE struts soon. One gotcha doing this is that I believe you'll have to have a gland nut adapter machined.
I have a set of the Koni strut inserts on all four corners of my DD. They were installed 10 years and 100,000 miles ago, no problems and dampening is still great.
