Just for anyone interested. The shockwarehouse www.shockwarehouse.com has Monroe Sensatrac for $134.12 for all four corners - this is for an '88, shocks and struts, free shipping, and Monroe has a rebate through 4/30 of $75.00 prepaid card, on purchase of 2 shocks and 2 struts - total cost is $59.12 for all four. You might not be that crazy about Monroe, but . . . for the money. Didn't look for earlier model front cost, but should be similar.
How are Monroes compared to KYB's for a lowered car?
I can't compare, as I've not driven/ridden on KYBs, but I have Monroe sens-a-trac on all 4 corners with Eibach springs, happy with the performance for the dollar. KYB are better shocks, but the Monroe's are good for the cruising I do.
How are Monroes compared to KYB's for a lowered car?
Keep in mind that Monroe has more than one line of struts and shocks. I've had Monroe Sensa-Tracs on both my lowered '84 duke and '88 Formula for years... and have been quite satisfied with them for daily-driving and for autocross.
IMO Monroe is one step above Gabriel, both low end. KYB is better than both IMO. Of course there are many better than that as well.
I regards to better or worse are we talking about quaility, performance and handling, comfort or a combo of those?
One of my car's handles very well, but is very uncomfortable on bumps (PO put them in and had raced the car) One of my others is really soft and comfortable, but in turns its pretty bad, so I'm thinking to replace both cars if I can find a medium ground betweem the two. Would these be a good choice for that? I know next to nothing on shocks and suspension set up, so there could be other factors that are affecting the ride and handling of my cars.
Thanks guys, I don't have it yet, so I am not sure how the rubber is, so guess I will wait to order until then.
Your mounts should be fine, unlike FWD cars they are stationary and don't move. I've replaced struts on Fieros that have sat in poor conditions for many years and fieros that have been been daily driven and I haven't seen a bad one yet. One thing I would definitely order is the bellow kits as I have found these in poor shape nearly every time. The kit includes a new bump stop too.