Bilstein vs Koni

[jeffc280sl]

Replaced my rear Bilstein shocks with adjustable Konis today.  Its a very simple job which takes only two 17mm wrenches and a 17 mm socket wrench.  Can be done without jacking up the car.

Couple of observations. 

The pistons on the Konis are completly covered.  On the Bilsteins pistons  are open and I suppose subject to more road grim which could be problematic.  I have been trying to determine when a shock is going bad.  Obviously they are bad if they don't provide any dampening.  I put the bilsteins on a scale and they wieghted in at 5 lbs each.  Everyone knows they are pressurized.  As you apply downward force of the springs they began to compress.  One shock began and continued compressing when the weight reached 25 lbs.  The second Bilstein started compressing at 20 lbs.  Crudely measured it took 20 lbs of force to compress one and 15 lbs to do the other.  I suppose this variance indicates a soft failure.  What is the value required to compress a new shock and is this an indicator your shocks should be replaced?

[olaf]

Can I ask you where you purchased your Koni shocks and the part number. I have been looking for a good place to purchase them from. and how do you like the stance and feel of you car now. do you run stock spirngs?
sorry to ask you question when you are waiting for answers.

[JamesL]

I am on stock springs and put Konis on late last year. Ride height etc is unchanged but it drives like a different car. Mine from DemonTweeks in the UK

[jeffc280sl]

I bought the Koni shocks from koni-na.com.  I think the price was arount $215 USD plus $15 for delievry. Their site has an application guide.

I like the Koni's so far.  The rear of my car has a lot less movement.  I supose I was accostomed to the rear moving around quite a bit.  On turns it seems tighter and cornering is a little flatter which I like very much.  The switng axle design and worn shoks are not a good combination for aggressive driving into and out of turns.

I have my shocks set at the mid point or 2.5 turns.  I think that translates to 20 to 30 % stiffer.  Tosh, how are your rear shocks setup.