KYB Shocks

[mauro12]

Hello guys, im in the process to replace my old shocks in the car. Last time they were replaced was probably 20 years ago with very low quality Monroe (from the previous owner). Im thinking which brand to choose . kyb , bilstein or koni, kyb are the cheapest one but i read very different comment about them on the forum. Why bilstein cost more than the double price?
Do you really think that kyb are really low quality for our car?
thank you

[Taleb]

Go for bilstein from vintageeuropart.com , they are reasonable price .

Good luck

[russelljones48]

I would and am considering the Konis for my car.  About the same price as the Bilsteins and IMHO a better shock.  However, if your goal for the car is authenticity then perhaps the Bilsteins would be more period correct.  But, if you want to improve the ride and handling the Konis might be the better choice.  Bilstein has had some quality problems in recent history and the Konis are adjustable, so you can set them to your preference.  I've also had the KYB's on a couple of my early Mercedes and they have always been a quality shock...  KYB are the Bilsteins of Japan..  huge OEM supplier.

[mauro12]

Have you ever had problems regarding ride high with gas shocks? I watched some video, especially one with Jim villers and he was saying that originally pagodas were equipped with non gas shocks. I have always thought that all pagodas borned with  gas shocks. Am I going to have a front end high problem with a Bilstein or kyb shock? Thank you

[ja17]

Mauro, the video is incorrect. Bilstein gas filled shocks were original equipment on the Pagoda.

[Raymond]

I made the mistake of putting the specified KYB shocks on my car.  They rode like the car was on stilts.  Much too high and too stiff.  I replaced them with the Koni Classic adjustable shocks and have been very, very happy.  The ride height is normal and I was able to tweak the firmness for the front a bit differently than the rear to improve cornering.