Monroe vs. KYB

[420sxse]

So, from my research, the senatrac and gr-2 models seem pretty similar; a twin tube gas design that is about 10-15% stiffer than stock. My s13 isn't lowered or anything, and I'm not incredibly worried about comfort, but a little. I don't race, but I like curves. I've heard bad things about the sensatracs, but I suspect that this is from people using them on lowered cars, which causes them to wear quickly. Is there really much difference between the two other than target marketing schemes? Does anyone have thoughts on why one might be better for a (sometimes) aggressively daily driven 240?

[Rusted_PS13]

When i was doing research on struts, i was told that the GR-2's were meant to be OE replacement struts, im not 100% sure of this but i think it would be best to go with some Tokico blues if you want a more stiffer ride, and to make the ride even more stiffer get some stiffer springs maybe. Somebody please correct me if i'm wrong.

[Axel Grungy]

id go with the kyb. i liked mine and always have heard good things about them

[veilside180sx]

I've had GR2 on most of my cars. Tokico blues aren't damped any better, at least not the Sentra ones I've driven on. They were damped worse than my GR2's. If you worried about it get AGX's.

[Veriest1]

Koni's are good as well.

I have Yellows on my M3 with springs and they work quite well.

[SR22DET]

i work at a car parts store and i can tell you that the senstartacs are more aimed at stock replacement where the gr-2's are made a little stiffer than stock... personally i prefer KYB because it is a well known brand for the japanese car market monroe is more towards the american made cars..

[420sxse]

Well, I'm not sure I'm convinced there's much difference, except that the Sensatrac's have a groove in part of the tube that allows fluid to travel around the plunger reducing pressure until the shock begins to reach more extreme bound and rebound where the groove runs out, thus increasing the pressure on the plunger. So the idea is that if you drive easy on smooth roads it feels soft, but if the road or driving style becomes more demanding, then they start to stiffen up. Anyways, I found this:Monroe is so confident that you will like your new Monroe® Reflex™ Shocks and Struts, Sensa-Trac® Shocks and Struts and Gas-Magnum® Shocks, we offer this exclusive Safe & SoundSM Guarantee.

Try Monroe's products for 90 days. We guarantee you'll experience the Tenneco Automotive difference. If, for any reason, the qualifying products* don't live up to your expectations within the first 90 days, replace the products and Monroe will refund your original product's purchase price, plus labor (up to $50 per axle). We're that confident you will be satisfied with our products.

For questions about this offer, please contact Monroe's customer service department at 734-384-7898.

* Offer limited to the purchase of four (4) Monroe® Reflex™ Shocks and/or Struts, Sensa-Trac® Shocks and/or Struts or Gas-Magnum® Shocks. This offer does not include units improperly installed or substituted. Valid only on vehicles used for private, non-commercial use and may be withdrawn at any time. So, I may try them out, and "...KYB because it is a well known brand for the japanese car market monroe is more towards the american made cars.." is marketing talk. GR-2s are made as OEM replacement also. Which means, like all OEM replacement shocks/struts, they are a little bit stiffer than stock to give you that "new car" ride considering other worn/well broken in suspension parts. This is what I've heard and it makes great sense. What interests me is what veilside180sx said about the tokico blues. I thought they were supposed to be more agressive/sports oriented.

[Fenvy]

Quote »Well, I'm not sure I'm convinced there's much differenc[/quote]then go get monroe, why do we have to convince you to buy a product? it's your money, we're not responsible as to how you spend it

[420sxse]

"then go get monroe, why do we have to convince you to buy a product? it's your money, we're not responsible as to how you spend it"

I probably will, to test them out, but that's beside the point...or maybe not as it seems like no one here has experience with them. Do you? Do you have something useful to add to the discussion other than "I'm getting pissy because you are trying to play devil's advocate for something that isn't what I like" ?So, excuse me for being interested in what people think about two competing products I am looking to buy. Or, rather, don't but I'll excuse you.

[Fenvy]

People that have experience with KYB recommended you to get it, because it’s been proven, it’s well known and it’s cheap. It is clear that you already made up your mind on Monroe, why did you bother to come and ask what people recommend if you’re going to blew three people away? It is true that no one has experienced with Monroe and it’s probably because it’s a generic brand. If you want to go cheap and “try something new” go for it. I also recommend the full catalog ebay parts for your car since you like adventurous and new things.

If you’re trying to sound smart or even intellectual just because you’re taking a few classes at the local community college, you have already lost your ethos with the 420.

[veilside180sx]

I have a set of blown replacements on a hatch I bought. Not that it really equates to much. No clue on how long ago they were replaced though.

[420sxse]

Rusted_PS13 said he:"was told that the GR-2s were meant to be OE replacement struts...Tokico blues if you want a a more stiffer ride" a good addition to the discussion at hand. I have been considering Tokico.

Axel Grungy said:"i liked mine and always have heard good things about them" Personal experience! Helping to confirm the heresay. Thanks.

veilside180sx: "I've had GR2 on most of my cars. Tokico blues aren't damped any better, at least not the Sentra ones I've driven on." More personal experience implying positive things for KYB Hot Damn! I take it you mean your Blues are replacements for some that blew, and you don't know how many miles they had on them when you got the car?

Veriest1:"Konis are good as well. " MORE personal experience, and helpful, although I am not as interested in more expensive adjustables. If I go with extra expense it will probably be for Tokicos. Thanks for the input though.

SR22DET:"sensatracs are more aimed at stock replacement where the gr-2's are made a little stiffer than stock" Two accurate statements, as far as I can tell, and "... personally i prefer KYB because it is a well known brand for the japanese car market monroe is more towards the american made cars.." but it IS marketing talk. Both statements. That's not an insult, and I hope you didn't take it as such. We can learn about the product somewhat from advertising.Loveless: (no worthwhile contribution as yet), but Tenneco automotive makes "generic" parts? WTF? Do you know what generic means? Do you like them more now that the company's name sounds Japanese? And making someone look in a dictionary doesn't mean you are smart. We all know obscure words. The only one I'm blowing off here is you.

Still, though, noone with info on how well the Sensatracs alternate between soft and medium valving? No experiences?

[chmercer]

heres my opinion. thoes are both cheap ways out. if you enjoy curves get a suspension setup that will actually control your car instead of letting it slosh like a boat. which is what basically every traditional shock and spring setup is going to do. sorry.

[420sxse]

So, you are saying I should spring for coilovers? I admit I haven't looked into them too much (or suspensions in general, really, so excuse my ignorance. I've been focusing on my engine), because it seems like they all drop the ride height, plus there's the cost factor, and I worry too much about scraping as it is. I don't believe any length of drop would be beneficial for my s13 coupe. It's already pretty low and not very heavy on top. A JGTC racer with a professional driver could utilize the infinitesimal enhancement on the center of gravity, but not a street car. Of course, I don't really know what I'm doing with the suspension yet, except that for now I'm replacing my bushings, struts/shocks so I won't be killed by an expansion crack on the freeway while I rebuild an engine/transmission.[Edit: OK, I see now that most coilovers allow ride height adjustment, except the NISMO ones that I had been looking at, so maybe I will pick a set up in the future. I've got to get her purring smoothly again first, though so for now, OEM replacements it is.]
Modified by 420sxse at 11:33 AM 8/12/2005