What are good aftermarket shocks?

[maximus108]

I just got some $ back from my taxes!

I'm looking to get some aftermarket shocks to go with my aftermarket springs, (Eibach Pro Kit).

I've heard Koni's get all crazy on you and that Bilstein aren't compatible with aftermarket springs. I'm leaning towards Tokico?

My car is a daily driver and I sometimes take it out to the twisties.

Soooo... what do you guys think; any testimonies?

Tanx

[DR350Z]

What do you mean konis get crazy on you? I had adjustable Konis on an 88 Porsche 944S and they were great.

Bilstein would be my recommendation after seeing race cars have great results with them, but you mentioned they don't work with aftermarket springs, why not?

[K03sport]

I'm curious who you have been talking to or what you've been reading, but I'm not sure have you've come to the conclusion on the two brands you mentioned.

The shocks job is to control the motion of the spring and "react" to rapid movement of the wheel caused by non-smooth surfaces.

Can you explain further what makes Konis get "crazy" or how they get that way?

Also, Bilsteins come in two varieties - Heavy duty and sport. The HD have a longer travel and are more similar to a stock shock, but with firmer valving and the sport version has a shorter travel to work better with springs that are shorter than the OE springs. So, what do you mean by not working with aftermarket springs? Each application is different.

Aftermarket springs and bilsteins sports are a very popular combination.

Adjustable bound/rebound shocks give you the ability to adjust the shock's ability to react to rapid inputs and keeps things on the level...literally.

These are more popular with coilovers to give the owner more control over their suspension which can be especially useful in racing without having to continually remove/replace the shock.

[maximus108]

Here's the website I've been looking at that's been giving me all the crazy info about Koni's getting crazy:

NO LINKING TO A COMPETING FORUM

Koni = "Better choices exist, this shock works well for many, however it's twin tube construction is it's own enemy. It has a fair amount of hysteresis, which does cost the owner grip and a lose of ride quality."(it's 3/4 towards the bottom of the page.)

Bilstein = "provided your not asking it to run with springs that are too much stiffer then oem"

I'm thinking the mentioned website is crazy.

So what shocks do you guys think are good/bad? (Or are all about the same?)

thanks

[K03sport]

So what shocks do you guys think are good/bad? (Or are all about the same?)

That post talks about the Bilstein HD shock, not the sport. The sport is shorter and valved differently than the HD. That was one crazy list.

I guess it all depends on what springs you plan on running. I'd look for something that has a lifetime warranty.

Moton is good, but they only have 350z applications in their motorsport product line. Nothing in the cheaper club sport line....but do you want to spend an arm and a leg literally.

Have you looked at KYB's higher end? Tokico make an adjustable highend damper. Also, you'd be amazed at how many companies use Koni shocks in their kit lines.

[JETPILOT]

Bilstein PSS9 or PSS10. Sell your springs and get coilovers.