What will I need?

[Q_SHIP]

I am very near ordeing new struts for the Q from joe. What (if any) is the difference for mounting non T struts to a T model car? Strut mounts etc....

Thanks. The car is a 99.

[maxnix]

I'd ask IoS. I know they are different part numbers, but don't know if it is because of adjustable valving or what.

OTG has KYB SR Specials.

[Q_SHIP]

I'd ask IoS. I know they are different part numbers, but don't know if it is because of adjustable valving or what.

OTG has KYB SR Specials.

How would the KYB's ride on factory springs?

[maxnix]

Probably a little over damped on jounce. Slow on rebound. They seem to be set up for a stiffer spring.

[Q_SHIP]

Now Im curious how those would do with my Teins. Near factory ride?

[elwesso]

its probably hard to compare "your factory ride" to the real factory ride since you were probably running on non OEM new shocks.

[maxnix]

Now Im curious how those would do with my Teins. Near factory ride?

Ask Duy. Though he sold his, it has the set up on it, as does Falk and BadQ45t. I have Eibachs, which Duy thought were a little firmer. I like the higher spring rate.

[Falkdesigns]

Yeah, I gotta say with the miles your car has, you should be ready for your fourth set of OEM shocks by now (180k @ 60k shock change = set number 4 @ exactly 180k).

As for the Tein / KYB SR's, well, I've been on mine almost 2 years (Tein's 2.5, w/ SR's about 2 years) and it's just awesome. Jeff Leeds (BadQ45t) finally got his Tein / KYB SR setup going and he says it rides better than almost anything he's driven.

[Q_SHIP]

Well, for now I guess my main question is still what do I need?

Wes seems to be great with parts diagrams. Can you give me a hand Wes? What will be needed to convert a T to a non T?

[elwesso]

Im seeing different part numbers for all of the stuff that is above the spring, IE: the seat, bearing, insulator (mount) and gasket.

However, im not sure if these are actually different for the touring or not, or if theyre just different part numbers. A lot of times things are different part numbers even though theyre the same! However, I can pull up all the part numbers you need for a non touring suspension easy enough so you are sure you have all the right stuff...

Would you reuse the stuff on the car if you could, or were you planning on buying all new stuff regardless.

[Q_SHIP]

If I can reuse whats good, I will. Just want to limit what I have to spend vs. what I could spend.

[maxnix]

Replacing all the rubber and the top front spring bearing is standard, so just order the right parts for a non-t model if the mounts themselves will match.

[Q_SHIP]

Well, if thats the case, it won't be the $800 I thought. More like $1200. May as well just get the original T struts at that.

[maxnix]

Well, if thats the case, it won't be the $800 I thought. More like $1200. May as well just get the original T struts at that.

Still have to replace all the rubber.

KYB SR Specials cost about $200 more than stock non-adjustable shocks.

[Q_SHIP]

Still have to replace all the rubber.

KYB SR Specials cost about $200 more than stock non-adjustable shocks.

I was quoted almost $1000 for just the struts from joe.

The KYB's are going for just under $700.

[maxnix]

I was quoted almost $1000 for just the struts from joe.

The KYB's are going for just under $700.

For the Front inserts? Rears are about $140, last I checked.

[Q_SHIP]

For the Front inserts? Rears are about $140, last I checked.

Oh, there are no inserts on the T. The non T have them but the full strut assembly comes loaded with new ones.

$105 for rear non T struts.

[maxnix]

Yeah, full t replacement will knock it up to be equal.

If I had a t or ae, I would do the OEM struts.

[Q_SHIP]

Well, since I can't really get an answer on this, Im stumped.

[ScottJackson]

I've got the grey KYB shocks on my 540i. The bmw guys call them Kill Your Butt shocks. They are firm, but I like that. They wouldn't be good for smooth long distance cruising.

[Falkdesigns]

KYB makes dozens and dozens of different shocks. I seriously doubt that you have the KYB New SR Specials (yeah, that's the complete name!) as they are JDM items for JDM cars. Perhaps you do, but I seriously doubt it, very hard to get in the USA, in fact, I'd be besides myself, there are less than 10 people in the country with them. I have the Tein S-Tech's with the KYB SR's and it is indeed an amazing long distance cruizer. Firm, sporty and so comfy. I could drive my car all day like this, but unfortunately, the most I do is a trip to Vegas now and then (4 hours).

Mike, if you're getting upwards of $1400 perhaps you should look at the Insurance C/O's that OTG has!

*edit, never mind, I see that you said you've got GREY KYB's, the ones we're discussing are a weird teal blue color, so definitely not the same thing.

[ScottJackson]

Yeah, they're the GR-2 shocks. Just wanted to add that info. I don't know if they are available for the Q, but they were inexpensive for my bmw.

[Peterofdevon]

Yeah, they're the GR-2 shocks. Just wanted to add that info. I don't know if they are available for the Q, but they were inexpensive for my bmw.

Scott,

I'm going to put new shocks on my 540i sport six speed to firm it up a little. Is yours a sport, can I use these same shocks--part model number?

Peter

[Q_SHIP]

Well, I just ordered the stuff from Joe. (great guy) I'll keep you posted on how the NON T struts work out in a T car.