Koni Orange struts + Cobb springs = Happy Camper!

[OrangeSpice]

Read Post #23 for Update on longer term findings and change-out to Koni Yellow Sport struts on the fronts only


Replaced (too stiff) Bilstein coilovers with a less expensive but much more compliant, livable setup using Koni orange struts and Cobb lowering springs.

Very happy with results in terms of the ride quality and the "stance" is still rather sporty and attractive.

It's nice to actually have a suspension setup that knows what the word means. There is detectable compression and rebound damping.

Koni STR.Ts (Front part #8750-1101L & #8750-1101R, Rear: 8050-1130)

 

[OrangeSpice]

I choose a "bizarre" photo filter effect to highlight where the tire rubber was, otherwise the shadowing made it hard to see the drop.
and no the wheels are not damaged or scuffed. just that all the brake dust on the black painted wheels really "pops" with this filter.

 

[OrangeSpice]

After two days of diverse driving, including enough highway miles to be sure, I can testify with absolute certainty that THIS SETUP ROCKS!

What a difference over stock. So much more compliant, the car absorbs bumps with ease without upsetting the line. Car should come with Koni struts as stock.

 

[ron@whoosh]

After two days of diverse driving, including enough highway miles to be sure, I can testify with absolute certainty that THIS SETUP ROCKS!

What a difference over stock. So much more compliant, the car absorbs bumps with ease without upsetting the line. Car should come with Koni struts as stock.

great to hear
I just added these bad boys to my site because of your install & review

thanks man

 

[OrangeSpice]

Hey Ron, that's wonderful to hear. I wish that I could give everyone a ride along to experience how nice these Koni orange struts behave. Combined with the progressive springs from Cobb (or Eibach) really works fine together. I know it sounds corny, but I find myself occasionally steering TOWARDS a bump to remind me how well they absorb it, whereas I used to drive with one eye looking ahead and the other scanning the immediate road surface trying to navigate around most any undulation like it was a land mine. The difference is night and day! I can't wait for the first customer of yours that makes the purchase and install reports back here about their own experiences.

 

[CB022481]

sweet. thanks for that.. I will be buying this setup soon.

 

[slowpokemd]

I've been through a few suspension and wheel setups at this point (bilstein coilovers and mountune springs on OEM dampers) but one thing that has stayed consistent was a certain buzziness transferred through the car. The damping for the large bumps varied quite a bit through these setups but it feels like the car transmits all the small road imperfections up through the steering wheel and interior. Have you noticed any difference with the Konis along these lines?

 

[OrangeSpice]

I've been through a few suspension and wheel setups at this point (bilstein coilovers and mountune springs on OEM dampers) but one thing that has stayed consistent was a certain buzziness transferred through the car. The damping for the large bumps varied quite a bit through these setups but it feels like the car transmits all the small road imperfections up through the steering wheel and interior. Have you noticed any difference with the Konis along these lines?

Good question. Again, I would definitely say these Koni orange struts behave much like you would expect a "stock sporty" suspension to be. Meaning very OEM (or better than) with very good supression of NVH effects. Honestly the car is quieter and smoother without being the least bit harsh.

In full disclosure I must report that today while taking a very extreme righthand corner (downhill, negative camber) it loaded up the front left strut enough to hit the bump-stop and make an odd rubbing noise for only an instant. I was able to see some black tire scrub mark-off on the wide base flange (integral to the strut) that is the spring footing. I believe the interior sidewall of the stock tire rubbed momentarily. Again, this was a rather unique street corner going downhill and leaning outward which put maximum compression on the outside front corner. And I was taking it at near limits of adhesion

Two possible fixes came to mind: Looking through the rim spokes it seems there is enough "meat" on the spring base plate to be rolled (gently hammered) which would increase the clearance gap. Alternatively I thought about using 10-15mm wheel spacers up from to open the gap. Worth mentioning that the Koni front strut spring bases already come with nicely rolled/radiused edges so there was no risk of tire slash. It was a contact that left a rub-mark on the orange strut about the size of a dime.

Before you freak-out that this means a significant clearance mismatch, I can report that for the rest of today I looked for ways to replicate the incident to no avail. I zig-zagged hard at good speed and nothing. I steered into manhole covers and potholes to jarr hard enough to be a concern but again nothing. So in 99% of driving conditions can safely say it it interference-free.

For how well the car rides now, how it has gained comfort and rid the OEM harshness, I wouldn't hesitate a moment to put this setup on. And of course, its staying on!

 

[Turbo65]

I wonder how these would be with swift springs? I've thought about these or B8's

 

[alphanumeric]

I really wish I knew more people that modified their STs so I could try a few different suspension set ups. I'm extremely happy with my MeisterR but I'd like to see what else is out there and how they all feel.
I almost went the same route as you with the bilstein and then again with koni and lowering springs.

 

[PIPLUP]

I definitely want these dampers with H&R lowering springs from 2JRacing

 

[Business6]

This is the set up I've been aiming for when I finally get around to modding the suspension. Looks great!

 

[re-rx7]

Torn in between these and B8's

 

[FiSTofGlory]

Torn in between these and B8's

I'm where you're at. I can't decide between the two. I've read that the B8's do better on the front and I've read that a lot of people have put Koni Str.t's on the rear and leave the front stock with good results. I've considered doing combo of B8's up front and Koni Str.t's on the rear. Getting ready to put Vogtland springs on so now would be the perfect time if I wasn't so indecisive.

 

[JewFro]

Torn in between these and B8's

For what its worth I had B8s with Eibach Sportlines on my 2013 Focus ST and it was a great daily setup. I've also got Bilstein 5100 struts/shocks on my 2002 4Runner as well and overall can't recommend Bilstein enough.

If the Koni longevity is there, great, this is an affordable option but aren't Koni Orange's meant for stock springs only much like the FSD?

 

[FiSTofGlory]

According to Koni's website the Oranges work as an improvement to stock components or to be paired with lowering springs.

 

[JewFro]

According to Koni's website the Oranges work as an improvement to stock components or to be paired with lowering springs.

You're right, I stand corrected. Only the FSDs are strictly for OEM springs.

Well then, these might be worth a try! Tirerack currently has a $30 rebate and free shipping on a set.

 

[re-rx7]

WHOOSH has the set for a tad over 300. Tirerack is always a gd option though.

 

[ron@whoosh]

WHOOSH has the set for a tad over 300. Tirerack is always a gd option though.

thank you ! - the Koni rebate applies to my customers as well
it's a mail in rebate once you purchase the shocks/struts, not an instant savings

 

[JewFro]

thank you ! - the Koni rebate applies to my customers as well
it's a mail in rebate once you purchase the shocks/struts, not an instant savings

Nice! I'd love to support a forum vendor.

Do you know if the rebate is for a full set or PER strut? I think TireRack's site has a glitch but it shows as one rebate per strut nor does Koni's fine print provide a definitive answer. I'm guessing its per set.