First of all I DID do a search and didnt feel like searching through all 20 pages of results that were returned.
So I am getting ready to buy some new struts for my 03 Sedan......and I have heard lots of good things about both the KONI Yellows and the KYB AGXs......I am looking for reviews from people that ACTUALLY HAVE THESE installed on their cars, Im not looking for opinions on who likes what better, I am looking for realworld experience/reviews for both pros and cons of each. Or if anyone has any other suggestions as to a good performance strut. Cost is not an issue, and I am looking for the best performance/handling gain w/out going to a full coil over.

that said, lets hear what you all have to say! Thanks in advance!

-Ted

 

I have a 96 L sedan w/ KYB AGX adjustables and RS springs. Let me tell ya, probably the best mod I ever did. They are a snap to install and i love how I can pop my hood, adjust for my driving mood, and off I go. No complaints here! Sorry, but I'm no help on the KONI yellows.
Cody

P.S.-----THESE struts are awesome! I love 'em

 

Nice, thanks for your input, every little bit helps, cuz right now I am torn between the 2, I have heard lotsa good things about both of these, and just wanted to hear some opinions from people that have really used them in real driving conditions, not just what the manufacturer says about them....

-Ted

 

bump!




25 views, and only one response? c'mon now people...I know there are more of you out there that are running aftermarket struts.....lets hear some reviews!

-Ted

 

running agx/eibachs on my 97 L and love them.

 

just ordered some KYB AGXs this morning. Gonna pick 'em up this evening, thank you to those that did respond.....and to all those that didnt.... LOL just kidding....thanks guys

-Ted

 

If $$$ is not an issue, I've heard that you can't beat the Koni's- in terms of adjustability, quality, or durability. I once had a pair of yellows I was going to install on the front, however, I needed money at the time and I sold them... I've second guessed that decision more than once.


Of course, due to the price difference, there will be plenty of people out there to vouch for the AGX's. I'm not putting them down at all, but if $$$ is really not an issue, there is a reason why the Konis cost more... if you know what I mean.

Maybe there's someone out there who has had experience with both?




EDIT: I neglected to read your last post... so I guess my efforts were futile- I see you went with the AGX's- You'll be happy with them- IMO, they are definitely the better value.

 

Just saw this thread now Ted. I got the AGX's + Eibachs on my car and have no regrets, you made a good decision. If you want you can check out mine at BDG's next week but you'll likely have yours installed by then.

 

BeXa... The car's not overdampened with the agx's & stock RS springs?...

The ***** are on top of the struts? Are the backs hard to adjust & what settings do you have them on (e.g. 7 out of 10)?

 

LOL, thats ok, thanks for the good review though.....I knew either way I'd be happy and the KYBs were a bit easier to find.....so I just went with those.


Jeff.....actually I probably wont have them installed by then...my garage is getting transformed into a Pass-thru garage w/Front and Rear Doors for access to the backyard, w/extra tall 8'7" garage doors so my truck will fit. They start on Monday.....so all my tools and stuff are packed away while the garage is outta commission. ETA is 2 weeks to finish the job.

-Ted

 

I used to have an '04 STI takeoff suspension on my '02 WRX but it wore me out. It handled fine but it was murder on my back- I know I sound like an old fart.

Now I have koni inserts with Prodrive springs and Groupn tops. Very nice! Much more palatable ride.

 

I'm in the process of installing Koni + Ground Controls on my car, and w/o the right tools, putting the Koni inserts can be a PITA. Just as a forewarning. Also, if you want realworld, would you be willing to look @ shock dynos, because koni has shock dyno comparisons on their website.

 

I've had the Koni yellows installed for about 2,000 miles and I absolutely love them. I've had Prodrive springs on the car for almost two years, and the addition of the Koni's is just icing on the cake. The ride on full soft is better/more comfortable than the stockers ever were, and full hard eliminates most body roll while still being tolerable for short trips. I commute about 60 miles a day, so it's half/full soft most of the time, but I'm still playing around with 'em.

I had the KYB AGX's on my Honda Civic Si hatch right before I sold it for the WRX, and while it may not be a fair comparison, I can tell you that the difference in these two brands seem to be night and day. The KYB's on full hard were unbearably harsh (but go-kart fun ) everywhere but for Auto-x. Full soft was a little too soft. People think they want compression/rebound to adjust together, but I think the guys at Koni have the right idea about adjusting compression only for a streetable car.

The install of the inserts really isn't that bad if you've done springs/shocks before. I was more than a little worried about it, but after finishing the first insert I wondered where my reluctance came from. As long as you have some sort of cutting wheel tool (I used a RotoZip with the cutting wheel attachment) and a large enough drill bit for the bottom of the strut you'll be fine. Allow most of a day (or more if you're really meticulous) to do it if you're flying solo, though...take your time. The only "tricky" parts are getting the hole in the bottom of the old strut perfectly centered, and not cutting the strut bodies too short. Just slice them a bit (1/4") below the pressed-on cap and you'll be fine.

If money is no object, get the Koni's. If ride quality is most important, get the Koni's. If you're really worried about the install or only have 4 hours to do the swap or want/need to save a few bucks, then go with the KYB's. They're good shocks, but nowhere near, IMHO, as good as the Koni yellows.

 

I have Konis in front, and Kybs in the rear on an '02 wrx wagon.

The Konis are definitely more comfortable on full-soft, but noticeably firmer than stock.
They KYBs are on the stiff side, even on the soft setting, and I've considered putting my stockers back in the rear.

 

the old body style fronts adjust (4-way) on the top of the strut, the rears(8-way) on the strut body in the wheel well.

the new body style agx's adjust on the top of the strut and are 4-ways both f/r