favorite - strut/shock/spring combo?

[Bernie Benz]

Ed,
I’m not a fan of Konis. This experience goes back to late ’70s Lancia  
Betas when I was rebuilding both OEM and Konis strut inserts. Both  
had removeable heads back then. The OEM was the much better built  
shock. I would add paper shims behind the plastic piston rings and  
replace the head shaft bushing (the major leakage point causing  
damping failure) and refill with ATF. Originally, IMO, Koni went with  
their rebound adjustment to extend the short life of their marginal  
design.

Anyway, I bought the 200‘s Konis used. Fronts had sealed heads so  
tightened down on the rebound damping two notches. Rears had  
removable heads so I rebuilt them. If buying new for stock springs,  
I’d go with Boge in spite of the Koni lifetime warranty.

Bernie


On Jul 10, 2008, at 2:17 PM, Ed Kellock wrote:

> Stock springs and Konis?  This is something I am contemplating x 2  
> cars.  I
> would very much like to hear your description/opinion of how you  
> like this
> combination.
>
> Thanks,
> Ed
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: 200q20v-bounces at audifans.com
>> [mailto:200q20v-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Bernie Benz
>> Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 2:10 PM
>> To: Richard Harris
>> Cc: 200q20V mailing list
>> Subject: Re: favorite - strut/shock/spring combo?
>>
>>
>> Can't help you, Rich.
>> My 200 20V with 225K is a rock solid, comfortable cruiser with stock
>> suspension, Konis and a strut brace. Tires last for ever and
>> alignment never changes, set at -0.5 deg. front camber, zero rear,
>> and zero toe F and R.
>> I am not a proponent of 2B, inasmuch as Son's experience indicates
>> that they know nothing of suspension dynamics.
>>
>> Bernie
>>
>> On Jul 10, 2008, at 9:06 AM, Richard Harris wrote:
>>
>>> Bernie,
>>>
>>> I've got a 200 20v running new Bilstein Sports and H&R 29800s that
>>> will
>>> primarily be a track car. I am unhappy with the BS/H&R
>> combo. Got any
>>> suggestions? Are you aware of any spring/shock or coil over
>> options
>>> besides
>>> 2B?
>>>
>>> Richard
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: 200q20v-bounces at audifans.com
>>> [mailto:200q20v-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of Bernie Benz
>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 7:22 PM
>>> To: Ed Kellock
>>> Cc: 200q20V mailing list
>>> Subject: Re: favorite - strut/shock/spring combo?
>>>
>>>
>>> There is but one optimum, "critical" damping for a specific
>> combo of
>>> spring rate and unsprung weight! Bilstein's marketing
>> strategy is to
>>> over damp all stock applications, so the dumb customer can
>> feel a big
>>> difference and thus feel good about his poor application and thin
>>> wallet. Obviously, I don't like
>>> Bs.
>>>
>>> Konis can easily be and often are also adjusted to an over damped
>>> condition (read 2B). Damping has little to do with ride quality,
>>> Spring rate controls ride quality. Damping controls the
>> suspension's
>>> response to dynamic bump inputs, the timing for shortest, optimum
>>> return to SRH.
>>>
>>> Bernie
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jul 9, 2008, at 3:09 PM, Ed Kellock wrote:
>>>
>>>> snip<
>>>
>>>> I really don't like the HDs.  They are not compliant enough over
>>>> minor road irregularities and the ride is jiggly and
>> harsh.  Based on
>>>> prior discussion,
>>>> I believe I am clearly in the minority in this area however.
>>>
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>