Re: yellow Koni's w/ stock springs for a 4kq?

[Todd Phenneger <phen9461@uidaho.edu>]

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Ok,
	I must chime in my 2-bits now.  I havent read every post in this
thread but I read the first one a while back.  
	I would NOT run Yellows with stock Springs.  I would run Reds
however.  I think even on full soft the Yellows are too stiff.  I think,
"as do many others that I know" that Javad's fear of the tire leaving the
ground is exactly what will happen.  With a stiff shock, and weak spring,
you can enter a state where the spring doesn't have the force to quickly
and effectively push out the shock tube once compressed.  On a bumpy road,
say around a corner, the wheel/spring will compress up into the wheel well
(albeit much slower than with soft shocks) and stay there.  Over the next
dip, the tire leaves the ground or loses weight and the car slides (or
hops) around the corner.  (And maybe into the gaurdrail or curb).  I
believe, If my memory serves, that I have even had a discussion with
someone who tried this exact setup and did Not like it one bit.  very
chattery around corners.  
	I have driven cars with this behavior and it isn't fun.  On smooth
roads they are fine but enter some bumps and they hop sideways.  I think
with stock springs, the softer Koni Reds would be a better match allowing
you a range to play in to where you can dial in the suspension the way you
want it.  Add in some stiffer springs like H&R's and maybe the Yellows
start to make sense, but for stock units, I dont think they do.  
	Of course, I'm a Bilstien Person anyhow for anything but track
driving.  :-)  Just my opinion, thought I'd voice it.  I dont have
extensive experience with both models, but I do have some and I hate cars
with to stiff shocks almost more than ones with to soft of shocks.  Almost
as much as ones with Blown shocks.  Rough Ride and Bad handling.  At least
with blown shocks the ride is Ok over some bumps. :-)
	L8R
		Todd  (With 4ktq almost running, and hopefully getting
Bilstiens. :-)

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In a message dated 10/17/99 9:52:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ti@amb.org 
writes:
<< 
 The original post from Jeryd asked if it's ok to use Koni yellows with
stock
 springs.  This is actually the reverse scenario of what's being
discussed,
 in that a stiffer-valved shock is used with stock springs.  I think that
 it will work fine, except at the expense of a harder ride.  The
overdamped
 characteristic of this combination would probably mean slightly improved
 transient response and turn-in, but ultimate body roll in a long sweeper
 would probably not be improved much over stock. 
 I would adjust the Koni to one of the softer settings for use with the
 stock springs, just so I don't get the worst of both worlds -- bad ride
 quality and hardly improved handling.
 
 -Ti >>

    Yes, Ti, I suppose you are right..higher dampening given a constant 
spring rate will definitely result in a harsher ride.  My responses have
been 
in regards to dampening vs spring stiffness as per the discussion with
Steven 
Bigelow...I suppose we have strayed from the original post.  
    The nice thing about the Koni's is that they are adjustable, so the
most 
appropriate dampening rate can be dialed in to the given set of spring
rates 
and driving needs.  I can't see anything wrong with going with the 
adjustables, but again, spring and dampening rates need to be in
proportion. 
   An over dampened spring may see the contact patch off the ground, and
not on the road, where it should be...
Javad
------------------------------

	Todd Phenneger
	1983 ur-q / black / getting a MC
	1984 4000 quattro / modified/ turbo conv almost done.
	1987 4000 quattro / Saphire Metallic Blue/ Girlfriend's
	1996 A6q / Volcano / Dads Car
   *****1985 5kt / PARTING OUT!