Koni Special vs. Koni Classic, what's the difference?

[LS-Five]

I was looking at buying some Koni shocks for my car and I was wondering what the difference is between the classics and the specials. Their site is not real clear. Is it just decals, or is the damping different too? I believe for the stock mounting location, the Classic is the only choice I have, correct?

To those that have them, are they better or at least as good as Bilsteins?

A penny for your thoughts...

 

[LS-Five]

Hmmm. Anyone?

 

[RodsnRides]

Sorry -

I can't help you. I am interested in your choices, though. There was another thread-I think in C4 forum titled "Shocks", I believe. One member suggested some shocks from Mid-America-some revalved Gabriels.

I am on the fence for my choice. I'm still thinking Edelbrock, have them in the truck and really like them. A C-3 is a different animal than a 4x4 pickup, though.

I would appreciate yours and any one else's thoughts on C3 shocks.

Rick

 

[LS-Five]

According to most of the feedback I have heard, Koni and Bilstein always seem to be regarded as the best of the best for C3's. Coincidently, they are also the most expensive aside from QA1. Since the use of my car will be about 90% Street, 8% Strip, and about %2 Autocross, I feel that an adjustable shock such as the Koni's are the way to go. I think most guys that drag race are running QA1 or Koni, but I'm sure there are others.

KYB also makes some kick azz adjustable shocks, but unfortunately not for C3's. They are a Japanese company and they focus mainly on Jap cars.

As for Gabriels, I think they have been bought out by Monroe. Monroe used to offer the Formula GP shocks, and Guldstrand used to sell them; but I believe they have been discontinued.

I am always open to advice though, my experience mainly lies in what info I have gathered from others, I am just now getting into competing with my car.

 

[blacksharkL82]

QA1. They are what you want for the way you want to adjust them. I have them on my C3, at diff tracks, diff adjustments are required. Realy easy to do.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Hmm..my reply must have gotten lost or something, I'm certain I replied to this thread when the 1st post was posted...oh well

I suspect the classic and special shocks are the same, just labelled as classics for older cars. The Koni shocks in the US are made by ITT, the original ones are made by Koni Netherlands (and they are more expensive than the ITT ones) Koni is about as high a quality shock as you can get for your car, they may be epensive but you get what you pay for them. Koni hasn't been an industry leader and a leader in motorsports and F1 for nothing, most of their adjsutable shock ideas have now been copied but they have been doing it since the late 60s. I would take konis over all others (comparable shocks, so don't compare the cheapest koni to a very high $ enske or something like that).

Adjustability is overrated and pretty much worthless without a dyno sheet (hot & cold) to compare individual settings on each shock (who says that setting 4 on one shock is the same as another similar shock for instance..there may very well be a difference)

 

[LS-Five]

TT-

Thanks for your words of wisdom. You have made up my mind for me, I am going to go with the Koni's. I am looking foward to putting them on my car.

 

[RodsnRides]

I also appreciate your input as well. Thank you for that.

Your car is very tidy and it certainly looks like it can corner like a Formula 1 car. It's obvious you have done your homework. Looks like a lot of fun!

Have a great day.

Rick

 

[JohnZ]

Note that Konis have to be removed to adjust them; something to consider.