Which struts do i go with?

xcon234 · 01-26-2009, 12:59 AM

So I know i want some eibach springs (pro- kit). But I dont know what to chose for struts. I heard koni yellows are the best, but it's too pricey and I dont plan on racing at the track, just some street racing and maybe once a while down some curvy roads. I looked at the Tein website and supposedly they don make MK1 struts. Then I saw the KYB's which has a more comfortable price. The GR-2 or the AGX. Am I wrong about the Tein, and I better off with the GR-2 or AGX for mainly daily driving. I drive an 87 n/a by the way if that helps.

and my budget isn't that high cuz I'm a student with a part a part time job. Thanx

Mark_Dorman · 01-26-2009, 01:05 AM

Koni's are best but yes expensive.

Street Racing...please do yourself a favor and avoid this. It could end up costing you more than you can afford.

As far as AGX vs GR-2's...The AGX are four way adjustable and will be a bit stiffer than the GR-2's. The GR-2's are just an OEM replacement which people say leak a lot. I'd just go with GR-2's cause they're cheep and save up for Koni's...

P.S. Koni's will give you the best ride quality...

Gairloch · 01-26-2009, 01:53 AM

The KYB AGX are utter crap. The GR2's are OE replacement with valving intended for stock springs. If you put them under lowering springs then seals inside the damper will be under more strain than they're designed for and they will fail prematurely.

If you can't afford the Koni yellows both the Tokico Illuminas and the Bilsteins are good options. The Illuminas are adjustable if that interests you and the bilsteins are a strut body replacement which makes installation a lot easier. The bilsteins also feature a very acceptable ride, probably a bit better than the Illuminas.

The high speed damping the KYB AGX dampers is so inadequate it makes them dangerous for athletic driving. If you end up cornering hard over rough pavement they can't keep the tires in contact with the road which can result in very strange behavior. I don't mean they'll sit up and tell you they'll pay on tuesday for a hamburger today, I mean that the car can unexpectedly understeer or oversteer or just plain step sideways.

EDIT: Ugh, I just noticed that you've got a Mk I. I am sorry but I haven't looked into the suspension options for that model at all and most of what I just typed doesn't apply to you.

masagsxr · 01-26-2009, 01:59 AM

1. Koni
2. Bilstein
3. Tokico Illumina (I went with this coz this is what I can afford)

HoLun · 01-26-2009, 04:02 AM

I couldn't tell how carppy the Tokico Illumina were until I replaced them with koni.

the Illumina are O.K. with the eiback prokit but anything stiffer its worthless.

I don't think blistein makes struts for the MK1

Teado · 01-28-2009, 11:51 AM

Ballpark price for the Koni's?

Mark_Dorman · 01-28-2009, 11:59 AM

Gonna be anywhere from $150-$195 each...

M.Bailey · 02-03-2009, 01:33 AM

has anyone thought of trying the KONI STR.T struts?? i was thinking about byuing these for my duece

randomxzero · 02-03-2009, 01:47 AM

its pretty hard to find aftermarket stuff for the AW
dont ya think?

YellowJacket · 02-05-2009, 08:06 PM

I am surprised no one has mentioned Tokico Blues..

Gairloch · 02-05-2009, 08:26 PM

You know of any place that sells them for the MR2m any of the marks? I wasn't able to find them.

YellowJacket · 02-06-2009, 08:37 AM

I bought mine from eBay seller jdmwerks13
I talked to him over the phone - he is a legal distributor for Tokico and I think one of their largest - maybe #2 he said... Dont recall. Full Warranty - not a knockoff or anything. He also sells Illuminas if you want to spend more but at that point why not little more and get Koni?

Here is the current ebay link ($235 shipped)
eBay Motors: TOKICO HP SHOCKS TOYOTA MR2 MR-2 85 - 86 BEST PRICE (item 310119531353 end time Feb-09-09 17:49:42 PST)

or 87-89
eBay Motors: TOKICO 4 HP SHOCKS TOYOTA MR2 MR-2 87 - 89 (item 120371495523 end time Feb-09-09 21:28:19 PST)

randomxzero · 02-06-2009, 05:17 PM

well i been reading up on suspension, but you can always read their info but you need to talk to people who've actually used the product..
so from my understanding Koni and Billstein would be the best choice for the aw11??
i was thinking tokico illumina 5 way adjustable.. but i need the suspension for high speed cornering..
so i guess my choice would be between konie and billstein..
more likely leaning toward billstein..
however i do have a rear set of KYB Gr2's if anyone is interested haha..

stu4u3 · 04-02-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YellowJacket

I bought mine from eBay seller jdmwerks13
I talked to him over the phone - he is a legal distributor for Tokico and I think one of their largest - maybe #2 he said... Dont recall. Full Warranty - not a knockoff or anything. He also sells Illuminas if you want to spend more but at that point why not little more and get Koni?

Here is the current ebay link ($235 shipped)
eBay Motors: TOKICO HP SHOCKS TOYOTA MR2 MR-2 85 - 86 BEST PRICE (item 310119531353 end time Feb-09-09 17:49:42 PST)

or 87-89
eBay Motors: TOKICO 4 HP SHOCKS TOYOTA MR2 MR-2 87 - 89 (item 120371495523 end time Feb-09-09 21:28:19 PST)

I just purchased these fro my 89' off jdmworks13. I'll probably go with Ebiach or ST springs to complete the suspension. It will be a while before they go on the car but that's for your suggestions.

q-authority · 04-04-2009, 03:20 PM

I would be careful about any comparisons people make between their old struts and new ones, such as "the Konis are way better than Tokico Illuminas". People usually make these comments after having changed out a completely worn set of components. Well, of course the new ones are much better. They should be. I have used several sets of Illuminas and was quite happy with them, as they adjust both rebound and compression, whereas Koni's only adjusts rebound. I'm currently using Koni Sport adjustables in a different aw11 and they are also nice, but not way better than the Tokicos. I think maybe the Tokicos wear a little faster than the Konis, but that is their only real downside, and probably why they are a bit cheaper.
Bilsteins haven't made aw11 struts in some time, so forget about them, and they were not adjustable (though they were nice, as I once had a set). Well technically there are some Bilstein struts out there, but they are made for TRD and they only supply them for the rear end, despite what some sites may list. They are not adjustable.
I've heard plenty of good things about both the Tokico Blues and KYB GR2's on other sites, and don't think there is really that big of a difference between them. They both offer 10-15% greater damping than oem and can be used with springs like Eibach, etc., as well. A lot of people trying to use them or other stuts with cars lowered more than an 1" or so often are the ones complaining about their dependability, but neither they nor most other struts are designed to work well with that much drop. Some handle it better than others, but they still weren't made for it.
I also don't think the KYB GRX's are made anymore. At least I couldn't find them when I last checked some time ago.

efx · 04-12-2009, 04:41 PM

Hi guys, I'm new on the forum but have had my MK1 for about 8 years now. I just had to register since I'm reading up on things again. As for the Eiback pro-kit, I have those installed in my car. I changed them because when I used to exit the freeway a bit faster than usual, the original setup would keep me going straight even though I was turning. The original springs were soft and comfortable, but I hated that I couldn't turn which meant I really had to slow down way too much. I wasn't speeding or anything, the setup was just that soft for me. So I went with the pro-kit since they stated the car would be stiffer and lowered. Well, it's stiffer so on the turns they are awesome, but they are also stiffer all the time. These will not lower your car which I was hoping to do. Again, they don't keep the comfort level the old ones had. My car stayed at the same height but it's stiffer now so your back will not be soo happy on long trips. You also get a little of that front to back rocking which can get annoying on the freeways too. Which is fine since I'm not hitting anything but I wish I knew about this before spending all that money. Mostly you feel it on really bad roads I guess. It does keep my front end where I want it though. Like I said I I'm looking for the best of both worlds now, I'm bit older now so comfort is a must. I can't remember what struts I bought, but the originals were hydraulic and now I have these gas struts which I think may also make the ride worst. I'm looking at other setups to see what can give me the best of both worlds. If any one has any ideas please let me know what you guys have used. I've never used coil overs and I don't want to manually change things either. I dont' mind keeping it mostly stock just because it's easier to find parts.

I'm now looking at this company: Tanabe Racing Development USA /inc. because I checked with Tein and they got nothing for the MK1. I emailed Tein and that's just what they told me. Before that, I checked the Konis, but they were just too darn expensive when I looked at them. I don't know if Tannabe has anything, but they also have that cool electronic controller which Tein also has, but I haven't talked to them so I have no idea what they have for the MK1. Has anyone used these strut controllers on their MK1's? I would like to know. Pictures specs?

The second thing I noticed is that light shaking on my steering wheel once I hit about 75...The car had it for the longest time. I got new tires, got it aligned and replaced bent parts from previous owners making donuts I guess. Any ideas on what may cause this. Eventually got new brake pads and things, but still, that little vibration is annoying so I'm about to change the tie rod ends to see if that finally gets rid of this. there's not much left here, I also changed the whole rack an pinion a few years back thinking that was the problem, but it wasn't. My steering colum is also fine, meaning I can't feel any slop. So hopefully this will at least help others.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcon234

So I know i want some eibach springs (pro- kit). But I dont know what to chose for struts. I heard koni yellows are the best, but it's too pricey and I dont plan on racing at the track, just some street racing and maybe once a while down some curvy roads. I looked at the Tein website and supposedly they don make MK1 struts. Then I saw the KYB's which has a more comfortable price. The GR-2 or the AGX. Am I wrong about the Tein, and I better off with the GR-2 or AGX for mainly daily driving. I drive an 87 n/a by the way if that helps.

and my budget isn't that high cuz I'm a student with a part a part time job. Thanx

tjmr2 · 04-15-2009, 01:32 AM

My car: 89 NA Black Top, Fidanza flywheel, Eibach Springs, 1" lower, KYB GR2 struts, Prothane polyurethane bushings in all suspension points, new ball joints and steering tire rod ends(inner and outer), Addco 3/4" sway bars front and rear, battery moved to frunk. Stock basket-weave 14" wheels & 185-60-R14 all season Big O tires.

That said: I've probably got 25k miles on the Eibach, KYB, Addco combo and 15K of those with the Prothane bushings, ball joints, Black Top and battery move.

The ride: Con: 1. I can feel every bump in the road 2. Because I feel every bump in the road people think I'm flashing my high beams at them. 3. Sometimes it feels like I got kidney punched when I hit a sudden bump. 4, Have to be very careful of anything in road (like rocks) or curbs - driveways - speed bumps as you may give up your front spoiler and a whole lot more.

I drive Colorado's mountain roads and passes as hard as I can get away with. (read 2 lane remote twisting turns for 20+ miles and an 800 foot drop off the side because there isn't a guard rail.

Pros: I thought this car was good the first 60k I drove it (50 t0 110K stock), then started playing with it. Brought it to the current development and it's too fast for my wife to enjoy driving anymore. Me, it's got motor that gets you there, with the ability to climb the highest passes at well over the speed limit, and handle all the turns. More than once I've found myself hung into a turn thinking "this is going to be bad" but knowing the worst thing I could do was panic and brake or change lines the car held the line without breaking free I came out the other side with new found confidence in the car.

You have to make choices on what you want this car to do. Drag race or turn corners. I like to turn corners so my car is set up as I like it. Not saying my setup wouldn't work in a drag race only experimentation will tell.

Hope this infromation helps you make a good decision.

01-26-2009, 12:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
xcon234 No Skills Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Which struts do i go with? So I know i want some eibach springs (pro- kit). But I dont know what to chose for struts. I heard koni yellows are the best, but it's too pricey and I dont plan on racing at the track, just some street racing and maybe once a while down some curvy roads. I looked at the Tein website and supposedly they don make MK1 struts. Then I saw the KYB's which has a more comfortable price. The GR-2 or the AGX. Am I wrong about the Tein, and I better off with the GR-2 or AGX for mainly daily driving. I drive an 87 n/a by the way if that helps. and my budget isn't that high cuz I'm a student with a part a part time job. Thanx

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01-26-2009, 01:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mark_Dorman So long MR2's... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 4,666 Thanks: 97 Thanked 86 Times in 82 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (26/100% )	Koni's are best but yes expensive. Street Racing...please do yourself a favor and avoid this. It could end up costing you more than you can afford. As far as AGX vs GR-2's...The AGX are four way adjustable and will be a bit stiffer than the GR-2's. The GR-2's are just an OEM replacement which people say leak a lot. I'd just go with GR-2's cause they're cheep and save up for Koni's... P.S. Koni's will give you the best ride quality...

01-26-2009, 01:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 5,313 Thanks: 139 Thanked 296 Times in 264 Posts Blog Entries: 4 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	The KYB AGX are utter crap. The GR2's are OE replacement with valving intended for stock springs. If you put them under lowering springs then seals inside the damper will be under more strain than they're designed for and they will fail prematurely. If you can't afford the Koni yellows both the Tokico Illuminas and the Bilsteins are good options. The Illuminas are adjustable if that interests you and the bilsteins are a strut body replacement which makes installation a lot easier. The bilsteins also feature a very acceptable ride, probably a bit better than the Illuminas. The high speed damping the KYB AGX dampers is so inadequate it makes them dangerous for athletic driving. If you end up cornering hard over rough pavement they can't keep the tires in contact with the road which can result in very strange behavior. I don't mean they'll sit up and tell you they'll pay on tuesday for a hamburger today, I mean that the car can unexpectedly understeer or oversteer or just plain step sideways. EDIT: Ugh, I just noticed that you've got a Mk I. I am sorry but I haven't looked into the suspension options for that model at all and most of what I just typed doesn't apply to you.

01-26-2009, 01:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
masagsxr Cage Fighter Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 3,534 Thanks: 1 Thanked 81 Times in 81 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	1. Koni 2. Bilstein 3. Tokico Illumina (I went with this coz this is what I can afford)

01-26-2009, 04:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
HoLun ASE Master tech Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 79 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I couldn't tell how carppy the Tokico Illumina were until I replaced them with koni. the Illumina are O.K. with the eiback prokit but anything stiffer its worthless. I don't think blistein makes struts for the MK1

01-28-2009, 11:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
Teado MK1 = My Daily Addiction Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 272 Thanks: 11 Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Ballpark price for the Koni's?

01-28-2009, 11:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
Mark_Dorman So long MR2's... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 4,666 Thanks: 97 Thanked 86 Times in 82 Posts Blog Entries: 1 iTrader Rating: (26/100% )	Gonna be anywhere from $150-$195 each...

02-03-2009, 01:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
M.Bailey wrenching skills Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	has anyone thought of trying the KONI STR.T struts?? i was thinking about byuing these for my duece

02-03-2009, 01:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
randomxzero 562 Understeer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: 562 Posts: 1,171 Thanks: 10 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	its pretty hard to find aftermarket stuff for the AW dont ya think?

02-05-2009, 08:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
YellowJacket 1985 16v NA 6-speed Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 415 Thanks: 8 Thanked 31 Times in 24 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	I am surprised no one has mentioned Tokico Blues..

02-05-2009, 08:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 5,313 Thanks: 139 Thanked 296 Times in 264 Posts Blog Entries: 4 My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	You know of any place that sells them for the MR2m any of the marks? I wasn't able to find them.

02-06-2009, 08:37 AM	#12 (permalink)
YellowJacket 1985 16v NA 6-speed Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 415 Thanks: 8 Thanked 31 Times in 24 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	I bought mine from eBay seller jdmwerks13 I talked to him over the phone - he is a legal distributor for Tokico and I think one of their largest - maybe #2 he said... Dont recall. Full Warranty - not a knockoff or anything. He also sells Illuminas if you want to spend more but at that point why not little more and get Koni? Here is the current ebay link ($235 shipped) eBay Motors: TOKICO HP SHOCKS TOYOTA MR2 MR-2 85 - 86 BEST PRICE (item 310119531353 end time Feb-09-09 17:49:42 PST) or 87-89 eBay Motors: TOKICO 4 HP SHOCKS TOYOTA MR2 MR-2 87 - 89 (item 120371495523 end time Feb-09-09 21:28:19 PST)

02-06-2009, 05:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
randomxzero 562 Understeer Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: 562 Posts: 1,171 Thanks: 10 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	well i been reading up on suspension, but you can always read their info but you need to talk to people who've actually used the product.. so from my understanding Koni and Billstein would be the best choice for the aw11?? i was thinking tokico illumina 5 way adjustable.. but i need the suspension for high speed cornering.. so i guess my choice would be between konie and billstein.. more likely leaning toward billstein.. however i do have a rear set of KYB Gr2's if anyone is interested haha..

04-04-2009, 03:20 PM	#15 (permalink)
q-authority Professional Multislacker Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 506 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (4/100% )	I would be careful about any comparisons people make between their old struts and new ones, such as "the Konis are way better than Tokico Illuminas". People usually make these comments after having changed out a completely worn set of components. Well, of course the new ones are much better. They should be. I have used several sets of Illuminas and was quite happy with them, as they adjust both rebound and compression, whereas Koni's only adjusts rebound. I'm currently using Koni Sport adjustables in a different aw11 and they are also nice, but not way better than the Tokicos. I think maybe the Tokicos wear a little faster than the Konis, but that is their only real downside, and probably why they are a bit cheaper. Bilsteins haven't made aw11 struts in some time, so forget about them, and they were not adjustable (though they were nice, as I once had a set). Well technically there are some Bilstein struts out there, but they are made for TRD and they only supply them for the rear end, despite what some sites may list. They are not adjustable. I've heard plenty of good things about both the Tokico Blues and KYB GR2's on other sites, and don't think there is really that big of a difference between them. They both offer 10-15% greater damping than oem and can be used with springs like Eibach, etc., as well. A lot of people trying to use them or other stuts with cars lowered more than an 1" or so often are the ones complaining about their dependability, but neither they nor most other struts are designed to work well with that much drop. Some handle it better than others, but they still weren't made for it. I also don't think the KYB GRX's are made anymore. At least I couldn't find them when I last checked some time ago.

04-15-2009, 01:32 AM	#17 (permalink)
tjmr2 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 410 Thanks: 0 Thanked 62 Times in 59 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	My car: 89 NA Black Top, Fidanza flywheel, Eibach Springs, 1" lower, KYB GR2 struts, Prothane polyurethane bushings in all suspension points, new ball joints and steering tire rod ends(inner and outer), Addco 3/4" sway bars front and rear, battery moved to frunk. Stock basket-weave 14" wheels & 185-60-R14 all season Big O tires. That said: I've probably got 25k miles on the Eibach, KYB, Addco combo and 15K of those with the Prothane bushings, ball joints, Black Top and battery move. The ride: Con: 1. I can feel every bump in the road 2. Because I feel every bump in the road people think I'm flashing my high beams at them. 3. Sometimes it feels like I got kidney punched when I hit a sudden bump. 4, Have to be very careful of anything in road (like rocks) or curbs - driveways - speed bumps as you may give up your front spoiler and a whole lot more. I drive Colorado's mountain roads and passes as hard as I can get away with. (read 2 lane remote twisting turns for 20+ miles and an 800 foot drop off the side because there isn't a guard rail. Pros: I thought this car was good the first 60k I drove it (50 t0 110K stock), then started playing with it. Brought it to the current development and it's too fast for my wife to enjoy driving anymore. Me, it's got motor that gets you there, with the ability to climb the highest passes at well over the speed limit, and handle all the turns. More than once I've found myself hung into a turn thinking "this is going to be bad" but knowing the worst thing I could do was panic and brake or change lines the car held the line without breaking free I came out the other side with new found confidence in the car. You have to make choices on what you want this car to do. Drag race or turn corners. I like to turn corners so my car is set up as I like it. Not saying my setup wouldn't work in a drag race only experimentation will tell. Hope this infromation helps you make a good decision.