Suspnsion Upgrades: How to decide? Most bang for buck?

[MazdaDrumr]

I got into looking at this thread because of a clunking noise from the rear when going over bumps. After a bunch of fruitless looking around, it turned out to be the dealer's custom license plate frame. It only has bolts at the the top, so the bottom wants to slap against the car sometimes. So luckily for my pocketbook, I don't have to replace any rear end components! But unluckily for my pocketbook, this thread has inspired me to upgrade some suspension components... (2thumbs)

 

[phunky.buddha]

I got into looking at this thread because of a clunking noise from the rear when going over bumps. After a bunch of fruitless looking around, it turned out to be the dealer's custom license plate frame. It only has bolts at the the top, so the bottom wants to slap against the car sometimes. So luckily for my pocketbook, I don't have to replace any rear end components! But unluckily for my pocketbook, this thread has inspired me to upgrade some suspension components... (2thumbs)

I hate clunky license plates- I always line the backs with Dynamat (or my cheapo version of it). Upgrade your suspension!

 

[amcmike]

Bringing the thread back from the dead!

One great thing about Knoi products is that they come with a limited lifetime warranty (original owner). That said, I'd still go with Bilsteins HD!
http://www.koni-na.com/warranty.cfm

I'm just glad you didn't try to go with Koni Yellows with stock springs b/c that is not a good match.

Why are the Koni Yellows not a good match with stock springs? I didn't see this thread before and already had the rears installed. They felt so good, I just purchased the matching fronts. Should I be concerned? Should I be cancelling my order for the matching fronts and going with something else (although not sure I like the idea of mix-matching brands/types). I really don't want to change out the springs either, because it sits low enough as is. Any lower, I'm not getting out of my driveway.

 

[DougNuts]

I have the Koni Yellows and am very happy with them. I'm not sure where the idea that they don't match the stock springs come from. For the record, I work with a former Koni development engineer.

 

[amcmike]

Thanks Doug! That makes me feel better. I also did a little more digging on the Koni website, and from what I gather they will work with stock springs lengthwise, and thanks to the adjustability can be tailored to match the factory spring rate.

So I take it you are also using stock springs? What settings front and rear did you use? I have the rears currently set to 1.5 turns from firm. Think I would have preferred 1 turn on rear. Someone else (maybe you) mentioned 1 turn front, .5 turns rear. When I do the fronts I'm thinking of doing 1 turn.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I have the Koni Yellows and am very happy with them. I'm not sure where the idea that they don't match the stock springs come from. For the record, I work with a former Koni development engineer.

You are right in that the term “good match" is quite subjective and should not have been used to apply to all. There was a lengthy post in the MS3 forum (the dedicated from, not the sub forum here) when Koni first released their shocks for the MS3. The discussion came up b/c since the MS3 stock springs are lower from the factory, does this naturally put the MS3 into Sports by default (I don’t remember the conclusion)? A poster claiming to represent Koni (an engineer if I recall) chimed in on the differences. The FSD was more tailored for OE springs while the Sport was more for aftermarket lowering springs due to the higher initial valving and the adjustable dampening that allows it to mix with various stiffness and lower aftermarket springs. This is not to say you can’t or shouldn’t use it witch ever way you like. Bottom line, if it works for you it is all that matters

http://www.koni.com/car-racing/technology/faq/

Q: What is the difference between KONI FSD and KONI Sport (yellow)?
A: The KONI FSD adapts itself to the driving conditions (driving speed and road surface). The result is a very smooth ride under a very wide band of circumstances. The KONI FSD valving performs best in combination with the car’s factory springs. The KONI Sport offers a sportier, more responsive feel to the car under all circumstances and work on vehicles with higher performance parts. The higher initial valving baseline and the possibility to adjust the damping offers better compatibility with any aftermarket sports or lowering springs.

 

[amcmike]

Hmmmm. Developed a clunk shortly after install, please see my new thread post.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123834723-Help-Koni-Yellows-with-Dust-Covers/page2