Koni Yellow VS Mazda OEM??

[tpirovol]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the reply just wondering if the Koni Yellow would be better then the Mazda OEM struts for a 2008 Mazda 3 2.3L. I am able to get the Koni's for $99 each and the OEM for $90

Thanks T

[Hyperion]

You didn't even try the search feature.
You didn't even try to search google.

I have no idea where you're getting Koni Yellow's for $99 ea tho.

[boyracer]

*sigh*

[tpirovol]

I searched but it was in regards to performance. The OEM struts are no performance and that is not what I am after. I am looking for a good solid strut that will last and handle decent. On-line there is a lot of reviews but did not see anything specific about Koni Yellow and Mazda 3.

As for the Koni yellow I am assuming that is a good deal? I emailed a few of the sponsors and that is what one of them came back with?

Thanks T

[loki]

I wouldn't say $100 per shock is outragous, maybe he's got a good hook up with a distributor.

You really think the Sponsors on this forum are really paying much more than that, if not less...


the question wasn't whether or not he can get the shocks at this price, it was regarding which one is better.


To be honest, the koni's have adjustibility, lifetime warranty and work well with aftermarket lowering springs. So based on that alone, I would say go with the Koni shocks. Especially at that pricing.

[loki]

As for the Koni yellow I am assuming that is a good deal? I emailed a few of the sponsors and that is what one of them came back with?

Thanks T

Ok I was under the impression you had some kind of hook up. I seriously doubt that one of the sponsors on this forum are selling the koni shocks at that price.

[tpirovol]

How hard is it to adjust if I find them to stiff or not stiff enough. I read online the fronts are easy but the back is a bit difficult.

[loki]

How hard is it to adjust if I find them to stiff or not stiff enough. I read online the fronts are easy but the back is a bit difficult.

the back shocks have to be removed to adjust them

[zzz3]

Look into koni orange (non adjustable and equivalent to the softest setting on yellows) or even FSD ('self adjusting') if your goal is just oem replacement. I would infer that they would be even cheaper from the unnamed sponsor (who we all are dying to know is btw; price is cray).

Another alternative is bilstein b4 (oem replacement) or b6/b8 (if you want something sportier).

That being said have you looked at buying used shocks/struts (mazda3 or mazdaspeed3) in the classifieds section or on Kijiji? People regularly sell them for cheap after upgrading to coils or konis.

[tpirovol]

Hi Everyone,

I assumed that when I was priced the Koni they are the yellow. In the end I emailed to clarify and they are the orange. I did not know that Koni had multiple lines sorry about that. In regards to the orange are they better or just comparable to the Mazda OEM? Also are they gas or oil filled?

Thanks Again
T


Look into koni orange (non adjustable and equivalent to the softest setting on yellows) or even FSD ('self adjusting') if your goal is just oem replacement. I would infer that they would be even cheaper from the unnamed sponsor (who we all are dying to know is btw; price is cray).

Another alternative is bilstein b4 (oem replacement) or b6/b8 (if you want something sportier).

That being said have you looked at buying used shocks/struts (mazda3 or mazdaspeed3) in the classifieds section or on Kijiji? People regularly sell them for cheap after upgrading to coils or konis.

[zzz3]

Koni orange, yellow are oil where as bilstein is gas (and better than koni IMO). All are better than oem.

Sensen shocks/struts are also a good alternative if you just want a direct oem replacement (only $200~ for an entire set).


Hi Everyone,

I assumed that when I was priced the Koni they are the yellow. In the end I emailed to clarify and they are the orange. I did not know that Koni had multiple lines sorry about that. In regards to the orange are they better or just comparable to the Mazda OEM? Also are they gas or oil filled?

Thanks Again
T

[tpirovol]

Does anyone know how much the Bilstien B4's go for typically?


Koni orange, yellow are oil where as bilstein is gas (and better than koni IMO). All are better than oem.

Sensen shocks/struts are also a good alternative if you just want a direct oem replacement (only $200~ for an entire set).

[Wes08M3]

KYB Excel-G (formerly GR-2) are also a good OEM replacement shock. Comparable to the Koni Orange I'd say, but you might be able to get them for less than the Koni's.

Not sure on the pricing of the Bilstien's but I imagine they would be your most expensive option.

[trulankan]

KYB Excel-G (formerly GR-2) are also a good OEM replacement shock. Comparable to the Koni Orange I'd say, but you might be able to get them for less than the Koni's.

Not sure on the pricing of the Bilstien's but I imagine they would be your most expensive option.

I thought Koni Orange was better than KYBs since they are for performance and lowered cars?

[zzz3]

Does anyone know how much the Bilstien B4's go for typically?

Not sure but I would imagine more than $400. Check out Bilstein Canada (aka Essex Distributors) or Northern Performance (sponsor). If viable, it would probably be cheaper to buy in the states.

[Wes08M3]

KYB makes performance shocks/struts as well. The Excel-G is more of an OEM replacement with slightly better performance in some cases.

The Koni orange aren't really much of a performance shock/strut they're still fairly soft, better than OEM sure, but probably not much different than the Excel-G. Since the OP isn't really looking for performance, he may find better value in the KYB's.

[loki]

Not sure but I would imagine more than $400. Check out Bilstein Canada (aka Essex Distributors) or Northern Performance (sponsor). If viable, it would probably be cheaper to buy in the states.

Northern Performance is no longer a sponsor.

they do however supply the Bilstein shocks.

We've gone from $400 shocks to potentially $800 shocks....

[mazdabetty]

KYB Excel-G (formerly GR-2) are also a good OEM replacement shock. Comparable to the Koni Orange I'd say, but you might be able to get them for less than the Koni's.

+1 to this... I got mine at TireRack for super cheap!

[tpirovol]

Wow $43 each from TireRack

[Wes08M3]

Wow $43 each from TireRack

Keep in mind that price is only for the rear shocks. In the front you need struts and those are $96 a piece. Still would probably only come to ~$330 after shipping for all 4.

[O1Kanoby]

You didn't even try the search feature.
You didn't even try to search google.

I have no idea where you're getting Koni Yellow's for $99 ea tho.

lol you have just made my day

[greyseason]

BUMPin an older thread so i dont make a new one

WHat do you recommend for
- Daily driving (150km) a day
- used with tien S-Techs
- adjustability would be nice but will i really use it?
- im looking for a performance oriented shock, more than an OEM replacement


Im looking at what most people think about
- Koni yellows
- Bilstien B6/B8
- KYB (have no idea )
- Corksport - I dont think ive seen a review yet

[r4mi5awi]

Koni oranges apparently are perfect for daily driving, if you don't want adjustability

[greyseason]

Thanks man. Now for camber adjustment. Without coils/plates how do you align the front?

[zzz3]

Corksport or kmac front camber plate. They are pricey though.

As for dampers, bilstein b8 (and even koni orange) is more then adequate. The former would be the better of the two.

[r4mi5awi]

Also with the Corksport camber plates, they recommended you drill out a wider center hole on the strut tower for easy access... which is risky.