Koni Yellow vs Stock shocks on a Mazdaspeed3

[Figjam]

For those Koni Yellow owners out there.
I am about to replace the shocks on my Speed3. Was wondering how much stiffer the Koni Yellows are compared to stock.
Is the ride really harsh, this is my daily driver year round.
And are they worth the money to upgrade.

thanks

[07carbon3]

Short answer is yes. You plan on using lower springs?

[FD22]

I am about to replace the shocks on my Speed3. Was wondering how much stiffer the Koni Yellows are compared to stock.
Since the stiffness is adjustable, I'm sure you can set them to OEM-like stiffness to match the stock setup on your car currently


Is the ride really harsh, this is my daily driver year round.
Not that harsh at all. I ran mine at 60% stiffness at the back and 50% at the front, and the ride was amazing. As said above, you can always adjust them to be softer if you find it too harsh for your liking


And are they worth the money to upgrade.
Yes, I'd say so

[loki]

Koni shocks are alot cheaper than OEM shocks aren't they?

Maybe the price has gone up but koni isn't a high end brand or anything

[Figjam]

Thanks all,
decision made, Koni yellow it is.

Loki, the dealership wanted $600 for the rears alone. So yes,cheaper and better for sure.
I called a guy that Allen from Simply tire recommended (Evolution racing), $1000 all 4 corners, installed.
Going to shop around a bit more. So I.m open to suggestions.

[Figjam]

Short answer is yes. You plan on using lower springs?
I keep telling myself I will not mod the car too much, but you know how that goes.
I "may" lower the car...

[Jackal]

Thanks all,
decision made, Koni yellow it is.

Loki, the dealership wanted $600 for the rears alone. So yes,cheaper and better for sure.
I called a guy that Allen from Simply tire recommended (Evolution racing), $1000 all 4 corners, installed.
Going to shop around a bit more. So I.m open to suggestions.

Have you seen this?

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76643

[Figjam]

Have you seen this?

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76643

Did!
I'll send a second PM. So far no reply from the first one I sent.
Might go visit Jimmy, since I have never met 'the man' yet.

[S.F.W.]

Before deciding on Koni's research Bilstein's, a better option for the speed in my biased opinion.

[Figjam]

Before deciding on Koni's research Bilstein's, a better option for the speed in my biased opinion.
Will do.
Tire Rack has them.

[Cab0oze]

I have a prokit on my yellows at 50% stiffness (supposedly "sport mode"). Shockingly it feels identical to the OEM dampers at the original height. So if you're looking for comfort, you should be happy with them.

[loki]

you can get them installed and purchased for cheaper than $1000

right now Alphamotorsports is selling koni's for a little over 700 bucks and Street Performance would probably charge around $150 for the install, I mean that's not a huge savings over $1000 but it's still savings

[loki]

Before deciding on Koni's research Bilstein's, a better option for the speed in my biased opinion.

I'll be looking into this as I'm sure 1 or more of my koni's are blown.

May replace with Bilstein's then warranty the koni's and sell them

[Jackal]

I'll be looking into this as I'm sure 1 or more of my koni's are blown.

May replace with Bilstein's then warranty the koni's and sell them

You might as well go PSS or PSS9 Bilstein coilovers. 1400 or 1700 for the set.

True racecar grocery getter!

[loki]

You might as well go PSS or PSS9 Bilstein coilovers. 1400 or 1700 for the set.

True racecar grocery getter!

need to stop spending money on this car

[Jackal]

need to stop spending money on this car

Know what you mean. I stopped a year or so ago except for tires and wear and tear items. I just keep a wish list of mods I may/will do in the near future doe.

It would still be about $1000 for the front and rear shocks/struts or Bilstein (no springs included).

[Cab0oze]

you can get them installed and purchased for cheaper than $1000

right now Alphamotorsports is selling koni's for a little over 700 bucks and Street Performance would probably charge around $150 for the install, I mean that's not a huge savings over $1000 but it's still savings
For a benchmark, I paid 661 QC Tax included during the Koni Shock Value sale and paid another $90 for installation. Don't think it is possible to get much cheaper than that.

[loki]

For a benchmark, I paid 661 QC Tax included during the Koni Shock Value sale and paid another $90 for installation. Don't think it is possible to get much cheaper than that.
I paid less but I'd say the price I got and also what you paid are a thing of the past

[vinceb73]

Day and night for me compare the OEM...ok oem was leaking, doesn't help i guess.

I paid about the same of Cabooze, 650$ at Perry in Laval and BenSpeed for 80$, Damper is set at 75% front and back and run them on Prokit first gen...great combinaison.

[Figjam]

The Dealership (Ajax Mazda) called, specifically the service manager to apologize for the severe lack of service I recieved this last time round. They offered me rear shocks at cost and reduced install price. I will probably go with them, realizing the Koni's or something like are better. But Less than $400 for OEM or $800-1000 for the Koni, plus paid for new brakes and tires......and a washing machine that just died today.
Don't know if I should go on the rant about how bad the dealership service dept was that caused all this. But believe me, it was bad! As in they let me leave with an unsafe to drive car.