E30 Shock Option Thread

[Gooch]

8611-1258-Race (#5) can be verified. I have them as they are what TCK uses for their coils and obviously the strut housings must be shortened.

[blocke]

Would be great to see a price comparo as well. Perhaps shocks meant for other applications could work out to be cheaper? (like using a mustang 02 sensor instead of a BMW one).

[Stephen]

Good idea, Subscribed

[Moto-Mucci]

just for you Patrick ;)

[P.Miz™]

The thread I have been searching for all my life! Sticky this STAT!

[psyber_0ptix]

*subscribed

i'm very interested in how this thread moves along as i've been considering KONI for my shock replacements (as i've run them on all my past cars) but I was not aware that the rears werent top adjustable. (how do they normally adjust?)

Are these other struts properly damped for the e30 application? Just because it fits, doesn't always mean it's ideal.

[Moto-Mucci]

This thread will list which shocks you can use, outside of E30 specific. It will also list any necessary modifications needed, advantages, and most importantly - part numbers and dimensions.

Post up any additions, verifications, and/or corrections and I will update as necessary.
Also post up sales when applicable, to keep people updated.

Brand/Model----F/R----Fits----------------Made For-----------Part #-----------Notes----Verified?

Bilstein Sport……Front 318is,325,i,is…….Corrado G60……………………..F4- P30-3066………..(*1)........Yes
Koni Sport....……Front 318is,325,i,is…….85-90 Golf/Jetta.……………..8611-1258-Race…….(*5).......Yes
Koni Sport………..Rear 318is,325i,is……..94-04 Mustang Exc. IRC…..8041-1186-Sport……(*2).......?
Koni Sport………..Rear 318is, 325i,is…….94-04 Mustang Exc. IRC…..8042-1134-Sport…….(*3)......?
Koni Sport………..Rear 318is, 325i,is…….87-93 Mustang, 8 cyl……….8042-1026-Sport…….(*3)......?
Koni Sport………..Front 318is, 325i,is…….Corrado G60…………………….8641-1198-Sport……..(*1).....Yes
Koni Sport (GC) Front 318is, 325i,is…….E30…………………………………..?..................... ......(*4).....Yes
Koni Sport………..Front 318is, 325i,is…….05-08 Subaru Legacy……….8610-1447-Sport……..(*6)....?

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*1 – Corrado G60 shock casings are shorter, thus these are used for people lowering their spring perches and running spacers under the shock. Shock casing diameter is also 6mm narrower. Custom gland nut for Bilstein Sports – # U232A1

*2 – Mustang Koni Sport rear shocks are used because they are top adjustable, unlike the Koni Sport rears made for E30’s

*3 – These Mustang Koni Sports are double adjustable (External Rebound and Compression), as opposed to single adjustable like the ones above.

*4 – I’ve heard these Koni Sports carry the same part number as the Corrado G60 Koni Sports, however, they are “custom valved” specifically for Ground Control. Anytime I try to get more info on them from Ground Control they avoid the questions… Dimensions? Part numbers? Revalving description? Who knows, but they’re $50 more than the G60 shock.

*5 - Double Adjustable (External Rebound and Compression). Shock casings are shorter, thus these are used for people lowering their spring perches and running spacers under the shock.

*6 - Koni Sport top adjustable - Made for Subaru Legacy (Liberty) 2.0, 3.0, 3.0R incl. GT Wagon