Koni top adjustables questions

[elguapo84]

Did some research, thanks to the guidance of a few r3v members, and came up with this... The top adjustable rear Koni shocks are available through GC and TCklineracing. The part number is essentially the same part number as the 1994-2000 Mustang shock (8041-1186). However, the mustang shock by itself is a lot cheaper than the custom valved equivalents offered by GC and TCklineracing. I'm wondering if the mustang shock will fit in an E30, or if you have to purchase the "custom" shocks from GC or TCklineracing in order for them to fit. Sorry for my naivete when it comes to these matters...I just don't want to spend extra if I don't have to. The price difference is about 130 for the two rears if you get the custom valved equivalents.

[CarsSuck]

the problem is that they are valved for the weight and balance of a mustang, not an e30. So, while the shock may fit perfectly, it wont perform like an e30 shock would.

[E30Driv3R]

exactly, unless your suspension is shot, like mine was, 120k on stockers all four shocks were blown... just wait and save up for them, it is worth it believe me.

[Low Level E30]

I thought they used Corrado VR6 shocks. Shorter, and valved to handle a 6-cylinder.

[e30sd]

the front short body inserts are corrado (can't remember if it's g60 or vr6). i have a set of the shorty's at home sitting in box, i can check when i leave work.

rears are mustang shocks.

[elguapo84]

thanks everyone for all the input!

[e30 gangsta]

update?

[etxxz]

and idk but them rears remind me a lot about the shocks i used to lower my ae86 which were, 88-02 camaro ~ short strokes for ae86 which are the same for mustangs so...yes they will probably work

[elguapo84]

and idk but them rears remind me a lot about the shocks i used to lower my ae86 which were, 88-02 camaro ~ short strokes for ae86 which are the same for mustangs so...yes they will probably work

Mike at PureMS checked w/ Koni, and they said that the Mustang sport shocks have a slightly softer compression dampening than the E30 standard, but that it wouldn't be a significant difference. Then Koni recommended going with the D/A if I planned to track the car a lot. Probably makes the most sense to just go with the custom valved shocks...but then we're looking at around $1000 for the custom konis and H&R race or IE3 springs...maybe it just makes sense to spend a little extra and go w/ Coilovers at this point?? Does anyone know how well the C3motorsport kit fares on the street? Opinions or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Dave]

I believe the fronts are Corrado G60. Later Corrados had an integrated strut like an e36, not an insert.

I have the "shorty" front ones, and the part number is the same as the Coraddo, except it is followed by "SPGC" - assuming Special Ground Control. Dunno if that truly means they are valved differently or not.

Likewise, the rear konis for TCK have a similar variation on the part number.

[Fanzotti]

Koni does not sell top adjustables from the factory. The general consensus of how to get top adjustable rears for E30's is by using shocks from a ford mustang

The most popular part # seems to be: 8041 1186SPORT (Mustang 94-04, All Models-Exc. IRS rear susp.)

A variation I heard of was with a double adjustable shock part number: 8042 1026 Sport (Mustang, 8 cyl. 87-93 — Double Adjustable Rear Alternative)

And in double adjustable.

—Double Adjustable Sport Alternative 8042-1134 Sport (Fits Mustang 94-04 Exc. IRS rear suspension. External Rebound & Compression Adjustment)

Up front I have heard of people using shorter shocks from VW'S to work with lowering springs other than the shock Koni manufactured for the E30: 8641 1021SPORT (325iS 84-91)

People have used these shocks

shocks for VW Corrado G60 VR6's. (unsure of part number)

Front 8041-1198sport (not sure what car these are from?)

And double Adjustable

Fronts 8611-1258Race (Strut Insert Front, Koni Race Double Adjustable Fits Golf II, Jetta II 1985-90 (Models w/non-sealed struts). Rebound and Compression Adjustable.)

Fronts 8610 1447 Race (I believe there double adjustable, not sure what car these are from?)

Any thing that would help shed some light on what are the most popular P/N’s???? used for various applications would help greatly.

Does any one know if you buy these shocks off the shelf if they'll need to be modified/revalved for street use? I've heard some say yes and more say no.

Is firming up the shocks similar to re-valving them?

Do rear shocks need to be re-valved to work with the front set?

Slyder from C3 has a group buy going on for coil overs right now, he may be also selling just Koni top adjusts. His price is the best I've seen.

[erik325i]

Slyder from C3 has a group buy going on for coil overs right now, he may be also selling just Koni top adjusts. His price is the best I've seen.

Yes, he is offering sets of the top-adjust Koni's. PM him about them.

maybe it just makes sense to spend a little extra and go w/ Coilovers at this point?? Does anyone know how well the C3motorsport kit fares on the street? Opinions or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I have the C3 kit on my car, and daily drive it. Even with 450/750 springs, THR CABs, 17" wheels, it still does just fine driving through downtown every day.
It's very firm, but I'm used to it. If your car is strictly a street car, I would go with softer rates though.

-Erik