Koni shocks

Silly Rabbit

I'm having a noise issue with Swift springs - see my other thread for details.

Just wondering - from what it looks like, the Koni shocks have a lower spring perch that isn't attached to the shock. Seems like this would resolve any issue of the spring binding and making the creaking noise. Since they are $$, I think I would only change the fronts over and keep the rears stock. Would that be an issue?

Do the Koni shocks lower the car any more than stock shocks? I really like the way the car sits with Swifts and stock shock and don't really want to go any lower.

victorofhavoc

Dampeners (or shocks) don't control ride height unless they are the wrong application. The konis won't change your height, but they absolutely will change your balance if you have them in just the front.

I would not recommend changing just the front

EDIT:
Just to add, quality dampening force is arguably more important than the spring itself because it controls the spring's natural frequency. Spend the money on the Konis if you want a more comfortable and stable ride, but be warned that they will involve some "tuning" to get adjusted for your needs and habits.

Also, I haven't looked in a while, but i believe there's a simpler solution to your dilemma. Maybe someone else here will know, but there are plates on most coilovers that prevent the winding that causes the noise. I forget what they're called though...

__________________
Had a 2010 WRX- boy was it quick in a straight line, got a 2014 Z- man is she grippy in the corners-- then left the Z and later got a GTI, now back in an 09 racecar Z!

clkio

That's a big no no, u don't want go have front different than back especially on a sports car, will throw balance off.

Silly Rabbit

Thanks for the feedback. Still not getting anywhere with the noise. I believe the simpler solution you are talking about is the rubber isolator that wraps around springs. I moved them over from the stock springs. I have had the shock apart 3 times and had a shop tear both the fronts down and redo them. I'm at the point where I give. I just have to decide if I'm going back to stock or try another brand of springs.

victorofhavoc

If you're looking for a drop in ride height, I would consider trying other springs with a similar ratio of spring frequency:length(change in) compared to stock, that way your suspension geometry can stay similar and you'll get less of the noise that higher rate springs often produce.

If you're looking for performance, I wouldn't recommend a huge drop at all because your suspension geometry will be off (within .7" of stock is always good) and then get some nice dampers like the Koni.

Yes I do think you're right with the simpler solution. I think Swift might actually have their own rubber isolators they sell for those

__________________
Had a 2010 WRX- boy was it quick in a straight line, got a 2014 Z- man is she grippy in the corners-- then left the Z and later got a GTI, now back in an 09 racecar Z!