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View Full Version : New front dampers + springs - thinking Koni



OCR
13-02-2011, 19:45
First post!

Hello to all, I have an '86 R5 GTT "in the works" and I am down to some final decisions, including suspension (at least front). The car will have somewhere between 130 - 150 bhp (~ 1.2 bar, with many engine upgrades).

Basically I would like to get something that would make the car handle well in most conditions, cope well with bad roads (uneven and full of potholes) - i.e. not too stiff, react as quick and precise to steering as possible and put the power down better.

From what I've read, the most recommended and versatile front dampers are the "koni yellow" type. Regarding the konis, is this the model recommended ?
http://www.koni-suspension.co.uk/koni-renault-r5-super-gtturbo-c405-phase-mk1-up-to-chassis-number-f-02-7412k-025-7635-1985061987-single-front-adjustable-sport-damper-87411113sport_p1370183.htm

Also, what are the best springs to go with them, so the car will handle well but won't be too stiff and also not too low ?


Are there any recommendations for something else with the same level of performance and price (at most 500 pounds incl. springs) ? Living in Europe, I would be equally interested in mainland producers, like Bilstein.


Thank you for any feedback on the matter

Matt@CodeRedMotorsports
13-02-2011, 20:17
Hello and welcome, my advise would be to go for Komi adjusables for the R5, but specify clio 172 lowered springs, the Clio springs are stiffer by design (to deal with the extra weight of the Clio).... Makes for a good set up on my red Clio, should be great on the R5 for road and mild track use.

Eugein Offord
13-02-2011, 20:33
£300 a pair.............wowsers..............:cry:

Matt Cole
14-02-2011, 13:25
Hello and welcome, my advise would be to go for Komi adjusables for the R5, but specify clio 172 lowered springs, the Clio springs are stiffer by design (to deal with the extra weight of the Clio).... Makes for a good set up on my red Clio, should be great on the R5 for road and mild track use.


What will the clio 172 springs lower a 5 too?? I need higher poundage springs at about 35mm drop. What is the rating of the clio springs??

dave_gtt
14-02-2011, 20:37
I am interested in this too!!!

Anyone know who does the best price for the koni's:agree:

J$£5GTT
14-02-2011, 20:47
oe dampers an springs,forget all the science.....
:)

OCR
14-02-2011, 22:08
New poster! (less than 10 posts)

I have read some more and I am almost certain I'll go with Koni (http://www.koni-suspension.co.uk/koni-renault-r5-super-gtturbo-c405-phase-mk1-up-to-chassis-number-f-02-7412k-025-7635-1985061987-single-front-adjustable-sport-damper-87411113sport_p1370183.htm) - the rest of the good brands seem to be too stiff for the bad roads I have here.

So the next question is: which springs for them ? I would not like to lower the car too much and also not make it too stiff. But still I'd like it to handle well and steer quickly.

If you have several spring recommendations all are welcome, with comments if possible.

Thanks

Alex
14-02-2011, 22:18
I use Koni shocks and KTR/Apex -50mm springs. They work well on track and are fine for the road also. :)

OCR
15-02-2011, 00:42
New poster! (less than 10 posts)

How hard are different springs (brands) considered ? Sparco, H&R, Eilbach, Apex, Koni etc. ?

BriC
15-02-2011, 08:37
Is there anywhere cheaper than Larkspeed (http://www.larkspeed.com/index.pl?p=261710&a=i) for the Koni Sport kit? I haven't seen anywhere!

Penfold aka The Dealer
15-02-2011, 09:23
Is there anywhere cheaper than Larkspeed (http://www.larkspeed.com/index.pl?p=261710&a=i) for the Koni Sport kit? I haven't seen anywhere!

I got mine from larkspeed.... fast service and cheapest :-)

BriC
15-02-2011, 09:41
Fair enough. I've got Spax RSX coilovers on my current 5, but find it's a bit stiff and bouncy. Plus the rear shockers make a lot of knocking noises (they aren't touching up against anything either :confused:)

I had Koni Sports on my old GTT, and I seem to recall it handling really well, and not being too jumpy. Tempted to get some when funds allow

Mart
15-02-2011, 10:07
Koni, every time :agree:

Matt Cole
15-02-2011, 13:26
I have koni adjustable yellows up front and adjustable Gaz on the back. I need new springs but not sure what rate springs to go for? I do not want it rock hard as its primarily a road car, but it needs to be able on track too.

has anyone got any suggestions on some springs i could try bearing in mind the heavier engine??

dave_gtt
11-03-2011, 13:17
Sorry for re-viving this thread, but ive just found out that i have a full set of these shocks spare for my car here!!!:D

I need to get them refurbished though because one of the adjusters on the top is broken off!!!

Anyone had this replaced before or even know if its possible???

And could someone recomend somewhere to do it??

One last thing, does anyone know the length of an unloaded standard spring??

Sorry for all the questions, thanks:agree:

Brigsy
11-03-2011, 13:20
I looked into getting a pair of koni struts refurbed, im sure it was £100-150 per strut?! might aswell buy new mate.

dave_gtt
11-03-2011, 13:24
I looked into getting a pair of koni struts refurbed, im sure it was £100-150 per strut?! might aswell buy new mate.


Ah damn it. :sad2:

Thanks though mate:agree:

Brigsy
11-03-2011, 13:31
Still might be worth ringing round for a price mate, you never know. The couple of places i rang seemed to be reluctant to do the work though:crap: