Koni Sports Shocks + H&r35Mm Springs

[HoodRich]

I suspect my 2000 model is200 (84000kms) is in dire need of shocks. It feels like it nose-dives when I brake and I'm not feeling very confident with it on the corners. As a result I drive it very conservatively. I assumed the shocks were fine when the car passed its roadworthy test (is that what you guys refer to as "MOT"?), but am not sure of the effectiveness of the shocks it currently has.

I am considering fitting a set of H&R springs coupled with Koni Sport shocks. These need to be imported and will probably take a month to get here to South Africa. Any opinions on this setup? Will it give me the confidence in the car which I am looking for? How negatively will this impact the "comfort" of the ride? I dont mine a bit of a stiff ride as I have been driving lowered cars all my life....

EDIT:

Another option I have is the KYB Shocks (at literally half the price of the Koni shocks). Never used them (or heard of them before). Should I consider those with a set of H&R Springs and save approx R4000?

[J Henderson]

KYB are OEM-spec shocks and are the original equipment on more cars than any other brand. In fact, they're probably what's on your car right now. :)

I bought a new set of them to work in conjunction with Eibach springs when I replaced my original suspension (which had done 100K mls) about 6 months ago. I was only looking for a moderate performance increase and wanted to retain as much ride quality as possible. So, in that regard I'm very happy with how things turned out.

The H&R/Koni combo though was one I was very interested in before settling on the more conservative setup. I think if my car was a Sport model or an Altezza, I would definitely have gone in that direction.

By all accounts, the H&R springs are stiffer and lower than Eibachs and would probably be too much for standard-spec dampers. Ideally they'd be better paired with a proper sport/heavy duty shock like the Konis or Bilstein.

[HoodRich]

John,

Thanks so much for the informative input. So, I should either try to source eibach and fit KYB shocks or go the h&r + koni setup. Will see if I can get someone to import me a set of eibachs.

Do you have any pics of your car siting on eibach + stock shocks?

[J Henderson]

Just this one, which isn't the best.

[HoodRich]

Thanks for the pic. That looks perfect and just what I want. I will try to source a set of Eibach springs and get some KYB shocks. Will cost a lot less than the koni + h&r setup

Thanks again for the advice

[HoodRich]

I spoke to the fit net centre which offered me the stock KyB shocks. The technical guy there advised that I do not use those shocks with the 35mm H & R springs as I could damage the shocks? Any credibility in his statement? He suggested I just fit the Koni shocks somewhere else....but that is gonna cost me twice as much as the KYB shocks which are expensive to start off with! :-(

[HoodRich]

After speaking to several suspension specialists, I have been told that it would be fine to fit the H&R 35mm drop along with the KYB OEM-spec shocks. I'm going ahead with this setup and will post feedback and pictures on how it turns out. Thanks of the advice guys.

[Emilio Largo]

Hi.

If its not too late, you could consider this Bilstein with Eibach Springs an you will be amazed.

http://www.nh-tuning.de/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=lexus+is+200+bilstein&x=0&y=0

http://www.nh-tuning.de/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=lexus+is+200+eibach&x=0&y=0

By

[HoodRich]

Hi Emilio,

Yup, a bit too late :-(. KYB shocks have arrived (to be fitted sometime this week) ...and the H&R springs should be in the country in 6 weeks.

Will post pics and my thoughts when it's all done.

[HoodRich]

Ok, so the KYB's were fitted yesterday. Car feels great, a lot steadier on the road, but still a bit top-heavy. I guess I am used to driving lowered cars. My H&R's arrive in approx 6 weeks and I cannot wait!

Also got the guys to fit a set of ferodo platinums....brakes were only good for a few more months.

That's it...my car should be mechanically sound now!

[HoodRich]

.....had to hit the brakes hard and swerve to the left to avoid hitting someone while on the way to work yesterday. The Lex took it all in its stride. The new brakes and shocks were fitted just in the nick of time! It feels great having confidence in the car again.....

[HoodRich]

My H&R springs have arrived in the country! Going to do the fitment on Saturday. Can't wait. Will post pictures.

[HoodRich]

Fitted the H&R Springs this morning.....she's looking good and feels great! Will post pics a bit later