MK1 strut options - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

SmokingTires · 09-23-2005, 07:23 PM

So I have been reading up on a few different sites trying to figure out what I want to have the best setup I can for next years auto-cross season.

The big choice is between Koni's and Tokico Illumina's. Noth are adjustable, however koni's allow a little more range of settings. I can pick up a set of either for under $400. But after reading some, I found that Koni's are low pressure struts. My preference would be high pressure so that I can best benifit from them (being that stock class allows only few mods). However, I was unable to find information on the tokicos on what level of pressure they are.

It has always been my understanding that Koni's are the top of the line, but if all they offer is low pressure, I prefer go with the Tokicos. However I don't know where those sit as far as performance either.

So does anyone have any info on either or both that I missed or was unable to find?

Thanks,
-Mike

SmokingTires · 09-27-2005, 01:23 AM

Nobody here knows about struts?

ToyotaTechGeek · 09-27-2005, 07:32 AM

ok, the Tokico's are notorious for being problematic. yes, they have the lifetime warranty, but...
the Koni's are low pressure, which makes them more suitable for a linier spring. I also have been doing a bit of r&d with my cousin's 95 vetc prelude...I am not so sure that I am all that fond of the Koni yellows now...sheesh, my neighbor has the adjustable perch Konis...don't like them either. It all has to do with the retaining ring (that to me is waaaaay too frail to be supporting a spring perch). I also have been contemplating the Illuminas, but for now, the HP's are doing very well and have enjoyed the level of damping that I have experienced with them. I've done some open track driving with them and some autocrossing and some other 'spirited' driving so...

asifmbadar · 09-27-2005, 10:54 PM

See, this is exactly the sort of reason why I hate shock and spring combo's cause 90% of the time they dont get you the result you want. Everyone has their own preference, but if I know my car is hitting the track a least 4 times a year, I will get coilovers. I had section rma8 coilover aka SILKROAD coilovers for my 240sx and they were worth all $1320 for them. Not the slightest bit of understeer or body roll!! Completely eliminated for a decent driver. A friend had similar feelings about his Teins, and though being mr2 owners you can't relate to silkroads.. I'm sure Tein and Megan Racing ring a bill.. they are awesome and Megan Racing is very affordable coilover setup that you probably will never have to change again. What companies make coilovers for MK1's?

ToyotaTechGeek · 09-27-2005, 11:03 PM

not megan.

asifmbadar · 09-27-2005, 11:08 PM

Wow, SmokingTires, I'm sorry for that rant bro, you're right, it seems you are pretty much stuck between Tokico's or Konis, unless someone would have the balls to reccomend KYB GR2's to you. In that case, definately go with Koni, my friend swears by them.

ToyotaTechGeek · 09-28-2005, 04:19 AM

why on God's green Earth would anyone (who had any sort of aspiration beyond a stock suspension) get GR2's???

SmokingTires · 09-30-2005, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asifmbadar

Wow, SmokingTires, I'm sorry for that rant bro, you're right, it seems you are pretty much stuck between Tokico's or Konis, unless someone would have the balls to reccomend KYB GR2's to you. In that case, definately go with Koni, my friend swears by them.

No problem. I'm setting this car up to run stock class. So I can't actually have coilovers. As for KYB's, I could get them at 100% cost. But I rather pay $300 for a set of Koni's (yes I stated the right price).

I ended up deciding on Koni's because they had a wider range of flexability. They will do nice for ES next year.

P.S. Coilovers are already in the plans for when I make my class jump in 2007

Piddy · 09-30-2005, 10:03 PM

I can get Megan to make you guys some coilovers... I just need a decent amount of interest. Get me interest... I'll get you coilovers. I need to test fit this set for the MKII and they will be going into production.... i posted a picture somewhere... if you guys wanna see it i'll find it again.