Koni STR.T Suspension kits - any opinions?

Technical Area Steering & Suspension
2

Hi.

 

I have a stock 1992 1.6 Roaster and am looking to upgrade tired suspension to something cost effective and not harsh or too lowering. Have found these on MX5 parts which look pretty good. http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/1578 Has anyone got these fitted to their car and if so what do you think and how straight forward are they to fit.

Cheers,

Phil…

3

Hi Phil

I was looking at the koni str.t for my mk1 but was advised against as they are a bit budget and would be better with the koni sport kit - like you I don’t want to have my car too lowered or harsh and thought about fitting stock mazda kit but when I priced it all together it comes out around the same as the koni sport - decisions decisions!

Chris

4

 

Hi Chris,

Cheers for your reply and am in total aggreement. I emailed MX5Parts about them and Andy from there emailed back, here is the email:

Hi Phil,
Not the easiest question to answer I fear but i'll do my best. I've had a look around on the internet for you, and the general consensus appears to be that it lowers the car by about 35mm which is not huge amounts. This stiffens the car and increases steering response which should make the car a bit more fun to drive, but at the same time maintains a good ride quality for everday use. I guess it's a happy medium between the hard, aggressive type lowering kit and one that is still comfortable to drive and doesn't shake you to bits on the way to work! Like most performance upgrades, how hard the ride is, or how low the car has become is really down to personal preference. My only other suggestion would be the Koni Sport Kit. This has adjustable damping all round, so the height and hardness can be altered to suit you as a opposed to being factory preset. These also give excellent handling whilst retaining an acceptable level of comfort.
I hope this is of some help to you, and if you need any other information please don't hesitate to contact me.
 
Regards,
Andy.  
 
So like you I think that it will be worth while and saving the extra £100 for the Koni Sport.
 
Yes, decision,decisions......
 
Phil..
 
5

 £100 extra for adjustables sounds like a no-brainer.

6

 The Koni sports kit is great, well worth the money.

7

Cheers for all your responses. Looks like a deffinate for the adjustables and just have to get more feet in to pay! (I am a chiropodist [:)]

Phil… 

 

8

 I agree with Geoff. Looked at the street kit but was told by a Koni dealer not to touch them. Budget item that is not repairable. Sport kit is a real Koni product, can be repaired and has three ride height settings. Sportline fitted mine, if you are in the Midlands worth a call. Find them on the Koni website.
Ian

9

I had to change my old suspension due to an MOT failure so I went for the Koni sports. To be honest I haven’t been overwhelmed by them so far. The ride quality is massively improved over the old Bilsteins, but the handling isn’t as good imo. The car used to be absolutely pin sharp, the nose would follow your every movement on the steering wheel but now it feels a bit disconnected and wallowy, even on full stiffness.

However, I am confident it can be sorted with decent alignment. The car used to sit very low at the front and quite high at the back and it handled absolutely beautifully, but now it sits more even all round so the camber is bound to be quite different.

I’m planning a trip down to WIM in the near future (after replacing the bushes) to fix it. I think it’d be worth factoring in the price of a good alignment (£50 - 100) if you’re going to change the suspension.

10

Koni Sports Adj, with Eibach springs, Toyos (205), and a WIM “fast road” - can’t fault it! - responsive, progressive, and sharp wet or dry.