Dampers - Koni/Steeda/FRPP

[EricSMG]

Greetings

From what I can tell there are a handful of guys here that are suspension nuts that have run multiple shock/spring combos. I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has used any of these three dampers sets.

Ideally, you would have:

1. Started with a GT/PP
2. Used 2 or more of these dampers sets back to back with no other changes on your own car

I'm looking for better chassis control and a calmer chassis than I currently have now. The PP dampers are oddly valved offering 'meh' control and a very jittery (busy) ride quality.

I would likely pair these shocks with BMR 89/82 springs for the least spring impact as possible. I am intrigued by the Steeda Pro Actions but there is almost no data about them to support the "they are better than Koni" claims. I want real input, not hype. Ultimately, I'd like to hear from Steeda as to "how" they are different, and better, than Konis.

Really, I'd like to hear any and all feedback from those how have legitimately seen improvements over the standard PP setup.

Thanks for your time,
Eric

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[MtnBiker]

Greetings

I am intrigued by the Steeda Pro Actions but there is almost no data about them to support the "they are better than Koni" claims. I want real input, not hype. Ultimately, I'd like to hear from Steeda as to "how" they are different, and better, than Konis.

Thanks for your time,
Eric

The collective wisdom of the forum would indicate that the Steeda Pro Actions are Koni's with custom valving. Oh, and blue powder coat.

 

[EricSMG]

The collective wisdom of the forum would indicate that the Steeda Pro Actions are Koni's with custom valving. Oh, and blue powder coat.

Right, which means nothing on paper.

The questions is - "how" are they subjectively different from Konis on the road?

Objectively, it'd be ideal to see dynos for each but unless I buy both sets myself and have them dyno'd (which I've done in the BMW world) I'm thinking this is a pipe dream.

Anyone? Bueller?

 

[BmacIL]

Right, which means nothing on paper.

The questions is - "how" are they subjectively different from Konis on the road?

Objectively, it'd be ideal to see dynos for each but unless I buy both sets myself and have them dyno'd (which I've done in the BMW world) I'm thinking this is a pipe dream.

Anyone? Bueller?

The only data provided thus far is that the steeda dampers have a wider adjustment range and are also nominally just a little softer than the Koni sport. They can go softer and firmer on rebound. I don't know how the compression damping compares. Generally a wider range will mean less consistent control across the F v V curve, though, but not always.

 

[T-S550-X]

2015 GTPP with Steeda Street Progressive springs and Koni Yellows. Originally I had the Steeda springs on with factory shocks/struts.

With the new springs, the lowered ride was choppy in comparison to the original factory perf pack bouncy ride everyone describes.

The Koni's (1.25 turns) on all four are a much better and more controlled ride which to me is not too harsh nor soft. Its the first shock/strut setting I've tried and am very happy with the results. I have not had the opportunity to really wring this combination out since I just got the car aligned yesterday.

So far I'm very happy with this combination. I have not owned any other combinations besides what I have described above. I'm sure the Steeda shocks are good, but at almost double the price of what the Koni's can be found for it was a no brainer to me to go with the Koni's.

 

[Road Dog]

The Steeda folks have denied sourcing their shocks and struts from Koni. So any ideas of them being similar in anything besides looks are incorrect, that's what they say.

 

[EricSMG]

2015 GTPP with Steeda Street Progressive springs and Koni Yellows. Originally I had the Steeda springs on with factory shocks/struts.

With the new springs, the lowered ride was choppy in comparison to the original factory perf pack bouncy ride everyone describes.

The Koni's (1.25 turns) on all four are a much better and more controlled ride which to me is not too harsh nor soft. Its the first shock/strut setting I've tried and am very happy with the results. I have not had the opportunity to really wring this combination out since I just got the car aligned yesterday.

So far I'm very happy with this combination. I have not owned any other combinations besides what I have described above. I'm sure the Steeda shocks are good, but at almost double the price of what the Koni's can be found for it was a no brainer to me to go with the Koni's.

Good input. Did you ever run the stock PP suspension? How does your current setup compare over medium amplitude rollers and sharper hits?

 

[T-S550-X]

Good input. Did you ever run the stock PP suspension? How does your current setup compare over medium amplitude rollers and sharper hits?

I did. The new setup is much better and more compliant. The old suspension bounced badly in the rear, nothing harsh, just mushy bounce. It also seemed that the front and rear tracked on two different planes in a turn instead of one track together. It was never confidence inspiring by any means.

As for sharper hits, I haven't noticed any major difference, although I really try like hell to avoid hitting anything that could damage my new 6GR rims ;)

Overall, I am much happier with this new setup.

 

[EricSMG]

I did. The new setup is much better and more compliant. The old suspension bounced badly in the rear, nothing harsh, just mushy bounce. It also seemed that the front and rear tracked on two different planes in a turn instead of one track together. It was never confidence inspiring by any means.

As for sharper hits, I haven't noticed any major difference, although I really try like hell to avoid hitting anything that could damage my new 6GR rims ;)

Overall, I am much happier with this new setup.

Good stuff. Yes, the rear PP setup is really 'busy', as I call it. It's not soft but moves up/down constantly on everything but the smoothest roads. You can never just relax in the car.

It sounds like your new setup is locked down yet compliant.

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