Illuminas vs KYB AGX / Tein S's

[BoostInsideTSi]

I am ready to purchase my suspension setup. Looking at about a 1.3" - 1.5" drop.

Was looking on ebay for a new setup and found the illumina shock/spring setup going for $445 shipped. 1.5" drop.

Also am looking at kyb agx's (300 shipped) with tein s-tech's (150 shipped). 1.3" drop.

So I've got the same price packages here and want the best for performance for my FWD. I need traction for drag races, that is why I am getting suspension, and just purchased some motor mounts.

If you guys know if one package is better than the other or will outperform the other please post up your opinions, I'll wait to buy the package until I hear your guys advice.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

could not give you a comparison...but i have had ground controls around a set of illuminas on my 98 gs-t within 6 months of purchase. the setup works great for me on the street and half a dozen or so trips to autocross each year.

jim

 

[Zex4g63]

If you search around there are numerous threads on AGX's. They are not a good option for lowered 2G's. You will be happier with the Illumina's. The AGX's just don't have enough travel built into them.

 

[BigRand]

Go with the Illumina's, If you don't like the springs after sell em and go with the S-techs or a pair of Tanabe springs. IMO the illumina's are more adjustable and better quality.
Good luck on whatever you choose

 

[BoostInsideTSi]

thanks guys... for your replies. I ended up buying the AGX's and Tein S-Techs. I'll throw up some pics and info when I'm done, along with my opinion on them. Thanks again.

 

[RamenPride]

If you search around there are numerous threads on AGX's. They are not a good option for lowered 2G's. The AGX's just don't have enough travel built into them.

They came out with a new part number about 2 years ago, so the front 2G AGX's are the same length as stock

 

[Zex4g63]

They came out with a new part number about 2 years ago, so the front 2G AGX's are the same length as stock

Which means there is not enough travel in them. The OE strut has about 4.6 inches of travel top to bottom. If the car is sitting at the stock height, then you will have 2.3 inches of travel in either direction. Now he is going to lower the 1.3 inches, which leaves 1 inch before bottoming out on the compression stroke. That is why it is not a good choice for a good riding and handling 2G.

 

[RamenPride]

Which means there is not enough travel in them. The OE strut has about 4.6 inches of travel top to bottom. If the car is sitting at the stock height, then you will have 2.3 inches of travel in either direction. Now he is going to lower the 1.3 inches, which leaves 1 inch before bottoming out on the compression stroke. That is why it is not a good choice for a good riding and handling 2G.

so you're saying the tokico's are shorter than stock?

 

[Zex4g63]

Not so much shorter, but have more travel. Sadly I don't have my spec sheet for the Tokicos here. Tokico even states that their product can handle a max drop of 1.75 and still retain ride quality. KYB doesn't even speak of lowering. If you are in the market for struts RamenPride then look into Koni's. They are the best option next to a full coil over setup.

 

[gstracr]

Hey mabye a stupid question but if i were to drop my car would i need anyother things other than the new shocks springs? or will i need other stuff like a arms and stuff?

 

[Nanan]

Hey mabye a stupid question but if i were to drop my car would i need anyother things other than the new shocks springs? or will i need other stuff like a arms and stuff?

You will need camber adjusters to offset the increased suspension angle produced by lowering the car. Many vendors sell them so just look around.