Koni/Ground Control Questions

[smills1840]

One of the shock options on the GC site is stock, there are just different upper mounts or something

 

[jtmcinder]

Just don't. Wait for the Konis and do it once. 750s would shred GR2s in a day or two.

And, yes, with 750/325, a heavier rear bar would be nice.

 

[smills1840]

Completely forgot about my tax returns, so I'll be buying everything at once. Does Koni shorten shocks in house?

 

[lowell]

The cheapest OTS option that handles well and rides nicely is $2400 (KW V3s), so you're stuck with Konis and sleeves if you want to do this affordably.

Keep in mind that, on a 2G, like most front-heavy cars, ride quality is mostly determined by the rear shocks. In contrast to some suggestions above, I would argue for something like 750/325 if you want a decent ride on the street. And if you want to be low, consider paying to have the front shocks shortened by an inch, so you still have some travel before hitting the bumpstops.

In the rear, a handful of washers will fix the camber. In the front, you can just leave it alone (for daily driving), or do something to the inboard pick-up for racing. The low-offset bent eye-bolts installed backwards is the easiest. Redrilling the upper A-arm is better but a pain.

I'm not going to give you too much of a hard time about the 18"s, but I will say that it makes no sense.

18's make sense when you have 14" brakes. Better tire selection in 18 as well.

 

[jtmcinder]

Completely forgot about my tax returns, so I'll be buying everything at once. Does Koni shorten shocks in house?

If you get them from True Choice, then, yes, they can be shortened before they are sent to you. You could also have them revalved, if you wish.

Note, however, that you have chosen the worst time - by far - to have this work done. Most good places are totally backed up at this time of year.

 

[cait sith]

18's make sense when you have 14" brakes. Better tire selection in 18 as well.

What?

I've never had any problem getting whatever tire I've wanted in 17?

My JICs also have been fine for 2k as a "complete bolt on affair" if you're looking for an alternative to KW (and want something that has upper plates and non progressive springs which is going to bump the KWs up to about 2800-2900 depending on your springs (figure 200 bucks+ for upper mounts, 200 bucks for a new Hypercoil springs)). No, they might not dyno like a Penske, but eh, given my driving habits + level of competition, I'm okay with them.

Another option is Hotbits, but I have never seen anyone run those on a 2G.

 

[smills1840]

If you get them from True Choice, then, yes, they can be shortened before they are sent to you. You could also have them revalved, if you wish.

Note, however, that you have chosen the worst time - by far - to have this work done. Most good places are totally backed up at this time of year.

How long does it usually take? And is it necessary right away if I don't lower it as much?

 

[jtmcinder]

It's not necessary if you don't lower the nose too much.

As to availability of 17s ... maybe things have changed, but 17" R-compounds were a serious issue back when I autocrossed. We wanted something around 275/35/17, but they didn't exist.

 

[smills1840]

What size rear bar would you recommend?

 

[lowell]

What?

I've never had any problem getting whatever tire I've wanted in 17?

I run 255/40/17 Star spec II's. Those and the RS3 don't come in anything larger for 17". Will probably jump up to 285-30-18 at some point.

 

[knochgoon24]

What size rear bar would you recommend?

For reference, I run 600/350 and run a RM rear sway bar. It is 20.6mm (13/16"). The car feels much more neutral now. It's enough that trail braking brings the rear around and reasonable (toe) alignment specs make the car enjoyable.

 

[smills1840]

Just ordered the GC kit with 750f/325r. I'll be ordering the Koni's on Monday, then a rear sway bar latter this month. Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[alice]

Just ordered the GC kit with 750f/325r. I'll be ordering the Koni's on Monday, then a rear sway bar latter this month. Thanks for all the help guys!

Where are you ordering your GCs and Konis from? Also, are you going with the DG style upper mounts or, if not, what are you doing for upper mounts in the front?

 

[smills1840]

Where are you ordering your GCs and Konis from? Also, are you going with the DG style upper mounts or, if not, what are you doing for upper mounts in the front?

Ordering both straight from the manufacture. Eventually I'll get upper mounts made, but the ground controls come with upper mounts that will work for the time being.