So I have been really in deep with suspension hunting. I thought I was definitely going with FOX from FM. However I just found a really good deal on the Koni race shocks. I was curious if anyone here has had any experience with them? Thoughts?

 

I usually hear to avoid anything Koni shock related fwiw

I'd go FOX from FM, or possibly xida from 949Racing.

 

Koni have always been a strong leader in shocks, so thats odd that you say that. Though I would say the illumia is better than the yellows for our cars.

I can get these shocks brand new for half off, obviously they are different than the photo but same series

 

I wouldn't touch them. While Koni makes decent shocks, you would sort of be on your own with figuring out collars and correct springs. I am doubting that Koni actually put in an much R&D as the other miata vendors to spec the shocks specifically for a miata.

 

You would be incorrect. The Koni yellow, while less that optimum in it's unmodified state, is a good place to start for a budget race setup. The Illumina are simply worse than OEM and can not be upgraded, revalved.

 

I get that however I like diy and these are the not your average konis. However I want to do my own r and d and build my coilover set up. Its fun to me and its a great way to learn. Could I build a better set up than whats available maybe but probably not, however I feel a lot better with 2k in struts if I built and spec'd them instead of just buying something that everyone likes.
These are KONI 2612 not yellows.. My Opinion came from FM not personal experience so I cant stand behind what I said fully. The suspension I am considering buying is mainly the FM, possibly the XIDAS, and maybe the ohlins I have a lead on a good deal for them.

To me building gives a pride factor that money just doesnt replace. I guess thats why you built the XIDAS because you thought you could make something better for yourself and maybe make a couple $ doing so. For me I can get a really good deal on some awesome dampeners and have fun building and learning from the experience.

 

If you really want to diy your own coilovers find some good well supported circle track shocks. They are easily revalveable, and you can get them in pretty much any length you want in the world. Get some in the correct miata length (shorter body than stock) and figure out how to valve them yourself. Thats how to really DIY it.

You can even find some with spherical top and bottom mounts. I think the AFCOs are available in pretty much any spec that you want.

 

The illumina is worse than OEM?



okay

 

I get that folks love the Illumina. In my experience, they ride worse no matter the setting. That would be fine if they handled great but they don't. They are merely stiffer, which doesn't mean better.

 

I know the Koni Race on the front and yellow on the rear with 700/400 was popular for STS for a while. You can dig up a lot of old threads about it.

I am running the Yellows with 450/350 and they are decent. Not great, but a good hold over.

 

I've had a set of koni race on the car for 3 yrs. what do you want to know?

 

I had this set for years, if you are interested let me know. The price is FLEXIBLE and I can send the leaky one the Koni to get it rebuilt https://www.miataturbo.net/miata-par...0-setup-89063/

 

I had the Race on my car with 800/500 springs for autox, no rear bar. For about $1000 used, I can't see anything coming close from a performance stand point. And with that much spring, and UHP summer tires, and a 4" height, I would say the ride was definitely racy but decent all things considered. But I really didn't get them for the ride comfort and they delivered on course. Honestly, they were better shocks than I was a driver.

Again, for the money, I find it hard to get something that can handle the spring rate. That's if you get a deal on them. The ones btabor has are a good deal with all the extras he has on them. I had to repair one of mine and Koni said for the cost of repair I may as well buy a new one which they would give me a good discount on. So that's what I ended up doing.

I think a set is like $1200 new plus $400 for GC sleeves and Eibach springs. $1600 is Xida territory, or Fox I believe. At that point I'll take the aluminum shocks that don't need sleeves.