Koni vs Tokico

Kentetsu · 02-03-2010, 10:55 AM

I've been racing a 1st gen on Illuminas for a few years now. They do exactly what they are supposed to, and the adjustability is nice (soft for a long cruise, hard for playing). And I've been doing quite well for myself with this setup, with frequent wins in CSP against Miatas on race rubber (I run $45.00 tires). Lots of videos linked in my signature if you care to check them out.

However, have you considered Bilstein? I don't know whats available for the 8, but last year I replaced my rear Illuminas with Bilsteins and I have to say, although they aren't adjustable, they perform flawlessly. The back end is at least as firm as the Illuminas, but just seems a lot "stickier" than with the Illuminas. There was a definite performance increase with this change.

If I ever move away from Illuminas on the front, then I will be going with Bilstein. In my opinion, they are a much better shock than Koni, and they can be rebuilt by the owner rather than having to send them out for changes or repairs.

Good luck with your project.

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02-03-2010, 10:55 AM	#1
Kentetsu RCC Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan Posts: 530 Rep Power: 18	I've been racing a 1st gen on Illuminas for a few years now. They do exactly what they are supposed to, and the adjustability is nice (soft for a long cruise, hard for playing). And I've been doing quite well for myself with this setup, with frequent wins in CSP against Miatas on race rubber (I run $45.00 tires). Lots of videos linked in my signature if you care to check them out. However, have you considered Bilstein? I don't know whats available for the 8, but last year I replaced my rear Illuminas with Bilsteins and I have to say, although they aren't adjustable, they perform flawlessly. The back end is at least as firm as the Illuminas, but just seems a lot "stickier" than with the Illuminas. There was a definite performance increase with this change. If I ever move away from Illuminas on the front, then I will be going with Bilstein. In my opinion, they are a much better shock than Koni, and they can be rebuilt by the owner rather than having to send them out for changes or repairs. Good luck with your project. . __________________ "Learn from the past, or it will become your future...." '85 GS 12a + LSD/Sterling carb/Respeed coilovers/Respeed front swaybar/Respeed adj. rear spring perches/Illuminas/Bilsteins on rear AutoX vids @ http://www.youtube.com/user/Kentetsu1