1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Koni Orange Too Soft?

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Old Sep 23, 2020 | 09:31 PM
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787 B's Avatar
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Koni Orange Too Soft?

I replaced my springs and struts/shocks with RB springs, MR2 Koni yellow struts, and Fox Body Koni oranges a few months ago. If I go over a pothole or another similar quick road imperfection, the front does well, but the rear suspension feels like it's compressing too quickly, almost more like how the old shocks behaved. Has any one else found the Koni oranges to be too soft? I'm wondering if I should have bought yellows for the rear as well to get some more damping.
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Old Sep 23, 2020 | 09:40 PM
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Orange or STR.T line is their OEM replacement
Yellow and red are their performance dampers.

https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthA...Products/Cars/

I put the orange in mine, replacing old KYB Gas-a-just. The car rides better on bumpy roads, but I might wish for the Yellows when I take it to the track.
The KYBs still took some effort to compress but they act like a gas spring and popped back. The Konis compressed easily but they function as actual dampers as the rate of compression is controlled.
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Old Sep 24, 2020 | 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by 787 B
I replaced my springs and struts/shocks with RB springs, MR2 Koni yellow struts, and Fox Body Koni oranges a few months ago. If I go over a pothole or another similar quick road imperfection, the front does well, but the rear suspension feels like it's compressing too quickly, almost more like how the old shocks behaved. Has any one else found the Koni oranges to be too soft? I'm wondering if I should have bought yellows for the rear as well to get some more damping.
I have the same setup, Koni yellows in front and Koni orange (STR.T, worst name ever) in the rear. Up front I have old RB springs with a coil cut, and in the rear I have some Hyperco 5in springs with 125lb/in rate. I agree, it definitely feels soft in the rear and slightly under-damped.

I was being cheap by getting the orange shocks instead of yellows, now I've learned my lesson about paying more up front and getting exactly what I want. I also learned this car can handle much stiffer springs and still be somewhat comfortable. RB springs feel softer than OE springs on worn out bushings lol.
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Old Sep 25, 2020 | 08:04 PM
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Thanks for the feedback. Maybe if I get flush with cash and bored over the winter I'll swap them out for the yellows. I almost went that route to begin with but decided to save the money- not the right choice!
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