I got an 85 gs that I have for a project car. This car will be more of a weekend warrior. I want to be able to cruise around town with it but also be able to have some fun with it at the autocross.
I am wondering which of the 2 struts/shocks everyone prefers. I still currently have stock suspension on the vehicle that's as old as the car and I believe it's time for an upgrade. My issue like many others is the price which has gotten me leaning towards the gr2.
From what I understand the gr-2 is about 20% stiffer than stock and is around $30 a piece at rockauto.com, where as the Tokico I believe is a little stiffer (not sure if there is a big noticeable difference or not), obviously they will look better but they are over $80 a piece. I am a hard *** when it comes to money so when I see a set that's more than half as much of course it's got me leaning that way. But at the same time I keep wondering if I go spend $120+ on these and spend the time to install them, will I be regretting my decision and wishing I just held out saved my money to be able to purchase these Tokico? for probably nearly $350. For the moment I do also still have stock springs. But those will be replaced when money comes.
Obviously everyone always says to get the most expensive ones because they are the best but I have never had either to find out if it's worth the money. So if this was your money and you had the money to buy the kyb today but not enough for the tokico yet which decision would you make?

 

save more $$$ to buy the tokico.

OR

buy the tokico fronts now, and save up for tokico rears.

 

If you keep the stock springs, the kyb gr-2 will be fine. If you change springs to stiffer ones the
kyb won't be matched up to the springs very well. You will get some bounce and porpoising on
long curves. I know this from experience, I have the RB springs and these shocks and am not
pleased with the setup. I need a better shock to control the RB springs.

 

Ah damn. I was actually wondering how the kyb matched up to the rb springs. Now that answers my question for sure lol. I have seen a lot of people having problems with lowering the car with kyb. I would like the stiffer ride quality with the Tokico's but as far as the rb springs, is there any stiffer springs designed for our car that doesnt lower it? Right now the car is so low I have issues trying to get a jack under it. May be from saggy old suspension but if it's too low for me to get a jack under there then it's not too reasonable for me.

 

The RB springs didn't really lower my car that much. I've always had to drive up on some 2x12 to
get the clearance to get my floor jack under the front crossmember. The rear is not a problem.

 

my experience with the GR2's is that they don't have enough travel in the rear, so its bottoming out all the time.

i have bought new OEM shocks, and the GR2's felt softer to me too, although they weren't new.

so to sum up, the GR2's are a waste on the 1st gen, you're better off buying the tokico

 

I guess with shocks you're getting what you paid for.
Personally I'm getting the KYB's just cause I need new shocks.
Maybe before I buy the shocks I find some fb shock cartridges available around me I'll put the money toward some Tokico Illuminas instead.
-_- I'm so indecisive that my plan might change.