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KYB vs Bilsteins


RAS-2002

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Looks like it's time for new shocks on my road-only (not track) 72 200s. Any care to voice an opinion on KYB vs Bilsteins?

Thanks,

Bob

-Bob
(current: 1972 Malaga 2002, VIN 2584644, build date July 26, 1972)

 

Previous: 1973 Sahara 2002 #2585896 (RIP), 1969 1600, 1971 2002, 1964 Triumph Herald convertible, 1965 Triumph Herald convertible, 1961 Triumph TR3A, 1967 Triumph TR4A-irs, 1959 Austin Healey 100/6, and about 10 other cars (most of which were quite boring)...

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KYB's are fine for a stock setup.

On firmer springs they will have far too little dampening and will make the ride a bit too bouncy. Bilsteins perform way better all around and are pretty much a requirement when shorter springs are fitted.

Match shocks to spring.

Over sprung and under-dampened is bad, and over-dampened and under-sprung is terrible as well.

1974 Grey European Market BMW 2002 

1976 Yellow BMW 2002 "GOLDENROD" SOLD

1972 Yellow Austin Mini 1000

A bunch of Bikes...

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I have a full set of KYB's in very good condition (the fronts have never been installed) if you decide to go with KYB. Yours for $150 shipped in the continental US. Email me via the link if you're interested.

williamggruff

'76 2002 "Verona" / '12 Fiat 500 Sport "Latte" / '21 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Prem “The Truck”

 

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KYB may be fine on a road car. I put them on my '74 when I first got it, and they were very stiff. After 4 seasons of autocrossing plus some DEs, I can now compress the rears with one finger. (have not checked the fronts) Bilsteins have a better reputation, and a lifetime warranty (last time I checked). KYB is a good budget shock, certainly an improvement over worn out stock stuff, but if I were to do it again, I'd do Bilsteins or Konis. (actually have a set of Konis ready to go on the '76)

David

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I have had KYBs on both a '71 1600, and at least 2 2002s, and have had Bilstein sports and Bilstein HDs on 2 2002s. I think you will find that the Bilstein HDs are worth the extra money. I have them with Ireland Engineering stage 1 springs, and the ride is very smooth, not harsh, yet firm. The sports are very nice, of course, but considerably stiffer. The KYBs are, in my experience, like rocks. Very stiff, poor ride.

I always do it right the second time.

1970 2002 Chamonix (Fiona)

1976 2002 Chamonix (Blanche), '73 2002 Colorado (Nemo), '72 2002 Riviera, '74 2002 Atlantik, '71 1600 Sahara (Binkley) all sold

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