Author Topic: KYB Shocks  (Read 1962 times)

mauro12

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KYB Shocks
« on: February 26, 2019, 11:44:12 »
Hello guys, im in the process to replace my old shocks in the car. Last time they were replaced was probably 20 years ago with very low quality Monroe (from the previous owner). Im thinking which brand to choose . kyb , bilstein or koni, kyb are the cheapest one but i read very different comment about them on the forum. Why bilstein cost more than the double price?
Do you really think that kyb are really low quality for our car?
thank you
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

Taleb

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Re: KYB Shocks
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2019, 11:57:01 »
Go for bilstein from vintageeuropart.com , they are reasonable price .

Good luck

russelljones48

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Re: KYB Shockst want to improve the ride and handling
« Reply #2 on: February 27, 2019, 13:18:40 »
I would and am considering the Konis for my car.  About the same price as the Bilsteins and IMHO a better shock.  However, if your goal for the car is authenticity then perhaps the Bilsteins would be more period correct.  But, if you want to improve the ride and handling the Konis might be the better choice.  Bilstein has had some quality problems in recent history and the Konis are adjustable, so you can set them to your preference.  I've also had the KYB's on a couple of my early Mercedes and they have always been a quality shock...  KYB are the Bilsteins of Japan..  huge OEM supplier.

mauro12

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Re: KYB Shocks
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2019, 10:29:19 »
Have you ever had problems regarding ride high with gas shocks? I watched some video, especially one with Jim villers and he was saying that originally pagodas were equipped with non gas shocks. I have always thought that all pagodas borned with  gas shocks. Am I going to have a front end high problem with a Bilstein or kyb shock? Thank you
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

ja17

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Re: KYB Shocks
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2019, 15:36:01 »
Mauro, the video is incorrect. Bilstein gas filled shocks were original equipment on the Pagoda.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Raymond

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Re: KYB Shocks
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2019, 22:50:16 »
I made the mistake of putting the specified KYB shocks on my car.  They rode like the car was on stilts.  Much too high and too stiff.  I replaced them with the Koni Classic adjustable shocks and have been very, very happy.  The ride height is normal and I was able to tweak the firmness for the front a bit differently than the rear to improve cornering.
Ray
'68 280SL 5-spd "California" Coupe