[tnoy66]

I've had a day today

The latest mod is a set of Koni FSD shocks fitted to The Weasel

As some of you already know, these are classed as intelligent shocks, they give an improved ride over bumps/potholes etc, whilst remaining stiff on the curvey bits. They are designed primarily to work with stock springs, though it's been reported you can use lowering springs up to 20-25mm drop. I kept my standard ones as I didn't want it lowering

I first heard about these last year and have kept an eye on peoples reports about them, all good. So I finally weakened and bought them a couple of weeks ago from Awesome GTI in Manchester (£363 delivered). They arrived (direct from Awesomes suppliers) with one shock hanging out of the box, bloody couriers I phoned them up and they arranged for another set to be sent out without me even having to ask, these arrived perfectly

I had them fitted today and as soon as I set off for a quick test the difference was immediately obvious.
That well known past time of 'dodge the pot hole' is a thing of the past, all lumps and bumps have greatly eased, almost non-existant.
Cornering seems about the same at the moment, from the small amount of time I've been playing out. Definately no body roll, just need to see If I can go a bit quicker round familiar corners

They still need to settle a bit more yet, but so far I'm very impressed by them

[camini]

I enjoy the FSDs every time I take a ride. It smooths out quite a lot of imperfections on the road surface and still feels a lot stiffer than current SS+. Am thinking about softer springs.

[JWF]

is it true you dont have ot declare this as a mod since it dosent alter the ride height ?

[tnoy66]

Quote: Originally Posted by <vonstig> (original)

is it true you dont have ot declare this as a mod since it dosent alter the ride height ?

I've declared it, not worth the risk no to do.
Whether it alters your premium will depend on each different insurance company .........


.......and possibly whether the person you call has had a bad day

[Neil the Hat]

So you are running your stock Cooper S springs?

Has it dopped the ride height at all?

Any chance of some photos?

[tnoy66]

Quote: Originally Posted by Neil the Hat (original)

So you are running your stock Cooper S springs?

Has it dopped the ride height at all?

Any chance of some photos?

Yes, just the standard stock springs

I forgot to measure the ride height before but it should be around the same once fully settled.
I'll try and get some pics at the weekend

[MarkW19]

Tony: they're meant to be BETTER in the corners than SS+ aren't they...have you noticed them also handling better while pushing it?

[tnoy66]

Give me a chance to settle them down properly first

[MarkW19]

If only they lowered 20mm (or could be used properly with eibachs), I'd get these in a shot.

[nylo]

Interesting to hear your observations tnoy. I was keeping an eye on info about these for a good while. Seems they are popular in the US and haven't really caught on here as much.

Be interested to hear of further updates

[Damo]

Wish they did them for lowered cars

[MarkW19]

And me

[tnoy66]

Quote: Originally Posted by Damo (original)

Wish they did them for lowered cars

Quote: Originally Posted by MarkW19 (original)

And me

If you read all the threads on NAM, several guys there have used them successfully with lowering springs

[tnoy66]

Quote: Originally Posted by nylo (original)

Seems they are popular in the US and haven't really caught on here as much.

Be interested to hear of further updates

I've never understood why they haven't been as popular here
My one regret now.....is that I didn't do it earlier

I'll try to do some updates, probably consist of WOW, GREAT, FAB, etc

[nylo]

Quote: Originally Posted by tnoy66 (original)

If you read all the threads on NAM, several guys there have used them successfully with lowering springs

Yup. Think from stuff I've read, that they're pretty popular with the VW boys...

[MarkW19]

Tnoy: Are they the same height as SS+ (new), and not any higher? And please please report back on if they're any BETTER than the new (softer) SS+, ie. more stable/tighter cornering and change of direction, less roll, etc.

Wouldn't using Eibachs on them defeat the object, and make the ride a lot harder anyway as the springs aren't designed for the shocks? I know Koni strongly advise against it.

May have to have a ride in your car mate if I'm allowed

[tnoy66]

Quote: Originally Posted by MarkW19 (original)

May have to have a ride in your car mate if I'm allowed

I'm sure that can be arranged, but in a few weeks time, the wait will be worth it

[madnikos]

I want to get one of those myself but havent anyone fitted them around here. . .
Waiting for your report about tight cornering better, worst or same???

[jmargolis]

[quote=MarkW19;2662844]Tnoy: Wouldn't using Eibachs on them defeat the object, and make the ride a lot harder anyway as the springs aren't designed for the shocks? I know Koni strongly advise against it./quote]


Actually, Koni does also package the FSD's as a set together with Eibach Pro-Kit springs. I've got the SS+ on my MCS and am seriously considering switching to the FSDs as the way the SS+ handles the poor roads here drives me nuts. Also looking at the PSS9's but somehow I think the FSDs are probably better suited to my needs since most of my driving is in the city. Not sure whether to change the springs or not. Probably switching from the stock runflats to regular tyres would also help quite a bit. The Dunlops are a rough ride. That's the other thing for me to figure out -- what size tyres would be optimal for my 17x7.5 SSR GT7s.

[MarkW19]

Koni package the FSDs with Eibach springs for other cars like Golfs etc., but not MINIs. They advise against it for MINIs.