KYB struts, Comparison to coilovers + part number query Options

[S8S8]

After getting my engine conversion finished the next project is suspension.

I was about to order the BC Racing coilovers, but at the last minute I'm thinking the KYB GR2s may provide better value for money since I already have decent springs. The BC coilovers will cost me $1,300 shipped and the KYBs will cost me just over $400 shipped.

Is the additional $900 worth it? I will be using the car for a few track days, but I don't want to over-spend on a 15+ year old car. I don't care about the "look at me" factor of coilovers, I just want the best bang for my buck.

So I'm leaning towards the KYBs unless I can be convinced otherwise, but I have a question about part numbers. There are two kits I've been able to find on ebay, which the following part numbers:

Package 1:

2 front 334378-334379 complete struts, 2 rear 334125-334126 complete struts

Package 2:

2 front 365092 cartridge shocks, 2 rear 334125-334126 complete struts

Regarding the front end part numbers, is the only difference that package 2 only has the cartridges and not the complete strut assembly? The thing that is confusing me is that the KYB catalogue lists the part number from package 1 as suiting 1995-1999 (with sealed struts) and package 2 suiting 1994-1999 (with rebuildable struts).

Mine is a 1994, but can I still use the complete struts from package 1? I thought all 6th gens with Macpherson strut front suspension were the same? Surely the 1994 cars are no different to the 1995 onwards cars?

I'm sure it will be fine, but I'd like to be 100% sure as I don't want to have to ship them back to the US again for replacement!

Thanks
Shane.

[garin]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-Gas-Sho...es#ht_620wt_638

these ARE legit. ordered them last week and they came today!

[azian_advanced]

Mine is a 1994, but can I still use the complete struts from package 1? I thought all 6th gens with Macpherson strut front suspension were the same? Surely the 1994 cars are no different to the 1995 onwards cars?

they're the same.

[S8S8]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-Gas-Sho...es#ht_620wt_638

these ARE legit. ordered them last week and they came today!

They're the same part numbers as package 1, but I don't like how they say 95-99 in the description. Maybe KYB don't show 94 because it was the crossover year with the ST184. Hmmm...

Mine is a 1994, but can I still use the complete struts from package 1? I thought all 6th gens with Macpherson strut front suspension were the same? Surely the 1994 cars are no different to the 1995 onwards cars?

they're the same.

I was sure that would be the case, but I just wanted some confirmation before I have them sent half-way around the world!

Any thoughts on the KYBs versus coilovers? Obviously the coilovers will be better, but they're 200% more expensive! I'm not afraid to put money into the car (just finished spending $4,000+ on the Beams conversion) but I want to make sure I'm getting good value for money.

[BonzaiCelica]

Hmm KYB GR-2 are stock shock replacements. With the BC Coilover you have a whole lot of adjustability. I say if your going to track the car a few times a year get the coilovers. KYB are the best oem replacement shocks you can get. They would be matched to the quality of tein coilovers I believe.

Ya its up to you on whether you want a full front shock or the cartridge. Its basically the same thing, but you pay more money for the full shock because it takes away the labor out of you having do to the cartridge yourself. I bought the front cartridges only and did them myself and it works just fine. You can also look into blistein shocks. very nice shocks as well. I don't have much experience with coilovers myself. But the way I see it you have a nice engine might as well put some decent coilovers in it especially for track days!

[delusionz]

I think a set of coilovers would make a set of KYB feel like stock OEM

I gained an extra 20+km/h hairpin cornering speed traction before sliding wide from BC coils.

It's up to you man, but i really think with the KYB's you wont get as much handling improvement as you;'d expect from a suspension upgrade and you'd feel like $400 was wasted because you cheaped out.

Would only really recommend KYB to people with blown shocks looking for a replacement, Kinda like getting an Exedy OEM clutch instead of a Toyota clutch, you get a marginal improvement at a cheaper rate.

The coilovers transform the car totally, and as i mentioned the BC's are less than half the price of Teins but not half as bad

[Euphoria]

If you want the car to be more comfortable on the road then get the kyb's, my rides harsh as **** with kyb's but thats more my springs than anything, from memory the front are inserts and the back you need the full strut.

If you are low on money, get the shocks and then do other things like sway bars, polyurethane bushes and strut bars, you can always get coilovers later! if you have the money then get the coilovers, people on here seem to be very happy with them.

[BonzaiCelica]

get kyb gr2 and Suspension Technique Front and Rear Sway Bars and you'll be very happy!! almost forgot about those bars!

[yellowchinaman]

you say coilovers are way more expensive than sKYB struts but then again have you thought about everything else coilovers come with?

With the KYB struts you just get the struts (aka shocks)
If you are in the need to get top mounts, and springs then the total of all 4 corners is about the same as coilovers.

I had KYB shocks with TRD top mounts and TRD springs before and for a tiny bit extra I got BC coilovers which are way better than a stock suspension.

[S8S8]

Thanks guys, that's very interesting. For some reason I thought the KYBs would be an upgrade, but if not then I can scrub them from the list.

If the BC coilovers are as good as you guys say, then I'll definitely go with that option.

Changing the subject slightly, I thought I may be able to have them shipped over from the US for less than I can get them here, thanks to the super-strong Aussie dollar at the moment. But unlike most other bits I've ordered, the prices from the Aussie distributors are not really any more expensive than the US, especially when shipping is taken into account. Oh well, just means I don't have to wait for them to be shipped.

[Euphoria]

It will be an upgrade if your shocks are blown! but what yellowchinaman said is definitely true, if you plan on doing strut mounts later on so you can dial in caster for track days then get coilovers, you also have to keep in mind that coilovers are removing unsprung weight which is going to be great for handling compared to shocks that are even 3kg heavier a side.

[S8S8]

The old shocks are blown, so yeah I think anything would be an upgrade at the moment! I'm going with the coilovers.

[ilmatic]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-Gas-Sho...es#ht_620wt_638

will these fit on a 94 celica st?

[S8S8]

Picking up the BC Racing coilovers today.

[RabidTRD]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KYB-Gas-Sho...es#ht_620wt_638

will these fit on a 94 celica st?

Yep. GT and ST still have the same chassis, and the suspension holes are still the same. This is the solid version (I believe) and not for the rebuildable shocks that most ST and base GT's come with. This type of strut is better than your OEM one and is a suggested replacement to OEM struts. Are you planning on lowering it?