Thread: B13 Koni options

I know some guys are using the Spec V/Maxima inserts, and it may work and be a viable option, but after talking to the guys at Koni, they don't really recommend it, instead they recommend using the 8610 or 8611 inserts. These are not like the cut-a-strut inserts, and will require custom strut housings.

I recently built a couple sets and was wondering if there's any interest in these. The 8610RACE inserts are single adjustable, and they're available in 2 lengths, perfect for the B13. But this setup will not come cheap. I can have the tubes machined for a gland nut, welded and powdercoated in the neighborhood of $350-400 depending on quantity.

You will still need the inserts, gland nuts, coilover sleeves, springs, camber plates, etc. The 8610 inserts go from $200-$240, I may even be able to do something better, I've been dealing with Koni for a while and could possibly get better pricing.

This is a kit you can buy one piece at a time, I'm not offering a fully bolt on kit (unless that's what you want), so you can buy the tubes, and later down the road get some inserts, springs, you know the deal.

Here's a few pictures of the ones I built. I am waiting for some new upper spring seats for mine, and I'll be able to put them on the car and experience the awesomeness of all that is Koni!

















Discuss!

So this would be beefier than the sports yellow series? What are the differences? Could you brake down the prices? Housings? I see the housings are threaded inside could the cartridge be replaced and keept using the housing over and over again? I got a set of blown kports could i used the ball top hats out of them maybe the springs too? Also could welding the flanges little higher (1-1.5) inches will allow for a lower height of the car without sacrificing travel?

Not sure about the sport yellow series, but if you run a Google search for koni motorsports catalog, look up the 8610RACE inserts.

The tube is threaded and it uses a gland nut to hold the insert in, you can use the tubes over and over, just replace the insert.

Tubes will be between 350-400. I can get better pricing on the machine work if I do it in quantity. The coilover sleeves, springs and inserts, you'll need to price out yourself. If you have some of these components you can save some money, but if you're doing it from scratch, it can easily run you 1500-1800 bucks depending on what you get.

I can weld the mount ears lower, just need to make sure it won't hit the axle.

Here's a breakdown in pricing:

Tubes - $400
Threaded coilover sleeves - $172 ($42.99 each) Link
Springs - $239.88 Link and Link
Camber plates - $399 Link
Koni inserts - $959.88 Front Rear
Gland nuts - $96 Link

Total - $2266.76

This is just an example of the things I'm using. There are other options to save some money.

So the front setup is the same as the rear (besides the camber plates obviously)?

Rears will be longer. The 8610 inserts come in 2 lengths.

@Keo has told me 8610 = Koni Yellows.

8611 are the double adjustable ones and are also yellow but have twice the adjust-ability.

As I am in the middle of going the Spec V route (purchases made, parts received, no labor happening), I'm curious what their objections are. Obviously the route you are taking here involves a lot more fabrication and depending on who is doing it quality issues, so I have to assume it's more about the dampening qualities rather than construction?

As for this particular project, this definitely looks super sweet.

I'm sure the Spec V and Maxima inserts are specifically built for each car. Just because it fits and it works doesn't mean it will work good, but I also suspect its an issue of damping over construction. Prior to this, I re-purposed some S13 Tein coilovers on my B13, they worked, but the ride was terrible, so I ditched them and went the Koni route.

So far I only have the rears on as I need to machine the new front upper spring seats to work with the Koni insert.

Here's a few pictures of the rear.

Also, just a note, I made these tubes without the tabs for the rear sway bar, so if you're using a stock sway bar, price will be a little more.