Last Updated: 12/06/96

From: Arthur Hunt
At this point I am inclined to go with the Konis. The only reason I would pay for the Koni sport SS shock is because of the adjustable spring perches. And yes, the SS's are available for the GS-R, you just need to ask for the ones for the 92 or later civic, they bolt right up. TC Kline has a GS-R with these shocks, with the perches lowered ~2 inches and stock springs with a custom fabricated rear sway bar, and that car would stick like glue in the corners at mid-ohio (looked pretty nice lowered too).

From: Eddie Sun
I finally purchased some new Koni Struts for my car.('95 GS-R) They are great. I would not recommend lowering the spring perch if you are using the Neuspeed/H&R race springs. I made that mistake and my car was to low to drive on the street. The mud flaps were on the ground in the front and I could not fit the factory jack under the car. I had to get them readjusted the next day. I put them back in the factory position. The car sits a little bit lower than it did with factory struts and race springs. You would not believe how well the car handles now. It is unbelievable. I would highly recommend them.

From: Wisrute Buddhari
From the start, IMO, Koni shocks don't seem to be as well built as GAB shocks and the instruction is fairly brief. Look at the instruction carefully, observe the illustrations to their details. Do not try to change them yourself if you are inexperienced. (Have a few experienced friends help you, or have it done by an experienced shop.) One important point, make sure all the parts, especially nut & screws from the factory shocks and suspension assembly are retained. Most screws will need to be re-use except for a few. (Washers don't need to be retained.) If anyone is planning to do this, the entire process took me about 5.5 hours (I don't have air impact wrench.) Take some rest during work, don't do it all in 5 hours.

The front pair is easier to change than the rear, make sure you take out the brake-line brackets (use a hammer) from both shocks to use on the Konis. (Koni doesn't supply them, Bilstein does.) A floor jack may come in handy when aligning the suspension arms to put a screw back in place. Settings (2): Top mark is the same height as factory shocks. Bottom mark is almost an inch lower.

The rear pair is somewhat difficult because there are more screws to remove. This includes a screw (on each side) that holds a rear sway bar also. Make sure to use a correct ring to support the rear spring perches. A floor jack may also come in handy when aligning the suspension arms to put a screw back in place. Settings (3): The top one is just slightly higher than stock. The bottom two are about .75" apart.

Reminder: ALWAYS use torque wrench and jack stands for this type of work.

After I installed them (with Neuspeed race springs - stock wheels and tires) and took it for a drive. The car rides a little firmer (I turned them up to the hardest settings, F & R.) without too much harshness. The steering response is slightly better through turns. The car can corner flatter than before but the tires don't grip that well so I didn't push it too hard. Koni will definitely be suitable for everyday use for aggressive driving style.

I used to have a Talon AWD with GABs on softest settings with H&R sport springs on stock tires. IMO, GABs are definitely firmer than Koni even with sport springs, but can be uncomfortable on rough roads. I preferred GAB, though.

If you autocross, keep in mind that most autocross clubs don't allow adjustable spring perches in the stock class, unless they are welded into place in the stock position.

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