Lex_GTX

I have an 86 with the Koni M474 option and it looks like the shocks are original with ~130k miles on them so they are probably due for replacement.

I am a little confused with what replacement and upgrade options I have. I understand the Koni shocks themselves are discontinued and need to be sent it to be resealed?

This car is a street car with a fun track day or autocross a couple of times a year. I want a taut suspension that is not overly stiff or harsh for the street. I also don't plan on lowering the car past where it sits today.

Please make some recommendations - I already have the large M030 front and rear sways installed.

Thank you in advance.

doabarrelroll

I believe you need to modify the strut itself to receive the new shock insert. There is a write up on Paragon about it or they can do it for you. In the process you can also allow for a adjustable ride height sleeve to go over it.

Lex_GTX

Is this the only option? Can I replace the shocks with Bilsteins for example?

m73m95

Bilsteins are a great option, if you have the screw cap struts (I'm not sure if 86 turbo's are screw cap, or sealed).

Lex_GTX

^ how could I tell - just take it apart and see if the top if the strut screws off? This is to pull out the insert correct? Does the bilstein insert fit right into the Koni body?

Lex_GTX

Or for the cost perhaps it's better to just purchase a complete Bilstein Firehawk suspension?

jep32

I've got an 89 S2 with the M474 option. I'm told I will need struts and strut mounts (at least the rhs). I assume you replace both lh/rh together in the front, not just one side???? Car is completely stock and in pristine condition with 49,000 miles, what are my options?......

lart951

paragon offers a conversion to koni sports adjustable if you let them do it it cost around $ 1100.00.

jc in rb

you could give pelican a try.http://www.pelicanparts.com

Olli Snellman

If you want Bilsteins, also a late model strut can be modified easily.

Jason @ Paragon Products

Yes and no. All Turbos had sealed struts. With that said, the 86 M474 Koni does appear to have a threaded cap at the top that is peened in place. If you un-peen it and unscrew it you will not find an insert but rather a wet kit...i.e. valving, hydraulic oil etc. Some folks modify these struts for all kinds of inserts. Koni is the only company marketing an insert specifically for this application:

http://www.paragon-products.com/Koni...-1414s-xdo.htm

Jason @ Paragon Products

Dang, it's not that much Lart...LOL. The Koni's are currently on sale for $155.68 ea. and the labor charge for us to do the conversion is $165 so under $500. As Lart has pictured though, you'll likely want to replace the dust covers and bump rubbers too.

sailinmike

I just did the conversion to bilsteins a few weeks ago and very happy with the results so far - I keep mine on the street and may don't really ever take it out to the track. Just get a couple used early 944 struts, new Bilstein inserts and you're all set. Installation is pretty straight forward, you just have to drill out the upper mounting hole to get the eccentric bolt to fit.

Alternatively, I'll sell you the used koni's that I pulled out of my 86 if you're like me and can't have your car up on stands for a week waiting for the conversion. pm me if you're interested

Jason @ Paragon Products

No jack stands required for the conversion as we convert housings we already have and send those. There is a core charge on the original order that is refunded once your struts are returned. Of course you can save the $165 and do the conversion yourself...it's no more difficult that converting a set of early housings to the late spindle.

CyCloNe!

I had the M474 suspension and I was looking at the Paragon kit, which is really our main option. I was lucky enough at the time that Xschop was selling his own custom coilovers for the new cars that were modified early strut housings. You can contact him and he may make you a set, that way you can use whatever inserts you would like, mine came with KYB's and 300lb springs and they're good for a street car.