Koni Vs Bilstein

[Rally Pack 2000]

By a strange quirk of fate I have a set of both. The Bilsteins (full cartridge inserts not the type for capri 2.8 struts) I had in my Escort for a couple of years but swapped them out after being told a knocking sound in the front suspension was the shocks gone. It was just a control arm bush in actual fact so saved the shocks and have sat on the shelf for 15 years. They still seem as good as new. The Konis came in the struts I bought the other day. One was bent but inside I discovered as new Koni Sport adjustables inside. So at least I got something for the money I put into the struts. So which would you keep and which would you sell?

 

[Vista]

They both have a good reputation so I would probably keep the ones that look in better condition. That said I have never used Konis though my friend's Montreal has them fitted whilst mine uses Bilsteins. Mine seems to handle a little better though in fairness the shocks are not the only difference between the two cars.

[The Transplanter]

Both are very good, I always used Billys on my Fords, but mostly use Konis on my VWs.

 

I cannot offer an exact comparison, but I have never had a problem with either

 

That wasnt much use was it 

[colr6]

As said before both are reputable shocks. Billies one setting if it's to hard...tuf. Where as the konis being adjustable you can adjust to suit you! Condition will also play a part in the decision making. Also taking into consideration the billies have been on the shelf for 15 years, how good are the seals going to be?

[Rally Pack 2000]

Both are very good, I always used Billys on my Fords, but mostly use Konis on my VWs.

 

I cannot offer an exact comparison, but I have never had a problem with either

 

That wasnt much use was it 

 

Fence sitter! LOL

[Rally Pack 2000]

As said before both are reputable shocks. Billies one setting if it's to hard...tuf. Where as the konis being adjustable you can adjust to suit you! Condition will also play a part in the decision making. Also taking into consideration the billies have been on the shelf for 15 years, how good are the seals going to be?

 

The Bilsteins appear to be ok but as you say a seal may end up showing its age when on. They do bring more strength to the strut though. As you can see the pistons on them are huge and the inserts are a snug fit within the strut offering more tube support compart to any other shock that just sit in the middle offering no support to the strut at all. I should mention I do have Bilsteins on the rear and have been for some time but Im thinking of having them rebuilt, although they are just as firm as the day I bought them.