Koni VS OEM

[htchevyii]

They don't seat properly, that's the problem. I ground the cut end to try to minimize it, but the car is still being supported by the end of the spring at the beginning of suspension travel. I've talked to others with the same issue. The cure seems to be getting a spring shop to flatten the end, if you can find one. Early car owners often have to cut aftermarket lowering springs, to get lowered ride height, (some have reported raised ride height), so there's not always an easy answer.

[lanciahf]

Adrian had a great post a while back on why its bad to cut springs. I'll try to find it.

To throw more options into your shock stew:
these Gabriels are apparently tailored to a Spider:
http://www.fiatshockabsorbers.com/
I think Auto Ricambi also sells Monroe shocks.
Both of those options are a bit more than OEM, but nowhere near Koni cost.


Interesting observations about the cut springs causing issues - this has not come up in past spring adjustment threads - hopefully others can chime in? I would think that cut and shaped at the end properly, and seated properly in the rubber seat piece, the springs would be stiffer, but why would they "bounce" more?

If someone who knows Fiats really well like SoCalMark is fine suggesting spring cutting, (and he seems very tuned in to suspension and ride issues), then we have a pretty big difference of opinion going on!

[jimmycakes401]

I'd never cut my springs. I'd just save up for new ones if I wanted it lower. I don't know that I do. I do require new shocks though, so I see there are a few options. I'm still leaning toward OE. They are cheap and comfy from what I've heard. I don't know how sporty I'm going to get. I want to cruise down to the beach which is about 20min of back roads.

[wikkid]

I'd never cut my springs.

Hate to turn a shock thread into a spring one, but why in the world does it seem as if everyone and his uncle on this site cut varying amounts off springs, had a big debate over it, and no one has ever brought up any idea that doing so adversely affects handling with an initial "bounce?"

I'm not arguing that it happens, if you guys say so - I am just surprised that after all the other talk of spring cutting, this is the first anyone mentions it (that I have found).

I am interested, because this will come up with my '84, when the bumpers come off.

[124ADDHE]

With the weight of the car on, my cut springs are seated fine...maybe the plastic reciever is not aligned correctly? No bounce here!

[124JOE]

FYI the plastic reciver tuns to adjust for a better seat .FOR THE REST OF US

[bradartigue]

There is a reference in this thread to "OEM" but none of you are comparing Koni to OEM. You're comparing Koni to Gabriel and Monroe, which are the same as the original shocks by a mile.

The original shocks were made by Wayassauto (not kidding) for FIAT, in Italy, were oil filled, and damn near identical to the Koni Red shocks. The ride quality was quite good with no bounce, no Tempurpedic mattress feeling to them. Unlike KYB, which a lot of folks use as a substitute, the Wayassauto shocks were very well made and I find them on cars 30+ years old and still serviceable (and rebuildable).

Gabriel and Monroe shocks are just shocks. I've used them on plenty of FIAT Spiders, but don't expect a performance ride out of them. They are a forgiving, generic ride that makes a Spider a bit soft at best. If you want good shocks - very good shocks - with a near original feel then get Konis and adjust them all the way soft (which is not very soft at all). If you can find a set of Koni reds then you've found a near perfect patch.

But don't confuse Monroe/Gabriel with OE. They aren't, not by a mile.

[jimmycakes401]

What does iap sell? It just says OE

[wikkid]

Brad, the Gabriels I was referring to are the ones that Ed (Caribou) has, and says are not just your basic Gabriels, but that they were made for these cars. ??? The ones he carries are nitrogen gas-filled, not oil filled, so there is definitely a difference.
Thanks for your insights!

[So Cal Mark]

springs bounce, shock absorbers dampen the bounce. I haven't experienced bounce from cutting springs. The Monroe and Gabriel shocks are soft in my opinion, but none of the aftermarket shocks can be considered oem shocks. The oem shocks were normal oil-filled absorbers where the Monroe, Gabriel and KYBs are gas-filled shocks. I like the KYBs for street use.
My car features KYBs with cut springs and it handles very well. Anyone that has attended our canyon runs can attest to that.

[jimmycakes401]

Yep. I'm looking for road use. I have no current plans to cut my springs. If I were to lower them I'd probably buy new ones. Only because I don't feel comfy slicing mine.

[124ADDHE]

If you can use an angle grinder then you can cut springs, its probably one of the easiest things in the world...compressing the front springs...that is a bit more tricky

[jimmycakes401]

I have a spring compressor. Its just... . Well, you know. Maybe someday. First i'll get on the road. : )

[124ADDHE]

....on the road..where the fiat is at its best! I hope you have her there soon! All that hard work will be well worth it

[narfire]

I'm not 100% sure but I think my car now sits a bit lower yet with the Koni yellows on. The rear shocks were a bit shorter than the KYB"S and with the one coil removed from the IAP reds(rear only),the wheel is in the wheel well now. I have'nt driven it yet as the yard is really muddy and I'll likely get stuck,but after a day or so of heat and some wind I'll be taking it out. Fronts look ok though.
I'll take a pic tomorow.
Chris