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Author Topic: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process  (Read 27733 times)

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Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #25 on: April 04, 2011, 01:21:33 PM »
I'm thinking you nailed that one about a bad shock :)
a little advise, take it for what it is worth.  Cut an 1"-1.5" off the front mud flaps, otherwise they will hit speedbumps and rub around hard corners (don't ask).  And generally eat up your lower fenders.

Yeah I think I'll do that. Thanks
2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #26 on: April 04, 2011, 01:23:09 PM »
I have an idea on the shock adjuster tool.

Take the screwing part from a C Clamp cut the clamping end off so you have a flat surface, then cut the slot in there.
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2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline Ag_Sky

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #27 on: April 04, 2011, 01:50:21 PM »
I am one turn from full soft on all four corners. I'm gunna play around with them soon to see how much I notice when it's changed.

I'm 3/4 of a turn off the soft limit on all four corners.

Dennis Grant (Far North Racing) states that the KONI SA have an adjustable range from 1/2 of turn off soft to a 1/2 turn from full hard. Judging by his web site he's done a lot of KONI shock testing.

I ran my Sky Saturday 27 runs through the Evolution school Phase 1 course and really like the performance of the KONI ZOK LNF spring combo. The Evo instructor thought I had R compound tires after he drove it, I've got the same tires you do.

Good luck with your testing. Your gonna like what you find!
« Last Edit: April 04, 2011, 10:33:38 PM by Ag_Sky »
75 STR 2008 Silver (Ag) Sky 2.4L Automatic
North East Oklahoma Region SCCA
Custom Coilovers
KONI SA shocks
FE3 front, ZOK rear sway bars
Enkei Racing PF01 Bright Silver 18x8 Wheels
Hankook Ventus RS-3 Tires
K&N 69 Series Typhoon Air Intake
Clear Image Automotive Shorty Header
Solo Performance NA Single Cat Back (with muffler delete)
Trifecta Tune

Offline elff

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #28 on: April 04, 2011, 01:59:02 PM »
I'm running the FE3 up front and ZOK in the rear and really love the way it handles.  Eliminated a ton of understeer.

Crate engine Depot can get you the proper brackets and bushings for everything if you want.
Without modification, there is no aftermarket poly bushing that fits the front. Even with modification it doesn't fit.

As such, I would suggest sticking with the rubber bushings and FE3 bracket up front.

Goat posted up the correct Energy Suspension part # for the Rear Z0K in another post.

Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #29 on: April 04, 2011, 02:44:16 PM »
I'm 3/4 of a turn off the soft limit on all four corners.

Dennis Grant (Far North Racing) states that the KONI SA have an adjustable range from 1/2 of turn off soft to a 1/2 turn from full hard. Judging by his web site he's done a lot of KONI shock testing.

I ran my Sky Saturday 27 runs through the Evolution school Phase 1 course and really like the performance of the KONI ZOK LNF spring combo. The Evo instructor thought I had R compound tires after he drove it, I've got the same tires you do.

Good luck with your testing. Your gonna like what your find!

Cool

What's funny is everyone says the koni's aren't accurate when adjusted fully soft or hard, but if you notice the beginning of this thread, they set the shocks to full soft and full hard and put them on the shock dyno and the front and rear pairs were all almost identical :)  Even with one brand new shock in the mix.
2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline snaponbob

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #30 on: April 04, 2011, 03:56:31 PM »
I'm 3/4 of a turn off the soft limit on all four corners.

Dennis Grant (Far North Racing) states that the KONI SA have an adjustable range from 1/2 of turn off soft to a 1/2 turn from full hard. Judging by his web site he's done a lot of KONI shock testing.

I ran my Sky Saturday 27 runs through the Evolution school Phase 1 course and really like the performance of the KONI ZOK LNF spring combo. The Evo instructor thought I had R compound tires after he drove it, I've got the same tires you do.

Good luck with your testing. Your gonna like what your find!

I was speaking with Tim today. He was AMAZED how well the A/T worked in "I", and the car surprised the hell out of him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob Buxbaum
snaponbob AT comcast DOT net
2007 Redline, Revalved Konis, Crazy alignment
FE3 front and Z0K rear bars, owner installed pwr lock buttons
catless downpipe, SP custom exhaustWester's tune
racing springs and adjustable perches
DDM ProBeam & Tower brace, CCW 18x11 wheels for racing

Offline Uranium-238

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #31 on: April 04, 2011, 08:53:32 PM »
Kenny I was planning on making a homemade adjustment tool as well, however once I got things dialed in a way I liked I stopped playing with them and never finished that project.

I don't remember what my settings were exactly, I've got them written down somewhere. I do remember that it was close to SOB's recommendation. I want to say it's 50% more turns in back than in front. Car is really very close to neutral, maybe a touch of understeer but that's fine on a daily driver.
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Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #32 on: April 04, 2011, 09:12:49 PM »
I just found that a 3/16's or 5mm socket works. so i'm sticking with that.
2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline Ag_Sky

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #33 on: April 05, 2011, 05:47:54 AM »
I was speaking with Tim today. He was AMAZED how well the A/T worked in "I", and the car surprised the hell out of him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm hoping to suprise myself this weekend at our next event. We've got two events back to back Saturday and Sunday. More seat time!

The Kappa cars are great roadsters! It's too bad GM discontinued the line. The more I drive it the more I like it. I can't wait to start my next mod project, headers with a new exhaust system and a cold air intake!
75 STR 2008 Silver (Ag) Sky 2.4L Automatic
North East Oklahoma Region SCCA
Custom Coilovers
KONI SA shocks
FE3 front, ZOK rear sway bars
Enkei Racing PF01 Bright Silver 18x8 Wheels
Hankook Ventus RS-3 Tires
K&N 69 Series Typhoon Air Intake
Clear Image Automotive Shorty Header
Solo Performance NA Single Cat Back (with muffler delete)
Trifecta Tune

Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #34 on: April 05, 2011, 07:12:22 AM »
I don't remember what my settings were exactly, I've got them written down somewhere. I do remember that it was close to SOB's recommendation. I want to say it's 50% more turns in back than in front. Car is really very close to neutral, maybe a touch of understeer but that's fine on a daily driver.

Let me know if you find the paper. I'd like to start where you are set and see how I like it.
2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline Uranium-238

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #35 on: April 05, 2011, 07:50:26 AM »
Since you have the front ZOK sway bar I'm not sure how the setting would work on your car, it'd likely still have a considerable amount of understeer.
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Offline snaponbob

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #36 on: April 05, 2011, 08:38:43 AM »
I just found that a 3/16's or 5mm socket works. so i'm sticking with that.

Be VERY careful not the damage (wear) the adjusters !!!!!
Bob Buxbaum
snaponbob AT comcast DOT net
2007 Redline, Revalved Konis, Crazy alignment
FE3 front and Z0K rear bars, owner installed pwr lock buttons
catless downpipe, SP custom exhaustWester's tune
racing springs and adjustable perches
DDM ProBeam & Tower brace, CCW 18x11 wheels for racing

Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #37 on: April 05, 2011, 09:43:45 AM »
Since you have the front ZOK sway bar I'm not sure how the setting would work on your car, it'd likely still have a considerable amount of understeer.
Oh good point. I guess I'll have to play with them. I'm lazy and don't drive the car enough to test it every day.
2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline smartin

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #38 on: April 05, 2011, 12:18:42 PM »
I'm running the FE3 up front and ZOK in the rear and really love the way it handles.  Eliminated a ton of understeer.

Crate engine Depot can get you the proper brackets and bushings for everything if you want.
Without modification, there is no aftermarket poly bushing that fits the front. Even with modification it doesn't fit.

As such, I would suggest sticking with the rubber bushings and FE3 bracket up front.

Goat posted up the correct Energy Suspension part # for the Rear Z0K in another post.


Goat had me buy special bushings/brackets for the front. Not sure what they are, but you can look at them at the mod meet.

Offline elff

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #39 on: April 05, 2011, 02:05:30 PM »
your sway bar isn't the same so they would not work.
Also
Looking at them doesn't help. They don't show the part numbers.

Offline smartin

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #40 on: April 05, 2011, 02:16:30 PM »
Ahhh, okay. Nevermind.

Offline NormSky

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #41 on: April 05, 2011, 05:36:48 PM »
Kenny, where do you buy the Koni's?
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Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #42 on: April 05, 2011, 06:12:41 PM »
Used from a guy on the Sol BB, one went bad so I bought one new one from Stimola in Long Island.
2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline NormSky

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #43 on: April 05, 2011, 06:45:15 PM »
Do have front and rear part numbers handy? I guess I could look on the main bb. :)
07 Sky Hahn Boosted - 44 MPG  40 mpg with air conditioning on.

Offline kennysabarese

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Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
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Offline NormSky

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #45 on: April 15, 2011, 12:34:51 AM »
*bay for $515 plus $34 for shipping, can't beat it! THX!
07 Sky Hahn Boosted - 44 MPG  40 mpg with air conditioning on.

Offline snaponbob

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #46 on: April 15, 2011, 09:08:33 AM »
*bay for $515 plus $34 for shipping, can't beat it! THX!

If those are NEW Koni Sports then THAT is a  :gaah: SCREAMING  :lol: good deal.   :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:
Bob Buxbaum
snaponbob AT comcast DOT net
2007 Redline, Revalved Konis, Crazy alignment
FE3 front and Z0K rear bars, owner installed pwr lock buttons
catless downpipe, SP custom exhaustWester's tune
racing springs and adjustable perches
DDM ProBeam & Tower brace, CCW 18x11 wheels for racing

Offline POS VETT

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #47 on: April 15, 2011, 09:51:20 AM »
Heh, Dennis Grant, that name brought back some racing memories :)

I've been watching that eBay auction as well. 

Offline kennysabarese

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #48 on: June 02, 2011, 04:53:07 PM »
I forgot to post this: here is my alignment sheet. Did I have it done correctly?
2007 Sky Redline - Wester's Tuned - GMPP sensors - RMR Roll Bar - Kirkey Seats
Schroth Harnesses - SSR Wheels - Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs - Complete Mod List
kennysabarese.com - Photos - Facebook - Twitter - RSS

Offline snaponbob

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Re: Koni Z0K Suspension Testing and Install Process
« Reply #49 on: June 02, 2011, 06:52:46 PM »
Looks good for track days. Solo could stand a bit more front camber. At this point, it is all about "feel" and tire tread temps.
Bob Buxbaum
snaponbob AT comcast DOT net
2007 Redline, Revalved Konis, Crazy alignment
FE3 front and Z0K rear bars, owner installed pwr lock buttons
catless downpipe, SP custom exhaustWester's tune
racing springs and adjustable perches
DDM ProBeam & Tower brace, CCW 18x11 wheels for racing

 

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