ALFA GT and koni FSD

[Mika]

I know this topic has probably been covered in the past so forgive me for raising it again, but I have recently purchased a GT V6 with low klms. I am very happy with it but have been thinking of replacing the original dampers with Koni FSD. I see Koni only list Sport for this model, however consensus seems to be FSD,s provide a bit more suppleness at the expense of a bit of sharpness. Given I often drive on poor quality roads and I am going to keep the standard springs I am inclined to buy the FSD.

My questions are does anyone have either a GT V6 or 147/156GTA with koni FSDs ideally with std springs and what do they think of them.

Secondly I see EB spares list Koni FSD (GTA) setting for the GT and are these suitable for GTs and why don't koni provide a listing for 147/GT V6 owners.

Cheers,

Mika

[shiny_car]

Hi Mika

I think most FSD users have been very happy, from what I've read. I have KONI Sport myself, which I am very happy with (have used these on several different cars).

However, reports out of the UK - in particular by the well-renowned Alfa dealer and tuner, Autolusso - are that there is an unexpectedly high failure rate, suggesting quality isn't good enough. Autolusso have since stopped supplying/fitting them out of dissatisfaction. Seems they can develop leaks. Of course, this is only hearsay, and you can research it more, and manufacturers should respond by improving quality. But it's something to be mindful of. Also issues of fitment.

eg: http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/alfa-147-156-and-gt/202706-alfa-gt-3-2-koni-fsd-problems.html

Having said that, when they 'work', most people say they are great.

If you are considering KONI Sport, I can say the ride comfort is very good, and in combination with Eibach Pro Kit springs, considerably better than the factory setup in terms of comfort and handling. There's several other good alternatives, including the Eibach shock/spring kit, and Zeatek coilovers (or more expensive KWv2 and Bilstein B16). alfist.net and Alfastumper have provided excellent service to Australian buyers over the years incl myself.

http://shop.alfisti.net/Tuning-Styling/Alfa-GT/Suspensions:::1_17_18.html
http://www.alfastumper.com/index.php?cPath=270_26_27

Richard

[Mika]

Richard,

Thanks very much for the detailed response. I read your links with interest. I have had koni sport on previous Alfasud inlc. 75 TS and 164Q and have always been happy with the ride trade off. I seems there is often benefits to be had by replacing the std alfa shocks especially once they have done 60k or more.

Did you drive your car much on std set up before going to koni yellow eibach springs? And was there an obvious improvement in ride quality and handling?

Michael

[shiny_car]

Did you drive your car much on std set up before going to koni yellow eibach springs? And was there an obvious improvement in ride quality and handling?

I drove with the standard suspension for about a month. Part of my purchase deal (with the dealership) was to include the labour of fitting the new suspension, which was fitted there-after. There was a significant improvement in refinement; gone was most of the crashiness over small ridges/bumps, and gone was the lack of rebound damping (slight wallowing/bounce) over larger undulations at speed (took a little tweaking of the KONI rebound setting).

The rear definitely 'dropped' in height, about an inch, which I was happy with. The front did not drop at all (even after a few months to settle/sag). I did not like that; rideheight too high for my tastes. So that was the only 'issue'.

This was 'fresh' out of the box with Eibach/KONI: http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/467659/12212732/189968067.jpg
This photo was after a few months with Eibach/KONI: http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/467659/12212732/227106300.jpg

With 17" wheels, it looks fine. But after fitting 19" wheels, the front 'gap' looked out of proportion. I'll add too, after fitting 19" wheels/tyres (Toyo Proxes4; the next set will be different mind you), the comfort improve again, compared with the standard 17" Bridgestone RE050, which must have very stiff side walls. So the tyres can confer a lot towards comfort.

I've documented this previously, but I had the front shock-fork junction modified. This was performed by the KONI distributor (after Lance Dixon disassembled everything and arranged to have it sent there and returned). Elongating the bolt hole on the shock, and shaving several mill' off the fork, the two were able to slide into each other further, resulting in a drop in front rideheight about 20mm.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/467659/18994705/302922380.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/467659/18994705/302919615.jpg

If comfort/handling is your priority, I can recommend the Eibach-KONI Sport combo. If you also want a significantly 'lowered' car, then I recommend coilovers. 5-6 years ago when I did my mods, the choice of coilovers was limited, and would have been KWv2, which at the time (A$ and everything) would have cost me around A$3K fitted. Today, top value Eibach Pro Street S or Zeatek Z9 would cost around $2K, which is around what I paid for mine. If you're willing to spend A$2K, I'd go with Zeatek Z9. Quite a few Alfisti have fitted these to their GTAs/GTs, with great results.

[Mika]

Richard,

Thanks again for this info - very helpful.

[TFJ100]

I have a 156GTA. I bought Zeatek Z9s for about $1k earlier this year, and then had them fitted for about $400.

I was replacing very old springs and dampers and think the outcome was extremely good.

Goes around corners on rails and no harder than what was there previously (although much more taut).

Torben

[TFJ100]

Noticed this today:

http://www.ausalfa.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=8595&p=142967#p142967

Free shipping on Zeatek Z8s for Australia and NZ customers

Torben