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View Poll Results: What would you do?
Go for it! Buy the AGXs
26
56.52%
Don't bother -- not worth the cost -- Buy the GR2s
18
39.13%
Don't bother with either -- by a different brand (please state)
2
4.35%
Voters: 46. You may not vote on this poll

KYB AGX or GR2 --> is it worth it?

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Old Jan 8, 2003 | 11:38 AM
  #1  
FLO_BOY's Avatar
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KYB AGX or GR2 --> is it worth it?

Hello all!

I just received a quote for some KYBs, and I'm having a tough time
deciding which shocks to get...Basically, I know everyone says that
AGXs rule, but I'm not an autocrosser -- i just want good shocks that
will work well on my lowered ride (MaxSpeed Springs - not installed
yet).

That said, if you had to pay the following, which would you pick?

KYB AGX --> $1031.55 (everything in)
KYB GR2 --> $ 485.76 (everything in)

Also, BEFORE you freak out, these are in CDN dollars.
In U.S. dollars, the comparison is:

AGX --> $660.93
GR2 --> $311.23

...oh, and i know that I can probably buy some AGXs on eBay for about $500 U.S. (shipping and duties suck!)

Thoughts?

Thanks all!
FLO_BOY
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 11:52 AM
  #2  
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you should be able to get AGXs for around $350 US.
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 12:02 PM
  #3  
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If your not Auto Crossing, go with the GR2. I'll prolly be turning in my AGX's soon for Tokico or GR2. The AGX is sweet, but a lil to firm for my old a$$ lately.
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 03:58 PM
  #4  
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Good deal on KYB AGX's

$346 shipped anywhere in the lower 48

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1876666916

This guy is from the east coast, there's another guy that does the same 'dutch' auction on the west coast. Both have had good feedback on these struts.

Good Luck!
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 04:16 PM
  #5  
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my experience

After clearing up a few financial issues, I installed some H&R springs along with the AGX's.

Let me say that the ride is VERY firm -- and I have the the adjustments at one (1) on all corners.

The suspension is great over smooth roads, but any kind of bumps, ridges (e.g. expansion joints out on the highway), etc. will be felt.

After reading several posts on this forum regarding the H&R/AGX combo, I was expecting a firm but at least compliant ride -- did not happen.

Over all, I like the look, being lowerd and all -- but the ride is NOT good.
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 04:28 PM
  #6  
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Re: my experience

Originally posted by paw-kz1k
Let me say that the ride is VERY firm -- and I have the the adjustments at one (1) on all corners.
Right. Ride comfort is #1 for me...Can anyone tell me if GR2s are softer?

please let me know!

thanks,
FLO_BOY
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 06:48 PM
  #7  
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what do u guys think about the tokico illuminas?? those are cheaper than the agx's at custommaxima..
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 08:14 PM
  #8  
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Re: my experience

Originally posted by paw-kz1k
After clearing up a few financial issues, I installed some H&R springs along with the AGX's.

Let me say that the ride is VERY firm -- and I have the the adjustments at one (1) on all corners.

The suspension is great over smooth roads, but any kind of bumps, ridges (e.g. expansion joints out on the highway), etc. will be felt.

After reading several posts on this forum regarding the H&R/AGX combo, I was expecting a firm but at least compliant ride -- did not happen.

Over all, I like the look, being lowerd and all -- but the ride is NOT good.
Springs play a part too. I have B&G's with AGX's set on 2 front, 4 rear and the ride is not that harsh?
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 10:01 PM
  #9  
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I got GR-2s with the H&R springs and the ride is decent with the balance fairly neutral and relatively nice turn-in response for a front-heavy car. Not too hard and not too soft. Here are my car's details so that you could make a qualitative judgement for your future purchase. I've done a lot of little things but try to keep the setup within or at least near stock specs.


I use the OEM tire size 215/55/16, SSR Integral 16" x 7" wheels (close to stock offset and light weight), just a little negative camber by the way of camber bolts at the lower knuckle assembly (around -.3 degrees), a little bit of toe-out on the front alignment (maybe a bit more than the factory specs), Bridgestone S-O3 tires at 35psi, front strut tower bar, polyurethane mid-bar bushings on front STB and OEM rubber endlink bushings on front STB.

Future >> I'm seriously contemplating Warpspeed subframe braces.
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 10:17 PM
  #10  
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Re: Re: my experience

Originally posted by FLO_BOY


Right. Ride comfort is #1 for me...Can anyone tell me if GR2s are softer?

please let me know!

thanks,
FLO_BOY
I have Maxspeed springs with the GR-2 shocks. I was not planning on EVER adjusting my shocks, and did not like the extra $$$ I was gonna have to pay to have a feature I was never going to use.

I like the whole overall setup, and I think you'll be happy with the GR-2's. Together the Maxspeed's + GR-2's stiffened up my ride noticeably, but not TOO much. It is still very smooth and people who ride in my car still comment that it is comfortable and smooth after the switch.
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 10:34 PM
  #11  
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ANY OTHER maxspeed/GR2 experiences...?

Originally posted by co_maxima98


I have Maxspeed springs with the GR-2 shocks. I was not planning on EVER adjusting my shocks, and did not like the extra $$$ I was gonna have to pay to have a feature I was never going to use.

I like the whole overall setup, and I think you'll be happy with the GR-2's. Together the Maxspeed's + GR-2's stiffened up my ride noticeably, but not TOO much. It is still very smooth and people who ride in my car still comment that it is comfortable and smooth after the switch.
Thanks Co_Maxima98 for your thoughts!
...btw --> are you in Colorado? just wonderin'

FLO_BOY
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 10:39 PM
  #12  
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Re: ANY OTHER maxspeed/GR2 experiences...?

Originally posted by FLO_BOY


Thanks Co_Maxima98 for your thoughts!
...btw --> are you in Colorado? just wonderin'

FLO_BOY
Yea, I'm in Colorado, south of Denver.
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 10:51 PM
  #13  
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Re: Re: ANY OTHER maxspeed/GR2 experiences...?

Originally posted by co_maxima98


Yea, I'm in Colorado, south of Denver.
cool...I've been up to Broomfield and Louisville a number of times for work...I even rented a 2002 Maxima last time

anyhow, take care,
FLO_BOY
Old Jan 8, 2003 | 11:23 PM
  #14  
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Re: Re: my experience

I also have H&R/KYB AGX set-up and do not think it is very harsh. But for what it sounds like your looking for save the money, and go with the GR2's. They are cheaper yes, probally a little less harsh and better on the wallet.

Originally posted by Victim64


Springs play a part too. I have B&G's with AGX's set on 2 front, 4 rear and the ride is not that harsh?
Old Sep 15, 2003 | 05:32 PM
  #15  
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Y-G-W-Y-P-4

Tokico Illuminas all the way.

Best riding, handling strut out there for our cars right now.

Combine them with H&R's and you'll never know your car was lowered from the way it rides.
Old Sep 15, 2003 | 06:04 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by njmaxseltd
Y-G-W-Y-P-4

Tokico Illuminas all the way.

Best riding, handling strut out there for our cars right now.

Combine them with H&R's and you'll never know your car was lowered from the way it rides.

heck yeah but this is an old thread now! lol
Old Sep 15, 2003 | 06:09 PM
  #17  
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I think that if you get the KYB AGX, you'll never regret it. Pair them up with H&R springs and you'll feel comfortable just like getting a new pair of shoes.

I hear though that the best set up for the max is Tokico Illuminas in the front and Kyb AGXs in the back.
Old Sep 15, 2003 | 08:56 PM
  #18  
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i drove my friend's 2k with H&R and GR-2 combo.. i was very impressed with the ride.. so much that i am considering that combo if i don't go with illuminas.

the ride felt stock like with a sportier feel.. i just loved it.. plus there is a GD going on the GR-2's.. i am going to continue my homework and hopefully make my final decision and purchase by next spring.

good luck with whatever you get.
Old Sep 24, 2003 | 11:21 PM
  #19  
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AGX's are great, but for the money, the GR-2's are cool. Tokico blues suck.
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 03:14 AM
  #20  
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Where to buy GR2

Anyone get a good price on the GR2? Where did you get them? Did anyone buy the boots for them?
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 07:17 AM
  #21  
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I use kyb agx shocks and struts with Maxspeed springs. I have to say, they are fun to adjust in the beginning but once you start using them, you basically set and forget them... the novelty wears off.

Personally, the ride becomes too harsh and it has turned my luxurious GLE ride to one comparable to a lowered honda civic (on just 3/5 settings). I generally leave my settings at 2/4 but will raise them to 1/2 in the city. Don't get me wrong, They are fun to drive on when roads are smooth but then again, arent we buying shocks to help us deal with the rough conditions? Otherwise, we'd still be riding on stocks. I figure, if im spending most of my driving time set on the softest settings, i think youre better off just getting GR2's. I dont bring the car on the track and i dont appreciate the rock hard ride. not fun feeling every pebble and imperfection on the road.

Performance wise, i am very happy with the maxspeed springs. If i were to do this again, i would consider the illuminas, or save $ and get the gr2's.
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 09:23 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by BOZOnPJs
i drove my friend's 2k with H&R and GR-2 combo.. i was very impressed with the ride.. so much that i am considering that combo if i don't go with illuminas.

the ride felt stock like with a sportier feel.. i just loved it.. plus there is a GD going on the GR-2's.. i am going to continue my homework and hopefully make my final decision and purchase by next spring.

good luck with whatever you get.
dude what the hell is up with ur car domain page with the freakin money and the gat in the one pic
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 09:30 AM
  #23  
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From: FV, NC
Originally Posted by FLO_BOY
Hello all!

I just received a quote for some KYBs, and I'm having a tough time
deciding which shocks to get...Basically, I know everyone says that
AGXs rule, but I'm not an autocrosser -- i just want good shocks that
will work well on my lowered ride (MaxSpeed Springs - not installed
yet).

That said, if you had to pay the following, which would you pick?

KYB AGX --> $1031.55 (everything in)
KYB GR2 --> $ 485.76 (everything in)

Also, BEFORE you freak out, these are in CDN dollars.
In U.S. dollars, the comparison is:

AGX --> $660.93
GR2 --> $311.23

...oh, and i know that I can probably buy some AGXs on eBay for about $500 U.S. (shipping and duties suck!)

Thoughts?

Thanks all!
FLO_BOY
Check out groupbuycenter.com. They are having a GD on Agx's you may be able to get them cheaper.
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 09:33 AM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by deezo
Check out groupbuycenter.com. They are having a GD on Agx's you may be able to get them cheaper.


i hope between january and now he got his set lol
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 09:39 AM
  #25  
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From: FV, NC
Originally Posted by nismos14
i hope between january and now he got his set lol
Oh boy,,,,,,
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 10:01 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by deezo
Oh boy,,,,,,

nice touch with the aim smiley
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 11:09 AM
  #27  
DoGGy
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IMO, you should only do stuff once, therefore always go with the best. illuminas !
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 02:15 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by nismos14
dude what the hell is up with ur car domain page with the freakin money and the gat in the one pic

dude what the hell is up with you joining the .org 7 months ago and already 1635 posts?
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 04:33 PM
  #29  
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no life maybe?
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 06:35 PM
  #30  
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this guy needs a girl...
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 09:18 PM
  #31  
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I installed KYB AGX with factory springs (did not want a lowered car) and have the setings at 2 up front and 4 in rear, and it handles great! Stiff, secure and rides great too.

But this is not for you if you want a lowered look.
Old Sep 25, 2003 | 09:35 PM
  #32  
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if i could point out something ive noticed from reading all of the lowering threads. it seems as though all the people with se's think that the ride is just fine, while people with gxe's and gle's mostly seem to think that the ride is harsh.

could it be that the se people with the stiffer suspension are used to a firmer ride than the gle/gxe folks? i know that i could feel a difference in the cars i drove while looking for my car.

makes you think?
Old Sep 26, 2003 | 04:07 AM
  #33  
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WOW...this read was revived!
In the end, I bought AGXs...love 'em!

no more mods (well, nothing mechanical)...just
upkeep for now...I'm at 199200 KMs...can't wait
to hit 200K on the odometer!!!

peace,
FLO_BOY
Old Jan 4, 2004 | 07:33 AM
  #34  
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go with the gr-2's... that's what i'm going with...
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