In researching the choice between Konis and AGXs, I came upon this thread by Cattman:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....ttman+Koni+AGX

He basically blasts the Konis and indicates that the AGXs are better in almost every way. But it seems like some of his info is wrong. For instance, he indicates the AGXs are adjustable for both compression and rebound dampening. This is not true. The 2 shock dynos I've seen for AGXs clearly show that only rebound is affected by the adjustments. These shock dynos were for an SE-R and an RX-7, so I'm not totally positive about the AGXs for a Maxima, but I doubt if they're any different as it wouldn't make sense to have one single dial control BOTH rebound and compression.

Additionally, he goes on to indicate that Konis have poor ride quality compared to the AGXs. From my past experience with Konis on another car I had, they had great ride quality.

Since a search of the past messages on this topic turned up many ambiguous and conflicting opinions, I would like to ask those who have tried BOTH Konis and AGXs which do you prefer overall? Are Cattman's comments about the Konis valid or way off base? If I am interested in ride quality, are the Konis better? I plan on using these shocks with either H&R or Maxspeed springs.

Thanks.

 

I don't know about Cattman's comments, and I dont really care to look into them too much right now.

I think my car handled bumps better w/Eibach/Koni than currently w/H&R/AGX. I mean when it sat back down, the Koni's just felt better. The agx feel harsher, and im on H&R now, vs Eibach.. wtf?

Its a good thing i still got the whole setup in the garage. Might have to put the koni's in and find out on the H&R's Or i might break in the Maxspeeds?

But anyways .. the AGX are a great value (i mean hell i have a set), but i think the Koni's (other than rear adjustability) are better. I'll find out for sure someday.

 

Thanks for the info. I felt that the AGXs on my G20 were a bit harsh too. Comparing shock dynos, it appears the AGXs have a pretty firm initial compression stroke. OTOH, shock dynos I've seen for Konis indicate the initial compression is somewhat softer, and becomes progressively firmer. Perhaps this may account for the difference in ride quality and harshness?

BTW, what made you switch from Eibach/Koni to H&R/AGX? Did the Konis wear out? Did you have any problems with your first set-up?

Thanks again.

 

To me the AGXs felt stiffer than the Konis. The only thing I hate abotu the Konis are the rear struts since its a pain to adjust since you have to disassemble the whole thing vs. the Agx with the external *****

 

I just felt like it. My koni's are fine, i just wanted to see about fixing a creaking sound I had, and still have. I'm not sure what it is but eventually I'll find it. I have like 2.5 suspension setups lying around / on my car.

I agree. Thats part of why i wanted to try the AGX .. but when u think about it, you rarely ever adjust the rear .. rear full soft = comfort ..

 

LOL. Sounds like the same problem I had with my G20. I had 2 sets of stock struts, 1 set of GABs, 1 set of AGX, 2 sets of Eibachs (1 cut and 1 uncut), 1 set of Ground Control coilovers lying around at one point.

Trying to avoid this expensive experimentation when lowering my Maxima.

 

I humbly disagree I bought my AGXs so that I could adjust them for autocross and track use. There's no point to having an agressive strut/spring combo if you can't adjust it.

On the flip side, I love my B+Gs when my AGXs are toned down. To me there's no point in driving a Maxima if it doesn't maintain some degree of a good ride.
-hype

 

Thats what makes these struts handle better then the rest. Because of the firm initial compression storke, they hold the car much more stable and they cut down body roll big time even without the use of a sway bar.

I'm not knocking Konis, they are an excellent shock as well. Both have their own good/bad points.

Best bang for the buck = AGX in our cars case.

 

Springs and struts are a very personal perference thing. You can't just listen to certain owners because they have certain setups. I have Koni's and Eibachs, and I wrench on race cars all the time, and I race shifter karts and open wheels, does that mean my opinion is more valid than others? NO! Because I went to racing school and learned handling dynamics, so that makes my choice of Koni/Eibachs the best choice? NO!

So like I said, just because I'm Michael Schumacher and if I use Eibach/Koni's doesn't mean that combo fits you. I personally drive my cars, race or daily a LOT stiffer than a lot of people and I like my Koni's and Eibachs. A lot of people say Eibach is too stiff, but I would say otherwise. I rode in a Max with AGX and Sprints before and I don't think highly of them at all, but there are members swear by them.

You should just find org members with different setup, ride in it or drive it and figure it out... they will still be tons of variables in consideration... tire size, wheels size....

Good luck!

Tifosi

 

Love the shock, provides great transient control of the car, but have a problem: since they're inserts they rattle inside the old strut housing.

-Mike

Stock suspension except koni yellows.

 

I dont really autox my car, i just like to cruise at like 125mph or so I think I'd rather have the comfort .. but ill find out for sure when/if i ever swap them back.

 

Recheck the bolt that goes the housing to the strut insert on bottom... some people reported that they sometimes get loose.

 

Thanks - dissasembled suspension, so unfortunatly, i know for a fact it's rattling in the right strut housing. I'm trying to get my hands on someone's old oem strut that's just laying around and try it again.

-Mike

 

other then the rear adjustments I like my Konis as well. They are adustable spring perch wise just in case you have alot of weight in the trunk and rebound adjustable and come with a lifetime warranty. So I only pay one time only for a set of shocks. KYBs recommends not to drop the car below what 1.7 because they may blow geez just totally defeats the purpose of a shock upgrade and they only come with one year warranty. They are a good shock for the money and direct bolt on.

 

lets see:
I've had Sprint/Koni
I've had H&R/Koni
and I currently have H&R/AGX

to me the Koni's rode very firm. the AGX's definitely are the smoother shock but that's just my opinion.

tokico is about to release the Illuminas, might have to check them out

 

Having had both with a varity of springs, I can honestly say that I haven't noticed a difference. I don't auto-x, but I drive a lot, and drag race. No difference.

However, Koni's customer service is second to none! I had a blown strut, and they sent me a new one without even asking for proof that the old one was bad. I doubt I could get that kind of service with a blown AGX.

 

Gordon Benson at Koni is a nice guy that I can vouch for. Good customer service you got it.

 

They are already out. Check out Southwestautoworks' suspension page. But they will cost you a pretty penny.

RL