changing suspension

[jamiemirror]

Koni offer monotubes too (see PDF in link above).

Quote:..the suspension just follows the road better. You really can't compare these to koni's if you haven't diven in a car equipped with one of these.

About how to "follow the road" - I think this is matter of adjusting (rebound setting). Koni offer series 30 shock with similar ability for $1XX each...
About added expenses - for me they are almost equal (European or USA products).

PS: You are correct - I haven't driven car equipped with Leda (for example).

[NoHachi]

Jamie, its not the rebound setting..rebound usually just shifts the damping curve it doesn't affect ites basic shape properties..
Monodampers are much quicker to react to road irregularities then dual dampers, that alone allows you to run softer high speed settings. Koni also has a fair amount of hysteresis in their dampers..they have a "knee" where they go through a sudden change in rate en also do not react the same in bump and rebound..this can make for a crashy ride (and judging from Ivans car..it does, even with relatively soft springs).
Next to that the aluminium tubes are far lightr then the steel stock units and dissipate heat much quicker.
Its difficult to explain, but basically the feeling is this: A car equipped with 7/5 kg/mm rates, handles like a car with these rates, but has the same ride quality as a koni equipped car with 3/2kg rates...maybe even better comfort then stock. Now I know that most people tend to disregard comfort as something they will happily sacrifice, but its the sure feeling it gives and the calmness in the steering wheel is what really allows you to pick up speed..