fitting koni inserts to gm struts guide vn/vz

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

Hi guys,

 

 

Im fitting konis to my vs and thought I would put up my research to help others

 

link

http://www.druidhillroad.com/projects/koni/

 

 

 

 

They dont do a full strut so you have to modify a genuine holden strut to suit to accept the insert

 

 

Like so starts like this stock gm shock

then drill out base to drain oem fluid and gas

cut the top off

 

 

measure and insert koni shock.. put bolt through base which when done up draws the cartridge in

video if anyones interested

 

 

• This topic was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.
• This topic was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Nice work

[Anonymous View build HERE Member since: January 1, 1970 Posts: 0]

I part mine off in the Lathe then centre drill the hole, just means you don’t need as a big a hole to allow for “wobbly hands”

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

That would be great would love to do it that way.. unfortunately I dont have access to a laithe that will be big enough for that kind of job… So it will be pipe cutter and drill :stress:

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

some vids show and some dont.. any idea if they have internal bump stops or you need to trim down the originals like in the second vid??

[Anonymous View build HERE Member since: January 1, 1970 Posts: 0]

sands vs wrote:

some vids show and some dont.. any idea if they have internal bump stops or you need to trim down the originals like in the second vid??

Do you mean the Koni’s?

If so no they don’t you need to reuse the originals, I’d go as far as saying buy some new ones as I had one split on the Gt Ocean road and destroy the shock when it bottomed out, it broke the piston off the end of the shaft so it was a long slow Pogo Ride home…

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

Yeah for the koni inserts I have heard they dont use one at all as they have internal bump stops, But on the video it shows the origionals being trimmed

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

 

 

Well change of plans this happened last night…….

 

 

They may end modding these to fit konis at a later date anyway..

• This reply was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

So whats peoples thoughts on the ride of these concerned they will be too harsh for a street car.?

 

Apparently they are a 9 pound coil

 

 

think its worth trying to get a lower pound coil and or change to progressive rate spring? Where would i be best to source these.

• This reply was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by  sands vs.

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

Ok so I cant work out what coils are in it but from contacting kings. There spring rates in progressive are 180-230lb.. So as for fixed they only sell fixed so they suggested 225lb springs. They are 4kg so thats what I will be using.

 

 

Does anyone know if I have to change the spring helpers to match as well?

[Anonymous View build HERE Member since: January 1, 1970 Posts: 0]

No the Helpers are just there to keep the springs captive when fully extended.

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Anonymous wrote:

No the Helpers are just there to keep the springs captive when fully extended.

Can you tell me a little more about this.  When I adjust my front down to the ride height I want the springs arent pre loaded at all and potentially rattle around under no load, it full extension or on the hoist.  I assume you shouldn’t run them like this.  Is this what these additional springs are about?

[Anonymous View build HERE Member since: January 1, 1970 Posts: 0]

VRSenator065 wrote:

IJ. wrote:

No the Helpers are just there to keep the springs captive when fully extended.

Can you tell me a little more about this. When I adjust my front down to the ride height I want the springs arent pre loaded at all and potentially rattle around under no load, it full extension or on the hoist. I assume you shouldn’t run them like this. Is this what these additional springs are about?

Yep that’s exactly what they do, they’re designed to run “flat” when compressed, I think mine are like 40Lb rate so easily compressed by hand, they open back up when the shock is fully extended to prevent the Main springs dropping off their seats and causing damage, the only other way to do it is with a short stroke Shock that matches the Spring’s length.

[Phire aka GmfanParticipant VictoriaVT LS1 Wagon View build HERE Member since: March 3, 2015 Posts: 105]

VRSenator065 wrote:

IJ. wrote:

No the Helpers are just there to keep the springs captive when fully extended.

Can you tell me a little more about this. When I adjust my front down to the ride height I want the springs arent pre loaded at all and potentially rattle around under no load, it full extension or on the hoist. I assume you shouldn’t run them like this. Is this what these additional springs are about?

I thought your xyz coilovers were like my bc’s where height adjustment is independent of the lower spring seat? Basically preload the spring then all height adjustment is done by adjusting the height of the lower mount in relation to coilover body?

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Not sure exactly what you mean (tbh I have little experience with adjustables).  But I basically adjust the yellow ring at the bottom of the spring in this pic, basically the lower I screw it, the lower the car sits but I get to a point just above the ride height I would like ideally where the spring is no longer pre loaded at all.

[LF24Participant Ipswich- \'99 ls1 Holden VS ute - \'02 HSV Maloo R8 View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 57]

Gary the xyz coilovers you adjust the height independently to the spring height.  The spring is preloaded slightly with the lower spring seat then you can adjust the coilovers to any height with the bottom ring against the shock body!

Pedders explains it pretty well

[VRSenator065Participant Adelaide SAVR Senator LSx454 1960 Kombi (project) 1921 Nash Hot Rod (future project) View build HERE Member since: February 17, 2015 Posts: 5 777]

Far out, how bloody dumb am I!!  I didn’t realize that’s the way its done!!!  Thanks very much for that, much appreciated.

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>Back on topic.</p>
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<p style=”text-align: left;”>Here is some assembled pics</p>
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[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

http://www.druidhillroad.com/projects/koni/photo_album/photos.html

 

 

Link to all the steps in pics

[sands vsParticipant vs commodore View build HERE Member since: March 1, 2015 Posts: 619]

Ok so making  coilovers from gm struts and a sleeve kit..

 

I know these will work just unsure what size to use

http://www.otomoto.com.au/c/4037307/1/sleeve-kits.html

 

These are a lot cheaper any ideas if these will work? I dont need springs

http://www.summitracing.com/int/search/product-line/qa1-coil-over-sleeves

 

 

Information to help others the kit you need is 55mm.

The sleeve length is 150mm

• This reply was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by  sands vs.
• This reply was modified 8 years, 11 months ago by  sands vs.

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