Back in the day, the B13 front was the only option commonly tired. Now we have Spec V and Maxima inserts. Even back then the standard SE-R fronts are ok up to the 325lb range. Thats the setup Matt (a very good instructor) is using on his SE-R on a roadcourse.
http://www.sr20forum.com/showthread.php?t=47637
But, knowing what I know now, I recommend the SpecV insert. The cost is less then $10 more.
BTW, the Maxima insert ($135 from tirerack) as tested by Koni has nearly the same starting rebound dampening as the 8611 but with out the overly stiff compression portion. It's my favorite setup for the front. The B14 Koni front has about 10% less starting dampening as the 8611 and makes a great rear unit for a B13 GC car. In the end my criteria for a shock are:
1 Shorter then stock
2 Adjustable
3 Easily Revalvable
4 Of a know high Quality
5 Adaptable to a variety of setups
6 Race Proven
7 Will survive a daily driver
Very few shocks make that list. VERY, VERY few.
And all this talk of Digressive dampening curves kinda makes me wonder about all the SE-R Cup cars running Koni's in the past. Take a look at the Advance Design setup.
http://honda-tech.com/zerothread/1104049
It's not even that digressive (I know it's tunable). Like I said in my post a little while back. There is a heck of a lot more in picking a damper then just looking at a dyno curve. I will take "1 inch plus shorter then stock Koni" over the AGX setup any day of the week on a lowered car. If I was to build up any B13/14/15 my first and only choice would be either a set of Spec V or Maxima/B14 setup depending on the springs I was using. I would recommend Progress stuff, but I'm still mad at progress for making my S13 swaybar wrong and not replacing it. I can't imagine buying a $1200 setup of coilovers and getting the same service I have recieved with my simple to make but poorly made swaybar. I will stick with recommending Koni's as they are proven to be a reliable long term performer with great customer service. Just to be clear, it's not "my Maxima" setup in the sense that you have to pay me to get it done. I have posted how to do all this stuff on your own. It's off the shelf simple
