caseyaz

My 1998 Sentra SE has almost 160k on it and is riding on original shocks/struts and springs. The front left strut is blown, and the car in general is riding really rough and bottoming out on that left side. I am going to pull the trigger on some Konis for my B14 and need an answer as Koni is running a 25% off sale that started on the Feb 1st.

If I get the specv's for all four corners will they work on the back too with out modification? I heard something about the perch not being the right size and having to order something special from Koni, if so anyone have that part number or know what to as for from Koni?

Also on the springs if I just have a daily driver would Pro-Kits be fine or should I just get the Road Magnets? I am mid 30's and don't want to be beat up everyday when I go to work. What else should I replace on the front suspension while I am in there, mounts, etc (part numbers would be awesome!)? I definitely am going to get the Koni bumpstops and oem boots.

eric96ser

The perch on the Spec V rears is 1/2 inch lower than the B14s.

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caseyaz

Thanks for the quick reply! So the B15 and B14 use the same diameter coil? If so it should be okay, since the fronts will be shorter with Koni the inserts?

eric96ser

If you are using B14 cores, then the rear will sit 1/2" lower than the front. Since the wheel arches are lower in the rear, the car will look super slammed in the rear. If you are using normal lowering springs and not GCs, use the Koni reds.

caseyaz

Crap I was hoping not to have to use the reds as they cost more for some reason. I can get yellows rears for $88/each, but the reds are like $112/each. Well if that is the only way to make it look right guess that is what I got to do. Thanks for you help, btw!

wes

Unless of course you plan on going with coilovers at any point... If you have a quality machine shop you could have them machine another groove to relocate the circlip 1/2" higher and use them with standard lowering springs as well.... Plus the Spec V rear yellow is a better choice...

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caseyaz

That is a good idea, I couldn't imagine a shop would charge too much for doing it. I didn't really plan on going with coilovers. Would the Koni threaded sleeves and perches work with standard (stock diameter) springs?

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2008 Honda Element AWD

wes

It should be easy as long as they understand they cannot heat them up too much! The Koni sleeves are for 2.5" or 2.25" coilover springs only. I used them when I built my setup....

caseyaz

Well I have had the Koni shocks for about a week and just got the Road Magnet springs today. I did a test fit of the springs on to the rear shocks and I noticed there was a lot of play, so I went out and measured the oem rear perch and it's 4 inchs wide while the Koni SpecV rears are 3.5 inches wide. So it does look like what I read before was true about the SpecV having smaller perches. I am going to contact Koni to see if they can send me some special d red perches. I wonder if anyone has gone coilover with the reds and has some perches laying around? Luckily I still have some more parts to buy so waiting isn't a big deal.

Also to revisit raising the rear perch up a 1/2 inch. I was thinking instead of having a machine shop cut another groove in the shock, could I possibly use some steel or aluminum tubing that fits around the shock and is only about 1/8" thick or possibly a collar to raise up the perch?