(Yellow Konis)-How Many Clicks do u rip on the daily...

[machomachacho]

Fugees-The Score "HOW MANY MICS"

ok..yellow Koni adjustable owners, what is the best trial and error application for the adj. Yellow Koni's have you found to be best for city driving. Have them on the way and have read "Full-Soft" or "Full Soft front-One-One and 1/2 rear. Thanks all for any input. FYI 19's 235/35 and 265/30.

[SLAMMED_C]

I have mine cranked right up to 2!.. hardest setting. its pretty rough though.
I knew I wanted a stiff ride.. so I just cranked them to max.
they are such a pain to adjust.. Id just set them to mid range and forget about it.. or depending on if you prefer a softer ride or a very harsh stiff ride!
got any pics of your car?

[Denlasoul]

I have the 1, 2, 3 click setting on mine. My shocks are set to full hard.

I would not recommend it for a daily driver.

[SLAMMED_C]

Originally posted by Denlasoul
I have the 1, 2, 3 click setting on mine. My shocks are set to full hard.

I would not recommend it for a daily driver.
hmm.. mine have 0-1-2 seetting. I guess same thing really! mine are cranked to full though.

[machomachacho]

for sure fellas i will imageshack some pixs up in here for my brohams here to see. have to wait till the project is setup nice... waiting for Brabus reps to get here and a good quote on setting up the suspension. you don't want to see my stock 98 right now, though she is gorgeous.

what's a good price range so i know some guy's not rippin me off on the shock/spring install? Have a boi's cuzin who does it but he's hard to get a hold of at the moment so right now i'm opting for this Euro sport tuning joint or the Merchant's tire down the street who's flip and could (doubt it though) hook things up w/ the install.

slammed, your roads must be relatively new going on the highest firm setting, ...you like it that way, track that thing, or is that the best way so things don't rub that much or at all. i'm hoping to avoid spending on fender mods.

...one other thing, i been searching on the bump stop replacement on my 230 sport, trim that thing or replace as is? preciate you guyz who been there/done that, sharing your experiences so i don't have to waste mad stress on screwin around on the new suspension setup.

[machomachacho]

full hard compared to full soft and if anyone has anything in between iin relation to stock. this navy officer who had my car beforehand took real good care of this thing, saving all the maintanance documentation, and rode alot just back in forth on the interstate. it's still plush IMO at 114k, though i wish she would take fast turns better.

only experience I can share here is choppin a coil of my neuspeeds race on my accord= that was punishment freel, hitting all those bumps on the interstate felt acutely everyone of them, big or small. though it look sweet, and was the envy of the beach, never again!! my girlfriend at the time was wondering if we were ever going to make it through hahah!!! 15's on 50 series nittos slammed hard, i laugh about it now:))

b4 that the honda was setup stock with LA Wire deep dish reversed, heh it was pretty pimp... back in 93-94. embarassing now. neway let me know the dilly and steer me right here.

[kameraguy]

Same here. Full hard front and rear. I have to admit it wasn't as stiff as I expected. More compliant than I would have guessed. Although it is a bit jarring to my friends who aren't used to hard suspension setups.

But yeah, the versions I got in on the group buy are set it and forget it. I wish they had easy external adjustments like I how I heard the new versions are.

[machomachacho]

getting crazy quotes for the install-$225-$700..

$50-60 to roll both the fronts

YEA BOI CAN'T WAIT!!!

[machomachacho]

i'm going to try the full soft up front and 1 click in the rear. looking for max cush to do the daily city commuting.

does a little turn go a long way...thinking of maybe one and 1/2 click for the rears, i'm usually the only occupant unless i take my girls on a quick spin somewhere.

roads here are generally good above average (potholes, construction, bumps, etc, etc).

[Denlasoul]

Originally posted by machomachacho
getting crazy quotes for the install-$225-$700.
You're better off buy some tools for about $200 and doing them yourself. I ended up buying a Craftsman set of wrenches and sockets. Install isnot that hard, I'd say about a 7 on a 10 scale.

[!!!!!NJ Drive]

Originally posted by Denlasoul
You're better off buy some tools for about $200 and doing them yourself. I ended up buying a Craftsman set of wrenches and sockets. Install isnot that hard, I'd say about a 7 on a 10 scale. thats if your mechanically inclined ;)

[Denlasoul]

Originally posted by !!!!!NJ Drive
thats if your mechanically inclined ;)
Trust me, I'm not that inclined.

[SLAMMED_C]

slammed, your roads must be relatively new going on the highest firm setting, ...you like it that way, track that thing, or is that the best way so things don't rub that much or at all. i'm hoping to avoid spending on fender mods.

lol.. no.. no.. they arent new! they are pretty poor with all honesty. which is why 2 weeks ago I bent a wheel!.. bent the inner lip, enough so my tire went flat! but I fixed it myself. good as new now.
I just prefer a firm ride. I dont think it helps much for rubbing less. sometimes its like the shocks cant keep up with the dips and bumps in the road. but I think thats due to not having any bump stops on my shocks!.. I need to find some.
eastwood company has their fender roller on sale fo $224 I think. I bought it when it was $250. it works great.
Id like to track my car.. maybe one day when its fast enough to track!!

[martattack]

Originally posted by Denlasoul
You're better off buy some tools for about $200 and doing them yourself. I ended up buying a Craftsman set of wrenches and sockets. Install isnot that hard, I'd say about a 7 on a 10 scale.

The tool set will also be helpful in the future!!

[machomachacho]

believe me, if i could've done it myself i would've.

i'm all about looking for that excuse to buy that something "to use down the road in the future", to justify my expenses 2 the wifee

.. my realm of technical expertise is having learned to change my oil and front brakes bro,lol.

thing is i'm throwin a nice phat backyard bbq party this saturday for my daughter's no.2. bday. i gots to have my C setup nice on the sneak tip for the fellas and fam to see;p hahah!!!

yea my bro n law has mad mad tools, i would've had to find/rent one of those spring compressor deals, and then there's the issue i don't have access to a lift, then the time and sweat and me possibly jacking up something like the suspension, i got an appt on friday to put the KONIS first thing in the morning...from what i've researched online these guys should hook it up nice for pretty decent, $225.

[Denlasoul]

Dont need a spring compressor.

[machomachacho]

i've never done it or seen it done b4, so it looks/sounds pretty straight forward. out of curiousity, is there anything tricky to it, special tools, or is it simply take apart the old and replace with the new? I'd wish i'd have the experience of doing it myself

tirerack should have ups'd the set by 2morrow and i'll drop them puppies in friday morn.

[Denlasoul]

Originally posted by machomachacho
i've never done it or seen it done b4, so it looks/sounds pretty straight forward. out of curiousity, is there anything tricky to it, special tools, or is it simply take apart the old and replace with the new? I'd wish i'd have the experience of doing it myself

Nothing I can think of off the top of my head. Remember to remove the shock covers and bump stops and place them on your Koni's. Also, you will want to trim the bump stop so that you do not bottom out on full compression (remember that your OEM shocks are longer and have more room to travel, by lowering you car 1.5-2.0 inches, means 1.5-2.0 less room of travel.)

[machomachacho]

D-how much inche(s)did you trim for your C?..the bumpstops?

[tinter101]

I have my koni's set all the way soft. Why not enjoy some comfort in the Benz? If I'm going out for day of hard driving, I'll turn 'em
to the stiffest position. That's why I got the externally adjustable set-up. Just me?

[Denlasoul]

Originally posted by tinter101
That's why I got the externally adjustable set-up. Just me?
Unfortunately, I do not have exteernal controls. I'd have to take mine off to change them.

[machomachacho]

Originally posted by tinter101
I have my koni's set all the way soft. Why not enjoy some comfort in the Benz? If I'm going out for day of hard driving, I'll turn 'em
to the stiffest position. That's why I got the externally adjustable set-up. Just me?

bro how does FULL soft compare stock. My sport has a nice cush but firm...sporty. I would like less rollover when taking turns though and hopefully the full soft and Koni springs fix that...and the 19's:cool:

did u do the install?

any advice on what to tell dude on how much to trim off the bumpstops?

[machomachacho]

if anyone happens upon this post this is maybe what you've been lookin 4, payce

good lookin out (http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1045&perpage=15&highlight=shorter%20travel&pagenumber=2) :cool:

[tinter101]

Macho, The koni's set to soft is still stiffer than stock set-up but
no skipping of CD's and you don't feel every crack in the road. I had the Koni yellows and H&R sports done at the same time by a local tuner shop. My previous car was a lowered Maxima on 18's &
stock shocks and it was torture to drive.

[machomachacho]

Originally posted by tinter101
Macho, The koni's set to soft is still stiffer than stock set-up but
no skipping of CD's and you don't feel every crack in the road. I had the Koni yellows and H&R sports done at the same time by a local tuner shop. My previous car was a lowered Maxima on 18's &
stock shocks and it was torture to drive.

bro, i just got the KONIS in today and got finished putting on the wheels.

1st, the ride as unbelievable better handling, got the cush, yet firm not harsh at all,...perfect man!!

the lower center of gravity and the closer view to the road brought a flashback to my honda sportcompact dayz.

10/10-initial impression- drop looked good on my stocks over crappy sections but mostly decent city driving.

check it http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5189/pict00726vp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[machomachacho]

DAMN i got my babies on and a little pissed i think dude sent the wrong offset ...it says P.C.D. 112mm on a sticker in side the rim...i specifically specified +35.

tires on the front Nitto 555's 235/30. the tire (control arm?) bolt are sitting on top of the inner most part of on the tires.

the wheels look just right as far as flush but now i need to pick up some spacers and i suppose longer bolts.

check dis voila!! http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/9449/pict00746gs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

the car is stationary till i get them spacers and bolts on the front...just hope it doesn't look jacked as far as the fronts peeking out too far. yall wipe that drool of them keypads LOL:cool:

[Nitrogenbalance]

The 112 is the bolt patern. 5 x 112 is usually how it is stated. It's common benz pattern. The offsett is usually stated as "ET" A usual spot is an inner spoke. Check the insides of the wheel spokes for "ET 35". I'm sure they are fine.

Is this the reason you think you need spacers?? The only reason I can see you needing spacers was if your front/rear calipers where rubbing on the inner face of the wheel. The spacer would bring the wheel farther away from the hub = more space for say bigger brakes.

If the wheels are mounted with no rubbing of the outer fender lip/inner fender or calipers I would say your all set!!

[Nitrogenbalance]

Just Re-read your post.....I tend to blow through things too quickly. Your saying that there is a bolt from the control arm hitting your front tire???

Please take a picture of it, I can't figure it out and the My 202 is at home for reference. Also, see if you can find the ET 35 somewhere on the wheel.

[Denlasoul]

What setting did you decide to go with?

[machomachacho]

brohams...i went FULL SOFT... i've only had it a few hours but the tech and myself both agreed it almost feels like we swap the stock shocks...(read, just a little bit firmer, but comfortable( f'd up sections of roads, driveways, railroad tracks, (stock wheels),

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/514/frontsuspension4xu.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

in this diagram, it's "C" ..that bolt on the bottom is sitting right on top on the innermost part of my tire.

bro, on these Brabus reps, the only thing i can identify is that "112mm" sticker.

i was real specific, with the co. i ordered to send me +35, over and over. maybe it is right, fact is that bleepin bolt is locking up both sides of my front tires.

....let me take pix...

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/2231/pict00851st.th.jpg (http://img124.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict00851st.jpg)

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/9572/pict00833iw.th.jpg (http://img83.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict00833iw.jpg)

looks like i need about index,maybe a pinky's with of spacer took clear that dang bolt.

i'm thinking i might have to add the spacers X4 to make it look even, cuz it looks good now except that i can't go nowhere..

[machomachacho]

my bad, here

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/5990/pict00843op.th.jpg (http://img115.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict00843op.jpg)
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9052/pict00858mz.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict00858mz.jpg)
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/1462/pict00838zu.th.jpg (http://img115.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict00838zu.jpg)

[machomachacho]

correction..tire size front 235/35 Nitto 555.

tirewall profile is nice. after the rim guard it tapers away nice to get that little extra room if u need,though i need a good 5+mm more to clear that bolt and nut.


i've been surfin the member forums and i know this is a common setup that works...usually.

the front wheels must me on the extreme side >35 ET.

i'm picking up a set of spacers in the morn and going to recheck behind the wheel spokes again if i missed the offset stamp.

[Nitrogenbalance]

I have never seen that happen before with your setup. It seems your doing the only thing you can with the spacers I guess.....I just wouldn't want to see your front wheels rubbing the fender lip now that they will be pushed out....

So your wheel set up is this(or is supposed to be):

19x8.5 F
19x9.5 R

ET 35

Correct?? This is very very common to run on W202's. This is why I'm confused about the fitment.

Check the box they came in, sometimes that will indicate the offsett.

Good luck. The car looks great!

[machomachacho]

thanx man.

found the offset on the wheel spoke 37 ET...funny how many times i emphasized on having them ship me the 35's they manage to jack it up...

so rather than ship back and forth the right ones and wasting my breath on a good tongue lashing with dude, i put 2mm spacers up front and hacksawed the extra threads off the bolt in the pix giving the room it needed.

check this, i'm ready to roll, shined up the wheels n tires real nice, shift into d, and baby dont want to roll away quite yet...

i could hear the sound off the rubber on the 9.5's rubbing not allowing the rears to spin freely. (sigh) jacked up the back a little bit to get my hand up in the well and found the tires locked up on the inner front bottom of the wheel well.

...fast forward bout 45 mins of hammering and rechecking to get the clearance i needed, managed to get the left rears straight away with a couple mms room for the suspension to do it's thing and not having things rub

right side needs a little more persuading with ma hamma to get the little rub that still there.

2morrow i'll be completing the set of 2mm spacers for the rears and i should have the 35 ET all around. payce:cool:

[SLAMMED_C]

there shouldnt be any issues with running et37 wheels.. I dont see how they could be hitting the front upper control arm nut.
an et of 35 is the ideal offset for a w202.. but you can fit manyy other offsets that are close to that.. 37 shouldnt have been an issue.
how much is your car lowered?

[machomachacho]

dude u trip me out.

start from the beginning of the thread man, cuz it'll answer all your ?'s.

[machomachacho]

Originally posted by SLAMMED_C
there shouldnt be any issues with running et37 wheels..


i wish that wasn't the case..i'd be rollin right now


Originally posted by SLAMMED_C
I dont see how they could be hitting the front upper control arm nut.



there's a pic earlier.. you can see how the bolt is situated

[jnolte]

that offset should fit fine, Ive ran Offset 40,37,39,35 and they all fit fine.

What brand are the wheels? If they are cheap Made in China ones, quality is problay off and they may be a diffrent offset then they are acually supposed to be

[machomachacho]

good newz... hammered out the wheel well where i was getting the rub.

spent the evening runnin round feelin out the suspension and until i've really put some miles on the new setup, all i can say is SWEET, money well spent, and sacrifice and get the shocks and springs you'll be glad u did. alot more forgiving than i imagined. i can only compare to my slammed hard, chopped neuspeed on my old honda to this setup and that was literally like o shit that hurt most of the time.

i've read everything all i could find here on the bilsteins and koni's and it seems most have great reviewz on the steins and i've read on occasion koni's will blow out on u... i guess time will tell and hopefully i have a good run with these KONIS( sport shock/spring kit unmodified full soft). i'd go as far to say that in my application for just spirited commuting (not taking tracking) this setup is perfect.

i know there was a group buy about 2 yrs ago on the yellow koni's

are the 06 yellows the same as the previous years..just want to get an idea who to hit up in case i gots issues down the road.

[machomachacho]

Originally posted by jnolte
that offset should fit fine, Ive ran Offset 40,37,39,35 and they all fit fine.

i'm scratchin my head a little bit too cuz.

i agree there is mad different offsets peeps runnin and haven't heard about any issues,..maybe a dremel or rubber hammer used here and there and/or some fender rolling.

i noticed on my c230 that the wheel well down towards the bottom where the suspension meets up with the steel frame it is very irregular in build like they didn't spend too much time trying to make this area perfect. it's also all covered in this sound absorbing material.

on both sides the tires were rubbing on the inside

took care of it today hammering it out, so won't need to add spacers


Originally posted by jnolte
What brand are the wheels? If they are cheap Made in China ones, quality is problay off and they may be a diffrent offset then they are acually supposed to be
if i had the 98 amg no doubt i'd have the real deal BRABUS multi piece. dunno for me the ASA's aren't a bad compromise for my C. You could read a little about these cheap made in China's bra ASA (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/asa/asa_info.jsp) almost everything made in China B.

case in point, my MESA extension cabs filled w/ the newer china made Celestion V30s/G12Hs. the tone they put out is just as sweet as the Celestions produced of England. don't hate on china.. man (http://professional.celestion.com/guitar/about/history.asp?index=4) :D

[machomachacho]

how long yall wait to order up some camber kits from speedy for the rears?

[MirageHatch]

good to hear is you've sorted it out! so how does the ride compare to stock? does the car rattle more over bumps? do you still have a cruisy benz ride? im really keen to know

i used to have a slammed mitsubishi hatch and god that was soo uncomforatble with its coilovers, just insane!

[machomachacho]

what up there down under? =)

i 've put 500 miles city drivin and the suspension is pretty broken in from what i can recollect from the beginning (a little more cush to already cushy, but still firmer than stock.)

sportier on the curves and overall handling.

when talkinh about ride comfort, also to consider the 19's that the 35's really take away from the suspension, but ...again still more forgiving than i had imagined.

2 issues i have found breaking in this setup

1) right off the bat there was issues w/wheel chatter. the steering wheel would shake side to side (a bit) and it seemed to smooth out when going faster or at certain speeds.

bolts were torqued and retorqued for the first week of break-in and it progressively smoothed out. up on the jack, the wheels spun w/o a hitch and pushing and pulling, only initially the L front had a minute bit of play.

dunno if it was having had used the 2mm spacers in the front magnifying the wheels setting in?? Having the camber a bit off maybe could explain the very light vibrating of the steering wheel i still have at 500 miles.

2) riding over good size dips in the road at speed i scrape on the fronts...nothing big, just a graze. fyi i'm the only passenger. when riding w/ passengers handling changes again, less spring back from road irregularities and the tires graze a little more often. maybe do a roll on the fronts after i fix some my o2 sensors.

[MirageHatch]

good to hear!

enjoy your new set-up and if you take more pics im keen to see em!

cheers!

[SLAMMED_C]

FUK IM PISSED... well I need a new right rear shock..
Ive heard this knocking noise for about a week now. figured it was the shock, but I didnt think it was this fuked!.. it must have blown all its fluid out.. rides like shit now. bent my wheel on a freaking pot hole too.. but I fixed it.
so now I gotta send it to Koni and wait for a new one. but how can I send them one when I dont have a shock to put back in its place?!!
stupid Koni's.....
what other shock manufacturers make adjustable shocks?

[97C28O]

Your rims are made by ASA? I don't see them on tirerack.com. How much did they cost you? w/ tires?

BTW. Your car is sitting/looking good.

[machomachacho]

damn bro, sorry to hear, big time buzzkill.

potholes are my worst nightmare when i'm out.

was it one massive pothole or the cummulative effect hitting a bunch of potholes/f'd up roads over a period of time?

how did you fix the bent wheel? DYI or a machine shop?

hopefully you got some mileage out your shock. i'm thinking full firm might be alot tougher on the shock and wheels on impact, but prob better setting just for clean road/track.

[machomachacho]

Originally posted by 97C28O
Your rims are made by ASA? I don't see them on tirerack.com. How much did they cost you? w/ tires?

BTW. Your car is sitting/looking good.

Thanx man.

..(ebay has everything bro):cool: :D...

[machomachacho]

Originally posted by SLAMMED_C
FUK IM PISSED... well I need a new right rear shock..
Ive heard this knocking noise for about a week now. figured it was the shock, but I didnt think it was this fuked!.. it must have blown all its fluid out.. rides like shit now. bent my wheel on a freaking pot hole too.. but I fixed it.
so now I gotta send it to Koni and wait for a new one. but how can I send them one when I dont have a shock to put back in its place?!!
stupid Koni's.....
what other shock manufacturers make adjustable shocks?

my bad, just reread your post again. it's no good now but i hung on to my stock shox when i had the KONIs installed.

hmm..

either carpool till your replacement comes in, could be awhile though

maybe someone in the club has a spare stock shock or even better a bilstien or koni lying around

cough up the loot and next day another shock for replacement.

[SLAMMED_C]

Originally posted by machomachacho
damn bro, sorry to hear, big time buzzkill.

potholes are my worst nightmare when i'm out.

was it one massive pothole or the cummulative effect hitting a bunch of potholes/f'd up roads over a period of time?

how did you fix the bent wheel? DYI or a machine shop?

hopefully you got some mileage out your shock. i'm thinking full firm might be alot tougher on the shock and wheels on impact, but prob better setting just for clean road/track.
yeh it sucked!.. had to change to my spare at the side of the road! but oh well.
I think it wa just kinda over time with the potholes.. but since my shock is knocking (loss of all the oil) it hit a nice sized pot hole and just bent the shit out of it.
I fixed the wheel myself.. it was a rear one too. I had to already fix a front one about a month ago or so.. Ive never bent so many whees before!
but I took the rear tire off the rim and got the torches out.. heated the lip up slowly and carefully hit it back into place with a block of wood and a large hammer! owrked out really well for the front wheel when I fixed it so I figured why not for the rear!.. no problems yet.
knock on wood.
Im gonna look around for a shock.. carpooling isnt realy an option.. no one at my work really drives by me on the way there. I may just get a new set of shocks. I like the adjustability of the Koni's.. but I knew they had a reputation for shocks leaking too.. I should have got something else!

who else makes adjustable shocks?.. Koni the only ones?

[machomachacho]

SLAMMED: best i could do in the middle of this movie..
GSX/PSX (http://www.modsearch.com/browse.php?category=7&subcategory=74&make=Mercedes-Benz&modelname=C230&year=1998&manu=) GMP (http://www.gmpperformance.com/index.cfm?PG=catList&CID=5508)

[SLAMMED_C]

Originally posted by machomachacho
SLAMMED: best i could do in the middle of this movie..
GSX/PSX (http://www.modsearch.com/browse.php?category=7&subcategory=74&make=Mercedes-Benz&modelname=C230&year=1998&manu=) GMP (http://www.gmpperformance.com/index.cfm?PG=catList&CID=5508)
thanks mang.. Ill have to look nto these sites and more.
what movie ya watchin?!!

[machomachacho]

TAKING LIVES Angelin Jolie gettin busy.. j/k...;-p

DBZ Cooler's Return. I'm on a DBZ marathon streak since yesterday morn.

FUSION Reborn was the best yet bra, seen earlier yesterday. Fight scenes, music, story, bad@$$ *****'s