HFP Suspension or Redshift/Koni Special D (Reds) w/ Sportlines?

[07k20si]

Hi all,

I have about $800 and looking to upgrade my suspension on my FG2. I was planning on running the HFP as it is plug and play. I hear the koni yellow are far superior to anything else, but I dont have the cash for the koni yellows.

Would the koni reds with either the prokits or sportlines handle better than the HFP? If so, I dont mind spending the extra 200 and grabbing the koni red/eibach package. I usually carve through the canyons 4-5 times a month. I'm also looking into auto-x. What would you guys recommend?

[confusedxpanda]

bump i'd also like to know

[I Vtec, do you?]

I can't tell, but unless you're very, very into competitive auto-x, the HFP is more than most people will ever need. I've been throwing my car into every curve/turn I encounter w/ the HFP and the car takes every single one of them with ease.

[brazilianguy]

go HFP or go coil-overs

[drfters13]

Originally Posted by brazilianguy

go HFP or go coil-overs

why is that? wouldn't it be a lil more to get the koni reds with sportslines? i mean more then 800?
with the sportlines you would get more of a drop then hfp springs.

[07k20si]

i was leaning towards the koni red/sportlines for the drop.....but if the hfp handles better, I'll sacrifice the drop for the performance.

[FastTimesAtFGHigh]

^ u just answered your own question

[Gamble]

I am curious to hear this as well. It is far too simple to say that the Koni Reds with sportlines will not handle as well because it is slammed- but that could not be the case. Where is the stig? That dude is always posting answers about suspensions. I'd like to hear his comments on this comparison.

Also: I am in the same boat and have been pondering this all day, thanks OP!

[Highrev1]

Originally Posted by Gamble

Where is the stig? That dude is always posting answers about suspensions. I'd like to hear his comments on this comparison.

I am guessing that would be me?

NOW...Since this is our company that is offering these I WILL be unbiased with my answer...

Now I don't know the length of the HFP dampers. BUt I do know ours are slightly shortend to accomadate lowering springs adding suspension travel, and we have done the measurments to ensure proper suspension travel.

REDS VS HFP This really is a difficult debate..Their are pros and cons to each. I truly think that the Reds would win in an AUTOX with identical tires.

HFP
Matched springs and Shocks
Designed for the car
Warranty if installed by the dealer

The REDS...
Compliments lowering springs
Perfect for OE replacement or vehicle improvement
Non-adjustable
Lifetime Warranty
Also ours are fully upgradeable to Yellows or Double adjustables
Lower drop

Their both very close and without testing I would go with the reds just due to the upgradeability of them.

[Highrev1]

OP get another 150 bucks and get the yellows...

[Sirbelch]

In thought the reds are ajustable, just not with a knob. You have to compress the damper and turn the shaft.

[honda93]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

In thought the reds are ajustable, just not with a knob. You have to compress the damper and turn the shaft.

True. But for all intents and purposes, is that really feasible at an autocross or a track day? Especially up front... Labor intensive and it throws alignment settings off. Hell, I'm the only one crazy enough to change rear shocks at an event, but even I wouldn't pull them out between runs to make a change!!!

Also, Greg... The HFP shocks are NOT shortened compared to standard issue units. I verified this on the rears as I had compared my OEM LX units, the Si Sedan rears I run now and the HFP rears. That explains why most people are getting less than 1" of lowering out of them. One inch less shock travel isn't going to affect ride and handling that much.

AND... If you ALL want my $.02, IF I were doing one of the "pre-fab" setups RedShift offers, I'd choose the Pro-Kit over the Sportline. Though they lower the car more, the Sportlines are actually a little softer although they offer a greater drop... Not good for the life of any damper.

Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

[homeboyv]

ive got the hfp kit and love it....no experience with the yellows and reds so I cant truthfully comment on whats better

[ortivt6]

OK I had the HFP... they handle a bit better than stock... but not as good as my new set up which is HFP shocks with sportline... The HFP arent low enough neither.... so if u want a nice drop and want the best handeling then go with the sportlines with either HFP shocks or konis...

[SiliconX]

I think, personally, if you have the money to afford either, it's really no contest. Konis with the either the Prokit or the Sportlines. Myself, after driving on the Sportlines for a week, I would go for the Prokit. I'm getting rubbing issues on the front, and in the rear if I have anything more than 40-50lbs in the trunk.

Nothing's more embarrassing than driving by some serious babes and hitting a dip. *scraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaape*

[Gamble]

Based on the comments in this thread I worry about lowering my car so much with the sportlines. I daily drive my car and live in New Orleans. As everyone who lives here knows, the streets can be the absolute worst at times. Also the look of our cars so slammed is not really my style. Is the prokit much more subtle?

Also:

I see HighRev you suggest getting the yellows. How big of a difference is there between the yellows and the reds? If I asked you, "HFP vs Yellows" would you be able to say with much greater confidence that the Koni's are better?

[ortivt6]

I have my sportlines with HFP shocks on stock SI wheels and tires and no rubbing at all... I drive thru some really bad road, uneven, big dips, and even pot holes... Only issue I have right now is the big dips where the car jumps high... but thats due to me not trimming the bump stop which am doing this week...

[RedShiftChris]

I'd say the Reds are a bit better than the Yellows because you can up the valving and make it what you want it to be. And the Sportlines or Prokit is a nice option too... same price. The Yellows are even more a clear winner over the HFP setup because the valving is better (not as soft as the HFP or Reds) and you still get the option of Sportline vs Prokit. The Yellows are still not race shocks so you won't get beaten up.... but they will sure perform better than HFP or the Reds. The HFP and Reds are similar. The HFP and Sportline/Prokit is similar although the Sportlines are lower. The HFP and Yellows are not the same ...the Yellows are the clear winner.

[Sirbelch]

Originally Posted by honda93

True. But for all intents and purposes, is that really feasible at an autocross or a track day? Especially up front... Labor intensive and it throws alignment settings off. Hell, I'm the only one crazy enough to change rear shocks at an event, but even I wouldn't pull them out between runs to make a change!!!
Anthony "Mario" Crea
NNJR-SCCA

:tongue in cheek: Run Sat. on one setting, go home, change it, re align it, run on Sun. compare and contrast.

[Sirbelch]

Originally Posted by ortivt6

OK I had the HFP... they handle a bit better than stock... but not as good as my new set up which is HFP shocks with sportline... The HFP arent low enough neither.... so if u want a nice drop and want the best handeling then go with the sportlines with either HFP shocks or konis...

Didn't you have Basics before?