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Struts

Updated Feb. 3, 2000.

Upgrading your struts is one of the most noticeable ways to improve handling. If your car has poor handling, new struts are probably what you need. The front struts are a replaceable cartridge while the rear struts on first-gen W-body with the rear fiberglass monoleaf are replaced as an assembly.

Option 1: Koni Adjustable Struts. By far, the best for all-out performance are the Koni Adjustable struts. They are available for all first-gen W-body. The front struts are drop-in replacements, the rear struts are cartridges that insert into the shell of your existing worn struts. They send instructions on inserting the rear cartridges into the strut housings, and it really isn't as complicated as it sounds. Basically you gut your existing rear struts and fit the Koni's into your now empty strut housings. Koni Adjustable struts are fully adjustable from firm to extremely firm. From what I've seen in the UseNet newsgroups and heard from other enthusiasts, there are no other struts more suited to performance and autocrossing than Koni's. They are premium struts with a premium price. Remember, you get what you pay for. Koni struts are covered under a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Shox; $122.50 each.
Cyberspace Automotive Performance; Front 8641-1270 Sport, $138.70ea
Rear, 8641-1271 Sport, $138.70ea

Option 2: KYB GR2. Their GR2 gas struts are available for all W-body cars. The front and rear are drop-in replacements. The KYB are just a little bit stiffer than the factory FE3 performance struts on Grand Prix, Cutlass Supreme, and Lumina Z34. Compared to the Koni, the KYB are a little less stiff and I have been told that they give a more comfortable ride. KYB are Japanese struts and also have a Lifetime Replacement Warranty.

Shox; $65 each.

Option 3: Grob Till Industries GTShocks with Variable Force Reaction. I don't know much about these, but here's the info from the manufacturer:

"Variable Force Reaction shock valving utilizes a fluid flow sensing piston to monitor and control fluid flow within the inner cylinder of the shock. This variable valving determines the optimum damping force for both comfort and control. Under normal driving conditions, the valve remains open; allowing a greater volume of fluid to flow through the piston for a comfortable ride quality. Under severe driving conditions, the high velocity of the piston, forces the valve to close, restricting fluid flow to provide the higher force damping required to maintain control. Based on laboratory tests (shock dynos), the valving force changes enabled with VFR, range as high as 30%. GTShocks also incorporate a very low viscosity synthetic hydraulic fluid that requires lower pressure nitrogen gas charging to combat foaming. GTShocks and struts utilize hard durometer rubber isolator bushings and feature distinctive red & gold carbon fibre decal badges."

Front struts are part #42-0459, rear struts for all first-gen W-body (EXCEPT 95-99 Monte Carlo/Lumina) are part #42-0708. Rear struts for 95-99 Monte Carlo/Lumina are part #42-0817.

Purchased direct from Grob Till Industries, 609-722-6707
- Part #42-0459 (front struts) is $164/pair.
- Part #42-0708 (rear struts all w/rear leaf) is $133/pair.
- Part #42-0817 (rear struts Monte/Lumina 95-99) is $188/pair.