Koni Shocks/Struts vs. 1LE shocks struts on 2011 SS - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

GEEKFREEKSCOTTY · 05-06-2014, 06:28 PM

Need some advice of some 5th Gen owners. I'm just about ready to install the pedders lowering springs I've had sitting around.
But, I hear that I should also change out my shocks/struts if I want to get the maximum performance out of the springs as well as life out of the shocks/struts. (I hear that stock shocks + struts with lowering springs isn't a good thing).
So... my question is should I go for Koni shocks/struts (http://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&veh...icleid=17&catid=248& productid=1277)
or
get OEM 1LE Shocks/Struts?

(and yes.. I'm already upgrading the rear control arms to FE4 as I also have ZL1 sway bars to put on)

Grayman · 05-06-2014, 11:35 PM

I've been conversing with Lee Grimes at Koni North America on their new adjustable Sport shocks. These should be hitting the shelves just any time now. That is my plan, though the Z/28 suspension upgrade does have me curious.

I have noticed that the 1LE uses a different rear shock mount, which is part of the 1LE suspension upgrade on the Chevrolet Performance site. Currently I'm running the Eibach Pro Series springs, and the Pfadt Racing ZL1 spec adjustable sway bars front and rear. I think being able to adjust the dampening on a lowered car will be a plus.

Jrichards73 · 05-07-2014, 12:41 AM

got tired of waiting and got the Eibach R2's instead, Koni has had almost 5 years to make the damn shocks already. Koni is always soon soon soon, yet no product.

VR Baron · 05-07-2014, 10:09 AM

1LE shocks work well with springs I hear and are stiffer in ride but livable from what one member near me has said. I had koni single adjustables on my 98 and they work well and liked them.

OmniCamaro · 05-07-2014, 11:05 AM

From what I've read the rears should mount fine in our 2011. I'm going the 1LE route. Saving up for those rears, a tad pricey.

GEEKFREEKSCOTTY · 05-07-2014, 11:53 AM

So, I take it there's quite a price difference between the 1LE gear and the Koni stuff?

looks like I can get all 4 corners with the Koni orange set for about $400 out the door.

I haven't checked prices on 1LE shocks/struts

BMR Sales · 05-07-2014, 12:12 PM

The 1LE shocks/struts are better than the SS shocks/struts without a doubt, however they are still designed for a stock ride height spring, so you will still see a reduced lifespan of the shock/strut when using them with lowering springs. The Koni's are designed for use at stock ride height or lowered, they will withstand the rigors of lowering springs without batting an eye!!! And right now they are 25% off, so I think you would end up saving a good chunk of change. We do have them in-stock and ready to ship.

GEEKFREEKSCOTTY · 05-07-2014, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR Sales

The 1LE shocks/struts are better than the SS shocks/struts without a doubt, however they are still designed for a stock ride height spring, so you will still see a reduced lifespan of the shock/strut when using them with lowering springs. The Koni's are designed for use at stock ride height or lowered, they will withstand the rigors of lowering springs without batting an eye!!! And right now they are 25% off, so I think you would end up saving a good chunk of change. We do have them in-stock and ready to ship.

Good.. because you were exactly who I was going to buy them from!!!

Should I PM you or place an order online?

BMR Sales · 05-07-2014, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GEEKFREEKSCOTTY

Good.. because you were exactly who I was going to buy them from!!!

Should I PM you or place an order online?

Either order online or call me direct, doesn't matter!!! I just double-checked our inventory, and we do have them.

OmniCamaro · 05-07-2014, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMR Sales

The 1LE shocks/struts are better than the SS shocks/struts without a doubt, however they are still designed for a stock ride height spring, so you will still see a reduced lifespan of the shock/strut when using them with lowering springs. The Koni's are designed for use at stock ride height or lowered, they will withstand the rigors of lowering springs without batting an eye!!! And right now they are 25% off, so I think you would end up saving a good chunk of change. We do have them in-stock and ready to ship.

Wish I'd have known this a month ago.

The fronts are quite a bit higher in price (Koni) but the rears are about the same; not what I remembered. But my memory sucks....

Do you see any issues with 1LE fronts with Koni rears, short term? Thanks!

BMR Sales · 05-08-2014, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmniCamaro

Wish I'd have known this a month ago.

The fronts are quite a bit higher in price (Koni) but the rears are about the same; not what I remembered. But my memory sucks....

Do you see any issues with 1LE fronts with Koni rears, short term? Thanks!

Shouldn't be an issue for short-term like you said. Sale ends at the end of this month.....so get 'em while you can!

BMR Sales · 05-08-2014, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GEEKFREEKSCOTTY

Good.. because you were exactly who I was going to buy them from!!!

Should I PM you or place an order online?

Thanks for your order Scott!!! We'll get your stuff out to you ASAP!!!

05-06-2014, 06:28 PM	#1
GEEKFREEKSCOTTY Autoboticus Roboticus Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 1,298 View My Garage	Koni Shocks/Struts vs. 1LE shocks struts on 2011 SS Need some advice of some 5th Gen owners. I'm just about ready to install the pedders lowering springs I've had sitting around. But, I hear that I should also change out my shocks/struts if I want to get the maximum performance out of the springs as well as life out of the shocks/struts. (I hear that stock shocks + struts with lowering springs isn't a good thing). So... my question is should I go for Koni shocks/struts (http://www.bmrsuspension.com/index.cfm?page=products&veh...icleid=17&catid=248& productid=1277) or get OEM 1LE Shocks/Struts? (and yes.. I'm already upgrading the rear control arms to FE4 as I also have ZL1 sway bars to put on) __________________

05-07-2014, 12:41 AM	#3
Jrichards73 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS Victory Red Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 921	got tired of waiting and got the Eibach R2's instead, Koni has had almost 5 years to make the damn shocks already. Koni is always soon soon soon, yet no product. __________________ Updates: BTR Stage 2 VVT Cam Kit w/Smith Brothers Trunnions, Fluidampr, RX catch can, B&M Trans pan mod, Kooks Black Headers, Borla S-tunes, Eibach Multi-Pro-R2 coilovers and Swaybars, BMR Full Bushing kit with Toe and Trailing arms, RB Rotors w/EBC Pads, GForce 1400 Axles (now on order). AVH-X5800BHS in Scosche GM5201AB.

05-07-2014, 11:05 AM	#5
OmniCamaro US Veteran Drives: 2011 Silver Ice Metallic 2SS/RS A6 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bossier City, La Posts: 1,407	From what I've read the rears should mount fine in our 2011. I'm going the 1LE route. Saving up for those rears, a tad pricey. __________________ *Dear Lord, give me the strength to carry on despite my Camaro addiction!* JRE iTSX tune, full cat-less Dynatech exhaust, CAI intake, Stillen Slotted/Drilled Rotors, RB braided brake lines, BMR lowering springs, (reserved for definite future MODS)

05-07-2014, 11:53 AM	#6
GEEKFREEKSCOTTY Autoboticus Roboticus Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 1,298 View My Garage	So, I take it there's quite a price difference between the 1LE gear and the Koni stuff? looks like I can get all 4 corners with the Koni orange set for about $400 out the door. I haven't checked prices on 1LE shocks/struts __________________

05-06-2014, 11:35 PM	#2
Grayman Drives: 2012 SS Conv. w/ SLP ZL454 package Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 14 View My Garage	I've been conversing with Lee Grimes at Koni North America on their new adjustable Sport shocks. These should be hitting the shelves just any time now. That is my plan, though the Z/28 suspension upgrade does have me curious. I have noticed that the 1LE uses a different rear shock mount, which is part of the 1LE suspension upgrade on the Chevrolet Performance site. Currently I'm running the Eibach Pro Series springs, and the Pfadt Racing ZL1 spec adjustable sway bars front and rear. I think being able to adjust the dampening on a lowered car will be a plus.

05-07-2014, 10:09 AM	#4
VR Baron SoCal Camaro5 Race Team Drives: 2021 Shadow Grey Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SO CAL Posts: 14,367	1LE shocks work well with springs I hear and are stiffer in ride but livable from what one member near me has said. I had koni single adjustables on my 98 and they work well and liked them.

05-07-2014, 12:12 PM	#7
BMR Sales Drives: Race Car Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Seffner, FL Posts: 6,226	The 1LE shocks/struts are better than the SS shocks/struts without a doubt, however they are still designed for a stock ride height spring, so you will still see a reduced lifespan of the shock/strut when using them with lowering springs. The Koni's are designed for use at stock ride height or lowered, they will withstand the rigors of lowering springs without batting an eye!!! And right now they are 25% off, so I think you would end up saving a good chunk of change. We do have them in-stock and ready to ship.