Final Strut Question: 01 Bullitt Koni FSD vs Tokico D-Specs

BlackStig · 12-30-2008

We already know I'm the lonely drifter of AFM, probably the only one.

However, I'm wondering, which one of the above listed struts (Koni FSD or Tokico D-Specs) would be better for the sport?

I know that the FSD's have the EDFC, which is awesome and are virtually infinitely adjustable . . .however, they're also 300 dollars more (for the set) than the D-Specs.

The Tokicos don't have the EDFC, still have a WIDE adjustibility range and are less costly.

I only ask because I'm put in a situation where I have the opportunity to buy both, but when spending that much money, you're talking about a one-or-the-other purchase.

Any help would be awesome!

-Dave

StangSuspension · 12-31-2008

Dave,

I assume you are comparing the Koni Double Adjustable's vs Tokico D-specs?

The D-specs do not have the ability to adjust rebound and compression independently. That is really the only disadvantage.

The D-specs adjustment although DOES adjust both rebound and compression.... which most single adjustable shocks do not. For example, the Koni single adjustables only adjusts rebound... no compression.

Tokico tunes the d-specs so the rebound and compression are matched together for performance.

Koni is a great company... and if you absolutely need independent adjustability of rebound and compression, then you cannot go wrong. I can tell you though... the D-specs have put a HUGE dent in Koni's sales from us...

BlackStig · 12-31-2008

Josh, thank you very much! That is quite possibly the most straight-forward answer anyone has EVER given me without saying "do yourself a favor and go with this company". I understand that companies can't say that for certain legal reasons.

For the level of drifting I'll be doing, I can't justify the bump in price. I mean, while it's not . . .THAT MUCH . . .in the overall grand scheme of what I'll be doing to this car, that extra 300 dollars can, and usually will, go some where else. I've priced the pan hard bar at just over 300, the same with my front control arms and torque arm.

But first things first:

1. Buy the struts (and maybe buy some linear rate springs)
2. Buy sway bars (which do you recommend for drifting, I've been looking at the Eibach kit, but that's mostly due to price)
3. Panhard bar and torque arm in the same purchase
4. Three-link rear end
5. LCA's to help improve steering angle

Let me know if you can help me out on any of the above listed items with advice or direction that you feel I should follow. I'm very appreciative of your support and if you have any, I'll go ahead and slap some vinyl on the car in key locations for the 2009 season.

-Dave

StangSuspension · 01-06-2009

Eibach swaybars are a good value. They include new endlinks as well... which most other kits do not.

Drifting is all about tuning your suspension after different trials. So I'd definitely install these items in stages. If you do it all at once, its going to be hard for you to "fine tune" anything because you have all the parts installed already. I'd start with the base suspension components first... shocks, struts, springs, cc plates. See how the car rides.... then add swaybars etc.

You may want to look at an adjustable swaybar as well, it will allow you to fine tune oversteer/understeer.

BlackStig · 01-06-2009

You're absolutely right, I was extremely surprised at how well I've been able to dial my car in just by driving it throughout 2008, I haven't even done any REAL suspension modifications, just new springs and it's all been seat time for me.

I've done 12 events this year and I've gone from not being able to get the car sideways to drifting the car, both hands off the wheel, both arms out the window. Yeah . . .that was showing off a bit, LOL, but it lets you know just how comfortable I am with this car. Now it's time to start building the suspension.

No offense to Mustang purists, but the SN-95 chassis, is by far the worst thing I've ever had the pleasure of drifting or driving. They have plenty of power, but without the aftermarket we have, these cars would be sub-par at best. That said, it IS a blast to hang the tail out around a sweeper, full smoke, then transition back all while feet away from another vehicle.

Check out my youtube videos, on my homepage to track my progression, it really is quite crazy. I am going to follow your advice as well as the suggestions from other drivers. The Konis are definitely the way to go, I'd rather spend a bit more money now, then have to spend the money later after buying the D-Specs. If I were keeping it grassroots and at the amateur level, then yeah, the D-Specs would be perfect, but I plan on going Pro-Am, I'm already doing drift demos and I've already started building my sponsorship proposal, so I'm out to turn heads while having fun . . .gotta spend the GREEN to make it work out I guess.

Thanks for your input StangSuspension, it means a lot to see companies come together to help out us motorsports guys.

Let me know if you need a drifter, LMAO! I'll rock an SS vinyl, HAHAHAHA!

StangSuspension · 01-08-2009

Yeah very true!

I usually tell customers that the Mustang Suspension is as old as the Atari and Apple II.... so that is the technology you're dealing with.