Koni FSD shocks

[bootman]

Anyone try these yet for the 5?

http://www.koni-na.com/fsd.cfm

[Katner]

Anyone try these yet for the 5?

http://www.koni-na.com/fsd.cfm

Didn't see a price on there. You know how much they are?

[StealthWyvern]

Didn't see a price on there. You know how much they are?


Just select your car on the right.....


Mazda 05-08 5 Wagon - Sport (Yellow)


Front Rear

8741 1490LSport
8741 1490RSport 8040 1354Sport

Retail Price: $612.00
KONI Online Price: $459.00
KONI Sale Price: $397.80 per pair



Retail Price: $452.00
KONI Online Price: $339.00
KONI Sale Price: $293.80 per pair

[bootman]

You can sometimes find a full set on ebay for about $650

[diogenes]

The Koni FSD set for the Mazda 5 is also on sale now at shox.com for $625.

[bootman]

humm. These with a set of H&Rs would be pretty sweet.

[Katner]

humm. These with a set of H&Rs would be pretty sweet.

Indeeeeeeed.

[Kojack]

Im really not looking to go any lower with mine, however, I want a good replacement, i am 90 percent on the mz3 struts and springs...but i get some lowering then. would the konis work with the stock springs?

[mazdadude]

I am still eager to get some feedback on the Koni FSD's on a Mazda5.

And yes, they are designed to use the factory springs.(yes)

[Kojack]

Hmmm

dima told me his MZ3 springs and struts only lower 3/4" but on another post a guys 5 looked slammed with them....

going to investigate this more

[bootman]

Hmmm

dima told me his MZ3 springs and struts only lower 3/4" but on another post a guys 5 looked slammed with them....

going to investigate this more

Only thing that makes me cautious on the MZ3 springs is the need to add spacers to the back.
I would rather not have to resort to spacers and use properly designed springs like the H&Rs.
IMO spacers are only asking for trouble down the road.

[Kojack]

yep...thats what im thinking too. i like the way my car is sitting on the new wheels. wheel gap is perfect, handles great...just want better shocks so they dont blow out every 12k. I think im going to go with the konis....

[Katner]

Only thing that makes me cautious on the MZ3 springs is the need to add spacers to the back.
I would rather not have to resort to spacers and use properly designed springs like the H&Rs.
IMO spacers are only asking for trouble down the road.

That's a good point. Unless you have done the mod for cosmetic purposes and are just looking for a bit of a lowered look. But I want to actually be able to drive my car fairly hard. I think H&R's or something similar is the way to go for that.

[bootman]

I am still eager to get some feedback on the Koni FSD's on a Mazda5.

And yes, they are designed to use the factory springs.(yes)

...and according to Koni they also work well with lowering springs down to 1.5".
Win win. :)

[mazdadude]

I gave up waiting on someone else to try them, and give feedback, so I just bought a set of the Koni FSD's, and will update after they are installed!

[Kojack]

mazdadude, any updates on these?

[mazdadude]

mazdadude, any updates on these?

I am currently waiting on the shipment from Koni of Holland. According to the Koni rep, I am the first person in the US to order one, and Koni USA does not have any. So I am patiently waiting as my FSD Kit is in a cargo container heading across the Atlantic as I type this. I am expecting to have them delivered and installed by the 4th of July.(sad2)

[Kojack]

awsome, cant wait to hear about how these affect handling if at all

[mazdadude]

awsome, cant wait to hear about how these affect handling if at all

I can not wait either! I have high expectations, as I am paying a good premium vs the stock units. The main thing that convinced me towards the Koni FSD's, was the fact that there was a seperate part number for the Mazda3 vs. Mazda5 applications. Whereas nearly every other replacement fit both the 5 and the 3. I feel that because of the extra weight the 5 will be carrying both loaded and unloaded, it deserves it own application tuned for the extra weight.(wrc)

[Kojack]

I agree, i think they just use 3 shocks on our rides from factory. im after blowing out 3 shocks on the car and it only has 40ish kms on it...keep us posted..

[mazdadude]

mazdadude, any updates on these?

UPS Delivered my Koni's last night! (birthday)

I am currently working with my install guru to get an appointment for installation. I will make sure to get some pics of the Koni's side by side with the O.E.'s, as well as some physical dimension comparisons.

[VenomDesign]

Can't wait to read your comments.

[Old Rotor]

Yes we all will be waiting for your pics and measurements. Will the car height change with these heavier duty struts?

[$chocker]

Height would only change if he was getting new springs as well... looking forward to hearing how the FSD's handle and ride!

[mazdadude]

Yes we all will be waiting for your pics and measurements. Will the car height change with these heavier duty struts?

Car height will remain the same, as I am keeping the stock springs to preserve ride quality.

[bootman]

Very Nice!(cool)
I too am eagerly awaiting a review.
This may be my next upgrade.

[Touge]

do they fit 2009 models?

[tomcat323]

Hey guys,

I have a Mazda3 hb. I just had these installed today. They are definately an upgrade to the standard struts/shocks.

Ride is definately tighter and bumps....wow!!!

One small problem...one of my struts spring a leak in shipment or something.... A call to the distributor here in Eastern Ontario, had me do a RMA (return merchandise authorization) so I could get an advanced replacement.

I had my mechanic replace the other 3 and will have the last replaced as soon as it arrives. So far with the 3, I already see a marked improvement.

@ Mazdadude: hope you enjoy them!

[bootman]

Mazdadude, any updates?

[mazdadude]

Mazdadude, any updates?

Update: The box is getting dusty.


My mechanic is booked up still, but I am coming closer to the front of the line. Yes, sure I can get them installed at any old place, but I have a best friend who is an awesome Master Ford and Toyota tech, who will do it for me for free, if I help him fix his laptop. (2thumbs) Another plus is that he also has a Mazda5 for his family, so I am sure he is eager so check out the before/after for himself.


Here is the best I can do for now!(nuts)

http://www.msprotege.com/members/mazdadude/P7130156.JPG

[BLACKOUT]

(2thumbs)

[MD5]

Did these ever get installed?

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Car height will remain the same, as I am keeping the stock springs to preserve ride quality.

1. I don't think you'll see much change, because he's keeping the springs stock... as said the above.

2. Go ahead and post some pics, before and after pics would be best.

I'd like to see how it turned out?
Peace!(rei)

[mazdadude]

Finally got these installed over the weekend! What a difference!(friday)

At 60k miles, both of the Factory OEM rear shocks showed signs of having leaked out some of the fluid. When compared on the bench to the new KONIS's, both of the old Mazda OEM front struts took 5 times as long for the strut rod to extend back out after being compressed, looking as if they had lost most of their internal gas pressure.

So far, a few traits that were bugging me before, have now been lost. Before, the car seemed very uneasy in any sort of crosswind, or at freeway speeds. In addition I had a clunking noise that was coming from the rear of the car that is now silenced. Honestly, the car feels like new again, and I can not wait to try out the cornering capabilities.

[Old Rotor]

Finally got these installed over the weekend! What a difference!(friday)

At 60k miles, both of the Factory OEM rear shocks showed signs of having leaked out some of the fluid. When compared on the bench to the new KONIS's, both of the old Mazda OEM front struts took 5 times as long for the strut rod to extend back out after being compressed, looking as if they had lost most of their internal gas pressure.

So far, a few traits that were bugging me before, have now been lost. Before, the car seemed very uneasy in any sort of crosswind, or at freeway speeds. In addition I had a clunking noise that was coming from the rear of the car that is now silenced. Honestly, the car feels like new again, and I can not wait to try out the cornering capabilities.



Great How did it go? Was it a big project? How was all your suspension joints? What else needed replacement at 60K?

[mazdadude]

Great How did it go? Was it a big project? How was all your suspension joints? What else needed replacement at 60K?

Not a big project, my mechanic buddy used a shop wall mounted strut compressor to remove the old struts. Much nicer than trying to use the suicide spring compressors that the shade-tree mechanics have to use.

My mechanic also complemented the Mazda shock mount design on the rear, as it is not necessary to pull the interior panels to access the upper shock mounts. Everything is accessible from under the car.

The only items that we saw that were worn or need replacing are the lower stabilizer links, as the boots were torn on both the driver and passenger sides. I will take that up with the Mazda dealer and see if they will replace them under my extended factory warranty.(rules)

Did I mention how awesome the car feels now? After the test drive, I wanted to kiss the mechanic, (kiss) but I gave him a man-hug instead. The car is balanced very well now, and I don't feel like I am sacrificing comfort for performance.

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Not a big project, ......... The car is balanced very well now, and I don't feel like I am sacrificing comfort for performance.

We demand PICTURES..... (doh)

Peace!(rei)

[mazdadude]

We demand PICTURES..... (doh)

Peace!(rei)

Pictures? I didn't think anyone would want a picture of a gold painted strut, but what do I know?(zombies)

I will take a pic just for you sarge!