Miata Mailing List: October 1993, Message #78
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   From: JGOEKE.UNIX11@mailsrv2.eldec.com (JGOEKE)
Subject: Re: Konis, Tokikos, and GABs
   Date: Thu, 7 Oct 1993 14:20:53 -0400

To: MIATA

>His argument makes sense but is it correct in the real world.  I
>guess the only ones whe would know are those who have driven and
>compared the ride and handling in Miatas with Koni, Tokiko, and GABs.
>Is there anyone out there who has or does anyone have any ideas on
>this?

I've driven and auto-xed Miatas with the Koni and the GAB.  I have the GAB
on mine.  I went for the GAB for the same dual adjust reasons.  The
argument for the Koni is a compromise for ride quality, which if you value,
may make it a better choise.  In auto-x the argument is the Koni allows the
car to squat down faster and then stay there due to the stiff rebound.  I
find the dual adjust is better, for it gives the car a more even,
consistant feel, unlike the Koni's where the first action you do will be
soft and mushy followed by a change to something stiffer.  All this changes
as the car is manipulated.  As you can see, lots to deal with during a busy
auto-x.  The GABs give a real consistant, smooth feel to the car, which
makes you feel more comfortable at the limit.  Good drivers can make either
work well, especially if the rest of the suspension is tuned around their
shock.

One problem with the GABs...their more expensive.  Typical prices are:
GABs, $525 set of four VS Koni, $350.  If you just want to improve over the
stock shocks with adjustable fun!, I would go for the Koni's (you get
adjustable spring perches too!), but if you want to Auto-x competitively,
give more thought to how you want the car to handle before picking.
ENJOY!   ---JCG.