I am interested in replacing the stock shocks on my G35 coupe and am deciding between Koni and the Tokico shocks. Other than price, what would the difference be between the two? Is one better than the other and why?

Thank you for your input.

 

IMO, I'd go with Koni. Haven't looked at them in a while so I'm wondering if you're thinking about the Koni Sport (Yellow adjustables). The Konis have great damping adjustability and can be rebuilt. I'm not sure of the Tokicos if they can be rebuilt.

I'd take the Koni Sports over the Tokicos Illuminas anyday. If I'm not mistaken the Koni Sports have more adjustments for damping as opposed to the Illuminas. The Koni Sports do not "snap" to each damping increment as opposed to the Tokico Illuminas.

Don't take my word, do some research since I'm biased towards Konis. Back in the day, I had an Integra with Koni Sports with Neuspeed Sport springs and it handled like it was on rails (with the proper set up) considering it was much cheaper than a full coilover setup (at the time).

Also, last but not least, Konis are race proven...

http://www.koni-na.com/home.html

04.5 G35C TB/Graphite 6 speed, XM Radio, Premo Package, Navi, OEM Chin Spoiler, Hard wired V1

 

There are no Tokico Illuminas for the 350Z/G35 platform. The Tokicos the poster is speaking of are the new D-Spec line of shocks. Haven't heard a whole lot about these yet in reviews but here's some info from their website.

http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/car/d-spec.html

They are both compression and rebound adjustable simultaneously with the turn of a ****. And since a **** is used to adjust the dampening there are an infinite amount, so to speak, of adjustments in between full stiff and full soft.

Anyone have these yet and want to give a review? I know G_Money does so far.

04' G35S 6MT Ivory Pearl, Willow, Premium
Z-Tube / NFC Y-Pipe / Custom Mid-Pipe / 350 EVO Rear Sway/ '03 350Z Shocks and Springs

 

From what I've read, the current best option for the G35C is
to go 350Z shocks, or the Tokico D-Spec shocks. The
Koni's were too soft.

I've been on cars with Tokico shocks...they kind of feel
like Japan's impression of Bilsteins.

2004 G35C 6MT Brilliant Silver

 

I have just recently installed the Tokicos and find them far superior to stock(of course). Being a former M3 driver, I always used Bilsteins. As was mentioned above, yes, they are similiar in feel and can be adjustable to many settings. I am still breaking them in to determine my adjustment preference. Initially, I set them to Tokico's suggested setting of 5 for a daily driver. I prefer my set up to be stiffer, so I have set the fronts to 3(very easy), the rears I must pull to readjust (I prefer a firm ride). This will be done this weekend. The Tokicos perform very well as I mentioned before. They have far superior valving over stock and offer adjustability for preference and driving conditions. Wheel hop over short choppy bumps has been eliminated. IMO, definitely worth the upgrade.

04 Coupe, DG/G, 6MT, Aero, Prem., XM
Eibachs, Tokico D-Specs, Stillen exhaust, Stillen Sways, Stock box w/ Z-tube, 19" Volk SF Challenges MS, Carbon fiber dash.

 

Nice... I was really thinking about going with the D-Specs since it is both compression and rebound adjustable. If I get them I'll probably use them with the stock 350Z springs. Should make for a good upgrade especially since I've seen people get a full set of D-Specs for $500+.

4mrBMWguy, have you taken your car to the track or autox or anything of that nature since getting the D-Specs? If so can you give any feedback?

04' G35S 6MT Ivory Pearl, Willow, Premium
Z-Tube / NFC Y-Pipe / Custom Mid-Pipe / 350 EVO Rear Sway/ '03 350Z Shocks and Springs

 

I'm getting Tokico D-specs installed on my car this weekend, along w/350 H-Techs, camber arms, and sways. I'll post a review shorty after that, probably after my alignment.

 

where are you guys buying your shocks???

 

Are you running them with the stock G35 springs?
Was I correct to read that you must remove the rears to adjust?

 

There is a post on adjusting rear shocks on the sedan without removal. I'm not sure if the same process can be applied to the coupe or not. Search on "adjusting rear"...

On a similar note, does anyone have these on a sedan or know of any reason why they couldn't be mounted on a sedan with lowering springs (or 350Z springs)?

03.5S DP / Prem / Sport / NAV / Other