Looking for some advice from others, I recently got my hands on Koni FSD shocks and looking to swap out soon. Currently I have OEM shocks combined with HR sport springs. Typically springs should last 6-7 years ? So I'm told FSD can only be used with OEM springs. And not aftermarkets. Can I get some advise before I go out and buy new HR springs or OEM.
If you go lower than OEM on FSDs, they WILL fail prematurely. I know this from personal experience. If you want to lower, you need different dampers.
OTOH I personally ran a set of FSDs with H&R springs for 97000 miles-no failures or issues. HOWEVER I live in a warm climate with reasonably smooth roadways. That same set of FSDs and springs are hanging at the shop waiting to go on my sons 03 R50. I have sold and installed more than 200 sets of FSDs with more than 50 sets on lowered cars-in this region there have been zero failures. You WILL NOT get the full shock travel thus full benefit of them but they WILL work.
I also read somewhere the FSDs should go with stock ride height. However, on my dark gray Mini, which I bought with FSD and lowering springs, the lowering springs and the Hotchkis camber plate spring seats failed prematurely, not the Koni FSD shocks. Go figger. cracked spring failed spring seat 30k miles on those parts, mild winter use in St. Louis before I bought it.
I never thought of going lower, but it sounds like regardless of OEM or my HR that have over 6 years. I should go to OEM in order to keep everything in perspective.
I thought of the yellows prior to the FSD, but I payed near to nothing for the FSD, I do like the lowered look I got now, but if I can add a bit of just a bit of comfort to my drive. Then FSD it is.