Blow whole budget on Koni SA's? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

So I've been trying to email Sam from stranoparts, but he hasn't responded yet. So I'm going to post my question here to get ya'll thoughts.

I have around $1,500 to work with. I need new tires for my 17x9.5 ZR1's. Going to get Kuhmo Ecsta XS 284/40-17's on all corners. These are event use only wheels/tires. The Kuhmo's are going to cost me $725 shipped. I'm not worried about mounting/balancing costs. So I have around $775 to play with for suspension.

Car Info...
Other than a strut tower brace, my 98 Trans Am suspension/chassis is completely stock.
I drive it on the street (not my only car though), and take it to shows, but I want to set it up primarily for autox. Class rules don't apply...yet anyways.

My original thought was SLP-Biltein shocks with Strano springs and a UMI 35mm solid front sway bar totalling $829.95. I would've thought that combo with the tires would be a phenomenal improvement. But after reading up on the SLP-Bilsteins, I understand they get overworked easily and don't hold up well. Obviously Koni's are the best...however should I really blow my entire budget for $850 Koni SA's?

98_TA_EMLC View Member Profile	Apr 28 2010, 06:52 PM Post #1
newbie Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 24-March 10 Member No.: 10,056	So I've been trying to email Sam from stranoparts, but he hasn't responded yet. So I'm going to post my question here to get ya'll thoughts. I have around $1,500 to work with. I need new tires for my 17x9.5 ZR1's. Going to get Kuhmo Ecsta XS 284/40-17's on all corners. These are event use only wheels/tires. The Kuhmo's are going to cost me $725 shipped. I'm not worried about mounting/balancing costs. So I have around $775 to play with for suspension. Car Info... Other than a strut tower brace, my 98 Trans Am suspension/chassis is completely stock. I drive it on the street (not my only car though), and take it to shows, but I want to set it up primarily for autox. Class rules don't apply...yet anyways. My original thought was SLP-Biltein shocks with Strano springs and a UMI 35mm solid front sway bar totalling $829.95. I would've thought that combo with the tires would be a phenomenal improvement. But after reading up on the SLP-Bilsteins, I understand they get overworked easily and don't hold up well. Obviously Koni's are the best...however should I really blow my entire budget for $850 Koni SA's?

98_TA_EMLC View Member Profile	Apr 28 2010, 08:52 PM Post #2
newbie Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 24-March 10 Member No.: 10,056	Thanks Trackbird. I've been making a bunch of prioritization lists trying to figure out what would be the best route to go, but haven't talked to true experts regarding the matter yet. I read a bunch of your posts on ls1tech and thank you for your input. That helps out dramatically. Sam...I'll be sure to call you next time. I knew you'd be bombarded with emails, so thanks for hitting me back on this thread! From reading your posts and seeing your event videos, you have my utmost respect!!! So if you think buy Koni's are worth it over a "bunch of other stuff together", then I'm all over it and will be placing my order tomorrow from your site.