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?

creeper View Member Profile	Apr 29 2010, 09:03 PM Post #2
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 86 Joined: 25-July 09 Member No.: 5,744	I couldn't imagine going back to stock shocks, springs, or bars. I really don't think I could do it. I'm glad I don't have money for a good set of tires because I know once I try them I'll never be content with anything cheap again.