Inverting the Konis?

[Buzz Skyline]

I haven't seen this addressed yet, and can't find anything with the search - is there any reason not to install the Koni shocks in the opposite orientation from what's shown in the manual? That is, with the shock tube attached to the frame at the top instead of attaching it to the control arm at the bottom.

I can't think of any structural reason not to, and it would reduce the un-sprung weight by a significant amount. I haven't tried it yet, but it doesn't look like there will be any clearance issues. I assume the Konis would operate the same either way.

Thanks,

Buzz

[Frank818]

I do not know a lot about this but I had some inputs in the past.

To mount them upside down, they need to be designed for that. Either designed to be mounted that way or designed to be mounted either way.

If they are not, for some reason I have yet understood, they could develop an extra piston travel distance that has almost no dampening effect. But not sure that applies to any type of shocks, oil, gas, etc. It does at least for gas, if I remember.

If I had to do this, even for very important clearance reason, or performance purposes or shock body protection, I'd ask Koni first.

[Presto51]

Beware of Inverting the Konis. The GTM guys found it not too be a good idea.

After a very quick search on the other forum found this http://www.ffcars.com/forums/42-factory-five-gtm-forum/281715-koni-shocks-acting-different-upside-down.html

If it was me I'd talk to either Konis or FFR first, but that's just me

Ron

[RM1SepEx]

their website indicates that the reds can be run inverted, they are gas pressurized, the yellows can not be run inverted

[Buzz Skyline]

Ahhh, this page that Bob_n_Cincy posted on another thread, explains why the twin tube shocks (including the yellows that come with the 818 kit these days, PN 82-2598) can't be inverted. They don't address it explicitly, but you can see in the video that the fluids would be at the wrong end if inverted. Monotubes, on the other hand, would work fine.

http://www.kyb.com/knowledge-center/shock-tech-for-pros/monotube-vs-twintube/

So I won't be flipping my until I buy a set of monotubes.

[Boog]

I read somewhere that the yellows are 8200 series. Their site says not to mount more than 45 degrees off vertical.
http://www.koniracing.com/rr82.cfm

[xxguitarist]

I read somewhere that the yellows are 8200 series. Their site says not to mount more than 45 degrees off vertical.
http://www.koniracing.com/rr82.cfm

The 8200 series is MUCH higher end than the standard equipment "S" model Koni's. They're 82-2598


The "s" shocks don't indicate that you can invert them.

The "r" (30-1720) shocks do directly say that you can.

The upgrade units don't specify, but are also mono-tube.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

The 82-2598 models are monotube? That would be awesome. I can't find the specs anywhere. I guess I could take it apart to check, but I have a feeling that would be a very bad idea.

Do you have the specs?

The 82 series is Twin-Tube Hydraulic.
Bob
32308

[Buzz Skyline]

Oh, by upgrade units, xxguitarist, you must mean the optional shocks we'd have to pay extra for.

Thanks for the clarification, Bob.

[Boog]

The 8200 series is MUCH higher end than the standard equipment "S" model Koni's. They're 82-2598

Guess I read 82 series as 8200 series. Thanks for the clarification.

[xxguitarist]

Oh, by upgrade units, xxguitarist, you must mean the optional shocks we'd have to pay extra for.

Thanks for the clarification, Bob.

Yep. That, sorry for the lack of clarity.