KYB GR2 how good are they?

[xXGTBspecXx]

who has upgraded from stock to these and noticed a handling improvment? i might be looking to get these and a set of springs in the future and i want to know how much better they are then my stockies that are almost 11yrs old :grin:

[cptnjosh]

I have had mine on for 6 months now and they perform well. Little higher valved dampening than stock but not a huge difference. Overall I have been very happy with them. If your rolling on good shocks now you will not notice a big difference in performance or handling. A larger rear sway will give you the greatest improvement in handling, but if your shocks are blown (as in bouncy) definately go for the KYB GR2's and I have also heard good things about the Monroe Sensatracs for a smoother ride.

[xXGTBspecXx]

im kinda looking for a stiffer then stock ride. and my shocks arent bouncey at all which is suprising.. im doing the outback sway bar swap and im getting polyurethane bushings for front n rear,hopefully it helps

[peugoby]

They're ok. I have them on my sedan. KYB claims they're 10% stiffer than stock. They nice as a stock replacement and well priced @ $250 for a set.

They don't hold a candle to Bilsteins or Koni's though. Not even close.

[xXGTBspecXx]

so would i be better off in the pocket just putting lowering springs on my stock ones?

[peugoby]

Thats a tough call. I'm not sure how worn your stock suspension is so its a tough call. If its all in good shape, just springs should be fine. If I were to do it all over again, stance coilovers :smt007

[xXGTBspecXx]

well the wrx coilovers i was looking at for a budget suspension are a bit more pricey then springs and my stock shocks are purty damn stiff when you try to push the car up and down on each corner.

[97legacygt]

well the wrx coilovers i was looking at for a budget suspension are a bit more pricey then springs and my stock shocks are purty damn stiff when you try to push the car up and down on each corner.

That could just be the springs though. The shocks just absorb the bumps/ vibrations while the spring controls the stiffness and ride height.

[xXGTBspecXx]

well it suprised me compared to my 07 wrx in the twisties.. pretty stiff

[Huffer]

If anyone notices an increase in performance and comfort from installing KYB GR2s on a vehicle it's likely because most of us are replacing tired and worn shocks.

You won't find many people replacing their new Koni setup with KYB GR2's, unless they bought a GC fitment and need a BD-specific setup (for example).

However, as an OEM replacement for daily driving and the odd bit of spirited canyoning, even some light autox duty, a set of KYB GR2s is better than Monroe, and will be fine.

Here's my scale of replacement shocks, in order of least to best:
Gabriel
Monroe
KYB GR2
Koni inserts (involves cutting stock strut)
Bilstein (JDM only usually, Bilstein USA will rebuild but doesn't supply anything for the BD/BG)

There are others (like Tokico), but I view the above as good placeholders.

[impreza_GC8]

I have GR2's on my turbo'ed Outback rallywagon. They were a fantastic improvement over the stock worn 148,000 mile shocks I had. The motion of the car is dampened nearly instantly. You can bounce on the back bumper of the car and jump off and before you hit the ground the car will have stopped bouncing. I am nothing but pleased. I have KYB AGXs on my '00 2.5RS AutoX car and they are way better as far as aggressiveness and performance but for daily driving and spirited use as well as off-road use GR2's are great. I highly recommend.

[99gtlimited]

they're good. but personally i think the springs will make a bigger difference as long as your current struts aren't totally blown (as in you'll notice different springs more than different struts) as far as ride quality.

[track8]

One thing I'd like to point out, if your current struts are marginal, a higher spring rate will amplify the badness of them. That and they will wear out that much faster, and you will do this all over in a short while.

[Bdubs]

The gr-2's can handle a marginally stiffer spring, such as a wrx spring without any issue. A lowering spring such as a Tein or Progress would probably cause some premature wear and tear.
I like the gr-2's, but I may bite the bullet and get the AGX's.

AGX's ARE available I have discovered for 95-99 Legacy, although the parts catalog doesn't really specify that. Here are the numbers you can use:
Front:
734006 RHS
734007 LHS

Rear:
733010 RHS
733011 LHS

[97legacyGT2.5]

The gr-2's can handle a marginally stiffer spring, such as a wrx spring without any issue.

Which WRX springs can you use on the GR-2's?? I am looking to replace the suspension on my 97 legacy GT


Thanks

[phung717]

I have replaced my struts ~6000 miles ago with Monroes and wondering how they will handle some stiffer loweriing springs. Anyone have these struts with stiffer springs? Since monroes are more for more for a smoother ride is it not recommended to add springs?

Thanks

[deadlydave]

The gr-2's can handle a marginally stiffer spring, such as a wrx spring without any issue. A lowering spring such as a Tein or Progress would probably cause some premature wear and tear.
I like the gr-2's, but I may bite the bullet and get the AGX's.

I'll be honest with you, i put 02-03 WRX sedan fitment GR-2's on my BD, first with stock WRX springs and then with 'dreaded' WRX tien S-Techs. The ride was bouncy (thanks to the springs) but the struts were unbelievably resillient. The S-Techs are known for blowign struts.

I flat out don't trust the AGX's. I've read many stories from people who autocross--about them getting broken, stuck on one setting, etc. They're not worth the extra money, if you consider that you could just buy a set GD coilovers and put them on the same car, i'd rather have the coilovers.

[impreza_GC8]

^ I love my AGXs. I've had them installed for nearly 2 years and have AutoX'ed them for a season. I think they are great.

[xXGTBspecXx]

<getting cusco zero2 coilovers :smt023

[decke48]

<getting cusco zero2 coilovers :smt023
i loved cusco zero2s get the e-con to adjust on fly. hopfully you got them in state used. because mine bd5/bg5 filement took 2 months for import

[ryu_haneda]

Just put GR2s on all 4 corners to replace some OOOOOOLD struts (all 4 were bad plus torn boots and bad front mounts). The car is just itching for fun now. Definitely pleased. If you like a stiffer-than-stock ride and have the adventurous spirit in you, they are a CHEAP way to go for the money.

BE AWARE: (Correct me if I'm wrong here) KYB GR2s carry a lifetime warranty ONLY IF factory ride height is observed (or is that only if factory-esque springs are used?). I like the factory height and stance I have, some people don't. Just something to consider.

[xXGTBspecXx]

i got coilovers now.. maybe il get t a set of AGX's for my STi

[JepJep]

Has anyone tried this set? (http://www.sportcompactwarehouse.com/d2_racing/d2_coilovers_rally_series/d2s071ra/i-231801.aspx) Will it go to BD5 RS -96 plug and play?

[decke48]

Has anyone tried this set? (http://www.sportcompactwarehouse.com/d2_racing/d2_coilovers_rally_series/d2s071ra/i-231801.aspx) Will it go to BD5 RS -96 plug and play?
alot of people like them for the price range. there are the mixed reviews. im looking at there airbags struts right now. i love the way air rides an i need some struts anywas

[JepJep]

alot of people like them for the price range. there are the mixed reviews. im looking at there airbags struts right now. i love the way air rides an i need some struts anywas
I like to drive gravel and snow, so I hope I could raise hight litle and original bilstein is too tight when off tarmac.

[MR.MCSICK]

I've had my gr2's for about 2 years mated with H&R springs and I'm very happy with that setup. It's a nice lowering. I still bottom out on speed bumps though. But overall, for the money, you can't beat it. I think the whole setup cost in the area of $600 and since I installed them myself, no labor charges. I definately recommend this setup especially if you're on a budget (aren't we all?).