Looking to replace the rear dampers on a 100hp due to the usual failure of the bushes in the original items. Already had one attempt using KYB units however the fitment was not quite right so am looking for alternatives. As far as I can see there are Bilstein, Koni or Fiat options. Obviously you'd have to be mad to put more of the Fiat ones on, so really only the other two choices.

Any ideas which of the Koni STR.T (£94) or Bilstien B4 (£104) are the ones to go for?

I note that many people seem to end up with dampers intended for the standard suspension, i.e. not 100hp specific. The Bilstein 19-197227 is the unique to the model, whereas the Koni is not. Don't know if it makes much difference, I get the impression most of those who have the non-sport ones don't even realise.

ETA: The Koni STR.T option is also listed for all Panda variants so is not 100hp specific - not sure whether the Sport variant would be a better match. Sachs do no list 100hp dampers. Seems like the Bilstein is only correct option.

Everyone who fits the str.t seems to rate it better than standard, regardless of it being a generic Panda fitment.

They're cheaper from here btw: http://www.larkspeed.com/index.pl?p=9780501106&a=i

Good luck ordering the STR.T kit, took me 5 months in the end just ordered the koni sport

Rmdinho said:

Everyone who fits the str.t seems to rate it better than standard, regardless of it being a generic Panda fitment.

They're cheaper from Larkspeed.

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OK thanks for that, however that vendor is where the £94 figure comes from and was the cheapest I could find.

cooperman1 said:

Good luck ordering the STR.T kit, took me 5 months in the end just ordered the koni sport

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:yeahthat: x 2

cooperman1 said:

Good luck ordering the STR.T kit, took me 5 months in the end just ordered the koni sport

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Mike n Helen said:

:yeahthat: x 2

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So is it not possible to get just two Koni STR.T rear dampers? I don't need an entire kit as such.

I've rang round loads of places, none of them have (or are able to get) STR.T shocks for the Panda, front or rear. I found some FK Automotive shocks on Venom Motorsport's website, but I couldn't find any reviews of them so I haven't bought them. They are a lot cheaper than the Konis though, so I doubt they're as good.

Grampian said:

So is it not possible to get just two Koni STR.T rear dampers? I don't need an entire kit as such.

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The problem is Koni moved their production from Spain to The Netherlands for the STR.T production earlier this year. None of the production equipment was moved (so I was told) which meant the design of the STR.T had to be adapted to suit the production in the Dutch plant.
This has lead to many delays due to the number of product lines which needed to be transferred.
The adjustable kit has always been produced in the The Netherlands which is why myself and others have had to resort to buying the more expensive adjustable kit. I originally ordered my STR.T kit in March and by July I had to switch the order for the other kit which came in a couple of weeks. There may be some suppliers who may have some of the STR.T parts on the shelf, but good look in finding any........

Mike

It's sounding like I should just get the Bilsteins then, assuming they are available that is. Failing that I'll consider the 'standard' Bilsteins, it wouldn't surprise me if the only difference is in the rod length.

I did see some others made by NK, but I've never heard of them and seemingly no one else has either so will probably steer clear.

In case it is of use to anyone, pictures are attached showing Sachs, KYB, and OEM dampers, the latter two being 100hp specific and at least an inch shorter. The KYBs seem to be the best made of the bunch.

Grampian said:

In case it is of use to anyone, pictures are attached showing Sachs, KYB, and OEM dampers, the latter two being 100hp specific and at least an inch shorter. The KYBs seem to be the best made of the bunch.

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So you'd recommend the KYB then? Did you not look at the Bilstien?

Matt100HP said:

I've rang round loads of places, none of them have (or are able to get) STR.T shocks for the Panda, front or rear. I found some FK Automotive shocks on Venom Motorsport's website, but I couldn't find any reviews of them so I haven't bought them. They are a lot cheaper than the Konis though, so I doubt they're as good.

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I'm not 100% on this, but for FK coilovers they use Koni inserts (ie Koni shocks).

Djw Dave said:

I'm not 100% on this, but for FK coilovers they use Koni inserts (ie Koni shocks).

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I can't imagine the same is true for FK shocks, they're less than 30 quid a shock, considerably less than Koni STR.Ts.

I appreciate it's an old thread but does anyone know if the STR.T that seem to be available again are the same as those that were being sold earlier in the year?

Thanks

Mike

I'll assume they are then.

The STR.T where always 'available' on traders websites but soon as you ring them to put the order in you get the bad news!

Sports are available but it's 7-10 days delivery from holland

get used to waiting for parts with Panda, its a rare mod for a rare car. No shop stocking parts for HP's. Now if you had a Golf ...

Yeah. You are right. I had to wait a whole 24 hours for these to arrive. Not happy

New member here (first post):

I've had my 100hp for 6 months and its about time I replaced my rear dampers, I would have preferred STR.Ts but nowhere has them in stock. Are B4's my only other option without doubling my budget to Koni Yellows?