Technical Abarth esseesse - KYB vs. Koni struts

[skidbarth]

I have a 2011 Abarth 500 esseesse which is in need of strut replacement. The Koni part (8745-1247L or R) is mostly out of stock, especially in my part of the world. The cheaper KYB part (333766 or 333767) is more readily available.

However, I am not 100% sure the KYB part will fit properly. By this, I mean that the esseesse is lowered over a standard Fiat 500 out of the factory.

Ignoring issues of relative quality/Koni adaptability: will the KYB part work on an esseesse or will it be prone to bottoming out? I am asking, I think, if the Koni strut has been changed in length to cater for the lowering? Or is it the same length as a standard strut?

 

[Algies]

I have a 2011 Abarth 500 esseesse which is in need of strut replacement. The Koni part (8745-1247L or R) is mostly out of stock, especially in my part of the world. The cheaper KYB part (333766 or 333767) is more readily available.

However, I am not 100% sure the KYB part will fit properly. By this, I mean that the esseesse is lowered over a standard Fiat 500 out of the factory.

Ignoring issues of relative quality/Koni adaptability: will the KYB part work on an esseesse or will it be prone to bottoming out? I am asking, I think, if the Koni strut has been changed in length to cater for the lowering? Or is it the same length as a standard strut?

Hi , did you get a solution to replacing your koni FSD essesse front shock absorbers ? Our Abarth 2016 was fitted with every available Abarth option pack the dealer could throw at it including record monza exhaust , 17 inch super sport wheels , 305 mm brembo’s etc essesse Suspension inc koni Fsd and lowered springs . 3 years ago due to broken spring we replaced the Abarth springs with eibach pro spring kit which is replacement for essesse kit . Now we have leaking near side front shock . Have spoken to various Abarth and Alfa parts suppliers. Most are recommending fitting koni special active which are the latest improved replacement for koni Fsd around£170 in UK each . The other alternative mentioned was Bilstein B4 at £75 each , they will fit but may give a bouncy ride but they are standard shocks and not recommended by bilstein who recommend B6/B8 which same price as koni special actives apparently.
What did you fit Skidbarth in the end and what are they like ?

 

[skidbarth]

Unfortunately I've not gone ahead with this yet, for various reasons, so sorry can't advise...