[peakay]

Hey there,

I got a set of used Koni shocks for my Alfetta 78 Sport Sedan from another member and was surprised to find they are yellows for the front (short ones) and red/orange ones for the rear (long ones). I didn't think that would be good, but did a bunch of searching and found that wasn't unusual on a transaxle Alfa.

My question: Shoudl I put both sets full soft or the reds up a click? The car is running factory springs and I assumed I would set both to full soft. I called Koni and they said if I want the reds to more closely match the yellows, I'd adjust those up one click, but that wasn't accounting for any Alfa specific setting or preferences. My understanding from reading the boards is people like to set these cars with lots more roll stiffness up front and leave the back very soft.

So... both full soft or reds up a click? thanks!

 

[slowcreek]

I have Koni reds on my 78 and was gonna ask the same question.

I know the fronts are set on full soft as I just removed them so I could do the poly caster bushings.

I would love a recommendation for front and rear settings while it's on the lift and shocks are out.

 

[Ranz]

There have been a few comments recently supporting the suggestion that the Koni engineers probably knew what they were doing. You gotta kinda believe that is the case.
That is, they engineered the damper valving to suit the vehicle application, with the springs the manufacturer was installing.
Stiffen the springs? adjust the dampers up.
Damping decreases over time thru wear? adjust the dampers up.
Like it stiffer? go nuts. And there's no harm experimenting to see what you like....it just may not actually 'work' better.
Want them to work as the engineers thought they should, on standard springs...softest is where you start.
Of course, for a lot of years, I never did that myself, so I won't point fingers at anybody who does otherwise.
For the original poster (Peakay, if you're still by chance chewing your nails on this) the advice you got seems sound, but won't go off the road backwards into a ditch by ignoring it...it's a relatively small variation from stock you have there. Why not try it and see what you think?

 

[iachella]

I have yellows on my Alfetta GT. When I got them, the prevailing opinions were 3/4 hard in the front and 1/4 hard in the back. I've been driving it this way for at least 10 years. The high speed handling and stability is amazing. But it's getting too stiff for me now around town. I am going to re-adjust them both to full soft.

Since your rears are red, they are less stiff. Maybe full soft on the front and 1/4 on the back?

 

[slowcreek]

Well, I set my front Konis in the middle setting. They were on full soft.

I'm gonna remove the rears and check their settings. Seem kinda soft.

Lowered the sport sedan yesterday with help from Jeff. Rides like a dream.

I instaLLED BUSHINGS FROM pERFORMATEK. cASTER, FRONT AND REAR SWAY BAR MOUNT, REAR SWAY BAR END LINK.

Frickin caps lock.....

 

[alfaparticle]

I agree with Ranz. Start soft and don't be shy of adjusting them after driving hard on your favorite roads.

 

[slowcreek]

I agree with Ranz. Start soft and don't be shy of adjusting them after driving hard on your favorite roads.

That's the plan. Only problem is I'm running a straight header and have to be a bit careful not to get the neighbors riled up.

 

[slowcreek]

Here's the results:

 

[slowcreek]

I've adjusted the front Red Konis to the middle of the 3 available positions. Rides fine. The rear was next for an adjustment. The right rear red Koni shock is shot.

Anybody have good used Reds or Yellows for the rear?

 

[slowcreek]

Update:

New Yellows on the rear at full soft. rides like a dream.

 

[Del]

Very pretty car. Reminds me of our light metallic brown 78 we had. My wife loved that car, even more than her Milano in many respects.

 

[slowcreek]

Very pretty car. Reminds me of our light metallic brown 78 we had. My wife loved that car, even more than her Milano in many respects.

The ride is wonderful!!

I had an exhaust system built for it today. I went on the quiet side. Little disappointed that it's as quiet as it is, but if I want sound, there's always the Spider......

 

[horsewidower]

I have to say, I just put Bilstein on, and I'm wishing I'd kept the Koni. I'll let them settle as I don't have more than 200 miles on the car now, but they are currently too stiff.

 

[peakay]

@slowcreek: Car is looking great! :thumbup:

I have to say, I just put Bilstein on, and I'm wishing I'd kept the Koni. I'll let them settle as I don't have more than 200 miles on the car now, but they are currently too stiff.

Yep, been there with an old BMW. I prefer the Konis as they can go from soft to super firm -- its just a matter of adjusting.

I'm still looking for a rear set of Yellows for a Fetta if anyone has a set. thanks.