GTX Shock Answers

[bujbot]

Hey!

I've been looking all over the place for info on strut replacement/upgrades for the GTX. I found a lot of people asking questions, but no one gave any of their solutions. ... so I'm making this thread.

If you've upgraded or replaced any of the struts on the GTX please write how you achieved it, and as much information about the installation as possible.

My GTX rides like a boat. I'd like to tighten it up, and even raise the thing an inch.

[trailrider098]

to raise it try running older626 shocks with some ground control coilovers. or contact pedders suspension cause they still make replacements

[bujbot]

ok done some more research.

I've sourced some KYB struts all around at a pretty good price ... good enough that I don't have to think about mickey-mousing another cars struts. Now springs.

I want to beef mine up a bit. Would a stronger spring lift the car slightly? I haven't tried sourcing anything spring wise yet.

[BFMRGTX]

meh, go to www.ground-control.com and click on "coilovers", then scroll down until you see the 323 GTX kit for sale for $400.

Screw springs, I say.

[bujbot]

meh, go to www.ground-control.com and click on "coilovers", then scroll down until you see the 323 GTX kit for sale for $400.

Screw springs, I say.

Wow, that's a pretty good price. ... seems too good to be true. Is anyone on the site using them? You can choose your own spring rate, do you think this would be beefy enough for rally-crossing with?

So far this is what I'm thinking. KYB AGX's and this coil-over kit. I just want it strong.

[BFMRGTX]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Go to the yahoo group gtx site; there's a database with what everyone has entered for their spring rates, and what for (rallyX, AutoX).

Just go buy those 626 struts, if you are wanting to save some dough; then cut off the spring perches and use the coilover collars and coils.

I'm using Dirtra struts with GC coilovers. I put the info on the yahoo database for the autoX and RallyX setups. currently, I'm using the rallyX setup unless I'm going to go to a track event.

[trailrider098]

[QUOTE=BFMRGTX;643348]Yes. Yes. Yes.

Go to the yahoo group gtx site; there's a database with what everyone has entered for their spring rates, and what for (rallyX, AutoX).

Just go buy those 626 struts, if you are wanting to save some dough; then cut off the spring perches and use the coilover collars and coils.

QUOTE]

626 struts and GC coilovers will look like this

[bujbot]

tailrider:

Looks good. Raised just the amount I was thinking. So those are from 1990 626? And what modifications were needed to make that happen? thx.

Pictures rock.

[trailrider098]

ughhhhh.... iirc, the front struts needed the lower mounting holes slotted just a little. the rears bolt right up. front and back you may need to use a small washer as a spacer, cause the 626 knuckels have a slightly wider mounting location

[bham_gtx]

What is the part number for the KYB AGX struts that fit the GTX? Are they easy to get through any KYB reseller?

[bham_gtx]

I just sent a note to KYB's customer service. They responeded that they do not make an AGX strut set for the BF 323 GTX. However, they DO make a GR-2 model.

They mentioned that "although the GR-2 will work with some lowering springs, they are designed for stock rideheight" and going lower may void warranty.

KYB GR-2 = non adjustable OEM replacement
KYB AGX = adjustable damping performance replacement

http://www.kyb.com/products/shocks/agx.php

Have people found AGX struts from another applicaiton that work?

EDIT:
KYB GR-2 Series; Turns out you can order them through Shucks / O'Riely Autoparts for ~$60 each.
Part#
234008 Front Right
234009 Front Left

[bham_gtx]

Just talked with the Tokico rep on the phone. They used to be the OE supplier for the GTX, but discontinued the 'Dirtra' line of struts sometime in the mid 90's.

[trailrider098]

Just talked with the Tokico rep on the phone. They used to be the OE supplier for the GTX, but discontinued the 'Dirtra' line of struts sometime in the mid 90's.

duh, U must be new to the GTX world. Welcome though, you will have fun here and spend all your money

i just got a set of the Ksport coilovers, yes they are expensive but they are a direct fit, fully adjustable, one year warrenty and a rebuild kit is only $100. I love mine.

[bham_gtx]

duh, U must be new to the GTX world. Welcome though, you will have fun here and spend all your money

Haha, yeah. Mostly just new to figuring out suspension options. I figured I'd post it anyway since whenever people ask asbout suspension, people always respond with "oh I've got some Tokico blah blah on my car..." as if that helps the guy asking find a solution.

How much did the Ksport setup run you? Where did you order from? Are they a road or rally type application?

EDIT:
OK, let me answer a few of my own questions. All 4 corners of the Ksport Kontrol Pro retail together for $1400 ($910 on ebay), and come with 420front/244rear springs. The fronts have camber adjustable pillowball mounts and the rears come with fixed aluminum top mounts. The application guide just lists Mazda 323 BF 87-89, but I called and confirmed it covered the GTX. He did say that the 88 and 89 cars had different strut tops, so you'd need to specify that at time of purchase.

Seems like they can easily be ordered through any of the dealers; there's one here in my little Bellingham, so there's probably lots around the country.

http://www.ksportusa.com/asp/coilovers_detail.asp?product_id=cd01

[bham_gtx]

i just got a set of the Ksport coilovers, yes they are expensive but they are a direct fit, fully adjustable, one year warrenty and a rebuild kit is only $100. I love mine.

You really like them? I read somewhere a review that said they though OE struts were better and that they damper dyno'd the ksport's and said they were all over the map, no two alike.