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Posted by: Last930 Nov 24 2014, 03:51 PM

While cleaning out a house for an estate sale I found a an unused set of of KYB gas charged rear shocks for a 914; cross referencing the part # shows they will fit my '73 2.0. There is also a set of Weltmeister progressive wound springs; doesn't say what the pound rating is. I assume they were originally ordered at the same time as the shocks.

I have no experience with KYB shocks - any input from those that have used them? I have to think they would be an improvement over what appears to be the original shocks that the car came with.

The springs came in a Weltmeister box, but have no p/n on them. They appear to have never been used. My guess would be that the springs and shocks were both ordered at the same time quite some time ago, but never installed on the 914.

Thoughts or comments?

Posted by: Java2570 Nov 24 2014, 04:03 PM

I had a set on the rear of my '74 when I got it, found them very harsh and unpleasant. I prefer the Boge replacements I installed....

Posted by: messix Nov 24 2014, 04:06 PM

try them out, easy to install.

if they are too stiff try the stock springs.

Posted by: bandjoey Nov 24 2014, 04:47 PM

What color are the spring markings? (Like 3 green paint marks on black springs. )

Posted by: KELTY360 Nov 24 2014, 04:47 PM

I have no personal experience, but I've heard that KYB stands for Kill Your Butt.

Posted by: mepstein Nov 24 2014, 04:53 PM

I've had them. They suck. If you need something to use until your koni, bilstein or boge's show up that's understandable. Otherwise, they suck.

Posted by: SirAndy Nov 24 2014, 04:54 PM

KYB = Kill Your Back


They don't deserve to be called "shock absorbers" ...

Posted by: Last930 Nov 24 2014, 05:25 PM

The springs have a silver stripe on one side.

Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 24 2014, 05:53 PM

you, are the shock absorber!

Posted by: aircooledtechguy Nov 24 2014, 06:01 PM

I tried a set a long time ago with stock springs. The rear of the car was raised 1" simply by installing them, made my headlights point at the ground. It's a good thing I had a good medical/dental plan. . . I pulled them back off and went back to stock until I could spring for Konis on all 4 corners.

Koni's. . . Now THOSE are shocks!!

Posted by: bdstone914 Nov 24 2014, 08:43 PM

Only the stock springs were identified with one, two or three green stripes. Measure the diameter of the steel rod used to make the spring. Stock 100 lb is 10mm, 140 lb is 11 mm, 180 is 12 mm.

Posted by: Larmo63 Nov 24 2014, 10:34 PM

My black progressive Weltmeisters have a VERY faint '180' on the outer edge. Look for it. I used Boges with them and they are great.

Posted by: rgalla9146 Nov 25 2014, 06:18 AM

Use them during assembly to roll the car around the shop.

Posted by: RobW Nov 25 2014, 07:24 AM

Install them but wear a mouth guard while you are driving...

Posted by: OU8AVW Nov 25 2014, 09:46 AM

I'm saving up for Konis. I do find that the KYBs work well while the car sits on jack stands

Posted by: Last930 Nov 25 2014, 10:54 AM

Damn, I thought I lucked out with a free set of shocks - kinda see why now! Anyone want to buy a new set of KYB shocks cheap??

Posted by: SLITS Nov 25 2014, 01:35 PM

I had them on one car. Yes, they are stiff, but so what.

If they cost nothing, you've got nothing to lose.

I'd use them until I could afford what I wanted.

Posted by: jvmarino Nov 25 2014, 01:46 PM

I have had KYB shocks on my 2.0 for the last 15 years, and find them to be perfectly acceptable. The ride is firm, but not too bad, and at the time I purchased them, a lot less investment than the other options. Of all my vintage cars, my 914 with the KYB's has the smoothest ride.

I have never done any comparisons, but agree that if you have these already for no cost, I would say use them. If you want to change later, it is a pretty easy task to perform.

Jim

Posted by: Kraftwerk Nov 26 2014, 02:15 PM

I have new-ish KYB on my car and I have no problem with them what so ever, suspension is stiff and works for me..

Posted by: Last930 Nov 26 2014, 08:55 PM

The spring diameter is 11.3 mm - 150?

Posted by: rhodyguy Nov 26 2014, 09:08 PM

What is your assessment of your front inserts? Do you think they are spent? Inserts can be had inexpensively. If you're on a tight budget, anything new on all four corners is going be an improvement (IMHO). Drive on smooth roads.