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?

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....

try them out, easy to install.

if they are too stiff try the stock springs.

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

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

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.

KYB = Kill Your Back


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

The springs have a silver stripe on one side.

you, are the shock absorber!

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!!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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??

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.

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

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..

The spring diameter is 11.3 mm - 150?

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.