Thread: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech.

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 76
  1. #1 KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    SE Level Member 92bird's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    55
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    When looking to redo my suspension, I was originally going to go with KYB AGX/Vogtland spring combo. But then $$ comes into play, so I had decided on GR-2 to save a few bucks with the vogtland springs..

    But when doing my research I found that there are a few different part numbers floating around for the grand prix KYB struts.

    Most places will sell you KYB GR2 #334227 for the front and GR2 #334228 for the rear. (both struts are silver in color) This is what ZZP and Wbody store will sell you.

    Some places were showing KYB Excel-G #339015 for the front (black in color) but still GR2 #334227 for the rear (silver in color)

    So I called and talked with a tech at KYB and told him what I was doing with the vogtland springs, and he recommended KYB Excel-G #339015 front and Excel-G #339148 rear (both black in Color)

    ok, now I was confused.. but he explained..

    The Excel-G struts (339015 and 339148) are newer recently added models that are correct application specific replacements for the Monte Carlo and Impala with the FE4 special handling package, which supposedly have a slight 10mm lower ride height and different rate springs. These struts were built to provide an aftermarket replacement that would retain the characteristics of the FE4 special handling package, as the currently available GR-2 struts would have been a downgrade in performance.

    He said both of these would provide tighter handling over the GR-2 models, especially the rear, which was designed for the extra rear weight of the impala/monte carlo. Theoretically this could help tune out some of the understeer that is built into the w-body platform.

    It was his opinion that since my goals were sportier handling to give these a try. He still recommended the GR-2's for original equipment replacement.

    I have since ordered and received the KYB Excel-G 339015 and 339148. Just waiting for my vogtland springs to ship (backorder from AJUSA), and all new monroe strut mounts/plates. Cost is comparable to GR2 (maybe just a few bux more).

    This will be going on my daily driver 2000 GTP along with a 19mm GMPP solid rear sway bar, and Dorman solid 34mm front bar with TPR bushing upgrade, and of course the Vogtland springs.

    I'll report back once all is installed and road tested.

    Jeramie
    Reply With Quote  
     

  2. #2 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    DUI BABY Bio248's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    MILWAUKEE
    Posts
    31,340
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    that's awesome info. i've never even heard of that line before.

    any thought on going with springs that go lower than vogtlands to not only increase aesthetics on the car as well as getting them sooner since vogtlands are always backordered?
    Reply With Quote  
     

  3. #3 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    W Spfld
    Posts
    26,815
    Thanks (Received)
    53
    Likes (Received)
    90
    Dislikes (Received)
    1
    Good info to know. Thanks

    KYB Strut Easy
    Last edited by BillBoost37; 07-24-2013 at 05:34 AM.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
    Reply With Quote  
     

  4. #4 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    SE Level Member 92bird's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    55
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Also wanted to add that the tech also recommended using the rear strut boot/bumpstop for the monte/impala instead of the factory grand prix. He did not recommend cutting or removing the bumpstops for any reason as they are there to protect the strut, but supposedly this one allows slightly more travel before hitting the bumpstop. If you cut the bumpstops too much, the internal strut rod can bottom out and possibly get bent just slightly, allowing it to leak internally and degrade performance. - Makes me wonder if this is why some people have good luck with GR2's and other's say they don't last??? Maybe some ppl cut the bumpstops too much?

    KYB part number is SB128, so i ordered these as well.

    Jeramie
    Last edited by 92bird; 04-27-2011 at 01:33 PM.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  5. #5 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    SE Level Member 92bird's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    55
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    any thought on going with springs that go lower than vogtlands to not only increase aesthetics on the car as well as getting them sooner since vogtlands are always backordered?
    Ironically I have a brand new set of SSC springs sitting in a box, never installed, in storage.. I decided not to use them for a few reasons:

    1: I plan on intercooling in the future, and won't have room to shim up the engine/trans to get rid of CV shaft vibration with the hood I want.

    2. My custom exhaust has a 7" magnaflow resonator that hangs a bit lower than i'd like. I'd prefer not to rip it off

    3. I want the ride to handle better, but still be as comfy as possible. This is my DD and also our vacation road trip car. I don't want the CV shaft vibration, and I don't think rocking the motor forward is possible with my SLP headers.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  6. #6 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GrandPrix Junkie The Guz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Lawndale, CA
    Posts
    3,007
    Thanks (Received)
    3
    Likes (Received)
    9
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Good info. Post pics of the struts when you get them in. My brother is looking to replace his stock struts and I'll pass this along to him.
    1999 GP GT 18" Boss 353 Concave|SLP CAI|Borla Cat Back|Plog|HV3|HV TB|ER Rockers|Custom Retrofit Projectors|GMPP Lowering|GMPP Handling|MPD F1|Full Diode Dynamic LEDs
    Reply With Quote  
     

  7. #7 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GPFs Sexy Ginger. SilvaMan61's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    3,619
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    NICE.. Ill be lowering hopefully in the near future and i was torn between the gr2s and the agxs. now that there is a happy medium that wont bust the wallet... well i know what struts im going with

    keep us updated with the install and how they ride.
    SMGPFC Member #9
    Reply With Quote  
     

  8. #8 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GrandPrix Junkie redlinepontiac's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Waukesha, WI
    Posts
    4,791
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    good info
    RayRay
    92 Turbo miata
    71 bagged lemans wagon
    02 lexus is300
    Reply With Quote  
     

  9. #9 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    its AWDsome JarenSTi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Hawaii
    Posts
    4,021
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    cool thanks for the info.
    2002 WS.6- exhaust, 42k miles
    2005 Subaru WRX
    STi - coilovers, exhaust, starspec z2's and it's for sale
    2002 GT - sold

    Reply With Quote  
     

  10. #10 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GT Level Member taman86's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    south east AZ
    Posts
    374
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    wow that is interesting to know. does anybody want a brand new set of gr-2's ?
    01 T/A WS6-SOLD
    97 grand prix gtp- flowmaster mufflers, short ram intake, SD headers (no cat), EGR delete, 160* stat, solid motor mount, AL 606's, ported TB, new coils,lifetime warranty plug wires
    BoostnBlackGTP>"Wbody's r cheap to do up and fix but break down alot lol"
    Reply With Quote  
     

  11. #11 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GT Level Member taman86's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    south east AZ
    Posts
    374
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    looked up those part numbers on ebay, 82 a piece for the fronts and 74 a piece for the rears, so about 330 a set of 4. about 50-80 more then gr-2's but still about 200 less then the agx's
    01 T/A WS6-SOLD
    97 grand prix gtp- flowmaster mufflers, short ram intake, SD headers (no cat), EGR delete, 160* stat, solid motor mount, AL 606's, ported TB, new coils,lifetime warranty plug wires
    BoostnBlackGTP>"Wbody's r cheap to do up and fix but break down alot lol"
    Reply With Quote  
     

  12. #12 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    SE Level Member 92bird's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    55
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I ordered the struts from AJUSA.. The Excel-G's were about $266 with free shipping from there. They were in stock too, unlike the vogtland springs. Very comparable in price to the GR-2's.

    Just look them up for a 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo, and choose the "w/special handling package" and you'll find them.

    I have the struts in hand, i'll take some pics tonight and post them. They look just like the silver GR-2's except they are black and say "Excel-G" on them.

    Jeramie
    Last edited by 92bird; 04-28-2011 at 10:31 AM.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  13. #13 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GT Level Member taman86's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    south east AZ
    Posts
    374
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    very nice
    01 T/A WS6-SOLD
    97 grand prix gtp- flowmaster mufflers, short ram intake, SD headers (no cat), EGR delete, 160* stat, solid motor mount, AL 606's, ported TB, new coils,lifetime warranty plug wires
    BoostnBlackGTP>"Wbody's r cheap to do up and fix but break down alot lol"
    Reply With Quote  
     

  14. #14 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    Awaiting Confirmation
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    aowdnawi
    Posts
    23,292
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    1
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    My vogts should be here tomorrow, struts arrived today.

    (lazy way to subscribe)
    Reply With Quote  
     

  15. #15 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    The mod from over yonder TheOtherNick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Charles City, IA
    Posts
    9,955
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    Quote Originally Posted by 92bird View Post
    Ironically I have a brand new set of SSC springs sitting in a box, never installed, in storage.. I decided not to use them for a few reasons:

    1: I plan on intercooling in the future, and won't have room to shim up the engine/trans to get rid of CV shaft vibration with the hood I want.

    2. My custom exhaust has a 7" magnaflow resonator that hangs a bit lower than i'd like. I'd prefer not to rip it off

    3. I want the ride to handle better, but still be as comfy as possible. This is my DD and also our vacation road trip car. I don't want the CV shaft vibration, and I don't think rocking the motor forward is possible with my SLP headers.
    I have no shakes with intrax springs and no spacers. Its called new axles and mounts.
    01 gtp-big cam e85 dd 78dodge- guzzling fuel 05 cummins- rollin coal
    SMGPFC Two Nipple General
    Reply With Quote  
     

  16. #16 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    SE Level Member 92bird's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    55
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I have no shakes with intrax springs and no spacers. Its called new axles and mounts.
    Good to know! Intrax sits pretty darn low, so that's saying quite a bit.

    Worst case scenario if the vogtlands aren't low enough for me, I swap in my SSC springs. A local member here has the GMPP kit with the same size wheels/tires/offset I do, and I really like the slight drop.

    I don't like the 4x4 stock look, but also don't want to be scraping everytime i go up the driveway. My hopes are the vogtlands will be the perfect compromise.
    Reply With Quote  
     

  17. #17 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
     

  18. #18 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GPFs Sexy Ginger. SilvaMan61's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    3,619
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    spring runners...that sounds cool. obviously notas cool as COIL runner
    SMGPFC Member #9
    Reply With Quote  
     

  19. #19 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GT Level Member taman86's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    south east AZ
    Posts
    374
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I have gr-2s sitting in my shed right now, and I'm just gunna order the dna ebay springs and then piece the rest of my suspension together
    01 T/A WS6-SOLD
    97 grand prix gtp- flowmaster mufflers, short ram intake, SD headers (no cat), EGR delete, 160* stat, solid motor mount, AL 606's, ported TB, new coils,lifetime warranty plug wires
    BoostnBlackGTP>"Wbody's r cheap to do up and fix but break down alot lol"
    Reply With Quote  
     

  20. #20 Re: KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech. 
    GTX Level Member Ridin ON Chrome's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Houston/Baton Rouge
    Posts
    1,095
    Thanks (Received)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    3
    Dislikes (Received)
    0
    I always thought they were the same as the GR2s...

    Doesnt make sense why they would always sell them as the same

    KYB America LLC Shocks & Struts | Products | GR-2©

    KYB GR-2 Cartridge
    98 GTP-Mods? Yeah, lots of them
    2009 HEMI RAM- Mods are in the works!!

    01 Regal GS-SOLD :-(
    Reply With Quote  
     

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Separate general tech discussion
    By ZR1Vette09 in forum Forum Bugs/Suggestions
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 05-02-2011, 01:20 AM
  2. oil additives discussion
    By apierce1289 in forum Engine
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 04-21-2011, 04:31 PM
  3. Discussion on wheel hubs
    By BillBoost37 in forum Brakes/Suspension/Chassis
    Replies: 68
    Last Post: 01-04-2011, 08:55 AM
  4. Strut discussion
    By Warbeaver in forum Brakes/Suspension/Chassis
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 05-02-2010, 12:15 AM
  5. EGR Delete Benefits/Discussion
    By TyroElite in forum General Tech Discussion
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 01-05-2008, 04:39 PM
Tags for this Thread

View Tag Cloud

Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •