Like the same way I start in most of my articles...here's the box

One of the nicest things about the Koni is its infinite adjustment valve to fine tune down to the exact dampening characteristics.  In short...the Koni strut helps the car dampen the minor bumps and waves on the road.

For the most part, I was expecting to see more than just the insert for the suspension strut.

However, I found out that alot of work would've had to been done to get this thing in gear.  For one, I would have to rip open my old strut assembly/suspension from the car and pull out the old insert.  During this time I was contemplating if this was worth doing.  I was left to decide....should I go through with the install knowing that I may not like how my car will handle and how it will look?  Just take a look at the crazy instructions.  Understandable?  Yes.  Hellish mechanic labor?  Yes. 

All of this and I didn't even talk about the springs yet.

As you can see, the springs are the Eibach Pro Kit specifically for the ST183 (Celica 90-93).

Open box:

Close up:

The thing that makes this part of the project so hellish yet somewhat dangerous is that I would still need to take out a compressed spring from the strut.  I've done this only once with a roommate who I used to live with in Sacramento.  He had an integra, by the way.  Anyway, it was hell taking the spring out.  Just imaging putting that yellow thing (koni insert) in that red thing (my current strut housing).  (see pic below)

I thought long and hard about whether to install it or not...I didn't come into a decision until I got a chance to drive two celicas that were the same models as mine that used these same parts.  This was all due thanks to some of the people I've met at alltrac.net and newcelica.org.  From there...I said "forget it"  I didn't like the ride height resulting from the springs of these cars (which were 1 inch in drop) but the overall handling was ok and good ride comfort.  The only difference was that one of the celicas had the Eibach Pro Kit (1 inch drop) and the other had the Eibach Sport (1.5 inch drop).  Same spring rates.  I'm sure if the dampening was adjusted to my driving style, I probably would've leaned more in keeping this setup but I didn't want to ask the owners of the cars if I can adjust their Koni's.  I already felt like I owed them something since they let me drive their cars in the first place.  So what did I do?  For the $900+ I already spent on this setup.  I decided that especially since I will be mixing new koni inserts with my old current strut housing and going through some serious labor time and probable shortcomings (knowing me), I decided to get my refund and take the plunge.

Enter JIC Coilovers SA-1.

Oh well...At least I don't have to use this ugly decal...

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