As has been described already, I'm not sure there is much terminal speed to be had at the extreme end of the performance envelope with one shock over another, its just much easier to get to the upper 10% of that maximum performance and keep the car there with good stuff. I didn't notice a significant change in my best run time comparisons when I went from OTS Konis to Penskes on my BS setup, but I could recreate that "hero run" significantly more consistently than I could before.

 

Interesting - this is awesome input, thanks guys.

 

I know KW was brought up, but maybe look into KW Clubsports. I have heard good things about them. I ran a revalved version of the KWV3s on my STI in 2008-2009. I used to race my S2000 in stock class before that and did very well on stock shocks. I switched to Koni yellows and never did as well on those. Might have been other factors involved but like everyone is saying, high-end shocks just make the car easier to drive but not necessarily any faster.

 

This car will be used as a (short distance) daily driver too - does that change my selection criteria at all?

Also, how often do you have to rebuild these shocks? Does the rebuild frequency or cost change between revalved koni yellows, other $2000-ish shocks, and higher end ones like Motons or Penskes?

 

Another plug for KW Clubsports.

 

What is the difference between the clubsport and the v3 anyway? It sounded like you'd have to revalve the v3 for 600-800 lb springs - is this the case with the clubsport as well?

 

Springs are way too soft on the KW's and you'll have a hard time talking them into revalving for higher rates from what I've heard.

 

Motons hardly ever need rebuilt. I put 35k on the set of motor sports that were on my CRX and when I had them revalved, the tech said that they looked new inside.

 

Top hats and slightly stiffer springs, 515 to 571 or something very close to that.

 

I would categorically disagree with you on this point.

High end shocks generally have better valving and fluid movement characteristics that keep your tire in contact with the road more.

How much more is up for debate, not if they are better.