Shocks

[Ramikan]

Hey all, another question from a noob, haha.

Im looking for some performance shocks, and shocks are probably the least i know about.

Iv been looking around on the internet and haven't seen many options for an 02 camry. I emailed bilstein and another company, even called pedders but i haven't got a response from any of them, and that was almost 2 weeks ago.

A mate of mine recommended bilstein and D2.

Any second opinions?

Thanks.

[DJKOR]

My recommendation would be to get either a set of KYB's which will be a direct replacement with no extra work required, or to get a set of Koni adjustable inserts and have your existing struts rebuilt. If you want to go further than that, go for a set of aftermarket coilovers.

[Andrew357]

Be careful when buying shocks for a 2002-2006 Camry from overseas as they are made for the MCV30r and not the ACV/MCV36r. The AU Gen5 Camry is very different from a other Gen5 Camry; if you do choose to buy from an OS dealer, it would be worthwhile checking which Camry they are made for.

In answer to your question, it depends what you want.

If you want all out performance go a set of coilovers. Pedders as far as I know is the only company that offer a coilover set for the 36 series Camry (Extreme XA kit). K-Sport, D2 among others make coilovers for the MCV30r but they are not tuned for the 36 series. Coilovers however are as rough as guts and you'll lose plenty of your ride quality.

Bilstein, Tein etc may make a coilover set to suit but I can imagine the cost won't be particularly delicious.

For day to day driving with very good handling, as Daryl said some Koni Adjustable inserts are a good choice. I currently run a Koni Sport shock housed in a Bilstein strut housing. They however aren't particularly cheap, I believe the setup cost just shy of $2k. It's not good value for money (compared to a coilover set in terms of handling), but the car is still a comfortable drive. I'd recommend a set of lowered springs to improve handling as well.

However, another cheaper way to get a solid drive without breaking the bank is to buy a set of KYB Excel-G struts and some lowered springs. The KYB excel-Gs are probably the best of the OEM replacement struts and for the price they handle pretty well, especially when bundled with some lowered springs. Chances are the struts in your car now are worn anyway so you'd notice a big difference in handling.

In addition to the struts/coils whichever way you go; get your hands on:

- Whiteline 20mm rear sway bar

- UltraRacing front-strut brace

- SuperPro lower steering rack bushes

Those 3 + your suspension choice will dramatically improve the steering and handing of your car.

[Ramikan]

Be careful when buying shocks for a 2002-2006 Camry from overseas as they are made for the MCV30r and not the ACV/MCV36r. The AU Gen5 Camry is very different from a other Gen5 Camry; if you do choose to buy from an OS dealer, it would be worthwhile checking which Camry they are made for.

I didn't really want to buy from an overseas seller unless i really had too because i already had a bad feeling that AU camrys where different.

In answer to your question, it depends what you want.

If you want all out performance go a set of coilovers. Pedders as far as I know is the only company that offer a coilover set for the 36 series Camry (Extreme XA kit). K-Sport, D2 among others make coilovers for the MCV30r but they are not tuned for the 36 series. Coilovers however are as rough as guts and you'll lose plenty of your ride quality.

Bilstein, Tein etc may make a coilover set to suit but I can imagine the cost won't be particularly delicious.

For day to day driving with very good handling, as Daryl said some Koni Adjustable inserts are a good choice. I currently run a Koni Sport shock housed in a Bilstein strut housing. They however aren't particularly cheap, I believe the setup cost just shy of $2k. It's not good value for money (compared to a coilover set in terms of handling), but the car is still a comfortable drive. I'd recommend a set of lowered springs to improve handling as well.

However, another cheaper way to get a solid drive without breaking the bank is to buy a set of KYB Excel-G struts and some lowered springs. The KYB excel-Gs are probably the best of the OEM replacement struts and for the price they handle pretty well, especially when bundled with some lowered springs. Chances are the struts in your car now are worn anyway so you'd notice a big difference in handling.

In addition to the struts/coils whichever way you go; get your hands on:

- Whiteline 20mm rear sway bar

- UltraRacing front-strut brace

- SuperPro lower steering rack bushes

Those 3 + your suspension choice will dramatically improve the steering and handing of your car.

I wasn't leaning towards coilcovers, because, as you mentioned, fair loss to ride quality. Springs aren't a problem, already got a set of King lows.

Thanks for swinging me in the right direction with the adjustables, i didn't think that would have been a good option.

And i just ordered and Whiteline rear sway bar last week, but the Superpro lower steering rack bushes? What do they do (noob here, sorry)

Thanks a billion for the pointers, ill undoubtedly need your advice again as pretty much have the same car.

Cheers,

[Andrew357]

Koni adjustables are an option, but be prepared to pay for them. They are very good however. I have always been a strut and spring man.

The steering rack bushes should make your steering more direct and much more responsive.

[Ramikan]

Koni it is. Price isn't really a limitation, been saving for ages for this time to come. haha

Cheers again