Performance Shocks/Struts?

[Thirty-Nine]

Back in the day, I put Tokico HPs on my Yaris and they've been great. They probably have about 60,000–70,000 miles on them now, and will need to be replaced at some point. I'm not interested in running coilovers again.

So what are people running for "performance-oriented" shocks/struts? It looks like the TRD units are still available as are Bilsteins. Any others I should look at?

[Jason@SportsCar]

If you can find a set, the Koni STR.T would be a nice option.

[Thirty-Nine]

If you can find a set, the Koni STR.T would be a nice option.

Did they ever actually make these for Yaris? I see Koni's site doesn't have them for Yaris.

[Fluxtasy]

Back in the day, I put Tokico HPs on my Yaris and they've been great. They probably have about 60,000–70,000 miles on them now, and will need to be replaced at some point. I'm not interested in running coilovers again.

So what are people running for "performance-oriented" shocks/struts? It looks like the TRD units are still available as are Bilsteins. Any others I should look at?

Just wondering how stiff in % are Tokico HPs compared to stock?

[Thirty-Nine]

Just wondering how stiff in % are Tokico HPs compared to stock?

I don't have any numbers, but they weren't just OE replacements. If I could get another set, I would personally. I've been happy with mine. I don't track my Yaris or stuff, so the HPs + Tein S-Techs are a good street setup.

[Jason@SportsCar]

Did they ever actually make these for Yaris? I see Koni's site doesn't have them for Yaris.

I have seen listings for them.

[Fluxtasy]

I don't have any numbers, but they weren't just OE replacements. If I could get another set, I would personally. I've been happy with mine. I don't track my Yaris or stuff, so the HPs + Tein S-Techs are a good street setup.

I just read up on another thread that its 15% stiffer than stock:
https://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=3&t=153696&a=1

[CrankyOldMan]

I've been on Koni "reds" with MicroImage blue springs. Been pretty happy with them for DD and AutoX use, not sure what I'll do when they wear out.

[Neinris]

I've been on Koni "reds" with MicroImage blue springs. Been pretty happy with them for DD and AutoX use, not sure what I'll do when they wear out.

Are the Koni reds you're referring to shorter than stock? I'm looking for something to marry my Tein's lowering springs with. Some have used Blistein, but might be a little too stiff for comfort, so looking for another option.

[Fluxtasy]

I have an option to go for a KYB model available domestically here but they are 30% stiffer than stocks. Probably too stiff as a daily.

If I do get them then I might have to swap back to stock springs and wear them down lol

[myfirstyota]

I have bilstein b8's and tein s-tech's. I daily this combo and im happy with it.

[CrankyOldMan]

Are the Koni reds you're referring to shorter than stock? I'm looking for something to marry my Tein's lowering springs with. Some have used Blistein, but might be a little too stiff for comfort, so looking for another option.

Brain fart, they're Tokico HTS116. The "red" was all I remembered. Disregard.

[Neinris]

Brain fart, they're Tokico HTS116. The "red" was all I remembered. Disregard.

WOW! I can't seem to find those. looks like I'll be getting Bilstein, it has the name "Tein" in it already anyway. :laugh:

I rode in my cousin's 370Z, and his suspension is stiff, but still more comfortable than my ride right now with the stock struts. I'm hoping the Bilstein would feel the same as his suspension.

[Thirty-Nine]

Too bad Tokico doesn't sell shocks in the U.S. anymore. :(

[myfirstyota]

...I rode in my cousin's 370Z, and his suspension is stiff, but still more comfortable than my ride right now with the stock struts. I'm hoping the Bilstein would feel the same as his suspension.

I'll bet they aren't far off but the only thing I can compare it to was a g35 back in the day..

[OzDriver]

Anybody running KYB Excel-G struts/shocks?

[stidnam]

Ozdriver, I wouldn't categorise them as performance, though they'll be about the only option easily available here locally. If you want something performance orientated, order something from the UK. You'll get a full kit for $1k AUD. Alternatively, order something off Yahoo Japan.

[OzDriver]

Ozdriver, I wouldn't categorise them as performance, though they'll be about the only option easily available here locally. If you want something performance orientated, order something from the UK. You'll get a full kit for $1k AUD. Alternatively, order something off Yahoo Japan.

Ok good tip cheers. There doesn't seem to be a huge selection locally.

Not looking for 'performance' per se, but I would assume they're an upgrade over standard to some degree? When my OE WRX shocks started knocking I swapped to Excel G - car definitely seemed happier with the slightly lower springs I already had.

[stidnam]

I've always assumed they are OEM replacements :). Had them in my starlet with some lowering springs. Not a bad shock by any means, but nothing to write home about.

Search this site for Yaris. NCP91 stuff will all fit NCP131/30 chassis' as well.

https://www.spring-loaded.co.uk/

[Thirty-Nine]

KYB touts the Excel G as OE replacement and they're nearly the same performance as them, too.

[NathanXPrime]

Soo side note . . . does anyone know where to get a rear swaybar for a 2006?

[Thirty-Nine]

Well as the time nears to replace my old Tokico HPs with 80,000 miles on them, I see TRD still offers their shocks/struts. It looks like Bilsteins are out of stock pretty much everywhere.

[mannycheckers]

I have the TRD struts. They are a great improvement over stock.

However, my rear right strut was leaking after a few thousand miles. I don't know what happened to it. I ended up replacing that single one with a Bilstein B8 because the TRD are sold as a set.

[Thirty-Nine]

I have the TRD struts. They are a great improvement over stock.

However, my rear right strut was leaking after a few thousand miles. I don't know what happened to it. I ended up replacing that single one with a Bilstein B8 because the TRD are sold as a set.

Are you on the stock springs or are you on lowered springs?

[mannycheckers]

Are you on the stock springs or are you on lowered springs?

I installed the TRD struts and lowered springs at the same time. I am sorta late to the game in Yaris ownership, having purchased one in 2019, so the TRD setup seemed like the best option available. I also have installed the TRD rear sway bar. I installed the sway bar first and feel like that made the most difference in handling. I do have to say as a former owner of a Fiesta ST, the TRD setup is really good. The Fiesta ST had accurate, but harsh handling that made dailying it almost tedious.

After all of the suspension components were in, I changed wheels and tires to Enkei RPF1 and 205/50R15 Continental Extreme Contact tires. Those tires were great.

I have since moved to a snowy-ish area and now run 205/50R15 Vredestein Quatracs because they are all-season with snow rating. The Yaris does not really make that much power to notice the loss of grip in the summer. However, the grip in winter is really good.

EDIT: BTW when I first purchased the Yaris, I was not really into wrenching and mods, but I found your blog, binged all of your content, and was inspired to make my car a much better vehicle for me. I ended up doing several things to my car (suspension, wheels, leather wrapping the steering wheel, my own maintenance, short shift kit, exhaust, speakers). Thank you for all that you have posted over the years!