kevintq

iTrader: (5)

So has anyone tried these or know much about these??

from what i know they are new shocks like the F-sport

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

Yes, someone tell me these are shorter than OEMs

vintagebob

HPs are Tokico's bottom line shock below the adjustable Tokico Illumina.

Some light reading:

http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets6.html

F-Sport shocks are made by Bilstein.

sinister2c

If they are like the Honda ones, they might be about 0.5" shorter

Keith13b

iTrader: (3)

The adjustable Tokico Illumina's are some of the best struts for imports out there. I haven't checked for our application but all my other cars have them. I'd love to get a set for the IS. Thanks for reminding me so I can look into it!

If you are looking at the HP's, they are bottom of the barrel as far as performance goes, so I'd price shop other brands. HPs are great stock alternatives!

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

according to tokico's 2008 catalog only the HP series shocks/struts are available for the 2is. no illumina's.

http://www.hitachi-hap-la.com/Tokico...08_CATALOG.pdf

iSuxeL

iTrader: (21)

Thanks but I'm going coils now

TLP_IS350

the hp series are slightly stiffer then stock, which is what the F-sports are suppose to be. tokico makes great shocks, our OEM shocks are made by tokico. The HP series or the "blues" as some call it are great if u are looking for shocks/struts that will keep the stock ride characteristics. have them on my TL Type-S and they ride slightly stiffer then stock but not harsh.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Awesome post! Too bad the kids aren't paying attention...

javyLSU

iTrader: (21)

Wow! What an article. I'm going to have to read that again to absorb all that information better. Thanks for the link!

Javier

AM1

iTrader: (6)

good link.

ndk83

Damnnnn crazy link, it flipped everything i knew about shocks on its head ( i dont know much..) Do
So wait, the guy in the article says blistein shocks are some of the best, are our oem shocks made by blistein? or jsut the F-sport ones?

So from what gathered from this article, that blistein unadjustables > ZEAL coils ? is this true? I thought zeal were some of the best. So KW isnt that great either?

hmmm might have to get some F sport shocks after all.

Sup2jzgte

I'm thinking about getting the HP series to replace my stock ones which are shot, I'm just hoping I can get stock ride quality out of these. That is one awesome article

IS250DC

I've had experience with Bilsteins, Tokicos, Koni's and others. My personal rating, Tokico #1 for better than stock, definite improvement over stock, have them on my 2007 IS250 RWD, Koni Yellow's #2 choice, sportier, stiffer ride, Bilsteins #3 (depending on line) can be quite firm, not to my liking. Have install all these on both Lexus, BMW, VW, Honda and Acura's I've owned. I have not tried the F-Sport Bilsteins but venture to guess they are firmer than stock but softer than their brand. Guessing...
Hope this helps.

Keith13b

iTrader: (3)

I would like to second IS250DC's post. I have the EXACT same opinion as he does with similar experiences with my SC400. Now I can't remember off the top of my head which model of shock I had, but thats a moot point.

I seriously doubt most people will do any intensive racing with their IS in a track only environment. That being said, the best "performance" shock will most likely never be the best streetable shock. Tokico's have been, bar none, the best stock replacement shock for maintaing stock ride feel with a noticable gain in performance for me over several different car models/types. They are my "go-to" replacement when I get a new car. The Koni's are quite stiff and became an issue for me over rough city roads - just not comfortable over the long term and failed often with potholes, so rather expensive to maintain. Bilsteins were an awesome track shock/strut but were almost dangerous in a street application. I could hit a road reflector in the road in a turn and the rear would break loose- Very dangerous......however awesome, and best choice for the Auto-X's which I most commonly do on weekends. Driving to and from the track was a "kidney-dislocating" experience. If you are a recreational racer you will quickly find out that racing your daily driver will always be fun, but not competative. In order to win, you pretty much need to have a track tuned car which would be impractable on the street but there is nothing to say you can't keep it as your weekend fun-run on the street.

How you intend to drive the car will directly affect your choice in suspension. For most who drive 90% of the time as a daily driver in public streets, I have nothing but good things to say about any line of Tokicos that will fit our cars. If you want better performance- go get a swaybar set. It will make the world a better place rather than buying dangerously stiff shocks designed for extreme or hard core conditions......which you most likely will never experience or experience so infrequently that it doesn't constitute the cost/discomfort level.

Furthermore, it doesn't matter how much money you thow at a the car, what test data you have, or what the guy next door says, the car will only perform as good as the driver behind the wheel. Always start small and work your way up. Thats just my .02 cents from the experience I have gained as an avid autocrosser for over 20 years now!