Do Well-Used Factory OEM Koni Shocks Have Any Value? | FerrariChat
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Do Well-Used Factory OEM Koni Shocks Have Any Value?

Discussion in '308/328' started by dave80gtsi, Nov 27, 2022.

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  1. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
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    Dave Meredith
    #1 dave80gtsi, Nov 27, 2022
    Greetings to all!

    I'm in the middle of restoring the front suspension in my 308, which has included purchasing new Koni shocks. The model number of the new shocks is 82P-1982 SP 6. As compared to my old OEM shocks which are 82P-1982 SP1.

    As can be seen, my old shocks were in dire need of replacement. But in speaking with the Koni suppliers, they noted that buying new shocks was less expensive than would be restoring and rebuilding the original shocks (which a service that they can provide - they are 1 of only 2 remaining Koni North America factory service centers). I was told that the SP1 vs. SP6 model differences refer only to internal construction manufacturing details.

    My question is to wonder if there are any 308 'purists' still around who would philosophically prefer to rebuild and retain the original factory OEM shocks, in the name of retaining the OEM matching numbers?

    For example, could there ever be any sort of a judged concours, say, where points would be deducted due to the use of different model number replacement shocks? So that these tired old shocks would thus have potential value to future owners, and therefore should be kept with the car, in lieu of their just being trashed?

    Thanks - DM

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  2. bertrand328

    bertrand328 Formula 3

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    #2 bertrand328, Nov 27, 2022
    I do this job ( not myself ) on my 328 and if my memorie serve me well the cost should be same if I bought new parts or if I sent them to restore. I don't if there is any change of value but I prefer original part.
     
  3. bertrand328

    bertrand328 Formula 3

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    #3 bertrand328, Nov 27, 2022
    RodC328gts likes this.
  4. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

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    #4 Brian A, Nov 27, 2022
    I am sure there are people who would value these exact cores for restoration purposes. It would have to be the sort of collector who has copies of original hose brands, blue UFI oil filters, and original battery reproduced.

    Most of us restoration purists don’t care (I am kinda sorta one) (although I have lapsed as of late) (my car is lowered! My bumpers are pushed in!). Its just too fine of a detail if you actually drive the car.
     
  5. Cennzo

    Cennzo Karting

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    #5 Cennzo, Nov 27, 2022
    My thinking is that if the cost for new is about the same as refurbished, I’d get new ones and keep these so if the next owner wants the originals for whatever, he/she/you’ve got them!
     
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  6. bertrand328

    bertrand328 Formula 3

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    #6 bertrand328, Nov 28, 2022
    That is not good for the planet, I will send you Greta Thunberg :)
     
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  7. ferrariowner

    ferrariowner Formula 3

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    #7 ferrariowner, Nov 28, 2022
    I hope the originals aren't valuable, I tossed my old ones in the trash and purchased new. Koni's (Discount tire on-line, I think). This was before the prices went up on everything a few years ago.
    BTW- I think my old shocks were all good. Couldn't tell much difference with the new ones.
     
  8. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

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    #8 Brian A, Nov 29, 2022
    That was my surprise too. When I rebuilt my suspension, I sent my 35 year old factory shocks into Koni for testing on their shock dynamometer. Koni said they were still performing as-new so I just cleaned them up and put them back on the car.
     
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  9. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
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    #9 dave80gtsi, Nov 30, 2022
    Thanks, guys, as always for your thoughts and comments!

    I'm typically a guy who saves old OEM parts as they are replaced, sticking them into a box for the next owner to deal with. But in this case, the old shocks are very stiff, practically to the point of being unable to compress / extend them by hand. So I was beginning to wonder if there ever might be anyone who would ever go to the time and trouble to refurbish them, simply due to them being original to the car.

    With that being said, there's really no harm done in storing them away for the next owner to keep, or not.

    If anyone might want them now as they are, let me know!

    Cheers - DM
     
  10. Ferraridoc

    Ferraridoc F1 World Champ
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    #10 Ferraridoc, Dec 1, 2022
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  11. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
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    #11 dave80gtsi, Dec 1, 2022
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  12. Ferraridoc

    Ferraridoc F1 World Champ
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    #12 Ferraridoc, Dec 1, 2022
    Purdy
     
  13. BenB

    BenB Karting

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    #13 BenB, Dec 1, 2022
    If people are saving & rebuilding the original engine hatch struts rather than using the identical (but non-F branded) $35 ones from Amazon, then I'd say it's worth at least saving the originals.

    I've seen guys fighting over a NOS blue air filter for a Porsche, so nothing surprises me.
     
  14. Beta Scorpion

    Beta Scorpion Formula 3

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    #14 Beta Scorpion, Dec 2, 2022
    I can't imagine re-painting them and placing new bushings is that expensive. If they are stiff, I'd open them up and check.

    I'm re-restoring my 1976 Lancia right now and am amazed at how parts have really dried up. Many replacements that could easily be purchased 15 years ago are no longer available. Same may happen to 308s as the years pass.

    I did open up and clean the Lancia struts back in 1984. A seal had deteriorated and the bits of rubber were caught in the little metering holes, making the ride very very stiff. I was able to clean it up, get a new seal and add new oil and get them working again.

    Then around 2000 I decided to replace them with Koni struts and threw out the perfectly functioning originals. Now any struts for that car are hard to come by.

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  15. Dal308

    Dal308 Karting
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    #15 Dal308, Dec 2, 2022
    With so many people having done the Unobtanium conversion with QA-1s, there are a lot of originals out there if you really need some.
     

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