KYB Excel-G vs GR-2 - interesting discussion with KYB tech.

**92bird** · 04-27-2011

When looking to redo my suspension, I was originally going to go with KYB AGX/Vogtland spring combo. But then $$ comes into play, so I had decided on GR-2 to save a few bucks with the vogtland springs..

But when doing my research I found that there are a few different part numbers floating around for the grand prix KYB struts.

Most places will sell you KYB GR2 #334227 for the front and GR2 #334228 for the rear. (both struts are silver in color) This is what ZZP and Wbody store will sell you.

Some places were showing KYB Excel-G #339015 for the front (black in color) but still GR2 #334227 for the rear (silver in color)

So I called and talked with a tech at KYB and told him what I was doing with the vogtland springs, and he recommended KYB Excel-G #339015 front and Excel-G #339148 rear (both black in Color)

ok, now I was confused.. but he explained..

The Excel-G struts (339015 and 339148) are newer recently added models that are correct application specific replacements for the Monte Carlo and Impala with the FE4 special handling package, which supposedly have a slight 10mm lower ride height and different rate springs. These struts were built to provide an aftermarket replacement that would retain the characteristics of the FE4 special handling package, as the currently available GR-2 struts would have been a downgrade in performance.

He said both of these would provide tighter handling over the GR-2 models, especially the rear, which was designed for the extra rear weight of the impala/monte carlo. Theoretically this could help tune out some of the understeer that is built into the w-body platform.

It was his opinion that since my goals were sportier handling to give these a try. He still recommended the GR-2's for original equipment replacement.

I have since ordered and received the KYB Excel-G 339015 and 339148. Just waiting for my vogtland springs to ship (backorder from AJUSA), and all new monroe strut mounts/plates. Cost is comparable to GR2 (maybe just a few bux more).

This will be going on my daily driver 2000 GTP along with a 19mm GMPP solid rear sway bar, and Dorman solid 34mm front bar with TPR bushing upgrade, and of course the Vogtland springs.

I'll report back once all is installed and road tested.

Jeramie

**Bio248** · 04-27-2011

that's awesome info. i've never even heard of that line before.

any thought on going with springs that go lower than vogtlands to not only increase aesthetics on the car as well as getting them sooner since vogtlands are always backordered?

**BillBoost37** · 04-27-2011

Good info to know. Thanks

KYB Strut Easy

**92bird** · 04-27-2011

Also wanted to add that the tech also recommended using the rear strut boot/bumpstop for the monte/impala instead of the factory grand prix. He did not recommend cutting or removing the bumpstops for any reason as they are there to protect the strut, but supposedly this one allows slightly more travel before hitting the bumpstop. If you cut the bumpstops too much, the internal strut rod can bottom out and possibly get bent just slightly, allowing it to leak internally and degrade performance. - Makes me wonder if this is why some people have good luck with GR2's and other's say they don't last??? Maybe some ppl cut the bumpstops too much?

KYB part number is SB128, so i ordered these as well.

Jeramie

**92bird** · 04-27-2011

any thought on going with springs that go lower than vogtlands to not only increase aesthetics on the car as well as getting them sooner since vogtlands are always backordered?

Ironically I have a brand new set of SSC springs sitting in a box, never installed, in storage.. I decided not to use them for a few reasons:

1: I plan on intercooling in the future, and won't have room to shim up the engine/trans to get rid of CV shaft vibration with the hood I want.

2. My custom exhaust has a 7" magnaflow resonator that hangs a bit lower than i'd like. I'd prefer not to rip it off

3. I want the ride to handle better, but still be as comfy as possible. This is my DD and also our vacation road trip car. I don't want the CV shaft vibration, and I don't think rocking the motor forward is possible with my SLP headers.

**The Guz** · 04-27-2011

Good info. Post pics of the struts when you get them in. My brother is looking to replace his stock struts and I'll pass this along to him.

**SilvaMan61** · 04-27-2011

NICE.. Ill be lowering hopefully in the near future and i was torn between the gr2s and the agxs. now that there is a happy medium that wont bust the wallet... well i know what struts im going with

keep us updated with the install and how they ride.

**redlinepontiac** · 04-27-2011

good info

**JarenSTi** · 04-27-2011

cool thanks for the info.

**taman86** · 04-27-2011

wow that is interesting to know. does anybody want a brand new set of gr-2's

?

**taman86** · 04-28-2011

looked up those part numbers on ebay, 82 a piece for the fronts and 74 a piece for the rears, so about 330 a set of 4. about 50-80 more then gr-2's but still about 200 less then the agx's

**92bird** · 04-28-2011

I ordered the struts from AJUSA.. The Excel-G's were about $266 with free shipping from there. They were in stock too, unlike the vogtland springs. Very comparable in price to the GR-2's.

Just look them up for a 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo, and choose the "w/special handling package" and you'll find them.

I have the struts in hand, i'll take some pics tonight and post them. They look just like the silver GR-2's except they are black and say "Excel-G" on them.

Jeramie

**taman86** · 04-28-2011

very nice

**matt5112** · 04-28-2011

My vogts should be here tomorrow, struts arrived today.

(lazy way to subscribe)

**TheOtherNick** · 04-28-2011

Originally Posted by 92bird

Ironically I have a brand new set of SSC springs sitting in a box, never installed, in storage.. I decided not to use them for a few reasons:

1: I plan on intercooling in the future, and won't have room to shim up the engine/trans to get rid of CV shaft vibration with the hood I want.

2. My custom exhaust has a 7" magnaflow resonator that hangs a bit lower than i'd like. I'd prefer not to rip it off

3. I want the ride to handle better, but still be as comfy as possible. This is my DD and also our vacation road trip car. I don't want the CV shaft vibration, and I don't think rocking the motor forward is possible with my SLP headers.

I have no shakes with intrax springs and no spacers. Its called new axles and mounts.

**92bird** · 04-28-2011

I have no shakes with intrax springs and no spacers. Its called new axles and mounts.

Good to know! Intrax sits pretty darn low, so that's saying quite a bit.

Worst case scenario if the vogtlands aren't low enough for me, I swap in my SSC springs. A local member here has the GMPP kit with the same size wheels/tires/offset I do, and I really like the slight drop.

I don't like the 4x4 stock look, but also don't want to be scraping everytime i go up the driveway. My hopes are the vogtlands will be the perfect compromise.

**Bio248** · 04-28-2011

you spring runners know nothing of scraping things.

**SilvaMan61** · 04-28-2011

spring runners...that sounds cool. obviously notas cool as COIL runner

**taman86** · 04-28-2011

I have gr-2s sitting in my shed right now, and I'm just gunna order the dna ebay springs and then piece the rest of my suspension together

**Ridin ON Chrome** · 04-29-2011

I always thought they were the same as the GR2s...

Doesnt make sense why they would always sell them as the same

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