Kontrolle Shock Tubes

[Zealous]

Pulling a part some extra front struts I had be given awhile ago when I purchased the white car as practise for the gland nut which is a whole other story. I found an interesting strut insert I had not heard of Kontrolle. I am guessing they are not making these anymore for the Z or that they are not very good and hence no one uses them. These Kontrolle's are front inserts and look like they have seen better days with what looks to be the part number 2871501. I was wondering if anyone on here had information on them? And if they were any good or just a cheaper alternative?

[d240zx2]

Take a peek at this link. The omission of 240Z from his application list might indicate either he hasn't any OR you have a set for the other Datsuns listed.

http://www.autosportgallery.com/backroom_suspension.html

[Zealous]

Thanks for the link, I found other links like that but not really any information on whether these are any good or anything in general about them. Anyone have info on these shocks?

[Mike W]

I believe this was a relatively popular brand of shock insert back in the late seventies or early eighties but I don't believe they are made any longer.

I actually have a set on my 260 that I installed years ago and am ironically just replacing now. I am starting with the rears and essentially have those complete and will then move to the fronts. Will be replacing them with KYB.

From my experience they were a good product. Provided a stiffer ride than OEM with good handling. The ones I removed from my car were beat, but what can you expect after 20+ years.

Hope that helps.

Mike.

[Zealous]

Thanks Mike,

Yeah I have been trying to track down info this is the best I came up with. With them being slightly better rated than the KYBs oh well worth checking. http://www.zhome.com/ZCMnL/tech/suspension.html

Here are some photos for all to complete the thread. Tried to take a photo of the part number but it did not turn out well.

[SeafireXV]

Kontrolle was a company based in Fremont, California that made good quality aftermarket suspension components. I visited their warehouse in about 1980 or 81 through a local Z club.

They were introducing their newest product, a modified rear subframe for the 280ZX. It had the trailing arm pivots moved upward about an inch in order to tame the nasty bump steer that the ZX was known for. It was rather pricey for the time at $1k, if I remember correctly, so I don't think you will find many of these around. The company is long gone, though I don't know when.

[Ptero]

I'm in the process of replacing my shocks and they are also Kontrolle. It says on them that they are made my Tokico.

[SeafireXV]

That sounds about right. They sold shocks that were re-valved to their specs. I didn't know that they were made by Tokico, though.

[Zealous]

Well after much hard work I finally got the stuck shock out of the tube on the orange car. What would you know it is also a Kontrolle, despite being told that two owners ago they replaced them with KYBs. It looks different than the other two fronts I have. Thanks again to everyone for the information. Should be able to get the new Tokico Illuminas in now.

[Ptero]

To satisfy any curiosity...