murcod wrote:KuroNekko wrote:
I'd be very surprised if you find shocks for the Kizashi other than KYB Excel-Gs which are the OE shocks.
The same
manufacturer. Suzuki lists different shock part numbers for Sports (or GTS/ SLS) vs "normal" Kizashi models; the KYB shock listing is "one size fits all".
MTL would be perfect in any climate as it matches the factory recommended spec. I'd even go for that weight where I live (rarely gets to 0 C and hits up to 45 C in Summer). The Kizashi box isn't exactly renowned for it's smooth shifting characteristics, so thinner should be better.
Yes, it's true that the Sport models have different shock parts # from Suzuki, but the very manufacturer of these shocks don't differentiate them. The question is whether there is actually any difference. I've looked on KYB's site before and found no shock other than the same Excel-Gs offered for all Kizashis regardless of MY or trim. In essence, they didn't show that the Sport models used a different Excel-G shock or the higher tier KYB Gas-A-Just shocks. In fact, KYB's list shows these aren't available for the Kizashi.
In essence, it's only Suzuki themselves who claim there is a difference in the shocks. Their very OE part supplier seems to indicate a different story. Also, all the Kizashi Sport product descriptions I've ever read state that the Sport models have 18 inch lightweight wheels and a 10mm lowered suspension height (from the springs, I presume). I've never read anything stating the actual shocks were different.
About the only ones who can set this matter straight is Suzuki themselves.
About the MT fluid viscosity:
I believe thicker is better in hotter temperatures, not thinner. Thinner is the winner in colder temps. This is the case with motor oils and every lubricant for automobiles I know about. Also, I disagree about your point on; "The Kizashi box isn't exactly renowned for it's smooth shifting characteristics, so thinner should be better."
It's my belief and experience that thicker is better when you want smoother because it buffers things better. I agree that the shifter in the Kizashi isn't smooth, but that's the very reason why I went with the thicker MT-90. Consequently, it smoothed out shifting and gear engagement considerably. It's a vast improvement in shift feel over the factory fill which is a semi-synthetic 75W-80.
Keep in mind none of this viscosity talk
really matters. Suzuki states all viscosities (75W-80, 75W-85, and 75W-90) are acceptable in all temperature ranges. The reason to use different weights would then hinge more on user preference and extreme temperatures. For hotter climates, it's the thicker weight you'd want to use.
I used my MT-90 in -15 C temperatures last winter. Yeah, it was a bit heavy, but nothing to be concerned about. At -30 C (-22 F), I'd want the thinner 75W-80/MTL. At 45 C (113 F), I'd want the thicker 75W-90/MT-90.
All this being said, any of these weights would be suitable and that's according to Suzuki. They just recommend 75W-80 as the optimal weight.