The car world is constantly engaged in the quest for perfection, especially when it comes to vehicle suspension systems. In this arena, two top-of-the-line products from the renowned Japanese manufacturer, KYB, are always front and center: the KYB Strut-Plus and the Excel-G struts.
Both have their unique selling points and dedicated fan bases, but when it comes down to choosing between the two, which one comes out on top?
A Brief Comparison Table
| Criteria | KYB Strut-Plus | KYB Excel-G |
| Components Included | Complete Strut Assembly | Standalone Strut |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Installation | Easier, less time-consuming | More complex, requires more skill |
| Maintenance | Less frequent | Potentially more frequent |
| Performance Consistency | High (factory-like) | Varies (customizable) |
| Ride Quality | Factory-like | Customizable |
| Versatility | Limited | High |
About KYB and its Commitment to Quality
But before we dive into our Strut-Plus vs Excel-G showdown, it’s important to understand the company behind these products. KYB Corporation, a global leader in ride control technology, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of shocks and struts to vehicle manufacturers.
With nearly a century of experience under its belt, KYB has perfected the art of producing high-quality, durable, and reliable suspension components.
Strut-Plus: A Complete Strut Assembly Solution
Let’s start with the Strut-Plus.
Often hailed as a ‘complete strut assembly,’ it includes all the parts you need for a strut replacement – a strut, coil spring, strut mount, boot, bumper kit, spring seat, and isolator.
This assembly is designed to save you time and hassle by providing everything in one pre-assembled kit, so you can restore your vehicle’s ride control and handling back to its factory-like conditions.
- Strut-Plus Pros
The Strut-Plus’s primary selling point is convenience. The all-in-one kit makes the replacement process a breeze, perfect for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts.
It also ensures that all components are perfectly matched and calibrated to work together seamlessly, something not guaranteed when buying individual parts.
Another advantage of the Strut-Plus is its quality and reliability. It mirrors the Original Equipment (OE) performance, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maintain their vehicle’s factory ride quality.
- Strut-Plus Cons
On the flip side, the Strut-Plus’s major downside is the price tag. This complete assembly costs significantly more than a standalone strut.
Additionally, the all-in-one nature may be a drawback for those who prefer to mix and match components for a more personalized ride quality.
Also Read: Spotting Original KYB Shocks Tricks.
Excel-G: The Gold Standard in Struts
Moving on to the Excel-G, the strut that sets the gold standard in the KYB product line. Designed to be a direct replacement for the OE strut, the Excel-G promises to restore the vehicle’s original handling and control capabilities.
- Excel-G Pros
The Excel-G’s biggest advantage is its affordability.
If you’re on a budget, the Excel-G provides a cost-effective solution to revamp your suspension system.
Despite being more budget-friendly, it doesn’t compromise on quality.
KYB ensures that every Excel-G strut offers the same level of performance and durability as their more expensive counterparts.
Another plus point for the Excel-G is its versatility. Being a standalone strut, it can be paired with different springs and mounts to fine-tune the ride quality according to personal preferences.
- Excel-G Cons
While the Excel-G is more affordable, it comes with additional work and complexity during installation. Unlike the Strut-Plus, you’ll have to procure the other components separately, and fitting them together requires more mechanical know-how.
Moreover, the ride quality may vary depending on the choice of additional components, which may result in a ride that’s too stiff or too soft if not correctly matched.
Key Differences between KYB Strut-Plus and Excel-G Struts
When you’re deciding between two titans like the Strut-Plus and the Excel-G, every detail matters. So, let’s break down the key differences between these two industry-leading struts to help you make an informed decision.
- Components Included
Perhaps the most significant difference lies in what comes in the package.
The Strut-Plus is a complete strut assembly that includes all the necessary components – a strut, coil spring, strut mount, boot, bumper kit, spring seat, and isolator. This not only simplifies the process of replacing struts but also ensures that all the parts work seamlessly together.
On the other hand, the Excel-G is a standalone strut. That means you’ll have to procure all the other components separately. While this can be a bit more of a hassle, it does give you the freedom to customize your ride by combining the Excel-G strut with different springs and mounts.
- Cost and Value
Cost is another area where these two struts diverge.
The Strut-Plus, being a complete assembly, commands a higher price tag. While this may seem like a con, the convenience and assurance of compatibility that comes with the all-in-one package offer a significant value proposition.
Conversely, the Excel-G strut is more affordable, making it an excellent choice for those working within a tight budget. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase the additional components separately, which can add to the total cost.
The value here lies in its versatility and the ability to customize your ride.
- Installation and Maintenance
When it comes to installation and maintenance, there’s a marked difference between the Strut-Plus and Excel-G.
With its complete assembly, the Strut-Plus is a breeze to install. It’s a straightforward, bolt-on process that saves both time and effort. Furthermore, with all components designed and tested to work together, you can expect less wear and tear and, consequently, less maintenance.
The Excel-G, as a standalone strut, requires a more complex installation process. You’ll need a certain level of mechanical skill to assemble the strut with the other suspension components.
As these parts may not be designed to work together as seamlessly as the Strut-Plus assembly, they may require more frequent check-ups and potential adjustments.
Also Read: Comparison of KYB Excel-G and GR2 Shocks.
- Ride Quality and Performance
Both the Strut-Plus and Excel-G promise to restore your vehicle’s original ride quality. However, the way they achieve this differs.
The Strut-Plus restores the factory-like ride and performance. Since all components are calibrated to work together, the Strut-Plus provides consistency in performance, replicating the feel of your vehicle’s original suspension system.
The Excel-G provides a more flexible approach to ride quality. Since it’s a standalone strut, it can be paired with different components to achieve a variety of ride characteristics.
This makes the Excel-G more appealing to those who want to experiment with and personalize their vehicle’s ride quality.
Conclusion
The ultimate choice between the KYB Strut-Plus and Excel-G struts boils down to your specific needs, skills, and budget. If convenience, time-saving, and maintaining original ride quality are your top priorities, the Strut-Plus is an excellent choice.
However, if you’re budget-conscious, prefer a more hands-on approach, or wish to experiment with different ride qualities, the Excel-G could be your ideal solution.
Remember, no matter what you choose, you’re getting a product from a brand that prides itself on quality, durability, and performance.
Happy driving!
