suspension

[tony 69]

Hi guys may be a strange question but was the suspension made for the tvr chassis or like most things taken from another car.

Im looking for new coilovers for my s1 but was wondering if I would get a better selection if I could get something listed under something other than a tvr

cheers

[phillpot]

how much choice do you want, Gaz, Protech, Avo, Bilstein, Spax, Koni .......




... and possibly Nitrons or Ohlins if you really want to splash out?

Edited by phillpot on Saturday 28th November 21:34

[tony 69]

I've read the wiki and gaz are rated well for the lower price area and nitos for the higher price side but others mentioned don't seem to come highly recommended

[v8s4me]

tony 69 said:

.....I'm looking for new coil-overs for my s1 ...

If you're only going to drive it on the road, or your springs are shot, get the old Koni's reconditioned and save yourself some money and the hassle of setting up after-market ones.

[tony 69]

I wasn't sure whether they would they be ok after the recon as I didn't know if they were any good in the first place.
The car is only for road use but I do corner hard lol. I have read about the s2 upgrade but how much difference does this make to a road car

Cheers

[v8s4me]

More info HERE if you're interested.

[phillpot]

tony 69 said:

but others mentioned don't seem to come highly recommended

Well I'd thoroughly recommend the Protech but as you've seen a lot do follow the "tried and tested" Gaz route.

v8s4me said:

If you're only going to drive it on the road, get the old Koni's reconditioned

Another option, Koni are certainly a reputable brand but they don't have any ride height adjustment.

v8s4me said:

springs are shot

there is nothing in a coil spring to wear out, they may sag a little (helps get the back wheels somewhere near the wheelarches ) but the spring rate cannot alter without a physical change to the metal. Having said that original springs, if your car is still on all its original bits, are possibly a little squidgy for enthusiastic driving.

[tony 69]

Ok so if I'm understanding this right original springs have no height adjustment however than can be stiffened to make it handle a bit less spongy even on original shocks and springs. So if I had them reconed they would make a nice spring set up for a road car, I do understand that there not good for track use but I don't do that anyway. I agree if changing them is my option most people have chosen the gaz route so they must be pretty good for this application

cheers

[v8s4me]

tony 69 said:

...so if I'm understanding this right, original springs have no height adjustment ....

Not quite, springs do not have height adjustment, it is the damper (the thing with the oil in it) which may have an adjuster (eg Gaz). This changes the ride height by compressing the spring.

tony 69 said:

.... however they can be stiffened to make it handle a bit less spongy even on original shocks and springs...

Not quite, the rebound can be adjusted which reduces roll.The original set-up in good condition is not spongy, so if yours are a bit bouncy then they do need a recon or replacing.

tony 69 said:

... So if I had them recon'd they would make a nice spring set up for a road car...

IMHO, yes and you'll get slightly better ground clearance with the standard Koini set-up.

tony 69 said:

.... I do understand that they're not good for track use but I don't do that anyway.....

Depends how hard you drive it. being able to set the car to sit lower is helpful for track days, but not for road humps or pot holes on the way home

Something else you might like to consider is the service life of the OE units. Koni = 50,000+ miles or so, GAZ and others = ? I've heard of Nitrons needing a service after 18 months and Gaz after a similar period.

So, you pays your money and takes your choice, but if you do decide to replace the OE ones, don't throw them away because someone will snap them up.

Edited by v8s4me on Sunday 29th November 12:40

[tony 69]

I think I will contact the company you used to referb yours and get a price off them.

I do need a certain amount of height as I have a very steep drive which used to end in tears for the old 28 capri's exhaust if not taken at right angle lol. I know a good powder coater near me so i'll also get a price from him. Can I have the strut part powder coated do you know without the risk of damage

[v8s4me]

tony 69 said:

... Can I have the strut part powder coated do you know without the risk of damage

Not sure about that. I just rubbed mine down and painted them to match the chassis.

[tony 69]

ok I've spoken to a local powder coater and he says they go to 180 degrees so this may well not be a good idea.


Ive also spoken to shaun at sp supension and he says I need the shock part number but as mine is wrapped up waiting to be next in garage I think this may have to wait till then. So I'll move on and start lookng for a good bush set for the arms rack etc. Always something else lol