nitron suspension ?

nitron suspension ?

Author
Discussion

blackbeard

Original Poster:

7 posts

247 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
whats the latest on after market suspension? almost a grand but is it quality
any hints please post
thanks

GreenV8S

30,220 posts

285 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
Extremely happy with it on the S, but I've read various stories from Wedge owners who had problems. I suspect one problem is that the dampers are basically designed for twin wishbone setups where the geometry of the end fittings is well defined, but on a Wedge the dampers have to twist all over the place. If the end fittings run out of travel, it's only a matter of time before they fail. Excellent dampers but I'd advise you to discuss it with Guy at Nitron to see whether they'll suit your car.

19560

12,722 posts

259 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
I don't know of anyone using them for a road going Wedge although the Griff people swear by them. I think that the Tasmin racers use them. Try talking to joospeed, he fits a lot to Griffs. How much are a set of Koni's with springs? £500? These would be sufficient for most people but it takes me 4 hours to adjust the damping and Nitrons do look good...

19560

12,722 posts

259 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
Blackbeard, just noticed that you have trailing arm rear suspension. Best to mention this if you speak to Julian or Guy.

shpub

8,507 posts

273 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
19560 said:
I think that the Tasmin racers use them.

They also broke a lot with the shock snapping due to movement from the trailing arm. The Tazzie racers are running incredibly stiff springs to minimise the movement. Not sure I would recommend them on a Wedge as a result. The suspension design is pretty wierd!!
It works but it is not like the Griffs and V8S and so on.

andymadmak

14,609 posts

271 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
I'd be really interested in views on this subject.
A specialist has strongly recommended Redlines all round for my 400se.
He's well known on this forum, and well respected too.
It does seem as if the wedges don't have a definative after market suspension kit for them that everyone swears by.
As a result, I'm still dithering on the AVO/Nitron/Readline/old rubber bands question!

All I want is a good firm but supple ride,(oo er missus!) . I live in an area with shite roads, and decent suspension control is a must but cannot be at the expense of cracking the body to bits.

Andy 400se

19560

12,722 posts

259 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
So in summary there have been problems with AVOs, Nitrons and Spax, following last weeks discussion opinion seems to be split on Redlines and Konis take an age to adjust.

GreenV8S

30,220 posts

285 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
Personally didn't get on with AVOs when I had them on the V8S, but people using them on Wedges and Cerbs seem quite happy. It may be that they suit heavier cars better. Wouldn't rule these out for a Wedge.

19560

12,722 posts

259 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
I've had problems with AVOs on a Wedge.

shpub

8,507 posts

273 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
The 520 spent its first 4-5 years sprinting on Avos - pretty good and no problems. Now using GAZ which are a vast improvement with no problems. been on the car for about 3 years now.

19560

12,722 posts

259 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
Look at this from Joospeed in the Servicing Ohlins thread:

"Ohlins are the daddy of dampers, along with penske, proflex and Nitron, but the AVOs fill a very large and significant gap in the budget damper market, they consistently outperform gaz and leda dampers on the dyno for example, which can be very variable when tested yet they are perceived as better dampers than avo for some strange reason...go figure!!
Avos offer an intro in to the world of adjustable suspension, they have a 2 year guarantee and rebuilds are normally within 3-4 working days no quibble. I'm proud to sell and stand by Avo dampers
If however you have the money burning a hole in your pocket and you have to have the name ohlins then I can honestly say they are a top notch damper and the performance will be very very good."

I think that the choice of dampers for a wedge is really difficult.

blackbeard

Original Poster:

7 posts

247 months

Tuesday 18th November 2003
quotequote all
my friend has an S3 and someone suggested to him nitrons.it appears i'm doing some research for him!what would we do without silicone,polyeurethene! wonder bras would become obselete.A- frame seems to handle nitron's and less wobble.my redlines on the rear have been replaced,new in '97.possibly lack of use is also useful to know.i have had my new 350 fhc 3 weeks the garage the last 2.there is nothing wrong buying less expensive items if they work and it can be very good fun getting familiar with the motor!
i have asked them to upgrade my trialing arms and on the rear of the car there is less wobble,better handling(i assume) and driving the car often i would hope less expensive maintenance.i thought instead of
just fixing it spend a little more and have it perfect! basically the rear end has been overhauled.bearings,bushes,universal joints,pins,shocks,springs,hand brake calipers,and the upgrade,wheel alignment.the front was not as bad,bushes and bearings(whatever is inside the wheel hub).why can high grade nitron's collapse under wobble and redlines do not? just reading through the messages! for road going cars? i cannot wait to get the car back.there are a few speed 6's with nitron's

shpub

8,507 posts

273 months

Wednesday 19th November 2003
quotequote all
19560 said:

I think that the choice of dampers for a wedge is really difficult.

Totally agree. Also agree that AVOs are good cost effective choice as well. The Wedge suspension is very very different from that used on the later TVRa so it is very difficult to transfer the experience. The main problem are the post mounts that do not offer the degree of movement and support needed and the fact that the front suspension is still essentially based on 1970s designs!

Planman350i

599 posts

254 months

Wednesday 19th November 2003
quotequote all
Are Konis better than AVOs....? I have AVOs on mine but thinking about a change as well.

19560

12,722 posts

259 months

Wednesday 19th November 2003
quotequote all
I think that Koni are the best quality; (I don't know about Nitrons and I don't know of anyone who has fitted Ohlins). The drawback is adjusting them; altering damping rates is slow and there is no ride height adjustment for the springs.

Planman350i

599 posts

254 months

Wednesday 19th November 2003
quotequote all
Did not know you can get AVOSs to adjust ride height. The ones on mine only allow you to adjust the dampers via a small dial (usually ceased up). I must have the cheaper ones!

>> Edited by Planman350i on Wednesday 19th November 08:33

19560

12,722 posts

259 months

Wednesday 19th November 2003
quotequote all
Mine were like that and also seized up. I think that it's the later ones that have the spring adjustment.

350matt

3,740 posts

280 months

Wednesday 19th November 2003
quotequote all
A bit of a plus for AVO's is that you can get them rebuilt cheaply as well, I've had shocks repaired / unsiezed adjusters etc for around 15 quid each.
They're based in Northampton
Matt