Alternative shocks

[MATHEW]

Hi all
I need to replace my rear shocks
I have been quoted for 3 alternative shocks, they are
Avon Spax and the genuine thing.
Has anyone ever used the alternative shocks on a Griff 500 or should I go for the genuine part which cost nearly double the alternative's.

[raceboy]

I've just had Avo's fitted on my Chimaera rear end, and not being a trackday hooner I can't say the car handles any better than it did before, but it's certainly no worse, and 1/2 the price of TVR units with double the warrenty and they're adjustable if you know what your doing with these things

[simon.b]

Nitron's seem to be the value for money favourite, you need to talk to Joolz his website is Joospeed.co.uk

Cheers,

Simon.

[jpritchard]

Definitely go for alternatives - I have had many shocks replaced on both Griff and Cerby. The factory replacements are really overpriced compared to the AVO's etc... Never had any but i'm told we should opt for adjustable also!

[icamm]

I've just had Nitrons fitted partly because AVO could not give delivery dates for the rear shocks.

The Nitrons are excellent and still cheaper tha the factory (they include springs which the others probably don't). Oh and they look damn good as well although as Joolz reminded me looks should be behind performance. It's just that you get both with the Nitrons.

How old is your car? Just remember that the factory ones will probably only last that long again. The Nitrons can also be fully rebuilt.

Edited to add: I don't now about the others but you can adjust the Nitrons with one hand jst by reaching under the car. If you do track days this is probably pretty useful.

>> Edited by icamm on Wednesday 2nd July 14:39

[andy43]

Try Shane at SFR in Stockport - I spoke to a guy who had SFR shocks fitted to his 500 and apparently the difference is unbelievable.

[davidd]

I had avos on the back of my griff and they made a big (positive) difference...

D.

[jon h]

CDL were offering a top deal on Nitrons at Pistonfest. Said it would run for a few days afterwards...

Nitron shocks + springs all round inc full geometry setup for £850 plus VAT.

Jon H

[mel]

I've got fully adjustable SPAX on the front of my Griff done by Dave Batty, I don't know the first thing about the adjustable bit and settings but that's part of what I paid Mr Batty for and a jolly good job he did too !

[hut49]

I had the Bils on my Chim 450 replaced about 500 miles ago with AVO adjustables, because Bils weren't available from TVR and no one could give any idea of when they would be available. Apparently AVOs were in short supply but some magically appeared and I cut my losses so I could get out in the sun.

Wish I hadn't bothered. One of them was knocking within the first 100 miles and has been diagnosed as junk. But guess what - AVO can't supply a replacement so I'm driving around on the knackered unit that's been wound up to compensate for the lack of damping.

[simon t]

Nitrons = Awesome!!!!

[icamm]

hut49 said:

I had the Bils on my Chim 450 replaced about 500 miles ago with AVO adjustables, because Bils weren't available from TVR and no one could give any idea of when they would be available. Apparently AVOs were in short supply but some magically appeared and I cut my losses so I could get out in the sun. Wish I hadn't bothered. One of them was knocking within the first 100 miles and has been diagnosed as junk. But guess what - AVO can't supply a replacement so I'm driving around on the knackered unit that's been wound up to compensate for the lack of damping.

I'd ask for your money back and get somethin else (like Nitrons). They maybe more expensive but driving round on knackered shocks is probably illegal (would it pass an MOT?).

Edited to add: If it's not illegal it certainly isn't fun.

>> Edited by icamm on Thursday 3rd July 14:17

[Digga]

davidd said:

I had avos on the back of my griff and they made a big (positive) difference... D.

I'd second this comment, although I'm sure that Nitrons are better again. The standard units aren't too good really.

Avo's are theoretically adjustable, for rebound/down only (not 'bound'/bump/up), but in practice I've only found a very narrow band of adjustment positions (from the 20 odd available) that actually work with the standard springs.

The ultimates, for track days or sprinting, have got to be Ohlins - God knows how much they cost though - which have adjustment for both 'bound' and re-bound.

[hut49]

icamm said:

I'd ask for your money back and get somethin else (like Nitrons). They maybe more expensive but driving round on knackered shocks is probably illegal (would it pass an MOT?). Edited to add: If it's not illegal it certainly isn't fun.

Agreed on both legality and fun counts - I've parked it while they get the replacement.

[apcouldwell]

Just had Nitrons fitted and so far am very impressed. Only downside is I had to wait over 3 months for them.

[neilm]

I would thoroughly recomend Nitron's. They have transformed the handling and ride of my 4.0 L Griff.

[jigs]

Did I just hear the cock crow?