Intrax 4 way Shocks vs. Intrax 1k2 vs. Stock AVOs

[radicalracer]

After about 140 hours on my 2009 SR3 I think it is about time to replace the stock AVO shocks. I was contemplating upgrading to either the Intrax 4 way or the Intrax 1k2 models. Obviously there is a significant cost difference vs stock. I was hoping to get some opinions on the 4 way and the 1k2 compared to the stock AVOs.

How much better are the Intrax compared to the AVOs?

Any thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

G

[radicalracer]

I opted for the Intrax shocks over the AVOs. More money, but the difference is noticeable in my opinion. The car felt really good when I had it out a few weeks back. I will know more after getting back from Laguna Seca next week.

Thanks for all your input.

G

[radicalracer]

Martin B said:

Do they make as big a difference on a Radical as on a car with fully rose jointed suspension? I would have thought that the large amount of stiction on the Radical inboard wishbone pivots would dilute the benefit of them considerably? How are they noticeably better, is it better riding bumps/curbs or is it just the ability have separate high and low speed bump/rebound adjustment available?

They are noticeably better because to me, the car feels like it has much better mechanical grip at slow speed and beter downforce at high-speed.. I still have some work to do with playing with the myriad of adjustments, however, the baseline setup is solid. I went with slightly stiffer springs, which I like. The car feels like it sticks better in the corner since there is less roll at high-speed - thus better grip from the downforce. The old worn out AVOs were also killing my front tires with bad graining.

I did speak to the gentleman at the Radical factory who said the Intrax are night and day to the AVOs. His quote "it is like comparing 1950's technology to technology from the 2000s." BTW - I went with Intrax because other shocks are not legal for the Radical cup series here in the states, which would have put me out of the standard sr3 class.

G

[radicalracer]

I will point out I got the 3 way Intrax not the 1ks. The 3 ways are the same shocks used on the SR8. These are in the same price range as the Penskes, and I would say are significantly better than the single adjustable Intrax damper. I will point out these suckers are not cheap, especially with the value of the American Peso!

So from my perspective I believe I have the best possible shocks that are still legal for the cup.


On a side note, don't cheap out and try to make your rotors last either. At 140 hours I put on new pads and didn't change the rotors. The car had way less stopping power than spec. Once I changed to all new rotors it stops amazingly well.

[radicalracer]

splitpin said:

radicalracer said:

At 140 hours I put on new pads .......

I knew some wise guy would point this out. I will clarify and say I put on the second set up pads at 140 hours. I get about 70-80 hours per set.

[radicalracer]

dsl2 said:

Even at 70-80 hrs per set is incredible, you must have a lot less corners on your circuits in the US of A!

Or you guys across the pond use your breaks more than the throttle. We see a direct correlation to decreasing your lap time the more you press the gas