S2 Coilover Dimensions

[mikee boy]

Hi All

I'm trying to find the correct dimensions for S2 front and rear coilovers and an appropriate spring rating so I can buy an adjustable set.

Cheers

Mike

[tvrgit]

Do you mean the shock absorbers or the springs?

[mikee boy]

Both.

I need the open and closed lengths of the damper, as well as the rating of the spring (and its normal length).

Cheers

[MickS2]

I've got AVO adjustable units which were supplied by a well respected TVR specialist who recommended 300 lbf/in front springs and 250 lbf/in rears (for road use). Have run that set up for a couple of years but it seems a bit soft at the back so have just fitted 350 lbf /in springs to the front and moved the 300's to the back. All springs are 10 inch normal length.
I have just measured the open length (units off the car) and it is 355mm between mounting bolt centres.
Sorry can't help with closed length
Mick

[Barkychoc]

I don't understand why you need the dimensions - buy an adjustable set for the S series and Bob's your mums brother.
I too have AVO's, they are pretty much the entry level and while some don't rate them they are OK for my humble use.

Chris

[tvrgit]

The open / closed damper length isn't the only critical dimension. You also need to know the height of the spring cup from the bottom end. Even if they are adjustable, the open spring length may also affect the ride height (for example, I put 10 inch springs on the rear with new AVO dampers last month, and even with the cups adjusted to their lowest setting, the ride height was still too high. I fitted 9 inch springs which give me some ride height adjustment.

The springs are 2 and 1/2 inch diameter BTW.

As Barkychoc says, though, you'd be better buying the correct fitment in the first place.

Can't advise on spring rates - I don't even know what mine are...

[Barkychoc]

Speak to The Gazman - he knows what you need inside out and backwards.
I got my shocks elsewhere but he sorted me out with my springs - and recommended the spring rates.
Very knowledgeable guy.
You may think circa £500 is alot of money for a set of shocks / springs, I managed to get a pair of nearly new AVO's secondhand, then bought another new set and the springs above.
I probably saved £100 or so.
I still wish I'd paid the extra and gone for the Gaz ones if I'm honest.

• edited to say that I messed about taking my old shocks/springs apart - what a pig that is - and factor in that you'll have to go and buy tools (I did, 2 sets of spring compressors in the end) and spray paint etc.

The gazman is at www.absolutelyshocks.com

Chris

Edited by Barkychoc on Thursday 3rd January 23:05

[mikee boy]

Thanks for that guys.

I was looking to get a set of secondhand dampers and not necessarily for the S2. The rates and lengths are therefore required to make sure they fit.

I don't think that 500 quid is a lot to transform the handling of the car, it's just that I think I could get a good deal by shopping around/ebaying.

I have had dealings with the Gazman before, so I'll not be going there, but thanks for the link anyway.

Cheers

Mike