I just changed the SHOCKS !!

[jonolondon]

Well I've had my Tuscan for 2 weeks now and whilst I absolutely love it, I have to admit that above 80 it has been scaring me !!! Basically, front end goes light, rear end feels like it wants to break away and at 120+ I am hanging on for dear life, usually needing 2-3 lanes to keep it in a straight line.

So, after scouring through PH/TVRCC posts, today I took the plunge and went to Abshocks where Derek spent a large part of the day putting on Gaz Golds and completely re-aligning the car, etc.

I'd heard some gripes about Gaz Golds' quality issues, but gather that they've made a lot of improvements in the last 18 months and in addition, they offer a 2 year warranty. I'd have been happy to try racing reds but there's a substantial (1 month+) waiting list and I didn't want to stretch to over a grand plus fitting for Nitrons.

The difference was absolutely instantaneous I have to say - Tuscan now feels like a different car altogether !!! Front and back end now feel totally planted and the car is tracking through corners like a laser. Front-end just bites through tight corners with zero understeer. I can now hold the steering wheel gently instead of being Mr white-knuckeles. Frankly I'm gob-smacked at the transformation.

Thank goodness I had this done now instead of continuing to scare myself stupid for the next 6 months or whatever. I know it is not cheap, but If any of you guys out there are running the original shocks/springs and are not happy with the handling, I'd really recommend you try swapping them out.

Derek at Abshocks was brilliant and fitting and setup was pretty reasonable when you think that he spent about 5 hours sorting the car out. In addition, you get the impression that he really enjoys what he's doing.

Now I've got the car back home, of course the engine has no developed a lumpy idle at 750rpm (instead of the usual 850, etc) so I'm going to have to take the car to get it tuned (having bought it 2 weeks ago !) so I guess that TVR ownership is never dull, but boy it is putting a smile on my face - may the sun keep shining

[TuscNick]

Snap - I have had 2 tuscans, this last one I have had 2.5 years now. Only last month I went fo Gaz Golds too

I agree whole heartedly with your comments the difference is astonishing

Fells tighter, safer, more fun, more confident - what the suspension should have been all along


Nick

[Ab Shocks]

Glad you're happy Jon but I'm a bit miffed about you failing to mention the superb Offord loan car that some have felt worthy of a thread in it's own right on general gassing.

Edited by Ab Shocks on Saturday 10th May 21:40

[jonolondon]

Sorry but forgot to mention the awesome SAAB (or should be SOB) story 9000000 turbo Offord loaner car - between 30-50 that car is awesome..

For - comfy seats
against - Clutch is going to die imminently, can someone clean the MUD off the seats !!

Thanks Derek for reminding me of its' power....

[Ab Shocks]

jonolondon said:

Sorry but forgot to mention the awesome SAAB (or should be SOB) story 9000000 turbo Offord loaner car - between 30-50 that car is awesome..

For - comfy seats
against - Clutch is going to die imminently, can someone clean the MUD off the seats !!

Thanks Derek for reminding me of its' power....

That was once a 250bhp Aero, nobody can remember when though.

[saulk]

I have my Gaz Golds on order, so after reading your post I can't wait to fit them, your description of the car at speed is exactly how I would describe mine - SCARY!!!

[andy.batty]

There are some Gaz shocks on ebay at the moment.

[so called]

Derek did mine to. Fantastic improvement.
My only "prroblem" was that I had my 16" alloys changed to 18" SP12's at the same time so I couldnt tell what contribution to the improvement they had made.
Great, money well spent.

[m0ssy]

I had mine changed to Gaz Gold about a month or so ago.

Fantastic shocks.

Spent hours on the phone with Derek at Abshocks discussing the pros and cons of Racing Reds Vs Gaz Golds.

Went with Gaz Golds and fitted them myself! out on the saturday in the rain doing the rears out on the sunday in the snow doing the fronts!

As Derek said... "easy to fit" and they were.

TVR fix then set them up.

Although I will say Derek that 12 clicks from soft on the front is a bit bouncy for me!

[m1ll3r]

what do you have you shocks set at?

[m0ssy]

Have now changed to 18 clicks from soft on the rear and 15 clicks from soft on the front.

Dont take this as gospel though as only did it earlier this week so will need 2 weeks to test but will update on results.

Great shocks..... my only niggle is the rear nearside squeeks over bumps... drives me mad!

Jon