Tamora suspension - Protech or GGP ?

[mike220]

Morning all. Yes I know this has been done to death a bit in the past, but all of those threads are now old and as each company seems to have had it's issues on quality control etc. along the way I thought I'd ask the masses for their up to date situation knowledge before I push the button on a purchase. Also to confirm the best 'spec' in terms of springs to ensure I'm on the right route. Yes I know there are other options such as Nitron or Ohlins but I can't justify the costs based on the amount of use I get from the car, so if you're suggesting an alternative to the choices below, please keep the price point in mind and suggest something comparable.


So, Protech (if so where from? what spring rates and why?) or Gaz Gold Pro (if so where from? what spring rates and why?)


Car is wearing 18" spiders and will be used for road/fast road with no track action planned during my ownership. Currently has the original suspension so i'm sure either of these may be a good step forward. Geo of course to be done post fitment to ensure things are all 'pointing the right way' as it where. I don't want the car any firmer than standard I don't think, as I've never had an issue bottoming out and don't want a car that shakes my fillings loose - it still needs to be capable of being an 'all day' car for some nice long runs over summer.

Thanks all

[mk1fan]

If you're in East Anglia then get your six-fingered hands dialing Mat Smith and discuss what you want.

I trust the big man when it comes to chassis set up. Anyone who can pedal an S2 round Donnington faster than the 5+lt trackday chimpers is worth listening to.

[mike220]

Thanks Mk1fan. I'm based in NW england but guess that shouldn't preclude a quick phone call this afternoon............

[mk1fan]

Mat is off testing today at Brands ahead of the racing this weekend - I just called about the suspension on Wendy - so try Monday.

To be blunt, he's worth the drive imho.

[astonman]

Hi,do you know what original set up you have?
Mine were Harvey Bailey dampers and eibach springs 200 and 157 lbs front/ rear.

[mike220]

I don't in all honesty, think they're the originals and are pretty grubby looking. Will try to get a photo this afternoon

[Pursyluv]

I put Protech on my Tam in 2012, still feel fine, unfortunately i don't know what spring rates they are other than standard whatever that may be. Bought direct from Protech and fitted by myself, although I know Joolz in Chesterfield supplies, fits and sets up Protechs, try him.

[mike220]

How do you find them Pursyluv - Better than stock? pliable enough on our crappy potholed roads/rough B-roads ? Under/over damped? What settings are you running?

[anonymous-user]

Standard springs up front, Tuscan S at the rear. Bilstein Shocks.

[mike220]

Thanks TVRMs, where from and what's the costs? (assuming you know as you may have gone this route yourself?)

[anonymous-user]

Hexham Horseless Carriages. They will supply or supply and fit. Did ours about 8 year ago and £750 rings a bell (fitted).

Geo extra.

[Moose v8]

Well after much discussion I went for protech double adjustable for my Griff. Also polybushes and full Geo. Excellent I know this isn't really related next to where I work they prepare Mazda. Mx5. Challenge cup cars they use protech , along with dearer options. It really depends on how much you want to spend and balance between comfortably and handling

[astonman]

It's important to know what set up you have,( which you find ok) before suggesting options for change?
The Harvey Bailey dampers were bright red .

[mike220]

Finally managed to grab a couple of, admittedly very poor, photos. Excuse the detail or lack of as I took it underneath the car with wheels on. I had a feeling they (at least at some point) were red shock bodies, god knows what colour the springs were on the rear but front ones seem to be/have been green - by far the worst part of the car, I'll be glad when they're changed from an aesthetic point of view if nothing else lol

So over to the educated amongst us - what do I actually have to start with?

[astonman]

Standard set up,Green Eibach springs ( 200lbs/ inch) front.Rear white springs ( 157lbs/ inch).Harvey Bailey dampers ?
I found this set up terrible in hindsight.Stiff dampers and soft springs.The Nitron kit I fitted with 400lbs front springs and 350 rear was significantly more comfortable yet more controlled.
I prefer the rear a bit stiffer though,Sag has 400 lbs rear and 450 lbs front.Having gone to 500 lbs front and 450 lbs rear,I think maybe the Sag rates are the best compromise,but you do need better dampers .Many people on here seem to rate bilstein as a good road damper, again standard Sag has these,though they need to be different dimensions for a Tamora/ T350.They will be cheaper than Nitrons I think and they are also normally reliable,robust and rebuildable?
Whatever you do,keep the old ones,don't throw them out,they can be used whenever your replacements are refurbished.

Edited by astonman on Friday 31st May 22:27

Edited by astonman on Friday 31st May 22:32

Edited by astonman on Friday 31st May 22:39

[anonymous-user]

If you are looking for something a bit stiffer, Hexham HC had a set of Bilstiens (valved as a Sagaris) built for me. These were fitted on a Tuscan Convertible. Sag spring rates. It transformed the car.


I was never tempted to do the same with our Tamora.

[Pursyluv]

mike220 said:

How do you find them Pursyluv - Better than stock? pliable enough on our crappy potholed roads/rough B-roads ? Under/over damped? What settings are you running?

I actually wanted Racing Reds, but Nitron had just ceased production, so bought for £480 directly from Protech, initially found them too soft, so from memory adjusted to something like 11 of 13 ”clicks”, not sure if that was because the old shocks were seized.
Been in for 7 years so I guess they’ve been ok, although next time I’ll go for Protech double adjustable and let Joolz fit them, pretty sure it will be worth the extra outlay. As stated above yours are definitely original, Bilsteins I think

[astonman]

Red Bilsteins???!

[anonymous-user]

Those are Harvey Bailey - orginal fittment. Suprised they havent leaked and been replaced years ago.

[astonman]

Harvey Bailey dampers= Terrible!
Mine failed at 4k! Though they were more than 10 years old.
The Stiffer springs and Nitrons were more comfortable and more controlled 😃