Looking for advice on new shocks
Discussion
Hi all,
Searched previous chimaera threads on new shocks but still not entirely sure which shocks to go for.
I have standard tvr shocks on my chimaera, however, i have some noise coming from the front shocks. (I will be replacing all the shocks).
The most important thing i'm looking for is an improved ride and i'm worried that having new shocks fitted will screw up the ride... i.e. car becoming lower at the back or worse handling.
I've come across threads pertaining to "nitrons" and "avos"... I'm not particularly mechanically minded and the thought of adjusting shocks isn't really blowing my skirt up. Rather, i'd like the fitter to set it all up so the car is perfect for le mans and le surrey run III.
Accordingly, can anyone give any steer as to the correct "settings"? or indeed any good advice pertaining to new shocks would be appreciated.
Thanx,
N
Hello mate
I have a set of AVOs on my shopping list (although I think that purchase is a little way off). Having done a search of the fora, they seem a good 'budget-but-better-than-standard' option.
The adjustable nature allows the fitter to work with you and your driving style to get the best set up. I guess it's like personal tailoring for suspension.
Once set up, you can leave it 'as is', although the adjustability will doubtless come in useful if you take part in any trackdays in the future.
HTH
See you on the 17th?
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=13&t=161133
I have a set of AVOs on my shopping list (although I think that purchase is a little way off). Having done a search of the fora, they seem a good 'budget-but-better-than-standard' option.
The adjustable nature allows the fitter to work with you and your driving style to get the best set up. I guess it's like personal tailoring for suspension.
Once set up, you can leave it 'as is', although the adjustability will doubtless come in useful if you take part in any trackdays in the future.
HTH
See you on the 17th?
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=13&t=161133
Hi Nicholas,
I am doing exactly the same on my Chim. I had a look at all the past threads but couldn't make my mind up.
I met a certain Julian Lane, (www.joospeed.co.uk), up at bruntingthopre last year who sounded as though he knew what he was doing and I have heard nothing but praise since.
Give him a ring, he is really helpful, he must have spent 20 minutes explaining the good and bad points of all the different makes available.
Needless to say I have ordered a set from him.
I am doing exactly the same on my Chim. I had a look at all the past threads but couldn't make my mind up.
I met a certain Julian Lane, (www.joospeed.co.uk), up at bruntingthopre last year who sounded as though he knew what he was doing and I have heard nothing but praise since.
Give him a ring, he is really helpful, he must have spent 20 minutes explaining the good and bad points of all the different makes available.
Needless to say I have ordered a set from him.
IMHO, the shocks will not affect the ride height, and good quality shocks can improve the ride.
When you bite the bullet, whoever changes your shocks may reccomend changing the springs as well. This is where you need to be careful to explain what you are trying to achieve, as it's the springs that change the ride height, and if the springs are too stiff for you, you will lose ride comfort.
New springs "settle", so the ride height may need ajusting 1000 miles later anyway.
When the process is complete, you need a full geometry set-up to get the best out of the car again.
All IMHO, after playing with my AVOs (AVO and Nitron are just two makes of shock, btw, AVO cheaper, Nitron reputedly better, Joospeed offers his own spec shocks between the two on price I believe).
If you can't wait for Joospeed's waiting list to subside, Peninsula near Exeter have a good reputation for setting up suspension to suit their customers.
When you bite the bullet, whoever changes your shocks may reccomend changing the springs as well. This is where you need to be careful to explain what you are trying to achieve, as it's the springs that change the ride height, and if the springs are too stiff for you, you will lose ride comfort.
New springs "settle", so the ride height may need ajusting 1000 miles later anyway.
When the process is complete, you need a full geometry set-up to get the best out of the car again.
All IMHO, after playing with my AVOs (AVO and Nitron are just two makes of shock, btw, AVO cheaper, Nitron reputedly better, Joospeed offers his own spec shocks between the two on price I believe).
If you can't wait for Joospeed's waiting list to subside, Peninsula near Exeter have a good reputation for setting up suspension to suit their customers.
Just had the Avo springs and dampers on mine. The Avos are adjustable, which means that there is a little allen key fitting on the back of the shock that you can turn one way or another to make the damper stiffer or softer. I think I need to wind them down a couple of clicks at the moment as they're still pretty stiff (11 front, 9 rear).
I can't remember what springs are ont it but I can check if you're interested (its on PH somewhere). They're probably harder than needed as its more of a track setup.
However, the ride is so much better than before.
Rob
I can't remember what springs are ont it but I can check if you're interested (its on PH somewhere). They're probably harder than needed as its more of a track setup.
However, the ride is so much better than before.
Rob
else said:
Hi Nicholas,
I am doing exactly the same on my Chim. I had a look at all the past threads but couldn't make my mind up.
I met a certain Julian Lane, (www.joospeed.co.uk), up at bruntingthopre last year who sounded as though he knew what he was doing and I have heard nothing but praise since.
Give him a ring, he is really helpful, he must have spent 20 minutes explaining the good and bad points of all the different makes available.
Needless to say I have ordered a set from him.
Funnily enough I've built a set up for you today
My ten penneth.
AVOs - if you're replacing standard shocks, use these instead, they're cheaper and better, so a no brainer. Widely used and understood. For best results match spring and damper.
Nitrons - a bit more than standard (£170 a corner plays £250) Less widely understood in my experience (good if you're near Joolz, not as good in the SE), but great support direct from Nitron. Less sensitive to spring rate matches than AVOs apparently. I did change my springs after fitting with no adverse effect.
I've not had chance to compare Nitrons and AVOs, but I was certainly happy with my Nitrons. You would do well to speak to Joolz for an objective opinion on how they compare.
Final summary either are good, it just depends on budget. Give me a call if it would help.
Cheers,
Steve.
AVOs - if you're replacing standard shocks, use these instead, they're cheaper and better, so a no brainer. Widely used and understood. For best results match spring and damper.
Nitrons - a bit more than standard (£170 a corner plays £250) Less widely understood in my experience (good if you're near Joolz, not as good in the SE), but great support direct from Nitron. Less sensitive to spring rate matches than AVOs apparently. I did change my springs after fitting with no adverse effect.
I've not had chance to compare Nitrons and AVOs, but I was certainly happy with my Nitrons. You would do well to speak to Joolz for an objective opinion on how they compare.
Final summary either are good, it just depends on budget. Give me a call if it would help.
Cheers,
Steve.
chimhunter said:
Just had the Avo springs and dampers on mine. The Avos are adjustable, which means that there is a little allen key fitting on the back of the shock that you can turn one way or another to make the damper stiffer or softer.
Without trying to be picky, the AVO shock should have an small adjuster wheel with about a 3/4" diameter and a + - sticker on it to adjust the shock rate. The allen key fitting is the locking grub screw on the Spring seat that stops it moving on the thread on the body of the damper.
Cheers
Matt
Not on mine. I know the locking screw you mean. Its a white one on the spring base.
The Avos I've got have a hole for a 4mm allen key at the bottom of the damper with the +/- sticker next to it. There were some there with the dial but mine have just a hexagonal slot. Bit of a pisser as it makes it a little harder to change the rates.
Rob
The Avos I've got have a hole for a 4mm allen key at the bottom of the damper with the +/- sticker next to it. There were some there with the dial but mine have just a hexagonal slot. Bit of a pisser as it makes it a little harder to change the rates.
Rob
joospeed said:
Hi Nicholas,
I am doing exactly the same on my Chim. I had a look at all the past threads but couldn't make my mind up.
I met a certain Julian Lane, (<a href="http://www.joospeed.co.uk),">www.joospeed.co.uk),</a> up at bruntingthopre last year who sounded as though he knew what he was doing and I have heard nothing but praise since.
Give him a ring, he is really helpful, he must have spent 20 minutes explaining the good and bad points of all the different makes available.
Needless to say I have ordered a set from him.
Funnily enough I've built a set up for you today
Thanks Jools, looking forward to the improvement.
j8 tro said:
Just a quick question to you lot on this topic....What colour are the standard shocks on a 400 Chimaera? front and back? oh and spring colours. Haven't had the car long but the shocks look newer than the car. just wondered if anyone had upgraded them already? fingers crossed
Don't know about your year,but could be (bilstiens)fr,yellow with red spings,b,yellow with yellow springs,springs should be marked eibach with tvr marked just under.
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