TVR Parts Drop Links
Discussion
Belle427 said:
Just out of curiosity why do people move away from a quality product like bilstein and fit inferior stuff?
These coil overs are surely only fit for smooth track work not our hideous roads.
Because we're fools who listen to other people who think they know what there doing, bit harsh because these inferior products are good on smooth tracks but that's about it! These coil overs are surely only fit for smooth track work not our hideous roads.
So far my biggest observation on the comments made on this thread are Dave's words about the Bilstein's being quiet and giving a nice ride, after all that's what most of us are after!
I've been thinking of changing Spring ratio's on my adjustables, I might be far better off to get my old Bilstein's working as that's been in the back of my mind for some time!
I've had GGP's with 400f /375r and it was like a bone shaker,,, I've tried way less Spring rate than that on Protechs and it's not much better, but the Bilstein's were more compliant I seem to remember.
The cost of these after market shocks doesn't add up when you consider how narrow a window they work in. They also corrode at a high rate. Waste of money!
Either spend big and get a sophisticated shock or stick with Bilstein's and have them re valved with your choice of Spring rate.
Whenever I've taken the after market shocks on track the damping drops away as they get hot until your on fully hard and it's still freaking to soft, cheap £1000 !!!!! and not upto the job let alone on our roads.
Just try the push down test on a race car with real racing shocks, Spring rates, it will not move a mm but may well feel soft on track as your putting tonnes of energy through them, our trackday shocks are an in between so useless. IMHO
Edited by ClassiChimi on Tuesday 13th September 12:14
ChimpOnGas said:
Honestly it's such a common part, Ford used the same track rod end for the best part of 20 years on a host of models, the thread is M14x2.
Just checked the eurocarpart website and the ones that they list for a mk2 escort and that I bought have a 1/2in 20unf thread, which explains why they wouldn't fit 
I'll ebay a set from your list, superstar
I don't want this to turn into a slagging of Gaz Gold Pros
I like and seek a compliant ride with good stability, while the GGP's aren't the last word in sophistication they're not nearly as bad as people are making out.
My old Billies were born in 1996 and did 35,000 before I changed them, perhaps I should have had them rebuilt but I went for the GGP's instead and the car's handling improved massively.
When I test drove the car on the old Billies at the weekend it really was a gentle run, and with one totally blown rear GGP fresh in my mind I think I could have put a set of Honda C90 shocks on the back and it would have felt better.
For £80 I will get my 400lb sprung GGP rears rebuilt, I'll drop them at the factory tomorrow and they'll be delivered back to me in under a week, it's a no-brainer fast and cost effective solution to being back on the road enjoying the car again.
With 50kg of gas bottles in my boot I'll be going nowhere on those old tired 275lb sprung Billies, there just there so I can move the car about if I need to.
I like and seek a compliant ride with good stability, while the GGP's aren't the last word in sophistication they're not nearly as bad as people are making out.
My old Billies were born in 1996 and did 35,000 before I changed them, perhaps I should have had them rebuilt but I went for the GGP's instead and the car's handling improved massively.
When I test drove the car on the old Billies at the weekend it really was a gentle run, and with one totally blown rear GGP fresh in my mind I think I could have put a set of Honda C90 shocks on the back and it would have felt better.
For £80 I will get my 400lb sprung GGP rears rebuilt, I'll drop them at the factory tomorrow and they'll be delivered back to me in under a week, it's a no-brainer fast and cost effective solution to being back on the road enjoying the car again.
With 50kg of gas bottles in my boot I'll be going nowhere on those old tired 275lb sprung Billies, there just there so I can move the car about if I need to.
Belle427 said:
Just out of curiosity why do people move away from a quality product like bilstein and fit inferior stuff?
These coil overs are surely only fit for smooth track work not our hideous roads.
Except for those that do serious track work and need the ultimate in adjustability, I think its largely a case of 'emperors new clothes'.These coil overs are surely only fit for smooth track work not our hideous roads.
Several years ago the original Bilstein shocks on my Griff started to rattle, so I thought it was time to change. Like many, I thought some good after-market ones would be an upgrade, but luckily I talked to a number of dealers who have sold/serviced TVR’s for 20+ years before taking the plunge. They all said ‘go and try some first as you may not like them’. They were right. In general I found the after-market setup’s (I tried cars fitted with Protech, Nitron and Gaz) disappointingly harsh for normal road use. I ended up with a new set of Bilstien’s that are great for road use and fine for an occasional track day too.
Keep in mind, too, that the Bilstein set up has been revised in 2004/5 when Smolenski had some money to spend and decided that getting a road test engineer from Bilstein over to set up the cars might be a jolly good idea - then they proceeded to develop new settings for the older models (Griff onwards), too. Having spent some time with Bilstein's road test engineers I tend to trust their judgement a bit more than that of most who will set up your adjustable aftermarket shocks...
That aside, few aftermarket manufacturers have developed different shim stacks for road, road/trackday and race applications, especially on 'niche' applications. Most end up with some sort of 'in the middle' base configuration.
That aside, few aftermarket manufacturers have developed different shim stacks for road, road/trackday and race applications, especially on 'niche' applications. Most end up with some sort of 'in the middle' base configuration.
I'm not slagging off any particular after market shock because I thing there all a muchness.
I followed a wonderful Griff around Hethel circuit a few months ago which has standard Bilstein's if I'm correct? Matthew ?
Other than me trying harder that Griff looked poised and planted and it didn't go unnoticed how good it appeared to handle.
The only way I'll find out is by trying Bilstein's again which I will when I get around to reconditioning them.
Dave I've looked at my RaceTech front drop links, used a bar to try and detect movement in the joints but they seem solid. Sorry I forgot to take a pic.
They are a matter of months old so you'd expect that really
I followed a wonderful Griff around Hethel circuit a few months ago which has standard Bilstein's if I'm correct? Matthew ?
Other than me trying harder that Griff looked poised and planted and it didn't go unnoticed how good it appeared to handle.
The only way I'll find out is by trying Bilstein's again which I will when I get around to reconditioning them.
Dave I've looked at my RaceTech front drop links, used a bar to try and detect movement in the joints but they seem solid. Sorry I forgot to take a pic.
They are a matter of months old so you'd expect that really
ClassiChimi said:
Belle427 said:
Just out of curiosity why do people move away from a quality product like bilstein and fit inferior stuff?
These coil overs are surely only fit for smooth track work not our hideous roads.
Because we're fools who listen to other people who think they know what there doing, bit harsh because these inferior products are good on smooth tracks but that's about it! These coil overs are surely only fit for smooth track work not our hideous roads.
So far my biggest observation on the comments made on this thread are Dave's words about the Bilstein's being quiet and giving a nice ride, after all that's what most of us are after!
I've been thinking of changing Spring ratio's on my adjustables, I might be far better off to get my old Bilstein's working as that's been in the back of my mind for some time!
I've had GGP's with 400f /375r and it was like a bone shaker,,, I've tried way less Spring rate than that on Protechs and it's not much better, but the Bilstein's were more compliant I seem to remember.
The cost of these after market shocks doesn't add up when you consider how narrow a window they work in. They also corrode at a high rate. Waste of money!
Either spend big and get a sophisticated shock or stick with Bilstein's and have them re valved with your choice of Spring rate.
Whenever I've taken the after market shocks on track the damping drops away as they get hot until your on fully hard and it's still freaking to soft, cheap £1000 !!!!! and not upto the job let alone on our roads.
Just try the push down test on a race car with real racing shocks, Spring rates, it will not move a mm but may well feel soft on track as your putting tonnes of energy through them, our trackday shocks are an in between so useless. IMHO
Edited by ClassiChimi on Tuesday 13th September 12:14
Im not sure if its the shock absorbers at fault especialy jut for road use .
I can drive at 80mph and take my hands off the steering wheel , the car sits in a straight line even when hitting bumps
The shock absorbers in the 307 sw probably cost 50 quid each .
Why is it these cheap and cheerful suspension setups can give a nice drice stable drive .
I can drive at 80mph and take my hands off the steering wheel , the car sits in a straight line even when hitting bumps
The shock absorbers in the 307 sw probably cost 50 quid each .
Why is it these cheap and cheerful suspension setups can give a nice drice stable drive .
SILICONEKID345HP said:
The shock absorbers in the 307 sw probably cost 50 quid each .
Why is it these cheap and cheerful suspension setups can give a nice drice stable drive .
Probably down to the manufacturer:Why is it these cheap and cheerful suspension setups can give a nice drice stable drive .
a) spending millions on development
b) trying to keep costs down on each vehicle
c) knowing how bad the roads are
And then the 307 is probably the worst Peugeot did... before, PSA made their own dampers and were especially good at it, judging from the fluid ride and handling of the 205, 306, 405 et al... but then someone fugured they could save a few pennies by outsourcing ride control devolopment to outside suppliers like everyone else...
Hi .....
I have never driven my car on a track and my driving ability is no where as good as many of you on here bbut I do agree with the comments about shock absorbers. In my younger days Bilsteins were THE product to have and yet we all seem to fit some aftermarket brands, often for the sake of it I feel. I am not competent enough to know how to set suspension up so I prefer to leave it to the manufacturer!
I bought a new set of Bilsteins from Ben Lang for my old car. They never got fitted but are waiting to go on my present Chimaera. The last of the line Chimaeras had these fitted and it will be interesting to see what they are like. I believe they were jointly developed by Bilstein and TVR to get the valving correct so I'm hoping they will give good handling and a fairly compliant ride. We shall see!
Back on topic, my TVR drop links arrived yesterday! The rears do look very similar to the Nissan ones but may be a little longer judging from the picture. There is a part number on them: 575015.
The front drop links have part numbers too; 570516 and 571915.
I don't know if this will help but those in the know may be able to cross reference the numbers.
Regards Chris.
Regards Chris.
I have never driven my car on a track and my driving ability is no where as good as many of you on here bbut I do agree with the comments about shock absorbers. In my younger days Bilsteins were THE product to have and yet we all seem to fit some aftermarket brands, often for the sake of it I feel. I am not competent enough to know how to set suspension up so I prefer to leave it to the manufacturer!
I bought a new set of Bilsteins from Ben Lang for my old car. They never got fitted but are waiting to go on my present Chimaera. The last of the line Chimaeras had these fitted and it will be interesting to see what they are like. I believe they were jointly developed by Bilstein and TVR to get the valving correct so I'm hoping they will give good handling and a fairly compliant ride. We shall see!
Back on topic, my TVR drop links arrived yesterday! The rears do look very similar to the Nissan ones but may be a little longer judging from the picture. There is a part number on them: 575015.
The front drop links have part numbers too; 570516 and 571915.
I don't know if this will help but those in the know may be able to cross reference the numbers.
Regards Chris.
Regards Chris.
Back on topic, it's interesting to see the type of drop link design chosen by Lotus for the Elise, Exige ect.
https://www.eliseparts.com/products/show/70/396/an...
And Lotus continue to use the same design on the Evora.
Porsche choose the same design too, here's one off a 997 911.
http://www.elephantracing.com/suspension/swaybars/...
And Ferrari, here's a drop link from a 599...
http://www.superformance.co.uk/v12m/suspension_599...
None of these manufacturers of fine handling street focussed sports cars fit rose jointed drop links, and none of them fit these vulcanised rubber ball & socket 1960/70s tech rubbish TVR gave us...
If my Nissan 200sx ones fit the rear and the Honda Accord ones fit the front we can all update our drop links to the superior and more modern design used by every major car maker for just £45 for a complete set of four Febi Bilsten German made links.
Or about £125.00 for a set of the same thing from here...
http://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/tvr-car-part-c0064...
https://www.eliseparts.com/products/show/70/396/an...
And Lotus continue to use the same design on the Evora.
Porsche choose the same design too, here's one off a 997 911.
http://www.elephantracing.com/suspension/swaybars/...
And Ferrari, here's a drop link from a 599...
http://www.superformance.co.uk/v12m/suspension_599...
None of these manufacturers of fine handling street focussed sports cars fit rose jointed drop links, and none of them fit these vulcanised rubber ball & socket 1960/70s tech rubbish TVR gave us...
If my Nissan 200sx ones fit the rear and the Honda Accord ones fit the front we can all update our drop links to the superior and more modern design used by every major car maker for just £45 for a complete set of four Febi Bilsten German made links.
Or about £125.00 for a set of the same thing from here...
http://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/tvr-car-part-c0064...
Their business plan must work because they're still trading, but I swear they'd be better off not taking the piss with the markup. The last couple of monthd I've needed a full set of drop links, engine mounts, track rod ends, exhaust bushes, pipes, pads and disks and many other things that I can't remember right now and you can guess how many of those I'm going to get from there. I guess that they figure that it's such a small market that they may as well price it for those who don't know better, but it must kill their passing trade.
I always end up buying extras when I go burtons, demon tweeks or whatever because I'm there buying bits browsing their store and see something shiny. I'm a nightmare for spending £100 more than I planned just because I saw something whilst buying buying something else. I can count on one hand the amount of things that I've bought from tvr specific stores in the 4 years that I've owned my car, just because I get to the first part I want, see the price and look elsewhere.
I always end up buying extras when I go burtons, demon tweeks or whatever because I'm there buying bits browsing their store and see something shiny. I'm a nightmare for spending £100 more than I planned just because I saw something whilst buying buying something else. I can count on one hand the amount of things that I've bought from tvr specific stores in the 4 years that I've owned my car, just because I get to the first part I want, see the price and look elsewhere.
A few years back a certain leven supplier came up to me very upset at a show complaining in an aggressive manor
All I said on the post was " I thought they were a bit expensive "
He confronted me telling me I had no right to post about the price of Leven drop links
Just thought he was a mardy "bast..d"
Probably one of the local East Mids members causing trouble.
There a funny bunch.
All I said on the post was " I thought they were a bit expensive "
He confronted me telling me I had no right to post about the price of Leven drop links
Just thought he was a mardy "bast..d"
Probably one of the local East Mids members causing trouble.
There a funny bunch.
Edited by SILICONEKID345HP on Wednesday 14th September 13:10
Podie said:
griffdude said:
As my learned friend above says. You really do get what you pay for re dampers.
I spent yesterday driving my friends new SC Chim & it's on Nitrons. Very good balance of ride & handling (also combined with the 17/18 SP12s...).
Is that the thing I saw on Steve's drive?I spent yesterday driving my friends new SC Chim & it's on Nitrons. Very good balance of ride & handling (also combined with the 17/18 SP12s...).
I had a set of Intrax RSA on my old S50'd E30, they built them to the spec of the car, and they were the absolute nuts. I have Nitrons on my Cerb, but if I had the spare ££££ I would fit Intrax. They even rode pretty well tbh. Gaz are tbh a bit cheap and cheerful at best.. Comparing Billy's to Gaz is night and day. Intrax make a quality product up there with Bilstein imo. Yes firmer, but that is what you wanted, but not crashy etc.
Edited by Jhonno on Wednesday 14th September 15:21
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