Sitting too high at front?
Discussion
peaktorque said:
Yes, there is a bit of 'reverse stance' there isn't there.
The back doesn't look too bad and I say that the front is too high. Are you running adjustable suspension?
It's the original 16 year old springs/dampers The back doesn't look too bad and I say that the front is too high. Are you running adjustable suspension?
I'm going to get new shocks over the winter but I guess the original set-up isn't adjustable in the short term.
Edited by A900ss on Sunday 15th September 18:14
A900ss said:
It's the original 16 year old springs dampers
I'm going to get new shocks over the winter but I guess the original set-up isn't adjustable in the short term.
I think the ride height of mine is perfect with the standard 15/16" Imolas (except when my 20 stone uncle is sat in it I'm going to get new shocks over the winter but I guess the original set-up isn't adjustable in the short term.
). Fully adjustable is worth every penny IMO as you can set it just as you want it.
If you are thinking about new shocks, I have just fitted some Gaz Gold Pro's and they have transformed the car no end, and that's before they are set up properly, I only fitted them on Thursday and need to run them for a while to settle then check Geo and ride height, If yours is 16 years old then I think it has done very well and you would notice the difference no end, the car is really planted, more feel, and no more jolting and the like, at every pothole or man hole cover. I have the front 18mm lower than the rear, as I was told between 15 and 20mm is about right.
I am considering GGP but I 'think' I'm going to go with Pro Techs.
The reviews for the Pro Techs are as good as the GGP's and the Pro Teh factory is only 25 minutes down the road. The protects are about £100 more as I have seen GGP's at £595 delivered whereas the Pro Techs are £672.
Either way, GGP or Pro Techs, I think I'll notice a big difference.
The reviews for the Pro Techs are as good as the GGP's and the Pro Teh factory is only 25 minutes down the road. The protects are about £100 more as I have seen GGP's at £595 delivered whereas the Pro Techs are £672.
Either way, GGP or Pro Techs, I think I'll notice a big difference.
Edited by A900ss on Sunday 15th September 20:52
Not trying to put you off going to adjustables, I use them myself (GGP). But if you never take it on the track, it might be worth investigating the ride height issue itself and having your TVR guy just check the Bilsteins aren't shagged. If they are in good order, why change them? Don't forget to factor in the fitting and set up charges, too, on top of the £672.
The standard Bilsteins are very good dampers, and I would have thought there must be a way of adjusting your ride height. It slightly puzzles me that the front is high, as It undoubtedly is. Mine looked like that before I adjusted the ride height, but in my case the rear was low. It might just be a case of getting the fronts refurbished.
Ride height is controlled by the two rings on the body of the damper, that holds the bottom of the spring in place. What I don't know is whether the Bilstiens have those rings. The top ring adjusts the spring height, the bottom ring locks the top ring in place. On adjustable dampers like the GGP, you have the rings I have just described, but there is also a small rotating knob that stiffens or softens the damper, which you need for track and road use, as you will want the front dampers harder for track use and softer on the road.
Worth asking an expert. He can tell you if:
1. The Bilstiens need replacing
2. Which way your ride height is out
3. If it can be adjusted
Have you had a four wheel alignment recently? The car's set up is more important than most other things.
The standard Bilsteins are very good dampers, and I would have thought there must be a way of adjusting your ride height. It slightly puzzles me that the front is high, as It undoubtedly is. Mine looked like that before I adjusted the ride height, but in my case the rear was low. It might just be a case of getting the fronts refurbished.
Ride height is controlled by the two rings on the body of the damper, that holds the bottom of the spring in place. What I don't know is whether the Bilstiens have those rings. The top ring adjusts the spring height, the bottom ring locks the top ring in place. On adjustable dampers like the GGP, you have the rings I have just described, but there is also a small rotating knob that stiffens or softens the damper, which you need for track and road use, as you will want the front dampers harder for track use and softer on the road.
Worth asking an expert. He can tell you if:
1. The Bilstiens need replacing
2. Which way your ride height is out
3. If it can be adjusted
Have you had a four wheel alignment recently? The car's set up is more important than most other things.
My car came with GGPs from the previous owner.
I think mine rides a little high too.
150mm to the outriggers front and rear - I think the front could do with being a 20mm lower or so.
Is it easy enough to adjust the ride height yourself?
I.e is it just a matter of loosening the securing ring then winding the adjusting spring in a bit?
Do you need a special tool?
I think mine rides a little high too.
150mm to the outriggers front and rear - I think the front could do with being a 20mm lower or so.
Is it easy enough to adjust the ride height yourself?
I.e is it just a matter of loosening the securing ring then winding the adjusting spring in a bit?
Do you need a special tool?
QBee said:
Have you had a four wheel alignment recently? The car's set up is more important than most other things.
Thanks QBee, if I can save cash I'm up for that but externally they look 'tired' (and that's being kind) and after 16 years and 80k, I think they probably are due a change. When pressing on the car does feel 'loose' and if you hit a bump mid corner, the suspension doesn't really 'damp' as more jump. A full geo was done in March with the 12k service.
swallet said:
My car came with GGPs from the previous owner.
I think mine rides a little high too.
150mm to the outriggers front and rear - I think the front could do with being a 20mm lower or so.
Is it easy enough to adjust the ride height yourself?
I.e is it just a matter of loosening the securing ring then winding the adjusting spring in a bit?
Do you need a special tool?
150-160 at the rear outriggers is about right - its not where you should be measuring, but it will do if they are both equal. The fronts should be about 20-25mm lower.I think mine rides a little high too.
150mm to the outriggers front and rear - I think the front could do with being a 20mm lower or so.
Is it easy enough to adjust the ride height yourself?
I.e is it just a matter of loosening the securing ring then winding the adjusting spring in a bit?
Do you need a special tool?
You need the two G spanners that came with the dampers. They are the shape of a Capital G, but with a long tail, which is the handle of the spanner. I can email you a photo if you don't know what i am talking about. They fit to the rings on the dampers.
To lower the front you lower the rings on the front dampers a bit at a time and keep measuring. They are the rings near the bottom of the shaft of the damper, that "hold up" the bottom of the spring. I am not sure it is linear vs ride height. You might find it easier if you soak the rings in WD40 or releasing oil first. Lower the lower ring first (its the locking ring), then lower the top upper ring. It can be quite difficult to get them moving.
A900ss said:
QBee said:
Have you had a four wheel alignment recently? The car's set up is more important than most other things.
Thanks QBee, if I can save cash I'm up for that but externally they look 'tired' (and that's being kind) and after 16 years and 80k, I think they probably are due a change. When pressing on the car does feel 'loose' and if you hit a bump mid corner, the suspension doesn't really 'damp' as more jump. A full geo was done in March with the 12k service.
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