Protechs or Nitrons
Discussion
Got a sore but fascinated head trawling through the Suspension Upgrade threads. At least they've convinced me that upgrading the suspension on my 97 Griff would be worthwhile. It feels very unsettled over undulating surfaces and can feel it wallow around through the twisty stuff now that I'm more used to the car.
Mainly be for Fast Road use rather than lots of Track use so was tempted by the Protechs which seem very well priced. Not sure if I'd see any benefit from Nitrons which are almost twice as much. Any comments on that?
Live in Central Scotland so would probably have to buy Mail Order and get my Local Indie (Dreadnought) to fit as the setup experts recommended on the forums are all a bit far away from us up here in the cold, dark north!!!
Would appreciate any feedback or local knowledge.
Mainly be for Fast Road use rather than lots of Track use so was tempted by the Protechs which seem very well priced. Not sure if I'd see any benefit from Nitrons which are almost twice as much. Any comments on that?
Live in Central Scotland so would probably have to buy Mail Order and get my Local Indie (Dreadnought) to fit as the setup experts recommended on the forums are all a bit far away from us up here in the cold, dark north!!!
Would appreciate any feedback or local knowledge.
Having been down this very road and developed a keen interest in the subject, I'm confident that you wouldn't be disappointed with any of the most commonly cited upgrades, ie Nitron, Protech and Gaz. There are others too and thay all have their fans but all are certainly worlds better than shagged stockers. If you buy sensibly (ie no 'wild' spring rates), it is also entirely possible to home fit and get them working entirely acceptably. Loads of satisfaction in it if you're handy with the spanners and methodical in approach (loads of scope to balls it up if you're a mechanical numpty too). Spend a day on the blower and talk to the vendors... they all like a natter and are happy to explain their products.
griffith400 said:
Got a sore but fascinated head trawling through the Suspension Upgrade threads. At least they've convinced me that upgrading the suspension on my 97 Griff would be worthwhile. It feels very unsettled over undulating surfaces and can feel it wallow around through the twisty stuff now that I'm more used to the car.
Mainly be for Fast Road use rather than lots of Track use so was tempted by the Protechs which seem very well priced. Not sure if I'd see any benefit from Nitrons which are almost twice as much. Any comments on that?
Live in Central Scotland so would probably have to buy Mail Order and get my Local Indie (Dreadnought) to fit as the setup experts recommended on the forums are all a bit far away from us up here in the cold, dark north!!!
Would appreciate any feedback or local knowledge.
I've used both the Protech's(single and double adjustables),and the Nitrons,which is what i'm currently on.To be honest,there's not much at all between the two,and without spending much more,theres nothing else around of the same quality/performance imho.I'd have a chat with Trackcar if i were you,it's the only two brands he sells,and he'll give you all the help you need in choosingMainly be for Fast Road use rather than lots of Track use so was tempted by the Protechs which seem very well priced. Not sure if I'd see any benefit from Nitrons which are almost twice as much. Any comments on that?
Live in Central Scotland so would probably have to buy Mail Order and get my Local Indie (Dreadnought) to fit as the setup experts recommended on the forums are all a bit far away from us up here in the cold, dark north!!!
Would appreciate any feedback or local knowledge.
www.track-car-solutions.co.uk Mate
Same use for my Griff as yours (when it works
)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense).
One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about
). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining
Cheers
jeffsy
Same use for my Griff as yours (when it works
)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense). One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about
). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining Cheers
jeffsy
jeffsy said:
Mate
Same use for my Griff as yours (when it works)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense).
One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining
Cheers
jeffsy
Rough translation='Bump'stopsSame use for my Griff as yours (when it works
)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense). One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about
). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining Cheers
jeffsy
mongoose said:
jeffsy said:
Mate
Same use for my Griff as yours (when it works)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense).
One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining
Cheers
jeffsy
Rough translation='Bump'stopsSame use for my Griff as yours (when it works
)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense). One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about
). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining Cheers
jeffsy
..oh yeh
indeedly doodlyjeffsy said:
now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops
jeffsy
jeffsy
lol the irony of that is that the bump stops protech use are powerflex (or were until very recently) .. I haven't found a better bump stop yet than the std TVR Bump stop, so that's what i use on the rear protechs if I need to do any bump stop tuning (eg if you carry large loads but dont want to sacrifice ride when unladen)
Thanks for the feedback guys, helpful as ever. Car's around the 30,000mls mark. Tyre pressures checked almost every run (standard estorils running S02 PP's on 225's @ 22psi and 245's @24psi). Will get bushes checked anyway.
Was leaning towards the Protechs based on price and from what you say then probably sensible saving the cash from the Nitrons. Besides, it won't get much track use and my driving skills might not be good enough to tell the difference.
Think I'm happy to go the Protech route so probably contact Trackcar in the next month or so to get a set ordered.
Dreadnought are pretty helpful and run/build their own race cars so I assume they should be able to help ensure installation & Geometry setup is done properly.
Thanks again.....interested in any progress on those already getting them installed.
Was leaning towards the Protechs based on price and from what you say then probably sensible saving the cash from the Nitrons. Besides, it won't get much track use and my driving skills might not be good enough to tell the difference.
Think I'm happy to go the Protech route so probably contact Trackcar in the next month or so to get a set ordered.
Dreadnought are pretty helpful and run/build their own race cars so I assume they should be able to help ensure installation & Geometry setup is done properly.
Thanks again.....interested in any progress on those already getting them installed.
shadowfax said:
How many miles has the car done? If less than 50K it may be other things. Tyres/pressures or worn bushes. Get the 4 wheels geometry checked first also.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
I've known the standard TVR dampers to need replaceing at around the 30K mark. Let's face it they are a budget damper to start.
Aaron C. Reskew said:
shadowfax said:
How many miles has the car done? If less than 50K it may be other things. Tyres/pressures or worn bushes. Get the 4 wheels geometry checked first also.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
I've known the standard TVR dampers to need replaceing at around the 30K mark. Let's face it they are a budget damper to start.
Since when has Koni been a budget damper?
jeffsy said:
Mate
Same use for my Griff as yours (when it works
)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense).
One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about
). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining
Cheers
I am concerned that you are regularly hitting the bump stops in such a way that you can tell the difference between differen types - arent the springs and dampers supposed to suspend the car??! - or are you a bullion smugler in your spare time (good discrete choice of car...!)
Not having a go, simply trying to get to the bottom of correct springs and Protech set up as I intend to do the same + fit 500 front brakes to my 92 4.3 - Looking for a comfortable, competent ride with predictable breakaway in extremis - fast road only
Not sure about pros and cons of fitting rear antiroll bar or changing front - srtd wheels and ride height
jeffsy
Same use for my Griff as yours (when it works
)...I changed over to Protechs, fitted Steve Heaths drop links front and rear..and I am well chuffed with the results...a world of difference (without going to Nitron expense). One thing on the Protechs I was advised that the bung stops are poor so Protech put double bungs on mine...still not good enough so now I will be fitting the Powerflex stops sold by Demon Tweeks (on the advice of someone who knows what he's on about
). The other thing which I didnt do which I am just about to put right was change all my nuts and bolts for shiny ones from Steve Heath...Iv just ordered them and for £50 for the full set Im not complaining Cheers
I am concerned that you are regularly hitting the bump stops in such a way that you can tell the difference between differen types - arent the springs and dampers supposed to suspend the car??! - or are you a bullion smugler in your spare time (good discrete choice of car...!)
Not having a go, simply trying to get to the bottom of correct springs and Protech set up as I intend to do the same + fit 500 front brakes to my 92 4.3 - Looking for a comfortable, competent ride with predictable breakaway in extremis - fast road only
Not sure about pros and cons of fitting rear antiroll bar or changing front - srtd wheels and ride height
jeffsy
Lone Granger said:
Aaron C. Reskew said:
shadowfax said:
How many miles has the car done? If less than 50K it may be other things. Tyres/pressures or worn bushes. Get the 4 wheels geometry checked first also.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
I've known the standard TVR dampers to need replaceing at around the 30K mark. Let's face it they are a budget damper to start.
Since when has Koni been a budget damper?
The Griff has Bilsteins on. When I was gonna spend on new shox & springs earlier this year, Ian took us out in it and said "What do you want new suspension for?! This handles like a newun!" At 46K mileage. So I was relieved to not be relieved.
Edited by shadowfax on Tuesday 17th October 06:20
Hi Griff
Im just outside stirling and use brian at dreadnaught as well
Will need exactly the same changes for next summer as well so let me know how you get on
Slightly older griff but also in RED the fastest colour lol
PS i also own broomhall castl;e where the central scotland tvr club regional meeting is now held each month on the first saturday so come down as see us would love to get the two red griffs together for some comaprisons etc
Cheers
Ty
Im just outside stirling and use brian at dreadnaught as well
Will need exactly the same changes for next summer as well so let me know how you get on
Slightly older griff but also in RED the fastest colour lol
PS i also own broomhall castl;e where the central scotland tvr club regional meeting is now held each month on the first saturday so come down as see us would love to get the two red griffs together for some comaprisons etc
Cheers
Ty
I'll definately let you know how I get on Ty.
I've pretty much decided I'll go for the Protechs and probably a set of the Steve Heath Droplinks all round too. I've spoken with Claire at Dreadnought and reckons only a couple hours work so the Griff will go there rather than risking doing it myself. Can ask to ensure it's setup properly and then geometry checked too.
Only delay is I could do with a couple new tyres but cannae get what I want these days so considering a wheel / tyre upgrade too. Since that may also affect the setup and geometry, it would make sense to get these sorted at the same time. However, starting to talk big bucks so trying to build up some Overtime to help finance everything.
Good news is the Insurer has quoted just £27 extra on the premium (although a bit extra excess) so it's all planned.....just need to find a money tree to shake!!!
Steve...
I've pretty much decided I'll go for the Protechs and probably a set of the Steve Heath Droplinks all round too. I've spoken with Claire at Dreadnought and reckons only a couple hours work so the Griff will go there rather than risking doing it myself. Can ask to ensure it's setup properly and then geometry checked too.
Only delay is I could do with a couple new tyres but cannae get what I want these days so considering a wheel / tyre upgrade too. Since that may also affect the setup and geometry, it would make sense to get these sorted at the same time. However, starting to talk big bucks so trying to build up some Overtime to help finance everything.
Good news is the Insurer has quoted just £27 extra on the premium (although a bit extra excess) so it's all planned.....just need to find a money tree to shake!!!
Steve...
shadowfax said:
Lone Granger said:
Aaron C. Reskew said:
shadowfax said:
How many miles has the car done? If less than 50K it may be other things. Tyres/pressures or worn bushes. Get the 4 wheels geometry checked first also.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
If you're going to spend several hundred pounds on new dampers and springs, get them fitted by an experienced shox person.
I've known the standard TVR dampers to need replaceing at around the 30K mark. Let's face it they are a budget damper to start.
Since when has Koni been a budget damper?
The Griff has Bilsteins on. When I was gonna spend on new shox & springs earlier this year, Ian took us out in it and said "What do you want new suspension for?! This handles like a newun!" At 46K mileage. So I was relieved to not be relieved.
Edited by shadowfax on Tuesday 17th October 06:20
pre cats started out with adj Konis (red) Bilsteins came later (500 only?) - little over damped - bobbles on smooth surface - early ones were oversprung and under damped - even more exiting - neither are 'budget' - 2 of the most famous OE dampers in the World
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