Precat Suspesion Vs 500
Discussion
Finally changed my Bilsteins with Red and Yellow Springs to Konis with Blue and Red Strip Springs. Ok so it's an unfair comparison as the Bilsteins have 36, 000 miles on them and the Konis are pretty much new, although 13 years old.
My supsension was changed because the original owner decided that the car was too hard for him, before selling because it was too loud.
The car is now much stiffer, and IMHO the car handles much better. The is signifigantly less roll on the car (I do have the Rear ARB) even though it is probably half and inch or so higher. The car is much more point and go. The back does spin up a bit easier, but I'm going to solve that by fitting new tyres as mine are looking a little sketchy. When going over bumps the car is less bouncy and just feels more solid and stable through the bends. On the hard acceleration there is less of a rocking motion.
I adjusted the Konis as per Shpub's settings in the bible.
If I was working and had the money I would have treated the car to a set of Gaz from the gazman, but as a replacement and improvement, I would have to say that I prefer the ride of the Pre Cat suspension over the Griff 500/Chim set up. There was nothing actually wrong with the shocks and springs I had on the car and they felt remarkaby like other cars that I have been in. But after driving my mini which is more solid, the Griff was like and armchair and I wanted it stiffer.
Just some observations. Probably not relevant to any one but thought I'd share.
My supsension was changed because the original owner decided that the car was too hard for him, before selling because it was too loud.
The car is now much stiffer, and IMHO the car handles much better. The is signifigantly less roll on the car (I do have the Rear ARB) even though it is probably half and inch or so higher. The car is much more point and go. The back does spin up a bit easier, but I'm going to solve that by fitting new tyres as mine are looking a little sketchy. When going over bumps the car is less bouncy and just feels more solid and stable through the bends. On the hard acceleration there is less of a rocking motion.
I adjusted the Konis as per Shpub's settings in the bible.
If I was working and had the money I would have treated the car to a set of Gaz from the gazman, but as a replacement and improvement, I would have to say that I prefer the ride of the Pre Cat suspension over the Griff 500/Chim set up. There was nothing actually wrong with the shocks and springs I had on the car and they felt remarkaby like other cars that I have been in. But after driving my mini which is more solid, the Griff was like and armchair and I wanted it stiffer.
Just some observations. Probably not relevant to any one but thought I'd share.
Funny you should say that - my low mileage 4.3 was on its original Konis and springs and felt great. After hearing so much about Nitrons I had it set up on Nitrons and new springs. Tell you what I'm not convinced this is a vast improvement - the original set-up felt just as good IMO.
eva
eva
I dunno about 500s, or standard precats come to that, but my recently acquired 430 has Protec shocks and SH ARB set up by Top Cats Racing (looking back at the receipts that came with the car, the setup cost the previous owner just over £200). It feels sooo much better than the other Griffs (and Chims) I've tried over the last couple of months, including some v. tidy 500s.
It may be the case that whatever you go for, or continue using, if you have professionals set it up it'll be better.
Just my tupenny worth...
It may be the case that whatever you go for, or continue using, if you have professionals set it up it'll be better.
Just my tupenny worth...
As the Konis are only so adjustable, I don't think you can go too wrong with them as long as you follow basic guide lines, strangely enough I used the same settings on the Griff as I did on my Mini, when I had Konis it. But the Bilsteins are not adjustable and the Konis are not height adjustable, but the car is sitting level and equal. So any adjustment can only be in geometry. The car was setup within 10 000 miles and drive really well.
Protec, Gaz and Nitron are all fine shocks. My brother uses Gaz on his Mini. But for someone who is unemployed and very little funds, switching to the Knonis was an excellent decision. Especially as they are pretty much new. No sense in splashing out on something I can't afford and a setup when I have a good set sitting in a box.
But if you are not competent in such things it probably is best to go to the professionals. Needless to say that if I had the money I would be investing in a set of Gaz and a full set up.
I just thought people, mainly with the Pre Cats, would find it interesting in the comparison between the original setup and the set up it was changed to.
Protec, Gaz and Nitron are all fine shocks. My brother uses Gaz on his Mini. But for someone who is unemployed and very little funds, switching to the Knonis was an excellent decision. Especially as they are pretty much new. No sense in splashing out on something I can't afford and a setup when I have a good set sitting in a box.
But if you are not competent in such things it probably is best to go to the professionals. Needless to say that if I had the money I would be investing in a set of Gaz and a full set up.
I just thought people, mainly with the Pre Cats, would find it interesting in the comparison between the original setup and the set up it was changed to.
spend said:
Eva, the thing to remember with Nitrons is you can get them rebuilt / change valving & change springs (easily). They are not diposable items & you can tailor / tinker until they suit you. If they are not doing what you want - get your fitter / supplier to fix it :-)
Dave
Dave
Just to say that Avo and Gaz do offer a rebuld service for about £30 a corner and Ohlins also offer full servicing facilities.
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