Suspension

[dougc]

Fancy an upgrade soon. Currently sitting on original shocks and springs and grounding is becoming a problem. Would also like to stiffen things up too. Anyone done the spannering themselves? Is it an easy job? Will probably have a go at the bushes at the same time too. Any recommendations for geometry and setup in Hertfordshire?

All comments welcome. Thanks chaps....

[ChrisGadd]

Did my front shocks last year, had to remove the collars and re-fit to new shocks which was a pain stopping the compressors slipping but removal and re-fit of shocks to car was easy. Two bolts each side IIRC.

[mikee boy]

Removing/refitting the shocks is a doddle. Replacing the spring was a bit harder as I coildn't find a spring compressor to fit. Had to make a 'Heath-Robinson' style contraption that nearly took my fingers off!

I'm planning to change my shocks for new in the near future as it's said to make a tremendous difference and the original TVR ones are no longer available. It'll also bbe nice to be able to change the stiffness, rebound and ride height.

[Barkychoc]

Don't bother getting spring compressors - save your money and buy new springs.
I think I paid about £100 for a full set of springs.

If you buy adjustable height shocks (most of them I think now) you don't need spring compressors - screw the bottom spring mounting right down, slip on the spring then wind it back up to the approprate height. You can buy a tool to adjust the mounting but I found an allen key in the locking grub screw tapped gently with a hammer rotated it OK.

Make sure you get the right springs for the shocks - on my AVO's the original springs are too long. I can't remember exactly but I think the originals were 11 inch and the new ones are 9 inch long.

I speak from much sweat and pain......

Chris

[tvrgit]

See my web site over the last few months for details of the spannering required. There's a diary index to help you find the right pages!

I used original springs with AVOs so I still had to use compressors. I did find that I had to have the adjusters wound right down to get anywhere near the right ride height, so in November I changed the rear ones (experimentally!) for 9 inch springs (no compressors required this time) to give me a bit more ride height adjustment.

[catretriever]

dougc said:

Any recommendations for geometry and setup in Hertfordshire?

I use Kimberly Motors in Potter's Bar. I haven't changed the suspension on my S yet, but the main man there, Jason, did a truly excellent job on my old Griff, helped in no small way by the great Protech setup supplied by Jools at Trackcar Solutions. I'll definitely use the same combination when I get round to that part of the car (tho trackcar's website doesn't specifically mention a suspension package for the 'S')

[Hoover.]

catretriever said:

dougc said:

Any recommendations for geometry and setup in Hertfordshire?

I use Kimberly Motors in Potter's Bar

I like the fact you are still using them after some "hear say" I passed on. I still haven't used them though.

[Longers]

dougc said:

Any recommendations for geometry and setup in Hertfordshire?

Can't recommend these guys enough....
http://www.guglielmimotorsport.co.uk/
Several here have used them and they will be well worth the run up the M1 from Herts. Tell Dave or Steve I sent you

Longers

[WonkyGibbon]

Hi Doug,

I got Austec to supply AVOs and specify the spring rates to go with them. As they aren't local and it wasn't really worth going down and leaving the car with them, they shipped them to me (for free if I remember correctly) and then my local mechanic fitted them. They've been excellent ever since.

Cheers,

WG