AVO Shocks & Springs

[WonkyGibbon]

Hello All,

The S went into Austec last week to have it's steering sorted out. At last - no longer pulls to the left - turned out the camber was knackered after all. Really very impressed with them. Top guys. Anyway they also pointed out that my shocks (and springs) are dead dead dead !! And recommend AVO replacements all round. Searching through this group I see that quite a lot of you people seem to think they're good - but I wanted to ask for any anecdotal feelings you may have about them - and more importantly, any ideas as where to source them without breaking the bank !

Thanks,

WG

[greenv8s]

I've made no secret of my views on AVOs, but some people do seem to get on OK with them so they can't be all bad.

[WonkyGibbon]

greenv8s said:

I've made no secret of my views on AVOs, but some people do seem to get on OK with them so they can't be all bad.

So you're not a fan then ?

[Pies]

You could ask "thegamekeeper" i think he was pretty competitive

[WildfireS3]

From what I gather here AVOs are ok, but everybody would prefer Nitrons. But Nitrons are expensive.

[WonkyGibbon]

WildfireS3 said:

From what I gather here AVOs are ok, but everybody would prefer Nitrons. But Nitrons are expensive.

Exactly, and given I can't really afford the nitrons, AVO's seem to be the next best thing.

Thanks for the pointer mr pies, have emailed the man for a quote.

WG

[Pies]

Also try Joospeed and Austec

[WildfireS3]

I wouldn't mind trying GAZ or SPAX. As I have Spax on my Mini.

[WonkyGibbon]

WildfireS3 said:

I wouldn't mind trying GAZ or SPAX. As I have Spax on my Mini.

A previous thread was reasonably rude about SPAX quality, and the price of GAZ.

[pistolar]

Try LEDA of Braintree essex, they manufacture superb shocks. I belive Paceracing (jason) used them to good effect

[tvrmark]

WonkyGibbon said:

WildfireS3 said: I wouldn't mind trying GAZ or SPAX. As I have Spax on my Mini. A previous thread was reasonably rude about SPAX quality, and the price of GAZ.

The quality of GAZ is not up to much either.

Mark

[WildfireS3]

I have heard similar about GAZ, but SPAX on the other hand I have had no problems with, on the mini. Build quality is good and performance is top for the price, maybe a little hard.

Sewrvice from the guys at SPAX is good as well. I got mine direct.

[page3]

At the Ace meet I discovered that my S was significantly more 'bouncy' than Roy's. I've suspected for a while the Shocks need replacing as things can get a bit 'lively' at speed.

Problem is - there seem to be conflicting views on a good (but cheap) replacements???

[roy c]

page3 said:

At the Ace meet I discovered that my S was significantly more 'bouncy' than Roy's. I've suspected for a while the Shocks need replacing as things can get a bit 'lively' at speed.

Since I've had GAZ dampers (Jan '02), 4 have failed:
O/S/Rear - July '02
N/S/Rear - July '03
both rears again - Jan '04
No problems with the fronts
(All replaced under warranty)

Adam - I can only describe your S3 as "undamped"!
(that doesn't make it dry )

>> Edited by roy c on Tuesday 10th February 11:57

[peter m]

Try contacting AVO Uk in Northampton directly. They were very helpful when I rang them.

The part you want is the adjustable shock for the S, listed as PG718 for both front and rear, £70+vat each.

01604 708101 , or www.avouk.com

Pete

[WonkyGibbon]

Yeah - looks like the price went up at the beginning of January. Will let you know if I find a better deal. Anyone know which springs these take ?

[s2 giles]

Hi

I have the AVO's on my S2, put them on about 2 years ago & they have been great. It never handled so well. I did have new springs at the same time, which considering their price i would probably advise.

I only use my S for road use though & dont thrash it too hard.
Green V8S is a trackday pro i think & he wasnt as keen on them, to say the least.

Anyway i'm please with mine. They came from LeeBee, you can find him on this list under members.

Have fun

[WonkyGibbon]

Okay all - I've found a pretty good deal on the web (I'll post details when it all goes through with the confirmed price).

BUT I need to specify two things to AVO for the springs - firstly the poundage and second the free spring length (ie the uncompressed length of the spring when it's just lying on the floor as it were).

Now, "I know nothing" (barcelona voice) about suspensions and setups so this is all well beyond me ! Could anyone recommend some sensible parameters for me ? To give an idea, the S3 is in it's standard state, I use it as my everyday car and sometimes do drive it pretty quick - I've never done a track day but would like to at some point in the future. So settings that would be suitable for that !

Thanks one and all,

WG

[Pies]

O/T just twiged was it your "S" i saw in Austec on Friday?


And whose green "S" is in there oday

[joospeed]

WonkyGibbon said:

Now, "I know nothing" (barcelona voice) about suspensions and setups so this is all well beyond me !

What on earth made you think you'd tackle this on your own then ????

:bemused: