new suspension/shocks... an apology followed by a question

[dixieflatline]

First of all the apology - I'm sorry to be asking a question which has been done to death on here, but I can't quite find the answer I'm looking for.

My rebuild is coming along quite nicely now - the engine and gearbox are removed and mothballed, the body is off and stored away for the duration and the chassis is going away to be shotblasted/powder coated in the next week or so.

So, once that comes back the next job will be to rebuild the front of the car which means I'm going to need new shocks and springs; the old ones are off now, and they're not in great shape!

My intention is to rebuild the car as close to factory spec as possible - I've never driven it and until I do I have no idea what upgrades I will want (or need). Having had a look around and it seems that the orginal suspension is going to be more or less impossible to find.

I've read through a few of previous threads and it seems like Avo or Gaz shocks are the best replacements, but they're adjustable rather than like for like. What I really wanted to know is what I should be looking for to get the suspension as close as possible to what's on there now. I do want to keep the cost down, but not at the expense of quality. I'm happy to spend more if it's worth it, but I don't want to buy expensive adjustable shocks and then find out they're not what I wanted.

[hvdweerden]

tvr car parts at least has the original front shocker

http://www.tvrcarparts.com/pages/partdetail.asp?id...

Br, Han

[Le TVR]

As I seriously doubt that you will ever find the exact original springs, there is a real advantage in getting adjustable shocks.
They will allow you to get all the geometry correct, which you wont if you get fixed OE shocks and "equivalent" rate springs.

[Gerald-TVR]

Talk to Derek at Absolutly Shocks http://www.absolutelyshocks.com/ the guru of all things that bounce , seriously you wont go far wrong in listening to him

Norman

[Brendon NZ]

Get adjustables....you can then set them to what the originals may of been....or like everyone else....adjust them to the ride that you like.
Remember...if its AVO you go for, pay extra and get the sphereical bearings.

[techbotics]

I have GAZ with track spec springs and they are awesome.. if you want your replacement rears to last get some with spherical bearings the TVR geometry seems to rip poly bushes apart at the rear after an alarmingly few miles.

Also IMHO you should replace as many bushes etc as you can while its apart.. it will make the shocks / springs work better.

Cheers

D S3 Gaz Gold Pro's (Dulford Automotive)

[Barkychoc]

I think the Koni original shocks were adjustable - but I think you had to remove the spring and rotate the shaft or something - or maybe not and I'm talking rubbish

[mep12345]

Barkychoc said:

I think the Koni original shocks were adjustable - but I think you had to remove the spring and rotate the shaft

+1 Chris

Edited by mep12345 on Wednesday 24th February 21:26

[phillpot]

Barkychoc said:

I think the Koni original shocks were adjustable - but I think you had to remove the spring and rotate the shaft or something - or maybe not and I'm talking rubbish

That would adjust "firmness" but not ride hight as can be done with Avo / Gaz ?

[dixieflatline]

Thanks everyone, I'll get in touch with Derek - I've seen his name come up on a few other threads!

techbotics said:

Also IMHO you should replace as many bushes etc as you can while its apart.. it will make the shocks / springs work better.

Definitely - every bush is being replaced!

[Jed-S]

To save me typing it out again look at this thread and my post is the 4th one in.

http://pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&amp...

[dixieflatline]

Thanks Jed - something to think about. I'm going to talk it all over with the mechanic who's helping me rebuild the car.