Nitrons versus Ohlins ??

[Swill]

Hi People

Currently in my seventh month of TVR ownership (TVR virgin), so far..... so good, absolutely love the car

I have a friend with a Cerb, who has recently fitted Nitrons - supplied by Joospeed. He has since been telling me I should think about converting my car, as his has been transformed. While i'm not that concerned about the handling of my Griff (it handles better than anything i've owned before, it's just the speed into corners which I find I have to watch), I have had a couple of heart in mouth moments
I have been advised by another source, that Ohlins are far superior shock absorbers than Nitrons, and that Ohlin have now brought out a new "one stage" shock for road use
My car will not be likely to be used (not by me anyway) on the track, and i'm very interested to find out if anyone is lucky enough to know if they are similar in improving the car from standard. From face value it would appear that both can be purchased for around the same price ??
Can anyone offer advise please ?????
Cheers !

[starmist]

Although I haven't changed the shocks on my car (yet) there are plenty of threads on these, elsewhere in the forum. Word is Ohlins are 10% better for 50% for money (law of diminishing returns).

[_DJ_]

starmist said:

Although I haven't changed the shocks on my car (yet) there are plenty of threads on these, elsewhere in the forum. Word is Ohlins are 10% better for 50% for money (law of diminishing returns).

I went through the same thing about 3 months ago. I also got the same advice from another source. However, in the end I decided that I couldn't justify the cost and am convinced that the Nitrons make for a much improved ride (which was important to me as I won't do many track days) and the handling is no longer the cars weakest point - if we're discounting the driver then it's now definately the brakes. Nitrons transform the car and are well proven on TVR's, but at the end of the day it's your decision!

[Swill]

Hi Starmist
Thanks for response, i've seen a few threads in the Griff forum for Nitrons, but not much info for Ohlins. By all accounts the 2/3 stage ohlins are very expensive ......... Doh !!

[Swill]

Hi DJ - Thanks for response - Lovely Cerb !!

[_DJ_]

Swill said:

Hi DJ - Thanks for response - Lovely Cerb !!

Thanks . I need to get some more pictures now I've sorted it. It looks much more purposeful now with bigger wheels and the geometry/ride height setup.
I forgot to mention that I also had Nitrons on my old Griff. Again, a massive improvement - much more composed over rough ground and a definate improvement over the standard and AVO setups I'd had before.




>> Edited by _DJ_ on Wednesday 14th April 15:01

[Swill]

_DJ_ said:

Swill said: Hi DJ - Thanks for response - Lovely Cerb !! Thanks . I need to get some more pictures now I've sorted it. It looks much more purposeful now with bigger wheels and the geometry/ride height setup. I forgot to mention that I also had Nitrons on my old Griff. Again, a massive improvement - much more composed over rough ground and a definate improvement over the standard and AVO setups I'd had before. Cheers DJ - This was the kind of advice I was looking for really, and I suppose it's the ride quality which i'm looking to improve the most. I live in/around some lovely twisty B-Roads, which are quite bumpy in places, which unsettles the Griff as it is. In terms of grip/handling balance (on a smooth surface) i'm quite happy with the car. I noticed that you have Nitrons on the Cerb, but didn't realise you'd had them also on your Griff. How do you find the Cerb after Griff ownership ? - I've no need for more seats etc, and entering into TVR ownership for the first time could only go for the one model which i'd hankered after for many years. That said, your car looks stunning >> Edited by _DJ_ on Wednesday 14th April 15:01

[_DJ_]

You may also want to speak to the Nitron resellers about your requirements. I got my Nitrons built to a specification which suits my driving and requirements - I live in Yorkshire and the roads surface round here isn't great so I got the rear dampers built with a longer stroke than normal and springs as recommended by Joolz (of Joospeed). The car handles a lot better, but to be honest it was probably more capable than I am before hand. However, the car rolls less, is easier to drive quickly and gives a more compliant ride (despite having stiffer springs all round) now they're fitted.
As for the Griff/Cerb comparison, I still don't know which one I prefer more. Having said that I haven't been in a Griff for a good 6 months. The Cerbera is more refined (a lot), better built, quicker (though not massively), handles and stops better. However, the Griff was raw, sounds wonderful, has loads of low end torque which requires less effort to drive and offers top down motoring. I wouldn't swap back, though a Tuscan/t350 appeals to me now as I think it would be as exciting as a Griff to drive whilst maintaining the qualities of the Cerbie. I heard someone describe the Cerbera as a more 'mature' car, but at 26, should I be looking for maturity or excitement?


Edited to add: just re-read that and realised how 'Nitron biased' it sounds. I'm sure your Ohlins reseller would build a shock to meet your specifications also, should you decide you'd prefer them over Nitrons.

>> Edited by _DJ_ on Wednesday 14th April 16:39

[joospeed]

The beauty of the Nitrons is there's a wealth of knowledge about them already, they fully configurable to your requirements. I'm sure the same will be true of the Ohlins, but you're starting from a fresh sheet of paper so to speak, the nitron development has alrady been done and approved by the likes of Colin Blower who fits them, and if it's good enough for him then i'm happy to keep selling them.

Ohlins are of course excellent dampers in their own right, and they have the name of course. I guess it's down to whether you want the ohlins cache, or wnt something already proven to work.

joolz .. unashamedly biased towards the nitron, quality at a fair price

[david010167]

I have just had Nitrons fitted, but alas I have not had much chance to play yet. However my first impressions are...

They are currently set up as fiorm, but they do not feel as bad as the old setup. The car goes quicker through the bends on rough road and does not feel as skitish, it holds the road better.

I have not tried adjusting them yet, but I may have to soften them off as my other half is now pregnant and the hard ride is a tad uncomfortable for her.

The only other oddity is they have been set up as lower than the original setup so I am now grinding on speed bumps. So I am hoping that adjusting them may give me a bit more height.

David

[Swill]

joospeed said:

The beauty of the Nitrons is there's a wealth of knowledge about them already, they fully configurable to your requirements. I'm sure the same will be true of the Ohlins, but you're starting from a fresh sheet of paper so to speak, the nitron development has alrady been done and approved by the likes of Colin Blower who fits them, and if it's good enough for him then i'm happy to keep selling them. Ohlins are of course excellent dampers in their own right, and they have the name of course. I guess it's down to whether you want the ohlins cache, or wnt something already proven to work. joolz .. unashamedly biased towards the nitron, quality at a fair price

Hi Joolz, well you're the man who started my pain LOL!! - As after buying some front cerb shocks from you (Buster.4.2) has raved and raved non-stop about the improvement made to his car. It's only that I was then informed that Ohlins were better, and could be sourced at a similar price....... ?? - To be honest, i'm new to TVR's, so Ohlin/Nitron brand means nothing to me..... yet - suppose i'd best speak to you for a quote at somepoint I

[Swill]

david010167 said:

I have just had Nitrons fitted, but alas I have not had much chance to play yet. However my first impressions are... They are currently set up as fiorm, but they do not feel as bad as the old setup. The car goes quicker through the bends on rough road and does not feel as skitish, it holds the road better. I have not tried adjusting them yet, but I may have to soften them off as my other half is now pregnant and the hard ride is a tad uncomfortable for her. The only other oddity is they have been set up as lower than the original setup so I am now grinding on speed bumps. So I am hoping that adjusting them may give me a bit more height. David

Hi David,
Thanks for the info, i'd like to hear more once you have played about with them a bit - if you don't mind.
My car's already bottomed out on a particular speed mountain, which unfortunately I have to cross once a week, if I get the angle right it's ok, but if I lost any more clearance, i'd be marooned !!LOL!!
Cheers for now

[Buster4.2]

Swill said:

joospeed said: The beauty of the Nitrons is there's a wealth of knowledge about them already, they fully configurable to your requirements. I'm sure the same will be true of the Ohlins, but you're starting from a fresh sheet of paper so to speak, the nitron development has alrady been done and approved by the likes of Colin Blower who fits them, and if it's good enough for him then i'm happy to keep selling them. Ohlins are of course excellent dampers in their own right, and they have the name of course. I guess it's down to whether you want the ohlins cache, or wnt something already proven to work. joolz .. unashamedly biased towards the nitron, quality at a fair price Hi Joolz, well you're the man who started my pain LOL!! - As after buying some front cerb shocks from you (Buster.4.2) has raved and raved non-stop about the improvement made to his car. It's only that I was then informed that Ohlins were better, and could be sourced at a similar price....... ?? - To be honest, i'm new to TVR's, so Ohlin/Nitron brand means nothing to me..... yet - suppose i'd best speak to you for a quote at somepoint I

Hi Simon,

I'm sorry to have contributed to your present dilemma!!

Ordered the rear set of Nitrons from Joolz this morning for the Cerb

If going down the Nitron route give Joolz a ring as he can then talk you through a personal spec - you won't regret it !!

(ps any news on the excess refund? - I now need some funds!!)

[Swill]

Buster4.2 said:

Swill said: joospeed said: The beauty of the Nitrons is there's a wealth of knowledge about them already, they fully configurable to your requirements. I'm sure the same will be true of the Ohlins, but you're starting from a fresh sheet of paper so to speak, the nitron development has alrady been done and approved by the likes of Colin Blower who fits them, and if it's good enough for him then i'm happy to keep selling them. Ohlins are of course excellent dampers in their own right, and they have the name of course. I guess it's down to whether you want the ohlins cache, or wnt something already proven to work. joolz .. unashamedly biased towards the nitron, quality at a fair price Hi Joolz, well you're the man who started my pain LOL!! - As after buying some front cerb shocks from you (Buster.4.2) has raved and raved non-stop about the improvement made to his car. It's only that I was then informed that Ohlins were better, and could be sourced at a similar price....... ?? - To be honest, i'm new to TVR's, so Ohlin/Nitron brand means nothing to me..... yet - suppose i'd best speak to you for a quote at somepoint I Hi Simon, I'm sorry to have contributed to your present dilemma!! Ordered the rear set of Nitrons from Joolz this morning for the Cerb If going down the Nitron route give Joolz a ring as he can then talk you through a personal spec - you won't regret it !! (ps any news on the excess refund? - I now need some funds!!)

Hi Buster!

Yes, it's all your fault !! Ha !! - mind you the occasional "jarring" mid-corner from hitting a bump is a little worrying, and by the sounds of it this is what the Nitron's will improve the most. How's your ride height now by the way ?? - must exchange drives one day soon
Will chase up your excess asap, normally take a while, depending on who the t/p is insured through etc and if they've played ball - will email you this afternoon though with progress
Cheers for now

[Swill]

Swill said:

Buster4.2 said: Swill said: joospeed said: The beauty of the Nitrons is there's a wealth of knowledge about them already, they fully configurable to your requirements. I'm sure the same will be true of the Ohlins, but you're starting from a fresh sheet of paper so to speak, the nitron development has alrady been done and approved by the likes of Colin Blower who fits them, and if it's good enough for him then i'm happy to keep selling them. Ohlins are of course excellent dampers in their own right, and they have the name of course. I guess it's down to whether you want the ohlins cache, or wnt something already proven to work. joolz .. unashamedly biased towards the nitron, quality at a fair price Hi Joolz, well you're the man who started my pain LOL!! - As after buying some front cerb shocks from you (Buster.4.2) has raved and raved non-stop about the improvement made to his car. It's only that I was then informed that Ohlins were better, and could be sourced at a similar price....... ?? - To be honest, i'm new to TVR's, so Ohlin/Nitron brand means nothing to me..... yet - suppose i'd best speak to you for a quote at somepoint I Hi Simon, I'm sorry to have contributed to your present dilemma!! Ordered the rear set of Nitrons from Joolz this morning for the Cerb If going down the Nitron route give Joolz a ring as he can then talk you through a personal spec - you won't regret it !! (ps any news on the excess refund? - I now need some funds!!) Hi Buster! Yes, it's all your fault !! Ha !! - mind you the occasional "jarring" mid-corner from hitting a bump is a little worrying, and by the sounds of it this is what the Nitron's will improve the most. How's your ride height now by the way ?? - must exchange drives one day soon Will chase up your excess asap, normally take a while, depending on who the t/p is insured through etc and if they've played ball - will email you this afternoon though with progress Cheers for now

PS: - Yes, I think I will have to give Joolz a ring for a quote, Nitrons certainly have a good recommendation, by everyone who's used them. What set me thinking was the recommendation of Ohlins, and then seeing an advert showing that a complete set with rose joints & springs could be "fitted" for £1,700 plus VAT ......... either way my wallet's going to take a bashing

[_DJ_]

Swill said:

Swill said: Buster4.2 said: Swill said: joospeed said: The beauty of the Nitrons is there's a wealth of knowledge about them already, they fully configurable to your requirements. I'm sure the same will be true of the Ohlins, but you're starting from a fresh sheet of paper so to speak, the nitron development has alrady been done and approved by the likes of Colin Blower who fits them, and if it's good enough for him then i'm happy to keep selling them. Ohlins are of course excellent dampers in their own right, and they have the name of course. I guess it's down to whether you want the ohlins cache, or wnt something already proven to work. joolz .. unashamedly biased towards the nitron, quality at a fair price Hi Joolz, well you're the man who started my pain LOL!! - As after buying some front cerb shocks from you (Buster.4.2) has raved and raved non-stop about the improvement made to his car. It's only that I was then informed that Ohlins were better, and could be sourced at a similar price....... ?? - To be honest, i'm new to TVR's, so Ohlin/Nitron brand means nothing to me..... yet - suppose i'd best speak to you for a quote at somepoint I Hi Simon, I'm sorry to have contributed to your present dilemma!! Ordered the rear set of Nitrons from Joolz this morning for the Cerb If going down the Nitron route give Joolz a ring as he can then talk you through a personal spec - you won't regret it !! (ps any news on the excess refund? - I now need some funds!!) Hi Buster! Yes, it's all your fault !! Ha !! - mind you the occasional "jarring" mid-corner from hitting a bump is a little worrying, and by the sounds of it this is what the Nitron's will improve the most. How's your ride height now by the way ?? - must exchange drives one day soon Will chase up your excess asap, normally take a while, depending on who the t/p is insured through etc and if they've played ball - will email you this afternoon though with progress Cheers for now PS: - Yes, I think I will have to give Joolz a ring for a quote, Nitrons certainly have a good recommendation, by everyone who's used them. What set me thinking was the recommendation of Ohlins, and then seeing an advert showing that a complete set with rose joints & springs could be "fitted" for £1,700 plus VAT ......... either way my wallet's going to take a bashing

Ohlins: 1700+VAT = 2k approx
Nitrons: 850+VAT+Fitting (inc. springs etc) = 1.2k approx.


>> Edited by _DJ_ on Thursday 15th April 16:20

[Buster4.2]

Swill said:

How's your ride height now by the way ?? - must exchange drives one day soon

Had to set front ride height at 130 mm as belly pan catching speed bumps constantly at the lowered 110mm.

Yeah, a swap would be interesting - I take it you could sort the insurance details

Will reply to your mail.

[Swill]

Buster4.2 said:

Swill said: How's your ride height now by the way ?? - must exchange drives one day soon Had to set front ride height at 130 mm as belly pan catching speed bumps constantly at the lowered 110mm. Yeah, a swap would be interesting - I take it you could sort the insurance details Will reply to your mail.

Well, I suppose Insurance is my middle name !!
Ha !! - no worries Swill

[h19 jjm]

I had a full set of ohlis,stage 2 fitted last year £1600 fitted and set up by Shane at SFR engineering.It has completely changed my griff its got so much traction,doesnt jump and feel twitchy any more and i can carry so much more speed in and out of corners.And if they are good enough for the tuscan racers.....worth every penny!!

[Swill]

Hi John,
Thank you very much for your info, it's invaluable to me, as i've never changed the shocks on a car before (well ok, Ford Capri 2.8I, 17 years ago!!Ha!!).
Yours is the first contribution i've read from somebody who has actually had Ohlins fitted. I've heard they are the "Bees Knees", my original source of information (Streber Engineering/Motorsport) told me that Ohlins are far superior to Nitrons, and not much difference in price. Really I wanted a 2nd opinion from people who know. If i'm going to spend £1200, then I may as well spend £1600 for something better (in my mind) as long as they are "better", and not just a nicer colour/logo. Thought i'd throw the subject out there (due to my own lack of knowledge on the matter). Before I do anything I will certainly shop around for prices, and not being handy with a spanner myself will have to be looking for a fitted price. But again, I thank you for your comments - a great help