OK, here's the report I intended to post yesterday.............
Following the instructions on Skye Poier's excellent website, I bought the
items listed. The Monroe SensaTracs (as reported earlier) actually cost
around $37 apiece, which kinda blew the "do the job for $40" plan out the
window. Also, the long bolts were about 1/2" too long and the short ones
were way too short. I also determined that, since the hole in the eye of the
shock plate is 1/2", it would be better to run a 1/2" drill bit through the
shock and use 1/2" bolts at the bottom, to make a stronger, more secure
mount.
On the road, the Monroe SensaTracs, being gas-filled, actually add a bit of
bounce to the suspension. (When you compress them, they automatically
stretch back out to full length when you let go, unlike a shock which is
just a damper.) This, to my way of thinking, gives the car (a 77B) a bit of
a "rubbery" feel at the back on smooth roads. However, the damping is
definitely better than with the regular lever arm shocks.
At which point, a comment is needed. If you are replacing worn-out lever arm
shocks, your perception of the difference the tube shocks make will be
different than if you are - as I was - replacing a perfectly serviceable
pair of lever arm shocks. I mention this only to put some perspective on the
claims made occasionally for just how good the tube shocks are!
The ride with the Monroe SensaTracs over ripply roads is better than with
the lever arms. Road-holding seems about the same, although I have noticed a
tendency to spin the inside tire on a tight turn more than before.
Conclusion? The basic set-up is good (with the change of lower bolt
diameter) and installation is quick and easy. Skye's listed instructions
should recommend new spring-to-axle pads, though, as these are almost always
worn out and this is the perfect time to replace them. I'm going to do
another set-up on another car soon, and I'll try and find some non-gas
shocks to see if they eliminate the odd feeling the Monroes give. If not, I
will for sure try the very much less expensive Gabriels that Jim reported
on!
In any event, unless you want the adjustability of the Spax shocks or the
originality of the lever arms, this conversion is a great way to keep the
rear springs on your B under control.
Lawrie
British Sportscar Center
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