Ed Burger wrote:
What is the real difference between the normal shocks and the racing
shocks? Also, would I specifically need shocks for the Spitfire, or
would they
just be shocks of a specific length and whatever else shocks could be
measured by?
++++++++++++++++++
Ed,
The primary differences are in the quality and viscosity of the damping
fluid, the quality and diameter of the piston, the size and quality of the
internal control valves (discs), and last (but certainly not least) the
designed damping and rebound rates. All of these upgrades are what justify
the additional cost for high performance shocks. A good set of high
performance Konis or Spax or KYBs, etc, will typically last a long, long
time compared to a standard OEM shock.
However, having said that, keep in mind that, yes, you DO need a shock
designed specifically for your car. What most influences the ride comfort
and handling capabilities are the damping and rebound rates. Thus, simply
sticking on a shock that "fits" but does not match the original
manufacturer's settings may result in a wallowy, bouncy, uncontrollable ride
or, in the opposite case, a rock hard, rough unforgiving ride. If you ever
look at the spec sheets for model year changes for certain cars, such as the
Corvette, you will note that GM adjusted the damping and rebound rates of
the factory shocks several times over the first few years of production run
to address numerous complaints from owners about the rock hard ride
characteristics. By doing so, GM not only made the car ride better, but it
began to handle better too in real world driving on real streets marked by
pot holes and bumps. All of their prior shock testing was geared toward
obtaining the fastest lap times around the proving grounds track and the
original rates were simply way too hard for the street.
Before you do anything, first determine your goal -- strictly street
driving to work and the market? Strictly race and autox? Strictly long
distance highway cruising? Then figure out what type of shock you need. To
give you an example, I was going to spring for a set of Konis for my
restored Spit, but realized that it will be driven only on an occasional
weekend, maybe up the California coast to the wine country or down to San
Diego, and to the infrequent Triumphest event. No racing, no autocrossing.
So, instead of wating money on shocks whose performance I would never
exploit I bought OEM style replacement shocks from John Kipping and saved
about $250 on the set of four.
My advice -- unless you are going racing, stick with a proven acceptable
OEM style replacement shock designed specifically for your Spitfire. It'll
give you fewer headaches over the long run and your butt will appreciate the
difference. Cheers.
Ross D. Vincenti
64 Spitfire 4
64 Porsche 356C Coupe (next project)
|