What's the Hot Set-Up for Shocks?

[impinhigh]

Hey Folks,
Gathering parts for phase II of the winter project "Shocks and Springs". I've decided to install the custom Datsun Sport springs and now need to know which shock I should mate them with. The car is no AutoX beast, just hot laps on the twisties.
I've seen the list posted on the 311s site but I'm still unsure... can you put the "white" Gas-Adjust in the front and the GR2 in the back.

As for the engine work.. I'm down to the hose clamps baby!!

Please let me know what you think!
Thanks as always!
Matt
Spl311 18900
68 1600

[Minh]

Well... What are you trying to achieve?

It sounds like you wish firm up the back more than the front to compensate for the new lower and stiffer springs. If so, I hope somebody with more experience can help...

The Gas-Adjust will give you a slightly firmer and better performance than the stock non-gas hydrolic shocks. (The nitrogen gas in those things keep fluid in the the shocks from foaming up inside. You proably already know that.)

I'm not sure of the GR2s. Never rid in a car with em. I'm under the impression from what I've read here and there is that they are firmer than the the Gas-Adjust. Maybe somebody can dial in and comment on the GR2s...

If money is not a problem you could get adustable shocks and tune it to your liking. However for most of us (like myself) that is the problem.. heh heh

[TR]

Well, I am not going to be much help because I have only driven two roadsters in my life...But, here's what I think of the shock setup you mentioned:

My 70 had all stock springs with the white shocks. It rode well but had a lot of lean. Big bump absorption was a bit scary as the car would leave the freeway for extended periods of time at speed...

My 66 has two builds, the first was white shocks in front, grey in the back (just because that is what I found on eBay, not by choice!) with the taller comp springs in front (way too tall), 23mm front sway bar, and stock rear springs. It rode well but the back end was soft and a bit bouncy. I then swapped the rears for Fairlady Products "add a leaf" springs. These really reduced roll and made the back ends breakaway point more predictable for me (not sure why, maybe the springs, maybe I got more familiar with the car). I have been happy with this setup, but I want to lower the front end more and have been curious what other shock setups would do! Someday I'll have to do a car swap with someone and we'll compare notes...

Note that both cars ran the same tires and the shocks were brand new...

Hope this helps, TR

[impinhigh]

I talked with Mike Young yesterday, he likes the KYB Gas/Adjt and gave me these part numbers:
KYB4528 Fronts
KYB5446 (He added that I would need to swap the bushing from my stock shock to get this shock to work.)

Does anyone have more info on this?

here's a blurb about the Gas/Adjt vs GR2

KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks and Struts are designed to deliver maximum driving control and performance. KYB Gas-a-Just's higher gas pressure keeps tires glued to the road while its high strength, monotube configuration provides extra-rugged durability and fade-free performance.



KYB GR-2 Shocks and Struts are specially designed to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride. a patented check valve minimizes foaming and aeration to make sure the ride stays smooth, even under rough conditions.

I talked with Mike Young yesterday, he likes the KYB Gas/Adjt and gave me these part numbers:
KYB4528 Fronts
KYB5446 (He added that I would need to swap the bushing from my stock shock to get this shock to work.)

[SLOroadster]

Konis are the way to go. They are $$ but they never wear out. If they do, you can have them rebuilt. I found a set on my parts car that were really old, but still worked. You can also ajust them. They are getting hard to find, but they are out there.

Just my $.02,
Will