More shock, spring questions

Gary Hudson · Post by **Gary Hudson** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 1:18 pm

I think I've read everything on the forum that turns up with a search for "shocks". I have a couple of questions and concerns. I am thinking about getting the competition springs and some new shocks. Someone mentioned that there might be clearance problems with the competition oil pan, which I have.

Here are my questions.

1. Can I lower my front end with the competition springs without a problem with the oil pan? (195/60-14 tires)

2. Can I use KYB gasadjusts on the front and GR2s on the rear or should I stick to one or the other for all four shocks? (The gr2s are about half the price on the rear shocks.)

Thanks for your help.

Gary

Russell Roach · Post by **Russell Roach** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 8:48 pm

Gary,

Let me take a stab at this, since I have kinda taken my car to the extreme.

First on my car I have Mike Youngs front comp springs they sit quite a bit lower than even the datsun comp springs. My Tires are kuhmo 205/55/14's mounted on 14 x 7 koenig rewinds, I have the big comp oil pan on my car and have about 5 to 6 inches of clearance

As far as shocks I have the gas adjust kyb and they can be a little stiff on the weakest setting/most forgiving can't speak for the gr2's as I haven't had any experience with them. If you want give me your email and I'll shoot you a pic of my car so you can see the stance.

Russell

Gary Hudson · Post by **Gary Hudson** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 9:21 pm

Thanks Russell. I sent you a PM. I'm also wondering which way people think is best to mod the bump stop for the short spring for street use.

Russell Roach · Post by **Russell Roach** » Thu Aug 26, 2004 9:30 pm

Gary,

Hmmm for some reason I didn't get the pm. Any way if your bump stops will come off fairly easy put them in the freezer overnite and then take them out they will be easier to trim. Start by trimming about 3/4 of an inch off I think I trimmed a full inch off mine...bump steer is a scary thing on the track

Russell

nomadtrash · Post by **nomadtrash** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 12:21 pm

I've got about 3" of ground clearance with my comp oil pan. I've got to be very careful going over bumps. I've got 13" wheels and tires.

If you remove too much off the bump stops then the tie rod will hit the frame at full compression. If you don't cut enough off the bump stop then the bump stop will contact the frame undering cornering loads. When the bump stop hits the frame then the wheel rate goes to infinity. You loose all traction at the one wheel where the bump stop hits. It is quite dramatic change in handling. It will be cornering fine and then bang! you will be sliding or spinning. I tuned my bump stops on the skid pad. I kept cutting more and more off until the tires lost traction before the bump stops hit. I put some grease on the bump stop and after driving would check to see if any grease was deposited on the frame.

I have a complete set of KYB gas adjust shocks that I took off the car. They are designed for a 5000 pound Dodge passenger car. The high pressure gas charge adds a lot of spring rate and the rebound dampnig is not enough to handle the comp springs. This makes the wheels pogo when going over bumps. I'm sure they work really well on a Diplomat but make the Roadster ride really rough and don't controll rebound well. I swapped out to Carrera adjustable hydraulic shocks and saw an immediate improvement in ride quality and handling. The Koni adjustables are a good compromise for race/street driving and are a lot cheaper than Carreras. If you've got your heart set on KYB gas adjust then send me a note and I'll make you a deal.

Gary Hudson · Post by **Gary Hudson** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 1:04 pm

I just don't know a lot of other options that can be easily found.
Thanks guys for the input.