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MG MGF Technical - Adjustable shocks

I have been thinking about buying adjustable shocks so I can stiffen the car for trackdays, but keep it pretty standard for day to day use.

Can you adjust the Spax easily, or is it a wheels off job, rears anyway?

The Koni's are nearly twice the price, are they adjustable from under the bonnet / bootlid and is there any other reason for the extra cost?

I would like to hear a few opinions before I buy.

Cheers

Alastair

Alastair McLeod

The problem with adjustable shocks is that you can have chassis problems if you have them set to stiff as the shock mounts are not strong enough and there has been a few cars where cracks have appeared around the mount. You can always reinforce around the mounts.

Before buying any have a chat with some of the specialist ie Mike Satur, B&G and Techspeed and seek there advice.

I have Techspeed shocks which are non adjustable and set to there own specifications which are fine for both track and road use.

Tom
Tom Randell

Alastair,

Sorry - slightly off topic, but check out www.mgs-on-track.com for track days. In particular see the Knockhill evening at http://www.mgs-on-track.com/index.php?PageID=121

BTW - I too have the Bilsteins from Techspeed - they are great for road and track.

Dave
Dave Livingstone

What sort of price were the Techspeed ones, and did you get the mounts reinforced?

Alastair
Alastair McLeod

Does it not depend on how hard you set the shocks? As to the mounts giving way.
Andrew McD JAZ5788

Alastair,

A lot of people on this BBS have been running with adjustable shockers for years now without any problems. Just don't set them too hard and remember it's slightly different settigs back and front. Lots in archives about this.

DC
David Clelland

i have had Avo adj shocks for 3 years now and no probs, also welded in the rear reinforcing plates as recommended,i set them firm for track days ect and reset them back for normal use, however saying that ,when set at softest it is still a pretty firm ride, as for Andrews question,when they are set to fully firm and mounts giving away, i wouldn't like to use long term set on that setting without having the reinforced plates welded in, Dave
DC Morris T6 DCM

I'd like to recommend Spax as they are a British company - but they do operate at the bargain end of the market along with AVO. Better to pay more for for Koni's I suspect, as, like many other automotive components, you really do get what you pay for.

I had to go for non-adjustable dampers, as anything else is against sprint regulations. To be honest, knowing how to set up your adjustable dampers is a black art in terms of getting the most out of your car - and frankly, for the most of us still trying to learn how to drive well on the circuit, it is another variable too far...

Very happy with Techspeed's Bilsteins :o)
Rob Bell

FYI

I have bought and fitted Spax dampers, the rears are adjustable with a long screw driver through the wheel, 16" six spoke, and the fronts on full lock.

I currently have them set at 10 on the rears and 6 at the front, which feels pretty much standard, so there is no risk to the mounting points.

When we get some dry weather I will try some harder settings more aimed at track use, has anyone else got any recommendations?

Alastair
Alastair McLeod

Alastair,

Car booked into MS to have some new shockers fitted on 19th of March. They'll probably be Spax so I'll let you know what settings Mike recommends.

DC
David Clelland

Speaking from personal experience I have tried Bilsteins, Konis, Avos and Spax. Spax have been in the business for 50 years and I have no qualms about using or recommending their products, their service and products are first class.
www.spax.co.uk
Worth a look if only to get informed.
Mike.
mike

This thread was discussed between 30/01/2004 and 09/02/2004

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