GTD coilover upgrade

[Bob Stoeger]

Hello all,
What's out there to upgrade the SPAX original coilovers on my GTD?
Thanks,
Bob
PS: New pics to be coming to my build thread soon.

[MikeP]

Try Protech. I have some on mine.

Pro-Tech Shocks

Pro-Tech Shocks Ltd
Unit 10, Lysander Road,
Bowerhill, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6SP
England
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1225 705553 Fax: +44 (0)1225 706663

Cheers
Mike

[Howard Jones]

It kinda depends on what you want to spend. I have QA-1's (14" long with 4 inches of travel) on my car, GTD, and I believe that they are a very good value. I have run them for about 7000 miles total with about 600 track miles. The damping range is pretty good even with 450 Lb/in springs on them, and they change both rebound and compression at the same time when adjusted to a predetermined ratio. No leaks or other issues. They use 2 1/2"/ 10" long springs so you will need them also. You can get them from Summit. You can do the whole car for about $900, springs included. There is a very minor clearance issue with the chassis at the front that I corrected with a die grinder and about a hour. Mount them with the adjustment knob pointed away from interfering with the chassis.

They are not Koni's but then they aren't 500+ bucks each either.

[Scott Calabro]

How about these?


Alloy Shock AbsorberThese units are manufactured in alloy and have an anodized finish in blue.
A steel body is retained for strength but the overall weight is greatly reduced.

Cost per car set of 4 including springs and all fixings is £680 + VAT.

[Dimi]

One word of caution.
Whatever you do dont go cheap with the coil springs.
I had the misfortune of ordering a set of AVO coilover shocks but didnt specify which coil springs I wanted.

In the short time I have had these on my car (300 Kms) the coil springs have sagged and are not carrying the weight properly and the coils are now binding on each other with no adjustment left.

When I removed the springs the were now a full 25mm shorter than when they were first installed and even though I expected some settling I did not expect them to settle this much

I have now replaced the coil springs with German EIBACH springs which have made a 1000 per cent difference to the ride and handling and the quality is superb.

As always you only get what you pay for.

Dimi

[Chris K]

I have GAZ coil overs that I really like, UK made, ally bodies and take 2.25" springs so no need to modify the frame/perch area to accomodate the larger 2.50 springs.

[Bob Stoeger]

Ha Guys,
All great information and Ill consider it all and let you know what direction I go.
Thanks again,
Bob

[Brian]

My GTD club mags have been borrowed for reference, but if I remember correctly there is an article or two about shocks and more importantly spring rates for GTDs, Andrew in particular having good luck with an Eibach dual rate spring set up. Not sure of the particulars, perhaps one of the GTD guys could chime in and provide the data.

Brian

[Malcolm]

I was sent these notes on springs which I used as a starting point for what I now have on my car and am very happy with.

Front: 7” 400 lbs. Main spring, 60mm diameter
3.85” 250/625 lbs. Progressive rate tender spring

Rear: 6” 500 lbs. Main spring, 60mm diameter
4.6” 360/850 lbs. Progressive rate tender spring

Notes:

1. Available from Eibach on 01455 286526, try Rob Hodgson in Technical Sales

2. A spacer is required between the two springs, Eibach will supply these as well.


3. It was recommended mounting the tender spring at the top as this helps stop the spacer catching on the body of the damper.

4. Lengths shown are for the Koni damper, you might need to adjust the main spring length to suit if you are running other makes of damper.

[Brian]

Malcolm, please tell us about your shocks. Koni obviously, but what series? 8211, 8216, 3012, etc?? and settings that have worked well for your use.


Thanks

Brian