Lowered shocks - where & what?

[LewisK]

Hello again!<br>
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It's time to get the 'thing' a little lower again but I need some help<br>
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<!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.antchip.com/135/images/P1010 ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
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Is what it used to be like. Now, it was way too low at the front as it snagged on everything.<br>
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However, I like the rear height, that's what I'd like to aim for. What would bring it to that level?<br>
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I'd like the front a little lower than the Rimmer's 1" drop, or maybe not. Anyone got an example of 1" drop to hand <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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Last but not least, where can I source suitable springs besides Rimmers or Quiller. Must be uprated, to improve the handling. The closer I can get to having the wheels in the arches, the better.<br>
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It's just the springs for the time being, adjustable platforms later <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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<!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.antchip.com/135/images/P1010 ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
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Is how I'd like the front to look <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.antchip.com/sig2.jpg"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
<!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>Crazy! I mean like so many positive waves, we can't lose! You're on!</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdolo ... >LewisK</A> at: 26/6/06 11:05 am<br></i>

[Carsreunited]

Back end looks about the same height as mine. Front looks a smidge too low. If you want it to handle, get the front up a bit. If you want the pimped look, ignore what I have said! To be honest, I need my back end slightly lower but need the arches rolled first as they already catch the tyres.<br>
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<!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... WbZs5ZsWLA" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
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<!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6 ... WbZs5ZsWLA" style="border:0;"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
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[LewisK]

Ok, excellent! Yes, your car looks kind of about the height I'm looking for. I'm running original spec tyres too, so it shouldn't be a problem with catching.<br>
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What height springs are they and where from? <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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I'm looking for a bit of handling here <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :rollin --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.antchip.com/sig2.jpg"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
<!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>Crazy! I mean like so many positive waves, we can't lose! You're on!</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdolo ... >LewisK</A> at: 26/6/06 11:49 am<br></i>

[Carsreunited]

This was what was on my bill from Jigsaw but I'm not sure if that's what is on the car. You are more than welcome to have a poke around at CARS.<br>
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1 Pair 400lb 10" 2.25"ID Springs rear £65.80<br>
1 Pair 475lb 2.25"ID springs front £65.80

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[davepoth]

Lewis,<br>
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A word to the wise about going that low, as there is very little clearance under the car. I have managed to rip the exhuast off of the car going over speed bumps in mine which was only lowered 1" on the original spec tyres. I was at less than walking pace as well. On normal speed bumps the car would end up sitting on the gearbox crossmember once the front wheels were back on the ground.<br>
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I would suggest trying the standard height uprated springs, and then getting adjustable platform shocks to lower it a little. <br>
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[Sprint36]

Are you still on those rears Scott? 400lb sounds like a bit much for the rear.<br>
<br>
David

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[Jon Tilson]

You dont want to go lower than an inch and I reckon if you want to preserve your spine on our roads 200ils is as stiff as you go. 400 is track car only<br>
Jonners

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[LewisK]

Excellent, thanks for the input.<br>
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I shall bear that in mind, I concur with the 1" thing, it suffers from a lot of low points under there <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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Can always stick adjustables on there to crank it down to suit my mood <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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<p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.antchip.com/sig2.jpg"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
<!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>Crazy! I mean like so many positive waves, we can't lose! You're on!</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[Carsreunited]

To be honest Dave, I've no idea. If they are, they aren't too mental as I'm still getting alot of travel on bumps and undulations.<br>
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[SMIFTER]

You need to keep the back reasonably soft to help traction. 400lb is a bit OTT but I dont think Scott has an Anti roll bar so he has to rely on springs for body roll control. At the end of the day set the suspension to how you feel comfortable - different drivers like different levels of roll and suspension movement.<br>
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The best suspension solution is to invest in a set of 2.25" coilover dampers, GAZ or AVO make suitable units at a decent price. this will give you infinite choice of spring rates (2.25" springs only cost about £20 a pair) and will let you play with ride height. The trouble with saying 'you need a 12" damper with 9" springs' is every car will be slightly different and may not give you the results you expect.<br>
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I know Jigsaw supply AVO's but you could probably get them cheaper from motorsport suppliers such as Rally Design or Demon tweeks if you provide them with open and closed damper lengths and specify a stem stype fixing at the top rather than a bearing/bush fitting.<br>
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The other plus of coil overs is you can ride low at shows and track days and adjust the height before you go home to stop the underside getting wrecked.<br>
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G

<p><!--EZCODE LINK START--><a href="http://www.smifter1971.pwp.blueyonder.c ... >Smifter's Dolomite Sprint Website</a><!--EZCODE LINK END--><br>
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Scary XE powered 1974 Dolomite Sprint Trackday Experiment. Maybe someday soon<br>
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2002 Octavia VRS - 20 valves, leather, a turbo and 146mph - Czech it out!! </p><i></i>

[dollyboy]

you can go lower than an inch without much of a prob, i'd say the pic of lewis' car pre 'work' was at least 2" lower than standard, and about where I want mine to sit, maybe marginally lower at the back.<br>
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you can tuck the zorst up a bit, but if the pipe goes over the axle its best to make sure the bump stops prevent the pipe getting squished, thats the joy of getting one made! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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its all cosmetic/aesthetic IMO, and what looks good to one looks shite for someone else.<br>
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just got to keep it practical, the front is the more dangerous to catch underneath, zorst makes nice sparks when it hits the deck, and separates/ requires welding at worst. splitting sump and dumping oil everywhere is a bit more painful, 150 miles from home... <br>
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comparing front to rear, an inch higher/lower in relation to eachother isnt going to make much difference, but much more than that will start to affect handling.<br>
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IMO the original pic of the car looks the dogs, no need to go lower than that, not practical given speed bumps these days, and as its a road car, for springs I'd suggest about 250lb front, 175-200lb rear. uprated enough to give good handling and less compression over the bumpies, but not mentallist hard-tail hard that it shakes your ass to bits and compresses your spine over a few years so you end up 2" shorter!<br>
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<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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<p>project orange - slow progress<br>
project black - coming on, could be sold...<br>
project white - pimp my tolly, next year!</p><i></i>

[LewisK]

Cool!<br>
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I think I'll get a 'plain' set of 175's and lowered 1" from the Bros, and see how I get on. Later I can then get the matching set of Gaz dampers, to play further when funds allow <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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I had another drive today, changed and gapped the plugs and tuned the carbs, runs beautifully. I changed the oil too (Was black as sin the old one, with some condensation from standing).<br>
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Handbrake and brakes just need bedding but the rear wheels lock solid on demand with the handbrake so makes for excellent handbrake turns. Not that I'd know, like.<br>
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Unfortunately, my pinion appears to be worn slightly as there is slighty play in the column, but no more than there was in my 1850. As I've replaced the rack bushes with more solid ones and fitted a better condition steering UJ (my old one had partially collapsed) I'm hoping its enough to let it pass on just an advisory and not a fail <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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I'll report back!<br>
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Spins the wheels through the first two gears quite exciteably <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END-->

<p><!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://www.antchip.com/sig2.jpg"/><!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
<!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>Crazy! I mean like so many positive waves, we can't lose! You're on!</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p206.ezboard.com/bthetriumphdolo ... >LewisK</A> at: 26/6/06 7:01 pm<br></i>

[KWM338R]

If anyone has a pair of adjustable height rear dampers going spare i may be interested, my Spax seat adjusters are siezed solid and I need to drop the back end when autocrossing.<br>
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cheers<br>
Mark

<p>1979 Dolomite Sprint<br>
1972 TR6 (now breaking for spares to fund the Dolly)<br>
1993 Mazda Protege ($250 Winter Hack)<br>
2000 Mazda MPV (For Sale)<br>
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</p><i></i>