Ok, I know I ask you guys way too many questions, but I really do try the search feature before I ask.

How are the Koni shocks for autocrossing? Any improvement over stock? I assume they are legal even though they are adjustable because the rules allow for shocks with no more than two adjustments. If you go with Konis, do you have to weld the spring purchase in place? I saw a reference to that in the rules. I'm surprised I do not see more discussions about them. Is there some other shock that is prefered. I know the Penskes are the "hot set up", but I am not going to dump 4 or 5 thou into shocks.

BTW, my car is an 02 if that makes a difference.

Thanks.

Bill

 

Andy (s2k2fast4me) has run them and has mentioned to me that they are marginally better than stock. When he went to nationals this past year he swapped them out for better shocks. I forget which.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by krazik
[B]Andy (s2k2fast4me) has run them and has mentioned to me that they are marginally better than stock.

 

car is easily improved at all price points.

Kuhmo V700. cheaper than OEM rubber
track alighnment......< C-note.
gut interior....what is your time worth....probably a bargain!
CAI or modify stock box
home made exhaust...$200, or a lap dance at Spearmint Rhino.

spend the cash....go fast.

 

psst, he's stock class for auto-x, he can't gut interior,etc.

 

Hi Bill,

As Krazik said, I think the Konis (off the shelf units) are a bit better than the stock units for autoxing. Mainly because you can at least crank up the rebound in front relative to the rear. However, if I went back to them I'd want to revalve them with more rebound in front, and probably more compression all around.

You don't have to weld them as they don't have a threaded body for lower perch adjustment. They have slots to fit a retaining clip in for two preset ride heights, stock or about 1/2" drop. Even on threaded body shocks, there are other ways to demonstrate you have the lower perch "locked" in place for stock ride height, rather than ruining them with welding. I use a bead of silicone so that if someone looks at it they can tell whether or not I've moved the adjusting ring.

I have the double adjustable Penske's on my car now and like them alot, though as with any shock it is the valving that counts. Valve a Penske wrong and it won't work well, either. I got mine through Guy Ankeny (as did Jason/Brad/Juliann, though they are getting Motons for this year) and have been pretty happy with them, though with some more development time I will probably make some changes in a few months.

You could probably get Single Adjustable Penske's for the $500/ea neighborhood, and DA's will be $750-800/ea. They are expensive, but as with most other high dollar parts, the prices grow with each retelling.

-Andy

 

I humbly admit that I am fairly clueless on how shock adjustments and valving affect handling. I don't know exactly what rebound does, what bump does, and what happens when you stiffen or soften either. I'm sticking with stocks for now as I wouldn't know how to adjust an adjustable shock, much less specify how to valve one. Can anyone recommend a good book to read that'll educate me a bit? (specifically on shocks and suspension, I've read Henry Watts and Ross Bentley already)

thanks!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vmb
[B]I humbly admit that I am fairly clueless on how shock adjustments and valving affect handling.

 

There is the new Bilstein coilover setup comming out in Feb. I think. It is 9 way adjustable so probably too much but if it is legal to use those...I think it is a pretty good system. only $1300 so not 4 or 5 thousand. I can't find the thread on it, but do a search if you want. I don't know too much about this stuff and I'm still learning. good luck.
Jason

 

Thanks Jason. SCCA stock class does not allow you to change springs