Replacement shocks and springs

[Spike]

Hopefully not opening up a can of worms, but I'm looking on refurbishing my suspension and was wondering what others had fitted.

I'm not looking for a rock hard out and out race ride but a mix of good handling and comfort. The cars got the original springs and what feels like the original shocks, though they're shot at the front.

Have people fitted the uprated springs from Rimmers/Robsport - how hard are they? What shocks have you fitted?

Looked at Rimmers, Robsport and have briefly chatted with S&S so far. Liking the idea of standard springs with some uprated shocks, though Robsport do a package of springs, shocks and fitting kit which looks quite reasonable.


Graham

[FI Spyder]

I have new standard springs up front and suspension is quite stiff/hard but that is mostly down to the hard black poly bushings on the front. I used KYB shocks but pay a bit more for the gas not the regular ones. It is my impression there isn't a lot of choice out there for front shocks and I wasn't prepared to spend big money on shocks. The car handles great on our twisty up and down roads we have around here right up to and including 4 wheel drifts on them and can't see 3 to 4 hundred dollars improving it.

- - -TR7 Spider - - - 1978 Spitfire- - - - 1976 Spitfire - - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[saabfast]

I have standard front springs (as far as I know) but recently replaced the adjustable Konis (set hard I think) fitted by the PO with Gas filled KYB's. It is now much more comfortable and handles just as well. Cost about £90/pair in ebay.

Alan
Saab 9-5 2.3t Vector Auto Estate
'81 TR7 DHC

[busheytrader]

Hi,

I'd look at replacing / upgrading the bushes front and rear (if they haven't already been done) before replacing the dampers and / or springs. There are a lot of them, including the front subframe bushes, and uprating the other stuff before these means you won't get the full benefit IMHO. Poly bushes are much easier to fit than the previous harder solid rubber versions.

My original front shox had worn out after 30,000 miles / 6 years making the front float about. The original front springs also settled leaving little suspension movement before the bump stops engaged. So, on smooth roads the front wallowed about, on rough roads it crashed into the stops.

Have a look at the numerous threads via the Search function but you probably won't get better advice than the S&S guys.

Adam



TR7 V8 DHC Jaguar Solent Blue. 9.35cr Range Rover V8, Holley 390cfm, JWR Dual Port, 214 Cam, Lumention, Tubular Manifolds, S/S Single Pipe Exh, 3.08 Rear, 200lb Spax & PolyBushes all round, Anti- Dive, Strut-Top Roller Bearings, Capri Vented Discs & Calipers, Braided Hoses, 4 Speed Rear Cylinders, Uprated Master Cylinder & Servo, AT 14" 5 Spokes or Maestro Turbo 15" Alloys, Cruise Lights, S/S Heater Pipes, Replacement Fuel Tank. No Door Stickers. Mine since July 1986, V8 from 1991 courtesy of S&S V8 conversion kit (built not bought) and big brake kit.

[Hasbeen]

On the 7 I have retempered to stock springs, hard bushes, adjustable shocks, set fairly hard, except for the odd time the lady rides in the car. It is still on 13" wheels, & I love it like this.

I also have 30% custom stiffer anti roll bars front & rear. I went this route after experience with the 8. It is heavier stiffer lower & all the other things we do to make them quicker. With 330 BHP it still understeered a lot, I could effectively push the front off the road with the power & rear grip. I fitted the stiffer roll bars, & it made all the difference

With this experience I did the rollbars & the shocks & bushes first on the 7, & found it was great. No other changes required. Perhaps the best part is it has no detrimental effect on the ride.

Hasbeen

[Don]

I have Rimmer's uprated springs on my 7. Very stiff. Drives very nice on a smooth road but is harsh on a rough road. The 7 corners like it is on rails and has very little nose dive on hard braking. For comfortable touring I would suggest staying with new stock springs.

[Don]

I have Rimmer's uprated springs on my 7. Very stiff. Drives very nice on a smooth road but is harsh on a rough road. The 7 corners like it is on rails and has very little nose dive on hard braking. For comfortable touring I would suggest staying with new stock springs.