Interesting read on various Shock/Strut makers

[rougeben83]

http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets6.html

It's a pretty interesting read; probably way more in depth that what any shade-tree mechanic or even a "hardcore" tuner would need to know, but I think it does show that the struts/shocks with the flashiest gimmicks or offer the most adjustability aren't always the best choice...

[Huffer]

Good read. I see that KYB AGX isn't on the short list of "good" shock manufacturers...

But I totally understand the 'non-adjustability' and "don't mess with it" position.

Kinda like the K-I-S-S principle.

[mranlet]

I think the statement about "everything not on the list is crap" is a bit unwarranted, as there are some very good dampers from manufacturers other than the short list (Aragosta, for example). I quite agree with the adjustability idea. I've seen many customers make a big stink about wanting adjustable coilovers, but when they get them they just leave them as-is or don't even know what the adjustment is supposed to do.

[sharky nrk]

good read, but definately overkill if not a nationally competetive car - I liked the ride frequency and setup section though I have read that info in alot of other places and like to see it getting spread around

[Jedi Taxi]

great read! but i have to agree, overkill unless your running a spec race car. Don't get me wrong, the info here is very valuable. but unless someone is STS class racing. however, the specific dampener is VERY important to how the chassis acts and reacts. but this isn't news to anyone.

[MCarp22]

I see that KYB AGX isn't on the short list of "good" shock manufacturers...

Based on my experience with them, that's pretty much true.

[deadlydave]

Very informative. Most of the stuff is waaay beyond what many of us will ever need.

[Huffer]

I think we're all missing the point. The issue that I see is, is that even if you buy 4 new shocks, they're probably not all matched.
So the ride is going to be compensated for by the springs.

That does explain why some people have one, or two blown shocks - instead of all four.

PS. Have my eye on a set of GTB shocks & spring in NZ for US$350. Oh yes.

[DOOK]

i love how Moton wasn't on their list of acceptable dampers....

[rougeben83]

Well he does say later on that he didn't list anything he hasn't tested personally. Which would make more sense if KYB or Moton or other big manufacturer doesn't make a performance strut for his particular application (I mean, why would he bother testing it if he or the people that contracted him to do suspension analysis can't use any of those brands?).

I think NASIOC has a few guys that dyno'ed their shocks as well...I think if someone is really interested in matching and getting a consistent set of shocks, they would go over there and search for more comprehensive information specifically for subarus.

The important take home message from him that I think we should all think about when deciding on suspension is that the amount of "features" that's listed for a shock shouldn't be the deciding factor on whether it's the right shock for your particular needs. He showed that most of the time they pretty much amount to nothing but gimmicks and selling points rather than offering an actual performance gain. The build quality and reputation of the manufacturer plays as much a role, maybe even bigger, than the adjustability or shiny pieces.

[mranlet]

The important take home message from him that I think we should all think about when deciding on suspension is that the amount of "features" that's listed for a shock shouldn't be the deciding factor on whether it's the right shock for your particular needs. He showed that most of the time they pretty much amount to nothing but gimmicks and selling points rather than offering an actual performance gain. The build quality and reputation of the manufacturer plays as much a role, maybe even bigger, than the adjustability or shiny pieces.
Well put.

Kei Office coilovers are NOT "adjustable" and yet they outperform a huge portion of the other coilovers on the market in Japan for the same (or less) money. They are/were a prime example of engineering in no more than what is needed for the function of the suspension system.