vintageracer |
06-01-2005 08:50 PM |
Remember what a shock abosorber does. It controls the spring and a spring compresses and then releases that energy. 4musclemachinesman gave you a short sweet description of the function of a shock absorber.
Non adjustable shocks are factory set for rebound and compression and are a BIG compromise to what your actual needs may be. Your needs will be different that other folks as this is a function of driving style, type of vehicle and road conditions.
The more you spend, the more control and precision you get. That's why anyone racing now sets up their shocks on a shock absorber dyno. At many tracks around the country AFCO will be happy to dyno your shocks for free. Once they tell you how poorly your shocks are performing they will then properly set up your shocks to meet the conditions for a princely fee. This assumes you have adjustable or rebuildable shocks. Example, all Koni's are rebuildable. Rebuilding/Reseting is a lot cheaper than purchasing new again.
A good set of shocks can cost $1,000+ easy! If you want to go fast on a road course, spend your money on shocks and brakes! Of course this assumes you have a decent suspension setup to begin your odyssey.
Shocks for fine tuning your handling and brakes to go deep in the corners! Horsepower has its place however if you were to give me $2,000 to spend anyway I want on my car, it will be shocks and brakes as I will get the most benefit for the dollar. Horsepower would be the last place. That assumes that YOU are capable of driving to YOUR car's "existing" capability. Most drivers are not that capable. They "think" they are, but are not! If your driving ability is not at the capability of your existing car then I would then say spend your $2,000 on a GOOD driver's school.
A great example of this was the last HSR race at Barber Motorsports Park in April. One of the 1969 Corvette drivers in my class needed another driver for the 1 hour endurance race. He got a professional "shoe" who runs another class to team with him. The first time the professional shoe drove the car in practice he turned laps 5 seconds FASTER than the owner who has driven the car for 3 years! David's comments (the professional shoe) was the car handled great, plenty of power, turned in great and had **** brakes. If the car has good brakes there was another 3-4 seconds in the car! The owner of the Corvette was THRILLED to learn this information as he NOW knows that he does NOT need to spend a bunch of money on parts to improve lap times. He needs instruction to improve HIS skills.
Someone in a previous post mentioned KYB's. They are exactly what they are sold to be, cheap gas shocks. LOT'S of compression and very little rebound. They do a wonderful job of stiffening your suspension and a poor job of controlling the springs energy on rebound. Edelbrocks have much better rebound control and as such are a much better shock. QA1's, AFCO, Penske, Koni, etc. are all great shocks if properly tailored to your car and driving style. I watch guys at vintage races make multiple shock changes during the weekend to get the car "right". I have always been amazed at the dedication of vintage racer's since we run for such large amounts of money to win. First pays the same as last, NOTHING ($0.00).
Spend hard earned money on quality shock absorbers. You and your car will be handsomely rewarded!
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