FYI, thought I would post
this quote from forum member James, who ran his Camaro in One Lap of America and has used both Penske 8200 and RideTech triple adjustable units:
Quote:
Originally Posted by James OLC
Here is what I found with shocks - and it will be as unbiased as I can be... When I first built the car I had Penske 8200 triple adjustables. I bought them based on advice and name and the perception that they were "the best" you could get (at the time). I had them on the car for almost two years and IIRC they went back to Penske 3 times during that period.
After much deliberation I switched to RideTech triple adjustables. They are comparitevly economic, they are built by Fox in central CA, and we are their target market. Their approach is to use softer shocks and slightly firmer springs for a softer ride. We've had them on the car for two years and almost 9k miles now without adjustment. They work very well... In this years One Lap we ran 5 events that we ran the first year (with the Penskes) - Dave drove them the first year and I drove them this year - I was faster than David in every event. The only changes were shocks and brakes and the floater.
The big thing (for me at least) is that RideTech is focused on our market and right now they are probably the most prevelant shock amongst our bunch. Plus, when you call them and explain your application, they know what you are talking about. Another big one for me (for every part I use now) is customer service which they do a very good job with.
Other guys obviously have success with the other brands you mentioned but I don't think that the RTs can be beat for the price. I've got four first gens right now - two "done" and two under construction - and all of them will be equipped with the RideTech shocks - either single or triple adjustables. I want to try their select series on my '68 because I like the idea of two predesigned valve options (but I can't speak to their performance right now).
If you want to look at other manufacturers - and I don't have personal experience with many of them - my only advice it to pick one that is sold by someone with personal experience with our style of cars and which is backed by a professional sales/tech group.
Sorry for the long winded answer...
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