Shock thoughts

[Graham Perry]

Whats the latest thinking on the best shocks to fit on standard width Di-dion Caterhams at the moment ? Its getting near Winter upgrade time and I think its time for a change to some adjustable platform jobbies. I see the R500 is on Bilsteins so Caterham obviously still have faith in them, any other favorites ? Spring rates are likely to be high ie 320lbs+ at the front.

[elie boone]

Dear Graham,

talk to Steve Parker always friendly and time to talk.

TEL: 01279 647261

 

 

[StewartG]

I'm told that the R500 was developed using Ohlins shocks which as motorbike afficionados will know are just about the only shocks worth having in bike racing. The final seetings from the Ohlins were measured and factored in to the Bilsteins that are standard on the car. Apparently even though the production Bilsteins measured the same as the Ohlins they were still vastly inferior. With every seven weighing different and people using different springs and large or small wheels the possibility of standard shocks being any better than approximately right is very remote, having said that I for once agree with PC that whilst shock calibration is not actually a black art some pretty expensive kit is needed if you don't want to end up chasing your tail. So if you want to sleep nights stick with the Bilsteins, if you're an insomniac who manages to find something better let us know.

[Chelspeed]

I am still running the road bilsteins supplied with my 1993 crossflow engined, narrow track chassis. As I'm now running a Vauxhall engine with twice the engine weight, 3 times the power, 3 times stiffer front springs and widetrack suspension I keep thinking I should mod the shocks.

 

I am tempted by the Ledas, as distributed by James Whiting, and as campaigned for years by, I think, Chairman Roger. These are relatively cheap and give a 24 way adjustable, combined bump/rebound, settings as well as adjustable spring seats for ride height. Any thoughts?

 

Regarding Ohlins, Raceline were trying te set up a marketing deal with them a couple of years ago, price would have been "lots more than race bilsteins". In the end the high price and corresponding likely small demand killed it and they didn't bother. The ohlins would have had at least 2 adjustments, ie separate bump and rebound adjustment and possibly 3 adjustments, ie separate fast and slow settings for one, presumably bump.