tomperkins Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I'm currently running AVO shocks and Freestyle springs which are a little too stiff for my local bumpy B roads. A few people have suggested trying some standard Caterham/Bilstein/Eibach shocks and springs so I've been looking around and have been offered: 1) a pair of 'M0' front shocks and springs with adjustable seats (8 years old but little use I'm told) for £175 2) a full set of R400 shocks and springs (I think race spec), around 1,000 miles of use, for somewhere around £500 to £700 Any thoughts on these offerings and prices? Should I give the standard ones a try, or are the R400 versions worth the extra? Or should I wait and buy some new Nitrons next year? As always, all thoughts and experiences appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myles Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Well, living in Scotland, dampers get a very good workout - it's hard to assess the condition based on mileage alone. I'd be tempted to fid out the (potential) rebuild costs for each of your options - especially if your local roads are bumpy too. You might luck-in to a set of almost-new-condition shocks, but you might find that they have had a harder life than first thought - and if you keep them long enough, you might need to refresh them anyway. Factor this in to your decision - even if it is a risk-based punt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I would change the springs first and see if you like the ride quality. If you want to upgrade later you have already the springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James.S Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Tom, The R400 shock are road spec not race. Price is £650.I am travelling at moment, will ping you pics later this afternoon. Speak to Simon at Meteor - he knows as much as anyone of Caterham shocks. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Fox Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 For road use you might get entirely satisfactory results simply by fitting softer springs to your existing dampers. I have recently purchased a set of Quantum dampers with springs specified by Simon, from Meteor Motorsport and I'm delighted with the results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetec Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 is your a live axle? How much did they cost if you don't mind me asking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry No Sheds Flatters Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I recommend you talk with Simon and perhaps start with a new set of softer springs as this is relatively cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Fox Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Mine is live Ford axle. Quantum 2 way adjustable were just over 2k if I remember correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon.Rogers1 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Sitting at my desk - cuppa in hand - twiddling my thumbs 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark w Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Another vote for Simon . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesElliott Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesElliott Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 This comment on Pistonheads posted by a Caterham race team proprietor made me laugh at the time and still does. Our normal upgrade path for AVO dampers involves a bin. Stick the Bilsteins back on with a sensible spring rate and enjoy decent handling rather than 'I've upgraded so it must be better' handling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James.S Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 lol, wonder who that could have been....... 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertie Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I found exactly the same on my R400, it was just toos stiff for the average ropey british B road. I felt it was the rears which were too stiff, which on an R400 are M2 spec, which is between noraml M0 and race M1 I'm told. After playing with AVOs and other springs, I had a discussion with Simon and I swapped to Meteor Nitrons with dual springs and it's night and day! So another vote for Simon @ Meteor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon.Rogers1 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 😶🌫️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickh7 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I had Bilsteins and switched to Freestyle and my car was transformed , it felt planted and handled better. I then upgraded to Freestyle Avo Alloy dampers (bought off a hillclimber) , when I'd just switched the fronts it was perfect , following weekend I did the rears and its just a tad stiff but unfortunately I'd sold the whole set and couldn't go back on the deal. Need to source some softer rear springs so if anybody is junking their Freestyle rear springs let me know please as I think the rears might not be the original ones. I run front AR Bar on full , rear on soft and I am on 14" 888rs with a ridiculous amount of ground clearance due to the roads in Yorkshire Edited by - nickh7 on 2 Sep 2014 16:41:53 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budjuggler Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Have you rung Simon yet? 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomperkins Posted September 2, 2014 Author Share Posted September 2, 2014 Thanks for everyone's comments. A number of people have suggested that, aside from AVO's not being the best, that the car may be too stiffly sprung. Someone's very generously offered to let me try a spare Bilstein setup so I'll do that, probably just springs at first, then maybe springs and dampers, before making a decision on which way to go. A new set of springs may well be a good short term fix (don't worry Simon, you'll be my first call). A new set of Nitrons or Quantums will probably come in the longer term too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon.Rogers1 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Tom You may be surprised to find that my advice certainly is not just to upgrade to Quantums or whatever. I am an owner and driver and fellow club member. (Then you get the sale pitch 😬) If you check back to your original thread the first thing I said was to change the springs. Only yesterday I advised someone to keep standard parts. I take the long term view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z3MCJez Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Simon - do you know anything about BMW suspension? Jez Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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