SPF Shock adjustments ?

[VBarnett]

Hi folks, I could use a bit of advice.

Velocity, SPF 738, is equipped with the adjustable AVO coil overs and 15" wheels. The car is stock with a 351W. Tires are GT Qualifiers with 7,800 miles and 20 lbs pressure.

I generally drive her alone and the ride is bouncy, real bouncy. More like a trampoline than a suspension. Driving home this afternoon over the rugged Kentucky pavement with my eyeballs floating and bladder bursting I felt each and every pavement crack - four times.

I would appreciate some advice for optimal tire pressures and shock settings. Most of my driving is carving up old two lane county highways in the KY hills. Velocity never sees a track, loves the back roads, and is not overly fond of wax.

Thanks,

Vince

[Dan Semko]

Vince,
Drop the tire pressure down to 18# which will also help to eliminate the steering wheel shim at higher speeds and dial your shocks all the way down as far as they'll go. Once you're at the bottom, dial to the first click that you can feel, then dial 5 more clicks. If that feels too stiff, then drop down one click.
Chances are your current settings would be great for the track but way too stiff for daily cruising.

[Hal Copple]

good advice, a big difference with small tp changes, 18 psi is what i also run on the street, and the avos' i used to run i put a six clicks from soft, be sure you are turning them the right way, you would be suprised at how many AVO cars come in with the clicks vastly different on the cars. Check the arrows on the click adustment!. Also, sometimes on the AVO's the urethane bushings pound out, but can be re-ordered and pressed in, check to see if you are riding steel on steel, instead of an intack shock urethane bushing. I had two go out.

[VBarnett]

Dan, Hal, thanks.

I made the adjustments as suggested. The busings are fine, and the handling is only average at best. I am convinced the car is over sprung.

I tossed in a few sacks of kitty litter (you use what you have) and found the car rides much nicer two hundred pounds heavier.

I wonder if SPF designed the suspension for Big Blocks?

In any event tnis chassis should handle much nicer than it is. My general point of reference is 99 Neon RT daily driver and a Rabbit GTI. Velocity's suspension is not an old design,

I am told replacing the AVOs/Springs with SPF's newer shocks will make a significant difference. Hal, you replaced your AVO's. Was it worth it? What differences do you notice and waht are you using.

I appreciate the help in making Velocity live up to her otential.

[Dan Semko]

Vince,
I have the new Bilsteins on my SPF 1568 and they are dramatically different than the AVO's I had on SPF 760. One of the most noticeable changes is the "forgiveness" over road bumps and no porpoising on hill crests or curves.