New Coil overs..

[Danr55]

I think it's time to replace the shocks. I'd be interested in hearing good or bad about different makes. Any comments?

[1985 CCX]

Dan

If you have "Koni" I would rebuild them.
Preference in order:
1) Koni
2) Aldan
3) Spax

email me for my two cents on spring rate......

[Karl Bebout]

Danr, besides rebuilding Koni, other brands might be rebuilt also. Check "Race Shock" in Phx. If he's still in business, he may be able to help. If you think the springs are getting tired, Summit, Jegs, and just about all the mail order stores can help you out. The tough part is knowing what capacity you want.

[Danr55]

THanks Guys..

[xlr8or]

Talk to Gordon and get some Koni's

[RICK LAKE]

Danr55 Dan the QA1's with both rebound and dampening are top of the line. You will have to measure your shocks from eye hole to eye hole for the correct length. Shop the internet for the best price. I got mine from a dirt track race shop out of Maryland with springs for a better price than either Jegs or Summit without the coil springs. You will need you spring rate also. Alot depends on what you are looking to do with your car. Maken it handle better? If this is the idea than you will increase the spring rate by about 35%. The ride will be stiffer but handling will be alot better. There are like 500+ settings on the QA1 shocks, Koni are 3-5? and for dampening or rebound, not both. Rick L. I have Spax in my ERA, it drives and handles alot better with the new springs and shocks. Rick L.

[Danr55]

THanks for that Rick..

[FatBoy]

My Kirkham has Penske units with Hyperco springs and early indications are that they are superb and beautifully made.

Paul

[Danr55]

Well folks, I just pulled the front shocks to get numbers. I looked up the numbers and guess what I found? These shocks are called out for VW Beetle (Koni 80-1349 Special D)! I think my Cobra with the FE motor is just a little heavier than a VW. Just out of curiosity, if you know what shocks you have on your Contemporary, would you please list them? I'd be especially interested if they are stock parts. THanks,

[Shelboss]

Koni Front Shocks #82 1232 61-74 XKE
Koni Rear Coil-Over Shocks #80J 1491 61-74 XKE
Dan, the factory offered their custom version of these with different valving, but the suspension is still XKE front and rear. ERA's web site lists the following for the rear suspension:
Coil spring with height.adjust Spax 8" x 350 lbs/in, w/o height adjustment - 10" x 350 lbs/in
Damper, w/o ht adjstw/ height adjustment Spax S200/415 (Externally adjustable damping)Spax G640 S200 E.R.A.(Std XKE Ser.2) . ERA's are heavy so I wouldn't go this stiff for spring rates.
Art

[Bob Perry]

Dan, on my contemporary im running aldins with a 350 spring (yellow-red) and i havent had any problems.

[legenmetals]

Hi I went with QA-1 adjustables for my contemporary. It had Konis but after installing the Billboards I had a slight wheel well rub. I used the original springs with the QA-1. The shocks are great with one problem,the POLY BUSHINGS SQUEAK. The problem goes away when I open the throttle.

[RICK LAKE]

legelmetals Did you add silicone grease to the tubes and both ends before installing? You may also have the bolts too tight on the shock mounts. This will cause this noise also. Make sure that the nuts on these bolts are either pinch nuts or aircraft nylocs. All you want to do is tighten until the side to side play is gone, no more. There should be no binding or drag of this joint. Try this and see if the noise goes away. Make sure the grease is water resistance. Rick L.

[legenmetals]

Rick I used nylocs but may have over tightened. No lubricant was applied. I will follow your advice and remove and re-install. Thanks Mark