SPF Bilsteins, QA-1, Cobra Valley Shocks?

[jhv48]

Has anyone replaced the stock Bilstein shocks on their SPF's?

And if you did, what did you replace them with and what effects did it have on your car?

The shocks on my car (stock Bilsteins) just feel disconnected. Not firm, but not smooth at all. The car just seems to rattle over slight bumps. I have aligned and balanced and replaced the ball joints with Cobra Valley custom ball joints. The front end has no vibration and feels rock solid until I encounter small bumps. My FFR with adjustable Konis was more solid and firmer. Is this just a symptom of the cars construction?

[STL Mark]

Your shocks should be fine. My car feels bouncy, floaty, and not very sure footed compared to my buddy's Lotus - or just about any other modern sports car for that matter.

I'm going to change springs. Stock SPF are 400 lbs. Your FFR came stock with 500 lbs. I'm thinking about going 600+ lbs. on new Eibach springs - about $75 each. Cheaper than buying new coil overs at $1100 for a set.

[Silverback51]

I replaced the stock AVO's on my SPF with the Cobra Valley QA1's. I also swapped out the sway bars.

Best money I have spent on the car to improve the handling.

[JBCOBRA]

Where you live and drive your car has a lot to do with how stiff you want your suspension. Some parts of the country have smooth roads, others not, and some areas are just bumpy and rough.

[charles roybal]

Check out QA-1'S from Breeze
markreynolds@breezeautomotive.com

[noblec5]

replace the stock shock towers and replace with Cobra Valley towers, coil-over, springs etc.. couple that with the already replaced ball joints..equals new car! The QA-1's are also adjustable in case you didnt know.

[Ant]

All the shocks mentioned are up to the job but comparing Bilsteins to Koni and QA1 you pay for what you get I have Bilstein custom shocks they cost as much as top of the line double adjustable Koni's and the Bilstein isn't adjustable on the car it has to be sent back to supplier for valving etc.

QA1 are an entry level shock that are 12 step adjustable and probably good quality, like some of the basic Koni and Bilsteins which are generally lighter duty as in road use. Some people put these light duty shocks on Cobra's and unless they have self aligning rod end style bushes and are valved to suit your springs its pretty much a waste of money and your better off to get a decent shock that has a good sized shaft etc.

I got supplied with 11mm shaft Bilsteins which in my opinion are not up to the needs of a Cobra they are designed for a small road car, this is what a crappy supplier provided me with until I went to the country supplier and showed them what I was fitting to and they free of charge provided me with a 14mm diameter shaft shock. Some resellers think charge him for custom race shocks and supply an entry level performance shock and make more money!

Maybe your shocks need the rebound stiffened up and or spring adjustments.

[BAsque1]

MY previous car to the Cobra had Bilsteins (Volvo 123 GT 1967) this car behaved as it was on rails very nice ride, however, firm. The Cobra has Konis and are adjustable but feel a bit stiff and at times hard on the car itself. I think that this is germane to the car's handling. I am thinking about taking the Konis off and readjust them but thats a job in it own.
We need to remember that we drive sports cars not Lincolns ;-))
I happen to drive a Navigator too and it feels like a mattress on wheels.
Cheers
Lou

[jhv48]

Thanks for the responses, but I would like to hear from anyone that actually changed from the stock SPF bilsteins to a better quality adjustable shock.

[vatdevil]

Replaced with Olthoffs shocks, springs and rear sway bar. Very good controlled ride that is surprisingly smooth. High speed manners are excellent. I now need better tires as they can't keep up with the suspension.

[fordracing65]

Call Dennis Olthoff at his shop he knows everything about the superformance, his dad practically built and designed the thing, he raced original cobras in the 60's also.

[SPF1061]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

Call Dennis Olthoff at his shop he knows everything about the superformance, his dad practically built and designed the thing, he raced original cobras in the 60's also.

+1

Dennis knows more about Superformance cars and effective, real world, race proven performance modifications than anyone else on the planet. Call him and tell him what you want your car to do. (704) 647-9924

[PANAVIA]

You can have your Bilstens rebuilt as well, and valved to your specs. -

[jhv48]

I talked to Randy over at Cobra Valley and he has just what I need. They have matched adjustable shocks and sway bars designed specifically to address handling concerns with these cars.

[WildBill1965]

I have the QA-1 adjustable shocks, The cars come with 350# springs so that is what I ordered the adjustable shocks with. Diden't like the feel on the road course, kind of floated at high speed at the end of VIR strait about 140. Was able to adjust some of it out with the adjusters but the ticket was going to 450# all around. Corner balanced the car and then reset the ride hight again adjusted swaybars to nutral, shocks adjusted about 4 1/2 clicks rides a little stiff but what a difference in the handleing. Also smoke the tires and it goes pretty straight unlike before.

Bill

[decooney]

Replaced all of my original shocks on my ERA with QA1 adjustable shocks. Has a more smooth and controlled feel now in a variety of driving conditions. Bumpy or choppy roads are not an issue any longer - no problem now. As I've learned with dirt bikes and cars, having a good suspension setup can make a night and day difference, especially when its done right. Best money I've spent so far in going back and making changes to the car. Good luck.