pre-load

xcop · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2012, 06:40 AM

I had my car on the rack last week, changing the fuel pump & filter, and generally looking everthing over. This is the second time I have had access to a rack since I bought the car (the first was for oil change, lube, and fastener check.) I noticed the adjuster on the rear shocks has been tightened nearly to the top of the shock, and the front ones about a third of the way. I'm still a rookie on cobra suspensions, and would appreciate any guidance on setting pre-load on the car.
I have looked through the archives, and used search, and have found some info on ride height, ect. The car is stock SPF aluminum 351 motor. I don't race it, just looking for info on a street set-up for the suspension.

Thanks, xcop.

brandx · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2012, 11:22 AM

Are you talking about your ride height adjustment on yor shocks? I am

mreid · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2012, 11:54 AM

The adjusters are used to set ride height. Fine tuning is best done using scales to determine weight distribution and is both a science and art. The current position of the adjusters tells you nothing. I would be more concerned if the adjusters had that much difference side to side (RF to LF and RR to LR) than front to back.

JBCOBRA · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2012, 12:13 PM

I had one of the adjusters move all by itself. So now I put a paint dot on the adjusters and shock so I can easily tell if things have moved

Mark IV · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2012, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mreid

The adjusters are used to set ride height. Fine tuning is best done using scales to determine weight distribution and is both a science and art. The current position of the adjusters tells you nothing. I would be more concerned if the adjusters had that much difference side to side (RF to LF and RR to LR) than front to back.

Aw jeez, now Patrick will jump in again with his "corner weights" diatribe!

The shock adjusters should be tight to each other and the paint dab is a good way to visually check that they are still in place.

xcop · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2012, 12:28 PM

They measure the same side to side. I have not checked the ride height, it still has the Goodyear tires on it. They appear to have clearance, I didn't see any signs of rubbing the fender wells. I guess I'm more familiar with older Harley dressers' suspension, where you set the pre-load for anticipated cargo weight (the Mrs. and all her travelling kit)
I guess I will need to do some research, and look into adjustable suspension on 4 wheel vehicles a little farther.

r67cat · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2012, 08:32 AM

Xcop, SCOf has an extensive technical library dedicated to our cars. A number of entries specifically to address setting ride height and corner weight. I joined as soon as I bought my Superformance Cobra. I would highly recommend it. I belong to a number of owners forums, Jaguar, MG, Sunbeam Tiger, Mercedes Benz and though all are helpful, they pale in comparison to the body of knowledge on the SCOF (Superformance Cobra Owners Forum) sight. You bought the best Cobra and it will provide endless enjoyment. Rick

mreid · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2012, 09:39 PM

Hmm...what's that old saying? Oh, yes. "Good is the enemy of best and best is the enemy of better."

Anyone with a different brand will argue with your obviously biased opinion, Rick.

Silverback51 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-02-2012, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mreid

Hmm...what's that old saying? Oh, yes. "Good is the enemy of best and best is the enemy of better."

Anyone with a different brand will argue with your obviously biased opinion, Rick.

I'm a SPF owner and in my opinion there is no "best" Cobra replica out there.

xcop · #10 (**permalink**) 04-02-2012, 06:25 PM

Sorry I brought it up, just looking for a little info. I ordered the owners manual today, and I'll see about joining SCOF for some guidance.

Thanks, xcop

r67cat · #11 (**permalink**) 04-02-2012, 07:13 PM

Hope to see you on the Forum. Best of luck, Rick

Silverback51 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-03-2012, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcop

Sorry I brought it up, just looking for a little info. I ordered the owners manual today, and I'll see about joining SCOF for some guidance.

Thanks, xcop

You did nothing wrong.

And I agree, SCOF is a great source of information for our cars.

Voyager · #13 (**permalink**) 04-03-2012, 09:44 AM

My Superformance owner’s manual lists specifications for ride height w/ specific tire sizes. I’d have to check, but I believe the spec for the 255/60 x 15 & 275/60 x 15 tires is between 27” & 28”, measured from the ground to the lip of each wheel arch. Raise and lower the car by rotating the collars. Remember, alignment and handling characteristics change as the chassis height changes.

Voyager · #14 (**permalink**) 04-05-2012, 04:15 PM

relooked at the manual... 27" front...27.25" rear