Which QA1 shocks for my SPF?

[JW313]

Hi all,

loving my SPF #385 here in Germany, but scare myself on a regular basis with the still original AVO shocks.

I am running the 15 inch wheels with Avons and woud like to upgrade my suspension.

The QA1 shocks seem to be a decent value for it's money, but I am uncertain about spring rate, spring length and shock length.

Is there an issue in regards to the shock mount bolt (12mm vs. 1/2 inch)?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Ordering the wrong parts and shipping them overseas is a real pain, so I would like to make certain that I get in right.

Oh - in a side note. Visited a US car meeting here in Germany yesterday and people were just fascinated from the car. I bet, one Euro for every picture and the baby would have been almost paid off. Even got a trophy, without even entering the contest - cool.

Thanks in advance

Jürgen (Bavaria, Germany)

[Mark IV]

I will get you the part numbers. The QA1 shocks have 1/2" eyes and SPF uses 12mm eyes. You must open the holes on the frame to 1/2" or the 12mm bolts will wallow around in the holes, rattle and not be safe.

[JW313]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

I will get you the part numbers. The QA1 shocks have 1/2" eyes and SPF uses 12mm eyes. You must open the holes on the frame to 1/2" or the 12mm bolts will wallow around in the holes, rattle and not be safe.

Ah great - thanks in advance. If I understand correct, I have to replace the 12mm bolt with a 1/2 inch bolt?

Wouldn't you think, that Cobra Valley or other companies offer this bolt replacement with purchase of the shocks - but I can't find anything.

Laters

Jürgen

[Jim Kellogg]

I installed the Cobra Valley QA1 shock and spring kit on my SPF shortly after they were released. I upgraded from a set of very worn out AVO's and what an improvement!

The Cobra Valley setup is custom valved for the SPF MKIII, and have custom made bushings that allow you to use the original bolts. No changes need to be made to the frame or arms - they bolt on perfectly.

Here is a link to the shock and spring upgrade
Cobra Valley's SHOCK & SPRING Suspension UPGRADE

I went with the 350lb springs front and rear. This, along with the upgraded suspension mount kit (a MUST-HAVE in my opinion) was the best upgrade I made to my SPF, and I have made many upgrades over the years!

Here is a link to the upgraded mount kit
Cobra Valley's SUPERFORMANCE Rear Suspension Mount UPGRADE

Hope this helps,
Jim

[STL Mark]

x1000 on the Cobra Valley stuff.
Best upgrade you can make to your suspension.
Also consider their anti-sway bar kit as well.

[JW313]

Thanks for the tips.

Just wrote an emal to Cobra Valley if they ship to Germany etc.

After the AVON tires and all other costs, I can only afford the single adjustable QA1. I guess the sway bars have to wait a bit.

I am still depating about the spring rates. 400/400 sound good unless you have different settings.

Getting excited ....

Jürgen

[JW313]

A somewhat unusual sight in Germany, Bavaria.

[JW313]

Honey with trophy ( I mean my girl - not the Cobra for once).

[ha_pe_1968]

Hi Jürgen!

Yeah, people don't see often a good Superformance in Germany :-)
Here in Austria it is more or less the same - a shame because these cars makes a lot of fun at our mountain streets. I am from West Austria (Bodensee) so when you are in the near contact me.

Cobra Valley send to Germany and Austria with USPS, so shipping costs will be fair. If you are not in a hurry contact Mr. Green (Containerservice) from the German Corvetteforum - it will be a lot cheaper but will need more time.

Greetings from Austria
Peter

[Jim Kellogg]

Jürgen,
I went with the single adjustable QA1 and they have worked great for me (spirited street driving). I think you will be happy with them.

I also added the front and rear sway bars later, but don't have enough miles on them to give a good opinion on their effectiveness. But they are beautiful!!!
Cobra Valley's R/T Street & Racing Sway Bar Package

Jim Kellogg

[hectorturer]

The CV website need an upgrade, very difficult to navigate from my ipad. Thk for the link