Best shocks?

[jbcollier]

I would talk to Richard and see what spring rates he recommends for your specific application and desires.  I happily went with the AVO shocks and requested springs in the stock rate and length.  I don't do track days very often and I'm very happy with the ride on local roads -- while decidedly pre-apocalyptic, they are maintained to post-apocalyptic standards.

I do not think you would be unhappy with either choice.  The key is in the set-up advice you will get from your supplier.

[BDA]

Thanks, JB. The funny thing is that Richard suggested 250#/130# to me back when I was building my car and I shave not been able to get comfortable with them. It’s possible that my old SPAX shocks could have been part of the problem. I’m now experimenting with springs similar to what Certified Lotus liked so well (160#/115#). There is certainly nothing wrong with the handling of a stock Europa, though, and I’ll remember your comment about road quality in case I end up lowering the rates further.

[Pfreen]

I don't know AVO or SPAX but I know old konis.  Konis had to be removed to adjust.  The Protec dampers are really easy to adjust.  A knob that is easily accessible with the spring installed.
When you order, don't forget the spring perch wrench.

[BDA]

Thanks Pfreen. Early in my rebuilding my car, I bought and intended to use Konis. At that time, they were the trick shock for just about all cars but then I heard about SPAX and with stiffness AND ride height adjustment the SPAX were a better option so I sold the Konis. At that time I don't think I was aware of any other options - it was pre-Internet. Now there are lots of options!

Don't worry, I'll buy a spring perch wrench for whatever shocks I get.

[Grumblebuns]

One shock brand not mentioned is Gaz. I have a set ready to install on my TCS when its ready for the road. No experience with the Gaz on the road so I can't comment on the ride qualities. They appear to be very well built compared to the Spax shocks that look like Konis from the mid 80s. I'm running 120# front, 160#rears.

   

[BDA]

Grumblebuns, those are interesting spring rates. I’ve heard of people using Gaz shocks but I don’t know what they thought about them. I expect they probably are well built and good shocks but it would be nice to hear about some experiences. When you get your TCS on the road, let us know how it drives and handles.

[BDA]

Grumblebuns, I hesitate speaking ill of another’s purchase but I was recently alerted to the problem a Gaz owner had and thought since it is a potential safety issue I thought I should. You might want to check out this link (https://arc.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=403317&page=1#pid6870544%3Cbr). That points to another Lotus forum and you will probably have to join it (for free) to view the posts.

[Grumblebuns]

Hey BDA, thanks for the link. First time I heard of a shock failure from a broken shock mount eye. I'm not terribly worried since the incident happened 8 years ago. Its just something to keep an eye on as part of my normal inspection. I had a quality control issue with a rear Spax on my TCS (since sold). The rubber bush that is suppose to be bonded to the lower mount eye, wasn't. Over time the lower shock mounting point shift over almost coming off the rubber bush. The first time it happened, I caught it in time before the shock came completely off the bolt. I had to add a large washer to keep the mount in place.
 

[BDA]

A big washer in places like that is always a good idea.

One would think that they might consider a design modification by now and your Europa shocks may not be subject to the same design flaw so you're probably ok, especially if you watch out for it. I don't know if you read many of the posts but one guy said both front springs of his Vauxhaul broke! He claims he didn't abuse or otherwise drive it roughly or harsh conditions. I'll be that wasn't a fun ride!

[SwiftDB4]

Despite Richard's recommendation of #250 front springs I would differ if you're after a smooth ride and haven't dropped your ride height a lot. I run 250/175 on my Protech's, but my car is lowered dramatically. I used to do a lot of trackdays and I don't mind a stiff ride. Something in the 180/ 120 # neighborhood sound about  right if you want a balance between smooth ride and handling.

[BDA]

I have to say, that I didn't mind the ride when I had 250/130 springs. I did have a problem with uneven pavement and it felt nervous (i.e. it felt like a very small steering input would catapult the car into the next lane or further) even with my shocks set near the max stiffness. Now those shocks were probably deficient and better shocks might have made everything better. That's the reason for my interest in what shocks people like.