Best shocks?

[BDA]

I'll very likely be in the market for a new set of a shocks so I'm wondering which shocks you guys prefer. (as an aside, I have to say that I find it amazing that there are so many manufacturers that make shocks for such an old and low production car!)

I currently have SPAX shocks that I got a long time ago. The worst part of that is that I don't know how many clicks of adjustment mine have. The SPAX tech guy told me that his best guess is that they have either 8 or 16 clicks. A SPAX tech guy also told me that turning the stiffness higher or lower than the allowable clicks will break them and it wasn't confidence inspiring when he said I might feel very little resistance when going above or below the allowable adjustments so for all I know, I may have broken them already!

I'll be using them for fast road driving so rubber bushes are fine and probably preferable for cost reasons. I want adjustable spring perches and adjustable stiffness. I also have higher than stock spring rates. So what shocks do you all prefer? I realize it's unlikely but if you have experience with more than one brand, I'd especially like to hear your story. I'd also like to know where you got them.

I'd appreciate any information you can give me!

Thanks!

[SwiftDB4]

When my SPAX''s went again. I went with Protech aluminum ones. You can buy them direct (U.K.) or from SJ Sportscars. Have only had them a couple of years, but very pleased.

[BDA]

Thanks, Swift. I saw them but they only listed them with springs. Do they just sell bare shocks?

[europa88]

I had Spax adjustables some years ago and they were good. When they finally wore out I fitted AVO's, Richard Winter's recommendation and they were far superior! Suppleness and compliance in a different league,
 but with the same adjustability and spring height options. I can put the Europa into high speed turns with complete confidence. Great shox and I will replace with the same when needed.

[BDA]

Thanks for that, europa88! I assume you got the "adjustable and uprated" ones?

[Lou Drozdowski]

Another vote for AVO's...
Called Richard at Banks and got the up rated set w/ springs. Although expensive and with the exchange rate it was well worth the money. Vic also runs them on 3522R and I can confirm to their predictability...soft or stiff, the feedback is excellent.

My initial concern on 3007R was the stance and height of the original Armstrong units, after fitting the up rated set I was very pleased with the ride and response. 

[BDA]

Good to hear, Lou. Out of curiosity, do you know what spring rates Richard gave you?

[europa88]

Thanks for that, europa88! I assume you got the "adjustable and uprated" ones?

Yes adjustable and uprated. 20 Clicks for adjustment. I run 7 from softest on the fronts and 5 from softest on the rear for road use and 9 front 7 rear for general track use. I really couldn't recommend them enough.

[Pfreen]

Protech from sjs.  They are excellent.  Front spring 250#/inch.  Rear stock spring.

Good price as well.

Good luck.

[BDA]

Thanks europa88 and Pfreen!

It’s really interesting to me how many different combinations of spring rates people use!

[Lou Drozdowski]

Good to hear, Lou. Out of curiosity, do you know what spring rates Richard gave you?

I will check my records, I know they were PF554 & CD121 AVO numbers...the boxes were marked "Banks Special"...

I will search the AVO  UK  master list on line when I get a chance later.

[BDA]

Thanks, Lou. I emailed Lotus Supplies and asked them what their spring rates were but they didn’t seem to be able to tell me. Maybe Richard is the only one who knows!

[EuropaTC]

Hi there,

As you know I have the Protech dampers on the Europa, bought from SJS although there are other options.  On the Elan I have AVO as recommended by Pat Thomas from Kelvedon. 

Both are excellent compared with what passed for the Lotus spec dampers as sourced by specialist dealers in the 80s/90s. I couldn't honestly rate one above the other although I think the biggest impression I had was from the Elan, that is firm but very nice to drive from the first test run. But I did have Pat telling me where to set everything so that makes a massive difference compared with trial & error on the Europa.

Take a look at both manufacturer's websites, you'll get so much detail your head will spin.....

Protech : https://www.protechshocks.co.uk/build-a-shock/

AVO : http://www.avouk.com/Products_TWIN_TUBE_APPLICATIONS_A-L.htm#LOTUS

The AVO link is for their recommendations, if you search about their site you'll find open/closed/travel dimensions, etc.  IIRC both make rebuildable dampers although I doubt I'd be bothered to go that route.

Brian

PS - on the Elise I fitted Bilstein in place of the original Koni dampers. The Konis lasted under 10k before the rears leaked, it didn't even make the first MoT (3yrs) although they did manage to pass the warranty period back then. I guess the lesson from that is not to buy on the name and past glories, the Bilsteins, even though non-adjustable, give a great ride compared with the OEM Konis. I think Lotus adopted them for the S2 ?

[literarymadness]

BDA:  I have Spax on the front (150 lb springs) and Proctechs in the rear (115 lb springs).

[BDA]

Thanks Brian and literarymadness! I appreciate the input but I can’t say anybody has made my decision much easier! At the moment, it seems like it’s between AVO and Protech. I have to say that the Protechs look really pretty!