Khamsin Rear Suspension

Hello, I am in the middle of a mechanical and body restoration (74 Khamsin). I now need rear suspension but am having a heck of a time finding specifications for the rear Coil-Over shocks/spring setup

I need:
- the Spring rate (which I understand is how many pounds are required to compress the spring 1 inch)
- the shock mount to mount (bolt holes) resting length (car parked on flat ground) (compressed springs purely by car body weight). I suspect this is around 14 inches given the original shocks will extend to 17 inches or compress to 11 inches.
- the desired damping rate to imitate the original setup.
- ...anything else I should be aware of?...

I am looking into aftermarket for serviceability (perhaps adjustability) and short term expense reduction so I can decide how I want the suspension to be after driving it for a season or so.

I know the likely most right answer is buy original from MIE, etc. For this reason I am not changing anything on the car to work with aftermarket. Just looking for something that will work well for a short while. Any information you can give will be helpful, including alternative parts (Jaguar for example) that are equivalent. Thank you
Richard
010

 

Thank you all. I just noticed that a post I thought I had posted did not make it in.. I likely forgot to hit Post or made some other mistake, so sorry for the very slow response.

Graeme - You asked my chassis number. it's an early beast. 120-010. Thanks again for that detailed explanation above. Very useful

Jack - Thank you. Your shock different front/back statement does tend to hold true for most posts so the confirmation is nice...As mine is an early build I understand they may in fact have the same lengths for me (right or less right).

I just purchased a used set of RIV shocks (basically just like the ones already on it, but repainted). It turns out they are not much better than what I had. Seller is however very happy to un-sell them, so no worries there. I may in the end turn them into a spare set depending on my immediate progress. My measurements have each of the new shocks and springs being the same in every way. The cars original set also appear to be a four way matched set. Other than much less dirt on the replacement set with a repaint, they appear to be the same.

The new shocks have the following stamped onto them
- RIV
- Made in Italy
- 8083010678 (I think perhaps at least two of them have a slightly different number – 808301678 (missing the second zero)
- two of them have “4K” and the other two have “4M” stamped into them.

(see images)

I have read / found online that some have used KONI suitable replacements, but KONI themselves cannot help (have tried numerous times). Other thoughts?

Anyone have the damper specifications by any chance? This should not be this hard.. but I am new to shock! Thank you,

Richard
Chassis 120-010 (number 5)
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Greetings Bal, I have not had much luck, although I am continuing down the rabbit hole. Have you contacted McGrath(s) in the UK?

I know Koni has a racing shock with spring that will "fit", but it also is quite pricey (model 8212 aluminum and 8211 steel series). I am working with an eager young man right now looking for the lesser version. Who knows. Maybe I will end up with the racer model just for future proofing my solution. It offers much more adjustability than I imagine I want or need for my weekend cruiser.

I am half tempted to buy two originals just to have them measured on a dyno so I can then have new ones matched/built/imitated. What a load of research. I march on, and will share all I find.. be well.

By the way, have your guys managed to open the shock and were special tools needed?

Richard
010

 

Well, I have made some progress on an alternative that fits without modification and allows adjustability. I am looking for feedback before I pull out my wallet.

These coil-over shocks use 2.5 inch springs and have an 11" to 17” range (as per my original shocks)

Ultra Ride Shocks | Coil-Over Shocks | QA1 Suspension
US502 is the model I suspect would work.

Also page 49, in the lower half of the page
QA1 2015 Motorsports Catalog
Do I need 1/2 inch or 5/8 bushings? - My mechanics can tell me this I'm sure.

Not knowing what this car is like to drive, I suspect I will be able to adjust these sufficiently to somewhere between what the car was like originally and what feels right to me. Having those spring specs provided earlier in is thread will be very helpful as I will need to procure springs that fit.

Any thoughts or warnings?
Richard with thanks.

 

An update... no shocks in hand yet, but now digging deeper into spring matching and determining proper ride height. Turns out my wiper motor likely needs rebuilding too.

JACK. any progress?
Richard

PS. just uncovered my engine plate. It shows 1001 what does this mean?

 

Sorry Jack. Mixed up my names. Was actually trying to ask Bal about his shocks.

My engine as young as it is, seems to run very well and still starts without fuss. Never been near a rebuild...fingers crossed this stays true for some time.

My horns however seem to need attention now too. Getting closer.
regards
Richard

 

Thanks Bal. Well. I have driven my car about 50km now with the old shocks in place...and they are weeping a small amount but work sufficiently enough for the moment. Firm ride with new bushings everywhere. Next stop is the body shop while I resume my shock research. I have not driven this car properly before. .. so it's a unique experience. I'd love to have a ride in a fully sorted one for comparison.

Will post what I find in the shock department.
Thank you to all to date.
Richard
010