New Shocks, what's best?

I am going to put new shocks into my 78 308, which are the best there are? I have heard about the adjustable ones, are those good and which ones are the best? Or is it best to go with the original Koni?

Thanks
Helmut

 

The new adjustable ones require a smaller spring (2.5" diameter), and mount spacers. I did it, with Varishocks and QA-1 springs. MUCH lighter and more effective. Less unsprung weight is a good thing!

After you do this, you'll want to consider thicker anti-roll bars (Saner) and better a-arm bushings (Energy Suspension). I personally think the stock 308 suspension is WAY too soft and wallowy. I craved more control, so I went all out on my 308. I also put in the quicker steering rack, and race brakes all around (Wilwood/Coleman), losing the park brake in the process....

Do a search here, you'll find MUCH info about this topic..

Greg
77 GTB

 

Helmut,

I'm with Greg in this one. I changed my springs and shocks for QA-1's. They really transformed the ride of my car. MUCH, MUCH better!! I wouldn't want to go back to koni's again for the world.

Next on my project list is new bushings and maybe more direct steering rack. But the shocks and springs alone are already awesome. Best money I've spent on this car.

Hans

(FYI: I've got a 308GT4 and went with 300# front and 300# rear springs. Most seem to chose the fronts 50# stiffer than the rears though. As far as I am concerned, the 300/300 that I am using are spot on for spirited road driving.)

 

can you give me a link to the Saner source?

 

+1 on HANS' comments. I did the same for my 1974 308GT4 and I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! The car handles 10X better than it did before and I was satisfied with it to begin with. HUGE grins for a little $ BTW, I did the suspension and a quick steering rack at the same time. I would recommend doing it all while you're in there...(I posted a thread on the project if you want to search the archives.)

JIM

 

This is my winter project. As soon as we've had our last FChat meeting, I'll put the car in the garage and do the bushings and steering, plus I'll get rid of all the surface rust on the frame and A-arms by painting everyhing with POR15.

Jim, do you reckon the quick steering is worth the money and effort? I'm still not 100% sure what to do: just the bushings and POR15, or take on the steering rack too.

Hans

 

HANS,

Check your rack to see if its leaking. If so, then I would recommend the quick rack! If you keep the same mounts and buy new rubber bushings for it, then the install is a breeze, however, new rubber is pricey. If you go with the newer mounts make sure to get rubber bushes. The install is a bit more tricky, but not impossible....The difference in steering is very noticeable!

JIM

 

Best is a hard thing to nail down. If concourses are in your future, the best shock is a stock shock which are free if they are already on the car. If you will be racing you want a 4 way externally adjustable remote reservoir type shock for $2500-$5000 each. Then comes everything in between.

So, the first question you need to ask yourself is what do you do with the car? After that is answered the best shock will become more clear.

 

Thanks Jim

Forgive my ignorance. I thought these racks didn't contain anything that COULD leak? What would typically be leaking and where?

I've heard my mechanic muttering something about play on the steering, but quite frankly I don't see where. There is maybe between a quarter and half an inch of steering wheel movement on either side of neutral where the forces are slowly building up, when the car is parked. Not noticeable at all during driving.

Still on the fence. Especially after reading your reports on how hard it was to get the whole thing out and apart. Not particlarly looking forward to that aspect of a replacement.

Hans

 

I should specify a few things I suppose. I am not planning to take the car on a race track, this car is definitely more of a toy than a hobby to me. (expensive toy)

Thanks,
Helmut

 

It sounds like all the advise already given by others applies then. The only think I’d add is that for the most part the more you spend, the better the shocks will be the only question is if you will notice the difference as there is a diminishing return on investment.

QA1 or similar shocks are very popular and the guys all seem quite happy with them. I and a couple others have Ohlins and are also quite happy. I happen to believe the Ohlins (or similar) are worth the extra money but I’m certain a lot of the QA1 owners would disagree with me….and they are all much better than the stock units.