308 Front shocks - what to buy?

Doubtful u'll get today or tomorrow. All special order as far as I know. I've bought from Livermore Performance in CA & Tirerack, u can probably get next or 2 day service. Check web.
Bill

 

There are some excellent threads in here about 308 shocks (QA-1) and springs (Eibach), and, I believe you can get the hardware from Summit Racing...probably overnight!

 

I responded on your other thread as well.....

In the 308 picture thread, a European owner posted a MOST EXCELLENT pic of his shock set (his wife, as well...) and it seems a company intrax-suspension.eu makes a set for 1977 308GTB fitment...check those out!

Other than that, I run stock (and heavy and expensive) OEM Konis.......because Enzo would want it that way!

 

Do not, I repeat - DO NOT - put Monroe shocks on your Ferrari. They belong on minivans and 20 year old Camrys.

 

I doubt those brands even list a fitment for our cars!

I considered Bilstein as an alternate to Koni on my Trans Am, due to monetary constraints.

Look at that pic in the 308 thread the intrax look superior to the QA1s, to me, and I won't grind the a arms to fit QA1s...call me silly about grinding away metal on suspension items....

 

You silly! (Okay...that sounded slightly...well, ghey.)

FWIW, I would love to know if I could find a Bilstein fitment for my '79. Bilsteins are OEM on my Corvette, I have a set on the wife's Jetta, and would have no qualms whatsoever about putting them on the Ferrari - they are a GREAT shock.

 

You might check with them......

 

Who's the supplier?!!

 

So i guess Sears specials is outta the question?

 

Yes! I saw those also. The titanium shocks look very impressive. I wish I had known about them last year when I replaced my Konis at all 4 corners. After 27 yrs one of them started to leak so I figured what the h***, while I'm doing it.... rear wheel bearings (inner and outer), shock and suspension bushings, shock rubbers (top and bottom). I should have replaced the springs too. I wonder what the "performance" springs are like from Superformance UK.

For what it's worth, I still have the original set. One of these days I'll have them rebuilt.

 

Your shocks lasted 27 years? Is that normal? How often do shocks/springs need to be replaced on a 308, normally? And - dump question - besides leakage, how can you tell when they need to be replaced?

The "set of shocks" from Rutland for $135 is interesting, because they sell a "complete" 4 shock Koni replacement kit for $1000.

Sorry for the highjack, but is there a "standard/common" suspension (shocks/springs) upgrade for track cars, or are the Konis considered sufficient? (not counting people spending big bucks on aftermarket stuff just because it looks cool). I know the thicker anti-rollbar is a standard upgrade.

 

You can tell they need to be replaced if they are orange/red in color and say "koni" on them somewhere. Seriously, you'd be amazed at the difference fitting modern shocks will make. While you're at it, the stock spring rates are much too low, but required for a decent ride with the oem shocks.

When it comes to shock, like most everything else, you get what you pay for. The QA1 or similar is not bad and many are happiy with them. The next step would be a custom valved ohins (I LOVE mine), penske, bilstein or similar for 300-500 each. Bilstein had a steel body custon for under $200....I'm not sure if they still do. It seems like penske had a steel body custom too, and carrera definately does.

 

Great line!

 

Yes the titanium shocks look great especially if they are a straight fit and they really do loose as much weight as is claimed. I am running QA1 but am tempted to swop them out.

 

The QA-1 site does not list Ferrari. Could someone please tell me which model/part number you used for a 308? Thanks. (and if anybody's got spring recos include some purchase info). This site rules!

 

There are 20 or so QA-1 threads in Fchat Tech Q&A. several give the QA-1 part numbers. Go to advanced search, select [search body of posts] and [ Technical Q&A]

Some people use the single adjustable Aluma-Matics.
others used the dual adjustable Proma-Stars.

There's considerable variation in the springs chosen as some people like enjoythemusic are going for maximum track performance and others just wanted improved handling while keeping a level of streetability/ride comfort.

Suggest starting with the 'suspension upgrade' threads your search will turn up.

BTW,
I still have a couple of the QA-1 308 bushing kits from last spring's group buy. While they last I'll honor the group buy price of $127/kit + shipping.