Where to buy springs and dampers

[Nickswales]

Hi all. This is my first post on here so ill thank you all for your replies in advance. I started building my roadster about two months ago and have finished the chassis and suspension arms.
I'm now looking for some springs and dampers so I can put the suspension together.
My problem is I don't know what makes are good and where to get them from.
So if you could help I would be very grateful.

Cheers Nick

[voucht]

Hi and welcome on the forum.
You can get Gaz Shocks dampers and springs http://www.gazshocks.com/ and you can purchase them from Rally Design http://www.rallydesign.com/, they have good prices.
You also can buy Protech http://www.protechshocks.co.uk/, which, according to Spud69 on this forum (ex-Staurn) are very good and the guy at Protech is very helpful. Read this post: http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=8516
Personally, I bought Gaz Shocks (RD part number : G140/095B12-2 (4x = dampers) + RD1193/8 (2x = Front springs) + RD1189/9 (2x = rear springs)
Be aware that the shock absorber dimensions in the book are not completely right. You'll need 14'' open and 9'' closed for front and rear (or 13'' open with a 1'' extension, Gaz Shocks have 14'' open and 9.5'' closed). Springs should be 8'' (350 lbs) in the front and 9'' (250 lbs) in the rear (with a Pinto it is OK, but it might depend on your engine)
You can read this thread, (almost) all answers are in it:
http://www.haynes.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=5820&highlight=dampers
Hope this will help :)

[K4KEV]

welcome Nick.....I think Sylvain (above) has just about covered it:D

[alga]

Please check the FAQ, the link is in my sig.

[Nickswales]

Thanks for the warm welcome sylvain. And cheers for the response from Kev and alga. I have looked on the rally design website and I can't find the correct product for the part number you gave me sylvain for the shock?
It might just be me being stupid. Ha ha.
I haven't spoke to anyone at protec yet but this is on my list to do for this week.
Just out of interest what springs and shocks did both Kev and alga go for?
I only ask because I want to make the right decision as this is such a vital part of the build.
Thanks again for anymore responses.
Cheers Nick

[K4KEV]

I went for the Protechs with 350lbs up front and 250lbs on the rear.....I was lucky I got in one of the group buys when 3ge were still trading, it is a very effective way to achieve discounts on bulk purchases.

[gtipping]

Just got my Gaz shocks from Dampertech - great price and quick delivery.

[flyerncle]

Comments please, What apart from fitting a bracket is stopping you fitting the shock more or less vertical on the top arm,it would mean a shorter shock and better angle of operation.

[raceral]

Just got my from Gaz shocks from Dampertech - great price and quick delivery.

Second that....

[baz-r]

Thanks for the warm welcome sylvain. And cheers for the response from Kev and alga. I have looked on the rally design website and I can't find the correct product for the part number you gave me sylvain for the shock?
It might just be me being stupid. Ha ha.
I haven't spoke to anyone at protec yet but this is on my list to do for this week.
Just out of interest what springs and shocks did both Kev and alga go for?
I only ask because I want to make the right decision as this is such a vital part of the build.
Thanks again for anymore responses.
Cheers Nick

you want either a 14-9.5" or 13-9"+1" extension with the size spring to match the dia shock (1.9" are common as its cheaper)
the info you need is all in the links above

[robo]

Is there a simple calculation for spring selection ie 350 kg total front weight = xxx springs

bob

[DRCorsa]

Is there a simple calculation for spring selection ie 350 kg total front weight = xxx springs

bob

It depends on the wheel frequency you want.
For more info you should read Alan Staniforth's "Competiton Car Suspension".