Shocks for street/road racing?
12-06-2012, 08:39 AM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Shocks for street/road racing?
Car has 75000 miles, and I think its time for a shock. Spoke to bilstein and they can taylor my shocks to whatever I like but then I am stuck with them for the street and road courses. The issue is I want something stiffer then the Z-51's for the twisties.
I have been researching, and the QA1 single adjustables (in my price range) seem like a very good option.
Anyone have these, and whats your opinion?
Thanks!
I have been researching, and the QA1 single adjustables (in my price range) seem like a very good option.
Anyone have these, and whats your opinion?
Thanks!
12-06-2012, 09:28 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
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I take it you are looking to have a smoother ride on the street and be able to adjust the shocks stiff for track use? Adjustables would help with that but it might take a long time to get them set right for the track. You have to make little adjustments until they feel right which can take a long time. Just turning them to full stiff may not be the best option.
When my car was street driven I used the FX3 shocks, but manually rotated them to full stiff (a little less in the rear) and zip tied them in place. They were definitely stiffer on the street but it was a compromise I was willing to make. This worked well with the FE1 springs in the car but I know have the z51 springs which are going to require a different shock. At that point I am going to contact DRM for some custom valved Bilsteins. Either DRM or Bilstein can make a set valved to be a good compromise for both, but everyone's idea of "too stiff on the street" will be a bit different.
When my car was street driven I used the FX3 shocks, but manually rotated them to full stiff (a little less in the rear) and zip tied them in place. They were definitely stiffer on the street but it was a compromise I was willing to make. This worked well with the FE1 springs in the car but I know have the z51 springs which are going to require a different shock. At that point I am going to contact DRM for some custom valved Bilsteins. Either DRM or Bilstein can make a set valved to be a good compromise for both, but everyone's idea of "too stiff on the street" will be a bit different.
12-06-2012, 09:33 AM
#3
Race Director
Thread Starter
I take it you are looking to have a smoother ride on the street and be able to adjust the shocks stiff for track use? Adjustables would help with that but it might take a long time to get them set right for the track. You have to make little adjustments until they feel right which can take a long time. Just turning them to full stiff may not be the best option.
When my car was street driven I used the FX3 shocks, but manually rotated them to full stiff (a little less in the rear) and zip tied them in place. They were definitely stiffer on the street but it was a compromise I was willing to make. This worked well with the FE1 springs in the car but I know have the z51 springs which are going to require a different shock. At that point I am going to contact DRM for some custom valved Bilsteins. Either DRM or Bilstein can make a set valved to be a good compromise for both, but everyone's idea of "too stiff on the street" will be a bit different.
When my car was street driven I used the FX3 shocks, but manually rotated them to full stiff (a little less in the rear) and zip tied them in place. They were definitely stiffer on the street but it was a compromise I was willing to make. This worked well with the FE1 springs in the car but I know have the z51 springs which are going to require a different shock. At that point I am going to contact DRM for some custom valved Bilsteins. Either DRM or Bilstein can make a set valved to be a good compromise for both, but everyone's idea of "too stiff on the street" will be a bit different.
Yes my main goal was to have a shock that would be smoother on the street and stiff at the track.
You make a valid point. I called Bilstein and he wanted to know what settings I wanted the shocks set at, and to be honest I dont have a clue!
I want them a tad stiffer then the Z-. I have had the car for over a decade and I dont find the Z-51's that stiff, but maybe I am just used to them. Maybe you can assist?
Thanks for your respond. No experience with QA1's or know anyone with C4's that have them?
12-06-2012, 09:35 AM
#4
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Have you raced your X pipe yet
12-06-2012, 09:38 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
12-06-2012, 09:40 AM
#6
Race Director
Thread Starter
I take it you are looking to have a smoother ride on the street and be able to adjust the shocks stiff for track use? Adjustables would help with that but it might take a long time to get them set right for the track. You have to make little adjustments until they feel right which can take a long time. Just turning them to full stiff may not be the best option.
When my car was street driven I used the FX3 shocks, but manually rotated them to full stiff (a little less in the rear) and zip tied them in place. They were definitely stiffer on the street but it was a compromise I was willing to make. This worked well with the FE1 springs in the car but I know have the z51 springs which are going to require a different shock. At that point I am going to contact DRM for some custom valved Bilsteins. Either DRM or Bilstein can make a set valved to be a good compromise for both, but everyone's idea of "too stiff on the street" will be a bit different.
When my car was street driven I used the FX3 shocks, but manually rotated them to full stiff (a little less in the rear) and zip tied them in place. They were definitely stiffer on the street but it was a compromise I was willing to make. This worked well with the FE1 springs in the car but I know have the z51 springs which are going to require a different shock. At that point I am going to contact DRM for some custom valved Bilsteins. Either DRM or Bilstein can make a set valved to be a good compromise for both, but everyone's idea of "too stiff on the street" will be a bit different.
One more thing that I forgot.
Bilstein wanted approx. $65 to do a shock, and DRM wants $760.
Am I missing something?
http://dougrippie.com/products/bilst...valved-shocks/
12-06-2012, 11:06 AM
#7
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The base model QA1 is adjustable in rebound only.
Sounds like your looking for the model with both jounce and rebound control.
Sounds like your looking for the model with both jounce and rebound control.
12-06-2012, 11:39 AM
#8
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I have no experience with the QA1s so I cannot comment. The Bilstein price is rebuilding your current shocks. DRM is the price of 4 new shock with your specific valving. If you are unsure give Randy at DRM a call (or message him here). Tell him your goals for the car and current setup and they can work out what valving you need.
I don't know how different the Z51 shocks are vs the FX3 that I have but the fX3 in full stiff are pretty stiff but not uncomfortable on the street.
I don't know how different the Z51 shocks are vs the FX3 that I have but the fX3 in full stiff are pretty stiff but not uncomfortable on the street.
12-06-2012, 11:43 AM
#9
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If you are looking for total control, same shock for race and street, then I would go with QA1 double adjusters. If you are thinking about modifying you can not have a price range; you got to have an open wallet.
Have fun
my 2 cents
Have funmy 2 cents
12-06-2012, 12:53 PM
#11
I think its more a matter using the appropiate mono-spring...use the Z51 411 or 499 lb/in spring for the track and swap in a nice comfy 320 lb/in for the street. Takes about 15 minutes to change springs. You;re just not going to get a smooth ride intown and feel stable at 160 mph with the same spring...can;t have it both ways. I think any of the above mentioned shocks would do the job, but its the spring thats going to make the difference. I prefer Bilsteins because of the progressive dampening that gives you high speed stability with a good amount of impact absorbsion...smooth. I am sure that could even be reversed, to give the first travel the smoothness and the bottom of the travel the firmness. Its in the valving.
I'm sure a good quality shock matched to a lighter spring would give you what you want. You might be in the 300 lb range now with your rear spring being a late 80s model...They (Corvette)started out high spring rate (84-85) and got progressively softer each yr(86+) due to comsumer whinning about the ride being too harsh to drink a latte and still look cool on the way to work..
If you;re already in the 300 lb area, you;d $hit your britches to have to live on the street with a real Z-51 rear spring from an 84...
I've got one and its NOT fun as a DD.
I'm sure a good quality shock matched to a lighter spring would give you what you want. You might be in the 300 lb range now with your rear spring being a late 80s model...They (Corvette)started out high spring rate (84-85) and got progressively softer each yr(86+) due to comsumer whinning about the ride being too harsh to drink a latte and still look cool on the way to work..
If you;re already in the 300 lb area, you;d $hit your britches to have to live on the street with a real Z-51 rear spring from an 84...
I've got one and its NOT fun as a DD.
12-06-2012, 07:22 PM
#13
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QA1's a a good shock for the $$$
Get the double adjustable, mine, before the Penske's, were singles.
Great being able to crank them up for the track and lower them back down for the street.
You can even going coil over if you want.
Get the double adjustable, mine, before the Penske's, were singles.
Great being able to crank them up for the track and lower them back down for the street.
You can even going coil over if you want.
12-06-2012, 08:32 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
You want them with the small adjuster tab at the base or top , i went to koni coil overs many years ago before QA1's were available and you have to remove the shock and spring then fully compress and turn the shock to adjust. Hence i have been rattling my bones ever since 
But man she is a sweet ride on smooth highways/racetracks and sticks like glue almost zero body roll 
Maybe when my body can no longer take the pounding over rough roads i will change the settings
See below QA1range (double adjustable i would recommend)
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/catal...q=QA1&x=26&y=6
But man she is a sweet ride on smooth highways/racetracks and sticks like glue almost zero body roll Maybe when my body can no longer take the pounding over rough roads i will change the settings
See below QA1range (double adjustable i would recommend)
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/catal...q=QA1&x=26&y=6
12-07-2012, 10:23 AM
#15
Race Director
Thread Starter
Brian,
I wont be able to crank them up if I buy the single adjustables?
12-07-2012, 01:20 PM
#16
Drifting
the SA QA's only adjust the compression stroke. The upward motion is is not adjustable. It can let the car bounce up a little wildly during spirited driving and upset the car. Go with a DA ,no matter which brand.
12-07-2012, 06:54 PM
#17
Safety Car
Two Words: Koni Yellows
That is what MOST auto-x folks run on C4s. I'm going to get these instead of re-valving my FX3 shocks to the Morroca valving. Simply because I can tune the car front to rear independently of one another. Cannot do that with the FX3 system and stiffer Bilstien shocks.
That is what MOST auto-x folks run on C4s. I'm going to get these instead of re-valving my FX3 shocks to the Morroca valving. Simply because I can tune the car front to rear independently of one another. Cannot do that with the FX3 system and stiffer Bilstien shocks.
12-07-2012, 08:32 PM
#19
Burning Brakes
