The Stig Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Car back on the road after a winter refresh and feels great. But... the suspension is terrible and trying to adjust I realize one of the Spax adjuster screws just keeps on turning and does nothing. Unfortunately it is also on the softest setting and could make track experiences very interesting! So time for a new set. Anyway, the car is an '85 S3 LA with the later upper half wishbone setup so can anyone advise whether this needs anything different from the standard dampers/springs? Some LA front damper sets I have found talk about post 1989 or thereabouts - Gaz or Avo (PC565 front, PB148 rear) most likely route (on a budget) but other options also considered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Check out kitspares.co.uk they are selling gaz shocks with springs for 300 pounds plus shipping. Shipping to Canada is 90 dollars. Best I could find in Canada or US was 800 plus shipping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 That's for a set of four... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Stig Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 Certainly will at that price.. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Stig Posted March 26, 2012 Author Share Posted March 26, 2012 Still looking at options and Looking at this kit although I think I am right in saying they are in no way adjustable either for height or damping. Correct? http://www.caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_product=262 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 They have the damping adjustment knob on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 (edited) http://www.kitspares.co.uk/shop/item.php?cat=16&product=5144&catsub=13 Picture shows the adjustment knob at the bottom of the shock..(damper) Edited March 27, 2012 by lancylad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bball7754 Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 I would agree that the Bilstein's are not adjustable. You might want to contact Caterham parts (Darren) and ask what the proper length is for an '85 LA. Seems like I've seen posts on Blatchat about how there have been periodic changes in the chassis that require different lengths. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Stig Posted March 27, 2012 Author Share Posted March 27, 2012 I think I have found what I need. The Caterham supplied Billys are not adjustable but you can get a kit to convert them for ride height adjustment. No damping adjustment though. That just makes them much more expensive than comparable items from Gaz, Protech etc that are adjustable. I am leaning towards Gaz. I have had two sets before and are very good value, last well and look good. Protechs look great and are all alloy although do have a much larger eye surround for the bolt holes than steel items so may need some 'adjustment' (grinding off!) The consensus on lengths between centres of eyes/ top of rear (to suit my LA car) are: Front: 315mm Rear: 440mm Just as an FYI and get all my options on the table, I will also go with these springs rates: Front: 275lb Rear: 140lb .. and if I dont like them, springs are only about a tenner each. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lancylad Posted March 28, 2012 Share Posted March 28, 2012 Sounds pretty good, think I have 175lbs on the rear of my westfield. let us know how you go on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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