shock/strut combination recommendations

[Aries]

I'm open to any informed suggestions on this. Please don't waste my time with "Use Coilovers" or something equally as trivial. Coilovers move me into another class.

My current combination is stock struts up front with McKinney adjustable drag shocks in the rear (8 levels of adjustment).The problem is that the shocks are dead.They were not designed for use on the street (track/race only) so they don't hold up well to lots of miles.

So, I am looking for a new set of shocks and struts that will better handle the weight of the motor, and the extreme launch of the car.

BTW, the spring set is an 03 Cobra Drag Launch Kit from Eibach.

[Grant@tirerack]

I'll be the first to admit it; I have no idea what strut combo is going to hold up for street use when you are using drag launch springs. Anyone?

[Nismo_Freak]

Drag launch springs are just softer lowering springs...

[PROJECTRB240SX]

FIND LIKE A MONOMAX SHOCK FROM KYB.... WE USE THEM ON OUR 1 TON TRUCKS THAT THEY WAY OVERLOAD (LIKE A ALMOST 1500LBS OVER) AND THEY HAVE GONE 80K MILES UNDER THAT STRESS. I DOUBT THEY MAKE THEM FOR THE S CHASSIS BUT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO CONVERT THEM TO FIT. THESE SHOCKS ARE MONOTUBE NITROGEN FILLED AND CAN HANDLE TONS OF STRESS AND FORCE, IT WILL ALSO HELP REDUCE SQUAT AND DIVE.

[Aries]

I'll look into the monomax's.

Grant - Drag launch kit is a 1 inch lowering spring that is 30%-45% softer than the normal lowering spring. In this case they are made for a car that weighs 800lbs more, so the car only lowered .5-.75 inches.

[PROJECTRB240SX]

THE MONOMAX WILL LIFT THE REAR END UNLESS ALOT OF WEIGHT IS APPLIED. FOR EXAMPLE ON AVERAGE OUR ONE TON CHEVYS WITH THE MONOMAX HAD A .5" REAR LIFT TO IT OVER STOCK WITH A LIGHTER VEHICLE IT WILL LIFT HIGHER.

[Grant@tirerack]

I'm aware of what the drag launch kits are and how they function (we sell them here and I've even been in the factory and saw them being made ). The problem comes in when someone uses them for street use. They are not designed for daily driving and that spring rate is going to be a big issue. Because the springs are so much softer, you are going to have a hard time finding a damper with that firm of a rebound valve setting to make up for the faster travel of the piston in the damper. They are going to bottom out ( or should I say 'top out' on the rebound when unloaded) more often under normal driving conditions. They probably won't be as bad on a Cobra, but I don't know of anything off the shelf that will be that firm that is going to be a direct bolt on for the car. Your best bet is to check directly with Koni at 859-586-4100 or at http://www.koni-na.com to see if they can work up a damper set that will not self destruct with that setup. They do custom built applications and would likely be able to put something together for your car.

[Exar-Kun]

talk to ground controll or koni, if you want an out-of-the-box damper, a set of bilsteins will hold up very well, but may require contacting them to get the valving(or get a local rebuilder to do it) the way you want it. I have known a few people to get nice results out of bilstein HD shocks paired with drag springs..-chet

[Aries]

awesome guys, and thanks.I will call Koni in the morning and let you know what they have to say about a custom set for my car.

[Aries]

ok...Koni is going to make a custom set.Cost is $600, but they will be 14 level adjustable with the proper purchases and mounting points.

I should have them in 3 weeks.

[Grant@tirerack]

That's great news. Now we expect a full review when you get them on the car. :thumbup

[Exar-Kun]

woot.-chet