Suspension alignment
Suspension alignment
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Discussion

CTE

Original Poster:

1,521 posts

269 months

Sunday 13th May 2007
quotequote all
Just like to say that over the last 4 years of ownership of my S1, I have done nummerous improvements, Cosworth engine, lots of mods to suspension etc etc, but I could never seem to get the thing to drive like I remember my S3 did in the early 90`s, when it was new.
Anyhow, I took it to Steve Guglielmi for a geo check. Initially, we went for a little drive, and his intitial comment was that he thought it was better than most (!!?). I was hoping he was going to say it was a mile out. Anyhow, the tracking was a bit out at the front, and the rear shocks are prone to hitting the bump stop prematurely because the piston barrel is too long (obviously not designed for an S despite what I was led to believe from GAZ), so a mod will be done soon. Anyhow my mate and I went for a breakfeast bun, and when we returned the job was almost done. A few more tweaks and test runs, and the job was done, and what a transformation. I wonder if more was done, but we`ll never know?

Well, I know its been said before, its the best investment I have made. Moreover, Steve and his employees were very helpful, friendly, full of good advice, and genuinely know their stuff (I learn`t a lot). I would highly recommend them for any mechanical job on your car.

longers

4,505 posts

257 months

Sunday 13th May 2007
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Gugi and Co have often been recommended by many on PH - including me! Great place.

the gazman

1,686 posts

249 months

Monday 14th May 2007
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[quote=CTE]the rear shocks are prone to hitting the bump stop prematurely because the piston barrel is too long (obviously not designed for an S despite what I was led to believe from GAZ)
[quote/]

Interesting because Steve did the original testing on my S3 and instigated the new valving and progressive bump-stop, if you were hitting the bumpstops on the rear I can only suggest that you were running too low, unless for some reason the shocks were longer than the prescribed 14", in which case they would need replacing.

I would like to know more about this because I have about 100 S series cars running on Gaz and am not aware of any problem.

barkychoc

7,848 posts

233 months

Monday 14th May 2007
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Guys anyone prepared to give other PHer's a rough cost for this work ?

Sounds well worthwhile

the gazman

1,686 posts

249 months

Tuesday 15th May 2007
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barkychoc said:
Guys anyone prepared to give other PHer's a rough cost for this work ?

Sounds well worthwhile


Its difficult to get quotes for S cars because if the rear end needs shimming it can get expensive.

longers

4,505 posts

257 months

Tuesday 15th May 2007
quotequote all
barkychoc said:
Guys anyone prepared to give other PHer's a rough cost for this work ?

Sounds well worthwhile


Chris, it's VERY worthwhile. When I got my old car back from having it's new dampers, springs fitted and set up by Gugi's it felt like a completely different car.

I can't remember what it cost me but I suggest giving Mr G a ring on 01327 878425. He'll discuss the work involved and give you a rough estimate.

Longers

Hoover.

5,993 posts

271 months

Tuesday 15th May 2007
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Getting the car geo setup properly is one of the best modifications I ever did to both my old S2 (Mr Cliffords) and my Griff........ worth every penny.

Hoover

CTE

Original Poster:

1,521 posts

269 months

Tuesday 15th May 2007
quotequote all
I have spoken with Dampertech. It appears I might have the wrong dampers, ie someone packed and sent the wrong ones, and me not appreciating what I was looking at etc. I have yet to prove this (check part number), but it does appear most likely.

When I first got the car, I lowered it as far as I reasonably could. It was ok on a track with the dampers locked (looked good aswell), but useless on the road. I have progressively raised the suspension to a point now where it looks a little high if anything, and does not ground out anylonger. The cars a hoot to drive now, just need Gordon Brown and his cronies to stop wasting billions of pounds of our money on politically incompetant ideology, and repair our f*****g transport system, thereby improving efficiency all round, which will unltimately lead to higher tax revenue and less wastage (aswell as pollution), and a better quality of life for all of us people!

Sorry about that, its a nervous affliction I have, and it`s getting worse!

Does anyone have the correct ride hieght settings so I can check.

the gazman

1,686 posts

249 months

Tuesday 15th May 2007
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Its easy to tell, the S has 14" centres dampers with the short body all the way round.
Dampertech Dave also only has the old generic dampers without the special rear valving that is exclusive to me.