SPAX shocks problems

[INTREPER]

Hey guys, new to the site, and it's about time there was a place for us Lotus boys to talk about these cool cars.

I have a 98 Esprit Turbo with a fully adjustable suspension package that was isntalled by the dealer before purchasing it. It's been on the car for about 4 years, about 10K miles. Recently the shocks have been feeling really mushy, and it even feels like I may have a busted ball joint on the front left wheel. I got underneath the car yesterday to check things out and found I had these SPAX shocks. I got on google and couldn't find much info on them. The shock itself has a screw that turns with out stoping, either direction. I imagine its the dampening screw, but i've never run into one that continuously turned. Does that mean the shocks are ready to be replaced?

If so, does anyone have any good recomendations to replace them with?

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide.
John R.

[lotusse89]

Nope, they do continuously turn CW.

Turn them all the way back CCW, and then turn them CW about 12 clicks in the front (assuming they are the 14 position adjustables), and 14 clicks in the back.

That's how i run mine.

I have about 20,000miles on mine in 4.5 years, and I have had one start leaking.

The newer SPAX's are 28 position adjustable, so I would do 24-26 front, and 28 rear. The higher # being stiffer.

Travis
Vulcan Grey 89SE
www.lotuscolorado.com/vulcangrey/

[dbebb55]

John..I have Spax shocks on mine, installed new last fall. The screws on mine seem to have no effect. Click them up, thats if ya can even feel the clicks, and the car is still mushey. I would consider another brand if your gonna replace them. I'm leaning in that direction. Just my 2 cents.
Dave
90SE

[INTREPER]

THanks for the help guys. I'm going to try re-setting the clicks. I can still feel some what of a click. If that still doesn't do the trick, then it looks like i'll be replacing them.

Do you guys have recomendations on upgrading to better shocks?

[cross-eyed-twit]

a few place worth looking that I know of


www.sjsportscars.co.uk/
www.pukesprit.de/
www.cars.u-net.com/lotus/esprit.htm

[scoule]

I had a pair of spax adjustables on the front of my Excel a few years back ... within 200 miles, one of them had no damping effect whatsoever. I replaced them with a pair of the standard Lotus oil filled shocks - not adjustable, but at least they work!

[INTREPER]

Do you guys know what is available in the States?
All the stuff I keep running into is over seas and can find a US distributor anywhere.

[karmavore]

<fact>JAE sell LEDA and SPAX</fact>

>> Edited by karmavore on Wednesday 11th May 20:00

[judson]

We've been using SPAX for our Jensen-Healey's for years. However, no longer...

I can echo the experiences of those who've put <1,000 miles on their SPAX only to have them fail in one way or another. After 3 sets in 7 years I've switched to Koni and our major suppliers are changing to Bilstein.

According to our sources (all second-hand, take it for what it's worth), SPAX has gone through a number of changes on a Corporate level.

In my opinion, quality has really suffered, and I also understand Dave Bean Engineering no longer carries SPAX for this reason.

I'd suggest looking for an alternate from either Koni or Bilstein. For serious handling, you may want to look at converting to coil-overs, contact the guys at truechoice and they can build something for you.

[Dr.Hess]

The Koni custom shop (in KY) does great work and are really very reasonable. I had them shorten the stroke on the aluminum double adjustable coilovers I am using on my Seven build and the total cost on all 4 shocks with some extras thrown in was less than $50 if I recall. Of course, the shocks were four bills a corner, but that's another story. You might give them a call and see what they can do. You buy the shock from someone else, send it to them, they re-do it however you want and send it back. In other words, no direct sales, only custom work.

Dr.Hess

[INTREPER]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think im going to try out the LEDA shocks.

[abrussich]

I have a set of Gasmatic, (sp?), dampers purchased from Motoconcept, Germany. Excellent build quality on the units.
The adjustable height collar makes installation of dampers and coils easy. Only complaint is the adjuster knob is a bit stiff to turn at times, but all in all I am very satisfied with the improved handling and ride quality.
Marcus was very helpful and answered all email questions promptly.
I would not hesitate to get another set if I were to work on another Esprit.

Al B.
89 Esprit
Houston

[karmavore]

You mean Gaz(zard).

[Paula&Marcus]

Hi,
Yes Al B. got a set of Gaz dampers and springs from us. Thanks Al !!

Cheers
Marcus (www.PUKesprit.de)

PS: Motoconcept was long ago ... ;o)

[madmike]

karmavore said:

<fact>JAE sell LEDA and SPAX</fact> >> Edited by karmavore on Wednesday 11th May 20:00

<fact>JAE sucks ass.</fact>

You might remember that I started a suspension upgrade job a year ago this past February (that's 15 months for those counting).

It'll finally be finished this Saturday. Why so long? JAE parts issues, galore. Least among them actually sending us out ELISE shocks and swearing they were the right ones.

Oh, and we never got the springs we ordered. We finally cancelled the order, got a refund, and my mechanic cut the Lotus springs. Spent the refund on AC recharge.

[karmavore]

I know man, I know... That qualifer was becuse of the trouble you've had.

Lucas.

[madmike]

Hehe. Not actually rebutting you Karmavore.

It's just that those 3 letters automatically set me off.