Suspension refresh. What kit to buy?

[KenInOntario]

Looking to do a full suspension refresh, along with all mounts/bushings on my 2001 Tuscan.

What kits offer the best value & performance without breaking the bank?

I want to replace as many bits of old rubber as possible and order once, engine mounts, etc etc

[Snaaakeey]

Protech shocks are good bang for buck.

[sct_w4]

The original bushes are metalistic, there’s not much rubber between them. Powerflex do a full poly bush kit but it’s expensive. A full set of original type bushes are also expensive. I’d rather fit the poly for ease of fitment and maintenance.

Blackdown automotive sell and are experts in uprated versions of the Bilstein/eibach combo, can customise the spring rates for your needs.

[nawarne]

Ken, as in all things you'll get many different opinions on the best way to go.

I've heard differing reports on metalastic bushes versus poly' bushes. I've ridden in a Chimaera that had a full set of Polybushes and found the ride quite acceptable.

Ben Lang was the suspension/handling guru the Smolenski went to before the demise of TVR. He has now set up shop offering Bilstein shocks valved as per his efforts on the final iteration of the Tuscan. His set up gets a lot of praise.
I guess a Google search will find him. The Bilsteins are not in the same price range as Nitron or Ohlins.

Nick

[NicBowman]

Hi. I would be interested to join in with the conversation, but adding a slant. Thinking of replacing my Griff coilovers, AST is who I have been recommended. UK company, big into motorsport. Full set, one way adjustable damping, with revised spring rates, ready to fit £2k. So not a cheap option.

Anyone care to add any experience on AST? What’s good for the goose is good for the gander as they say. I am sure a Tuscan on ASTs is an option.

Thx.

[sct_w4]

nawarne said:

Ben Lang was the suspension/handling guru the Smolenski went to before the demise of TVR. He has now set up shop offering Bilstein shocks valved as per his efforts on the final iteration of the Tuscan. His set up gets a lot of praise.
I guess a Google search will find him. The Bilsteins are not in the same price range as Nitron or Ohlins.

Nick

Ben’s shop is Blackdown Automotive I believed, recently advertised in Sprint mag.

[Mustang Baz]

sct_w4 said:

nawarne said:

Ben Lang was the suspension/handling guru the Smolenski went to before the demise of TVR. He has now set up shop offering Bilstein shocks valved as per his efforts on the final iteration of the Tuscan. His set up gets a lot of praise.
I guess a Google search will find him. The Bilsteins are not in the same price range as Nitron or Ohlins.

Nick

Ben’s shop is Blackdown Automotive I believed, recently advertised in Sprint mag.

I've just replaced my aged /reconditioned Nitrons (18yrs+ old!) after they sheared on one corner; Jason @ Str8Six recommended a new set of Bilsteins (along with others on here) and since the swap, I've noticed a positive and less firm handling experience overall. I've owned the car for this entire period so I was wary at first but no regrets and its an improvement all round, esp on "crashy" UK B-roads.

[NicBowman]

Hi

Did you go for standard or sports Bilsteins? For the Griff I was offered two options, one with firmer damping.

Nic

[glow worm]

I have a lot of respect for Ben Lang, I followed his advice and put 225 tyres on the front of my 'S' vert.... But two years ago I put Nitrons, stiffer Eibachs and Michelin Sports 4s and it's a far better drive all round ... things change

[Mustang Baz]

NicBowman said:

Hi

Did you go for standard or sports Bilsteins? For the Griff I was offered two options, one with firmer damping.

Nic

TBH, it never came up in conversation other discussing than the main type of driving I was intending to do with Jason - which is all road, unlikely any track; so suspect they will be the standard Bilsteins.