4.3 Dampers

[Dave Marett]

Gonna be a bit of a ramble this:

First, short bit, is does anyone know if the standard shocks on a 92 4.3 Griffith were adjustable? I believe they're koni's?

Second bit is why I want to know - At the Nurburgring in August the car was feeling a bit vague in higher speed corners (100mph+) and I was wondering if winding the dampers on a bit (if it's possible) would help. I think the root of the problem is the 10 year old chassis and bits, especially bushes. As I live in Jersey high speed handling is otherwise irrelevant and so I don't want to shell out a lot of money on new bushes, shocks and springes etc, just a maybe cheap fix to make it more manageable on the track when I go back next easter. I wondered though if I stiffened it up, whether this would make any other problems seem worse? My other, even cheaper option, is just to go a bit slower, but that's a no-no

There, said it would be a ramble...

[GreenV8S]

quote:Gonna be a bit of a ramble this:

First, short bit, is does anyone know if the standard shocks on a 92 4.3 Griffith were adjustable? I believe they're koni's?

Second bit is why I want to know - At the Nurburgring in August the car was feeling a bit vague in higher speed corners (100mph+) and I was wondering if winding the dampers on a bit (if it's possible) would help. I think the root of the problem is the 10 year old chassis and bits, especially bushes. As I live in Jersey high speed handling is otherwise irrelevant and so I don't want to shell out a lot of money on new bushes, shocks and springes etc, just a maybe cheap fix to make it more manageable on the track when I go back next easter. I wondered though if I stiffened it up, whether this would make any other problems seem worse? My other, even cheaper option, is just to go a bit slower, but that's a no-no

There, said it would be a ramble...

The ones I've seen are adjustable, but you have to take them off the car to do it. If they're that old they're probably knackered anyway and you might think about replacing them. If you do decide to adjust them, the way to do it is to take the spring/damper unit off the car, take the spring off, take the bump stop off, and push the damper fully closed. This lets the end of the rod engage with an adjuster inside the bottom of the damper; turn the rod to adjust it. Usual caveats about working with loaded springs, wouldn't try this unless you have the right equipment and are confident you know what you're doing.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[Dave Marett]

quote:
Usual caveats about working with loaded springs, wouldn't try this unless you have the right equipment and are confident you know what you're doing.

Cheers,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

Yeah, I wasn't going to attempt it myself, more of a "next service" idea. I'm sure you're right about them being tired anyway, was just mulling it over really. Will give it some thought cos I don't want to pay the labour and find no real difference.

Cheers Peter

[zertec]

Ask Chris East (Pistonhead name "Beast") what he thinks about the suspension we fitted to his Griffith (one of the last 100). The same kit is on our 4.3 Test Griffith as well because it suits the whole range.

[2 Sheds]

As far as i am aware the Early Koni set up was inferior to the next generation (bilstein) as it was too hard, i think it is accepted that the early cars (pre-cats) didn't handle as well 500s, suspension being the main issue. I would be cautious about applying the harder is better theory.

[shpub]

quote:
As far as i am aware the Early Koni set up was inferior to the next generation (bilstein) as it was too hard, i think it is accepted that the early cars (pre-cats) didn't handle as well 500s, suspension being the main issue. I would be cautious about applying the harder is better theory.

Tim and this from a 4.x owner!

When I say things like this I normally get flak from the 4.x fraternity. I would start checking your post!

Steve

[2 sheds]

Steve, you should here what i say about SEAC's sometimes !!!
Tim