Suspension refresh, advice needed

[KenInOntario]

I am in need of some advice.

My Tuscan has Gaz shock son her now, but she has started to bottom out everytime I hit a bump or go over a small hill at speed on the motorway etc. She also boiunces a little afterwards.

I suspect the shcoks need replacing, actually pretty sure they do.

But as I am in North America, I can't take it somewhere local and have them fitted, so have to order and hoe for th best.

So I get one shot at ordering the right set, and need solid advice for which ones to order. Budget is less than 1500 quid.

I would prefer to order from someone like Dom, as he has been great to me.

He has 3 different options for Nitrons on his website and other options liekl Bilstein etc etc.

Which ones do I order? and what Geometry after they are fitted?

So many threads and so many opinions.

I just drive the car on the roads, no track days so far, and don;t really expect any in the future.

[Classic Chim]

As a stop gap you should find your GAZ Shocks have an adjuster knob on each shock. Clicking the rear knobs clockwise should stiffen up the damping and hence resist bumps and should definitely reduce continuous bouncing effect.

I’d buy from Dom and go with his recommendation as to which ones/ spring rates to use based on your driving style/ desires.
I’m sure he could provide you with the geometry requirements after fitting.

Nitrons have often been considered the best offerings for the price range your after although many still consider Ben Lang’s Bilstein's the safest and long term solution as a fit and forget item.
Look up Blackdown Automotive
Ben is one of the few suspension guru to have actively worked on Tvr suspension settings/ spring rates and I dare say ride heights and came up with the current configuration of Bilstein shocks retro fitted on most models of Tvr.
Bilstein are robust items that should last many years with little maintenance usually managing standard ride height settings for years but are non adjustable
GAZ/ Nitron/ PROTECH
Are all adjustable including ride height changes but also use rose joint bushes at either end.
These tend to need servicing every few years if used hard.

Edited by Classic Chim on Wednesday 27th September 21:58

Edited by Classic Chim on Wednesday 27th September 22:07

[Basil Brush]

I've run Nitrons on my Tuscan for 20 years but have just had to swap them as they were deemed not worth saving when sent for servicing recently. I really like them but they will need servicing every 2 or 3 years if you use the car regularly in all weathers. If not then you'll get away with longer intervals. I know Nitron do have dealers in the US so I'd assume you can get them serviced more locally than the UK.

I haven't used them as I get too easily swayed by blingy options but if I was in your position and wanted the best fit and forget option I think I'd go for the Bilsteins.

[GrumpyMonk]

I have bilsteins on mine. The car is absolutely planted on them with a good geo setup. As above, fire and forget…

[MonkeyJez]

I highly recommend Core one way adjustable digressive suspension from Race Shocks. Manufactured by TracTive to Simon's specifications based on what you want from the car and setup. Absolutely transformed the handling on my Sag both on road and track. A big step up from Bilstein shocks. I now have a super supple ride with much less roll, pitch and dive.

[Gladers01]

Basil Brush said:

I've run Nitrons on my Tuscan for 20 years but have just had to swap them as they were deemed not worth saving when sent for servicing recently. I really like them but they will need servicing every 2 or 3 years if you use the car regularly in all weathers. If not then you'll get away with longer intervals. I know Nitron do have dealers in the US so I'd assume you can get them serviced more locally than the UK.

I haven't used them as I get too easily swayed by blingy options but if I was in your position and wanted the best fit and forget option I think I'd go for the Bilsteins.

I had Nitrons with Eibach springs fitted on a MK1, coupled with a geo setup the car handled like it was on rails, well planted, soaked up all the bumps, not overly firm for road use, never had to adjust them as they felt spot on from the outset, actually preferred them to the Bilstein's fitted to the later Tuscans

[Basil Brush]

MonkeyJez said:

I highly recommend Core one way adjustable digressive suspension from Race Shocks. Manufactured by TracTive to Simon's specifications based on what you want from the car and setup. Absolutely transformed the handling on my Sag both on road and track. A big step up from Bilstein shocks. I now have a super supple ride with much less roll, pitch and dive.

That's what I've bought, with the Hyperco spring upgrade, to replace my old Nitrons. A bit over the 1500 quid budget though.

[Mustang Baz]

Basil Brush said:

I've run Nitrons on my Tuscan for 20 years but have just had to swap them as they were deemed not worth saving when sent for servicing recently. I really like them but they will need servicing every 2 or 3 years if you use the car regularly in all weathers. If not then you'll get away with longer intervals. I know Nitron do have dealers in the US so I'd assume you can get them serviced more locally than the UK.

I haven't used them as I get too easily swayed by blingy options but if I was in your position and wanted the best fit and forget option I think I'd go for the Bilsteins.

Exactly my fact pattern - replaced my aged Nitrons (63k miles done on them) with Bilsteins earlier this year and no regrets. A more road-focused suspension given no track use planned.

[LLantrisant]

original fitment was Bielstein....a superior damper brand from Germany...and it was developped fom TVR together with Bielstein for our cars.

GAZ, Spax, Avon, Protec are low-cost brands....universal dampers more or less.....so you get what you pay for.

this said: there is always the possibilty to get the dampers refurbed at the manufacturer.

[MF35]

MonkeyJez said:

I highly recommend Core one way adjustable digressive suspension from Race Shocks. Manufactured by TracTive to Simon's specifications based on what you want from the car and setup. Absolutely transformed the handling on my Sag both on road and track. A big step up from Bilstein shocks. I now have a super supple ride with much less roll, pitch and dive.

Hi, out of interest, how long did it take them to make your shocks? I ordered mine 10 weeks ago, and have heard nothing back.

[Basil Brush]

MF35 said:

MonkeyJez said:

I highly recommend Core one way adjustable digressive suspension from Race Shocks. Manufactured by TracTive to Simon's specifications based on what you want from the car and setup. Absolutely transformed the handling on my Sag both on road and track. A big step up from Bilstein shocks. I now have a super supple ride with much less roll, pitch and dive.

Hi, out of interest, how long did it take them to make your shocks? I ordered mine 10 weeks ago, and have heard nothing back.

Mine were his recommended setting damper with the spring upgrade and came in a couple of days.

[s6boy]

Ah Mr Brush, I meant to follow up from another topic as to how you're finding the new suspension. Have you had chance to drive it much over the rubbish winter we've had?

[Basil Brush]

s6boy said:

Ah Mr Brush, I meant to follow up from another topic as to how you're finding the new suspension. Have you had chance to drive it much over the rubbish winter we've had?

No, it hasn't moved at all recently, apart from around the garage on it's wheel dollies!

[s6boy]

That's a shame. Hope it'll be out when the weather's more predictably dry.