Coil overs

[nigel_cordrey]

My Marina based Roadster I converted to used coilovers on the front, and one of the shocks is end of life.

So the time has come to replace and improve on the current setup. I could do with more travel as Im very close to the bumpstops, I'm more than happy with the spring rate and the ride it gives is a good balance between sport and comfort I'm using 120 Lb springs with about 1/2 inch of pre load. The big question is if i get a shock that is one inch shorter but fit the same spring but with 1 inch more preload will I end up at the same ride height and same ride comfort balance but one inch more travel left in the shock, hope this makes sense as it works in my head.

What do people think

[HairyDave]

Re: Coil overs

Hi Nigel, If you don't get help here I sugest you try 'The Race & Rally Car Source Book' . When you say you converted to Coil overs what did you do? I have thought of doing this but was not madly keen on just cutting the torsion bar off and rose jointing the front of the radius arm. Going the full wishbone route is a bit scary. Have you any pics you could share?
Cheers Dave.

[nigel_cordrey]

Re: Coil overs

Dave

I did it years ago, I just removed the torsion bar no need to cut it as it pulls out of the lower arm so you can go back. Then replaced the std. shock with the coilover after making a new lower bracket as it now has the carry the weight of the car. and replaced the bush on the end of the arm with a polybush, I only did it to make room for the gearbox plus it looks better. I will post photos when I take it off the jack.

[HairyDave]

Re: Coil overs

Cheers for that Nigel. Love the Teardrop, Who built it?
Dave

[meverett]

Re: Coil overs

Other than remaking the lower bracket and changing the bushes did it need any reinforcing to the upper mounting?
Also which coil overs are you using?
Look forward to seeing you photos.

[nigel_cordrey]

Re: Coil overs

Other than remaking the lower bracket and changing the bushes did it need any reinforcing to the upper mounting?
Also which coil overs are you using?
Look forward to seeing you photos.

looking at it yes, the eye on the coil over is not as wide as the std. shock, so I made shims to put inside and welded them in place, when you look closely it not pretty but it works an it was done years ago.
IMG_20190527_183110[1].jpg
IMG_20190527_143511[1].jpg

[nigel_cordrey]

Re: Coil overs

Cheers for that Nigel. Love the Teardrop, Who built it?
Dave

I did Dave took about 18 months

[velovol]

Re: Coil overs

I have a similar set-up but I think my springs were 325lb from memory. They are over AVO shocks set on 5 clicks and and now have shortened Mini heavy duty rally tie bars giving 6 degrees castor.

Finally I have a car that actually handles like it should.20190221_112312.jpg

[David]

Re: Coil overs

Never actually seen coil overs swapped in for the old torsion bars but looks good. Close to the Triumph setup now.

[milliemarlin]

Re: Coil overs

... I'm more than happy with the spring rate and the ride it gives is a good balance between sport and comfort ...

Hi Nigel,
Good to see you, your car and van at Stoneleigh. The caravan looks even better close up and deserves a thread on its own. An article for Pitstop would also be very welcome.

If you are happy with the current set up I would seriously consider having the units refurbished by the manufacturer. It will cost less and is possibly the least risky option.
Paul

[HairyDave]

Re: Coil overs

Hi Nigel ,lovely job, it does look as if you have plenty of ground clearance! From the shallows of my wisdom a shorter shock should work but I would be inclined to talk to a suspension specialist. It might be cheaper in the long run. I echo millemarlin about the teardrop!

[nigel_cordrey]

Re: Coil overs

IMG_20190601_170644.jpg

Nice new shiny shocks with the spring sprayed to match the car, one is fitted so I know it fits. Ride hight and travel looks better than the old setup.

[meverett]

Re: Coil overs

Look nice. If you don’t mind how much were the pair?
Cheers, Martin.

[nigel_cordrey]

Re: Coil overs

Just back from a road test and wow that worked I used an online spring calculator

https://www.hypercoils.com/spring-rate-calculator/

and settled on a 240 lb I was using a 120 lb so was not to sure but time for a change. To my delight the ride is soft and comfortable but the cornering is the best i've ever had and well balanced.

it all came from Rally Design

Gaz Shocks part number G140/095 B12 £59.50 each
Springs 1.9" 240 lb 8" long but 9" would be better £16.90 each
all plus vat

[duncan]

Re: Coil overs

I am amazed at those spring rates
My "device" is 800 kg - 900 kg with me in it - and 45% on the front and I am using it on the road/track with 110 lbs/inch on the front -
my springs are more vertical (strut design) but I was under the impression that a Marlin was a lot lighter