favorite - strut/shock/spring combo?

[Bernie Benz]

Ride quality is that of a new 200Q-20V. The Konis are set close to  
critical for the weight and stock spring combo.
As I’ve said before, ride quality is a function of spring rate, not  
shock brand or applied damping factor.

Bernie

On Jul 10, 2008, at 2:55 PM, Ed Kellock wrote:

> What is the ride quality like?
>
> Ed
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Bernie Benz [mailto:b.benz at charter.net]
>> Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 3:53 PM
>> To: Ed Kellock
>> Cc: 200q20V mailing list
>> Subject: Re: favorite - strut/shock/spring combo?
>>
>>
>> Ed,
>> I'm not a fan of Konis. This experience goes back to late
>> '70s Lancia
>> Betas when I was rebuilding both OEM and Konis strut inserts. Both
>> had removeable heads back then. The OEM was the much better built
>> shock. I would add paper shims behind the plastic piston rings and
>> replace the head shaft bushing (the major leakage point causing
>> damping failure) and refill with ATF. Originally, IMO, Koni
>> went with
>> their rebound adjustment to extend the short life of their marginal
>> design.
>>
>> Anyway, I bought the 200's Konis used. Fronts had sealed heads so
>> tightened down on the rebound damping two notches. Rears had
>> removable heads so I rebuilt them. If buying new for stock springs,
>> I'd go with Boge in spite of the Koni lifetime warranty.
>>
>> Bernie
>>
>>
>> On Jul 10, 2008, at 2:17 PM, Ed Kellock wrote:
>>
>>> Stock springs and Konis?  This is something I am contemplating x 2
>>> cars.  I
>>> would very much like to hear your description/opinion of how you
>>> like this
>>> combination.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Ed
>>>
>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: 200q20v-bounces at audifans.com
>>>> [mailto:200q20v-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Bernie Benz
>>>> Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 2:10 PM
>>>> To: Richard Harris
>>>> Cc: 200q20V mailing list
>>>> Subject: Re: favorite - strut/shock/spring combo?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Can't help you, Rich.
>>>> My 200 20V with 225K is a rock solid, comfortable cruiser
>> with stock
>>>> suspension, Konis and a strut brace. Tires last for ever and
>>>> alignment never changes, set at -0.5 deg. front camber, zero rear,
>>>> and zero toe F and R. I am not a proponent of 2B, inasmuch
>> as Son's
>>>> experience indicates that they know nothing of suspension dynamics.
>>>>
>>>> Bernie
>>>>
>>>> On Jul 10, 2008, at 9:06 AM, Richard Harris wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Bernie,
>>>>>
>>>>> I've got a 200 20v running new Bilstein Sports and H&R
>> 29800s that
>>>>> will primarily be a track car. I am unhappy with the BS/H&R
>>>> combo. Got any
>>>>> suggestions? Are you aware of any spring/shock or coil over
>>>> options
>>>>> besides
>>>>> 2B?
>>>>>
>>>>> Richard
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: 200q20v-bounces at audifans.com
>>>>> [mailto:200q20v-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of Bernie Benz
>>>>> Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 7:22 PM
>>>>> To: Ed Kellock
>>>>> Cc: 200q20V mailing list
>>>>> Subject: Re: favorite - strut/shock/spring combo?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> There is but one optimum, "critical" damping for a specific
>>>> combo of
>>>>> spring rate and unsprung weight! Bilstein's marketing
>>>> strategy is to
>>>>> over damp all stock applications, so the dumb customer can
>>>> feel a big
>>>>> difference and thus feel good about his poor application and thin
>>>>> wallet. Obviously, I don't like Bs.
>>>>>
>>>>> Konis can easily be and often are also adjusted to an over damped
>>>>> condition (read 2B). Damping has little to do with ride quality,
>>>>> Spring rate controls ride quality. Damping controls the
>>>> suspension's
>>>>> response to dynamic bump inputs, the timing for shortest, optimum
>>>>> return to SRH.
>>>>>
>>>>> Bernie
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On Jul 9, 2008, at 3:09 PM, Ed Kellock wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> snip<
>>>>>
>>>>>> I really don't like the HDs.  They are not compliant enough over
>>>>>> minor road irregularities and the ride is jiggly and
>>>> harsh.  Based on
>>>>>> prior discussion,
>>>>>> I believe I am clearly in the minority in this area however.
>>>>>
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>>>>>
>>>>
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>