Re:suspension/ride improvement spring/shock MYTH -long

[Sargent Schutt <sargent@symposiafoundation.org>]

Sean,

springs affect ride harshness much more than shocks. Shocks/struts
control the motion, springs hold the weight of the car.

Case in point:

My dad’s 91 200q has H&R springs (lower ~1.5 inches, stiffer than
Eibach, Intrax, and much stiffer than stock). He has Boge turbo gas
shocks/struts, which are about 10-15% stiffer than stock. A pretty mild
improvement in motion control. BUT, his car rides pretty hard.

My 91 200q, on the other hand, has Eibach springs, which only lower the
car 3/4 inch. The Eibachs are not nearly as stiff as the H&R, and are
progressive, not linear (more akin to H&R). I have Bilstein
shocks/struts, which are much firmer than the Boge turbo gas. My car is
not nearly as harsh as my father‘s, even though my shocks are
SIGNIFICANTLY stiffer. 

My car feels more stable at high speeds, though, than the harder riding
H&R/Boge combo - this is because the shocks are primarily responsible
for the motion resistance - they work against the forse of gravity on
compression and against the rebound of the spring on rebound. To be
sure, the Bilsteins are pretty firm, but if you want more control I’d
definitely recommend the Bilsteins - lifetime warranty to boot (Same
true of Koni). Think about it - stock Mercedes are nearly always lauded
for their excellent poise in corners and stability at high speeds - they
don’t ride hard, but they DO use Bilstein shocks. (yes, valving is
custom set for the app, but still the ride is firm, but NOT harsh)

My only experience with Koni was in the European Car Mag‘s long term A4,
which they’ve modified with 17” wheels, lowering springs (Intrax?) Remus
Exhaust, and the Konis adjustables. They had the konis set to full soft
position (all konis are adjustable) - and the car felt like it had worn
out factory shocks to me (coming from the seat of my Bilstein/Eibach
setup). Others have reported that their Konis were too stiff in the
middle setting (soemone with a V8). This to me suggests you could buy
the Konis and set your car up just the way you like - you’d be playing
it safer with the Konis given the adjustability. Personally I prefer
Bilstein, but they’re both good products. I’ve never been very impressed
with Boge and others - as they’re not particularly good at high speed
control/damping - they don’t act quick enough. My car (91 200q) is
relatively heavy in front, and even the Bilsteins aren’t totally
adequate at keeping up with the weight - Steadirics Konis have custom
oversized front pistons (if I remember right) and theoretically do even
better at motion control (No personal experience with his set-up).

My seat of the pants experience confirms what I’ve read on this subject
in various mags over the years. There are certainly others on this list
who could provide a better explanation, but hopefully this helps dispell
the spring/shock harshness myth a little.

More knowledgeable listers feel free to correct any mis-steps I’ve made
here...

Sorry so long-winded, HTH...

Sarge

91 200q TAP chip/spring, Bilstein/Eibach, brakes coming soon...