Running a CMC non flared body with 71 beetle pan. Looking to replace shocks since car has sat since 08--recent first speedster purchase. Removing the 185 65 15 tires and going back to 165 80 15 due to tight driver side rear fender gap. What are the better choices without breaking the bank. Do not like Gabriels--not reliable shocks in my opinion. Not sure what engine size I have as past owner passed a few years ago. Does have dual Dells.
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Any thing more than a stock oil filled replacement shock is too hard for most people in the front; the KYB GR2 is a popular choice for the back. Hope this helps. Al
And if you don't like the KYB shocks, both Koni and Bilstein have shock models for a VW sedan - 1970 model year works for most of us.
X2 to the above. These cars are lighter so a stiffer shock with give a harsher ride depending on right height etc. I've found that stock VW units (Cofap I think) are inexpensive and work ok as well also.
Thanks TRP--what brand are they? Does anyone run Monroe sensa-trac --I believe they may be gas shocks. Sure don't want a harsh ride but also don't want to be spongy in the corners since I'm running 165/80's on IRS
...Sure don't want a harsh ride but also don't want to be spongy in the corners since I'm running 165/80's on IRS
Put sway bars on it- they add nothing when going over bumps and other irregularities in the road but will make the car handle more predictably. How wide are the rims on your car is there enough fender clearance to run a slightly wider tire in the back? A 185/65-15 is 24 1/2" tall, 3/4" wider and will fit a 5-6 1/2" rim. On the front, 175/65's (a little shorter at 24" and will fit a 5-6" rim) would also add a little more rubber to the road, and being a lower profile, be a little better handling. Hope this helps. Al
Edit- I just wanted to add that for most guys who just want to drive the car and it remain comfortable while handling as well as possible, this advice (oil shocks on the front, a little firmer shocks on the back, sway bars and a little wider tires) will provide the best results. If tracking the car you'll have different priorities.
Oh- just reread your original post- if the 185's aren't actually touching the bodywork, stay with them. Some people have trimmed the inside of the fender lip a little to get the clearance necessary to run wider tires. The 165/80's are tall and skinny, and you'll feel the difference.
\/ \/And what Gordon said below\/ \/
"These cars are lighter so a stiffer shock with give a harsher ride depending on right height etc."
I think we proved a few years back at Carlisle, when we weighed a bunch of cars, that these Speedsters are right about the same weight as a VW sedan.
From Wikipedia: The 1967 model weighed 840 kg (1,850 lb) in federal trim, 800 kg (1,760 lb) in Europe".
Weighing a bunch of Speedster replicas, the weights went from around 1,750 to around 2,000 lbs. We also have corner weights (although I would have to dig back to find mine) and they were all similar to the VW sedan, depending on the make of Speedster weighed, because battery placement comes into play. THAT is why I feel it's safe to recommend Koni and Bilstein shocks - the spring weights are similar.
Beyond that, A stiffer shock (typically, a Gas shock) will give a harsher ride no matter what, but enhance the performance aspect of the experience. It all depends on how you wish to drive it.
They are just OEM Boge / Sachs shocks. Nothing fancy.
Ted
FYI Gordon- Bilstein no longer has a front shock with the proper compression/rebound rates; they can be custom ordered (I believe $60 extra), but I don't know the specs you would want. I am told though, the are the best!
Rims are 4.5 chrome slots. Not planning on huge upgrades ($$$) since its my 1st Speedster. Recenlty sold my 68 Ghia Vert and 69 Ghia Coupe so needed a new direction.
Car came with chrome moon caps but they will not fit.
Someone point me in the right direction to purchase a set---its has 4 bolt rims and disc on all 4.
Also looking to put on stainless rim rings as the chromes have some pitting that should be covered up by rings.
Don't have a bottomless checking acct--getting ready for retirement in 5 years--ouch!
I have Konis on my IM and I like them because they're adjustable. I have the fronts on 'full soft' because the front is so light, and the rears on '3/4 hard' to compensate for the rear weight bias.
