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MG MGF Technical - Spax or Gaz shocks

Hi Folks,

Well, after failing to sell Velma (or her cunningly telling potential buyers that she doesn't want to be bought)... I think I'm now going to go for the suspension changes I was planning to do if I kept her to sort out the awful ride and handling..

So... my first question is to get Spax or Gaz shocks... Gaz are looking to be about £191 from MGFC and Spax about £240 from various sources (MGOC or B&G etc). I understand Koni's or the Bilsteins from Techspeed will be a little more than that...

Second question is do these come with bushes already?... in the pic of the Spax ones on MGOC they look like they do...

http://www.mgocaccessories.co.uk/acatalog/MGF_SUSPENSION_STEERING.html

On top of that, I'll do the tie-bar bushes at the same time...

Then I'll see what it's like at that point... if I see the need to go further I'll get MGFC/MGOC to do the rest of the poly bushes.

Cheers

Chris

Chris Tromans

Hi Chris,

can't say much about the difference in ride quality due to lack of own experience.

But have a look to the shockers built quality yourself and compare.
Surface treatment is one term to look for.
Shiny zink (yellow) surface like at GAZ might look good but rusts early if not proper treated.

HTH
Dieter
Dieter

Cheers Dieter,

I might nip down MGOC this weekend and take a look at some as its not far at all down the road from me up here in Cambridge...

Regards

Chris
Chris Tromans

Hi Chris,

I think we all knew Velma had another agenda ;-)

Been using the Gaz shocks for a couple of months, still experimenting with settings but pleased with the improvement, particularly on track. Clicked up to 30% damping the car rides potholes with almost the same fluidity as the standard setup, but feels much more planted under braking and on high-speed corners. A lot less pitch & roll too.
The Gaz units come with rubber bushes fitted, they are just a straight bolt-on. Feel well made, but I guess only time will tell. Did poly bushes all round at the same time, which I think is contributing to the improved performance/feel. The tie bar bushes involve unbolting several other mountings, so it's not much more work to do the rest (of the rear at least) while you're at it.

Dieter's caution on the surface finish is wise, so maybe I'll be applying a coat of lacquer next time the wheels are off.
Mike Hankin

Chris, you're right, the Bilsteins will cost more - IIRC 400 quid including fitting. Not sure how much they are on their own - perhaps Tim will recall what he paid?

Regaring the Gaz/ Spax question - probably much of a muchness: the comparison is difficult not least because each are adjustable. In dampers, you get what you pay for, so go for the more expensive for the quality. On some adjustables, the adjusters can corrode solid...

Also beware adjustables wound up to maximum stiffness - particularly at the rear. Andrew had this expensive experience: http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/common_problems/CoH/suspension_failure.htm

So that's the scare out of the way: without doubt, new dampers will truely transform the way that your MG will drive. I don't doubt that you'll love the improved suspension control, and the ride paradoxically improves despite the dampers being firmer. If you fancy a lower stance, then go for a set of lowering knuckles - the ones from a Trophy are probably the best ones to go for - so who ever you get your dampers from. ask about shorter suspension knuckles.

Doing the rear tie bush is a very good idea. If you can stretch to it, get the subframe bushes replaced at the same time - either Trophy or TF alloy ones are best IMO - with suprisingly little penalty in terms of NVH

You know that Velma deserves it ;o)
Rob Bell

Rob or anyone,

Any idea how much the subframe bushes cost to replace and how easy is it DIY? I'm probably aiming for DIY on the shocks and tie bushes.

...and excuse my ignorance - "NVH" ?

Yep Rob, I've read about the stiffness and the MS welding plates etc... I won't take the Spax one's above setting 5/6 as it mentioned on a site I was reading yesterday.

Cheers

Chris and Velma
Chris Tromans

NVH - Noise, Vibration, Harshness - they spend zillions trying to get that out of cars but I always thought it must be an interesting job.
Tony

Ah... cheers Tony... to be honest I think you could remove my suspension at the moment and it wouldn't make any difference to my NVH :-)

First step is to get the 72k service out of the way... and I've just booked it into MGOC for that on 30th June.

Quite looking forward to getting Velma back into shape...

Chris.
Chris Tromans

Subframe bushes aren't that easy - remember that the rear subframe carries the engine as well. Access can be a bit tricky. If you're going to the MGOC garages, have a chat with them and see how much they'd charge.

I had mine done at the last service, and boy, what a difference! :o)
Rob Bell

Rob,

Is it easy for you to calculate how much extra it was in your service to do those?

Cheers

Chris
Chris Tromans

I'll dig out the invoice Chris and see whether I can give you a clue as to costs... :o)
Rob Bell

Thanks Rob... I'm just trying to calculate how much to increase my girlfriend's rent by this month to cover the costs of all this ;-) (just kidding Cat if you're reading this... you can live in our house for free)

Regards

Chris
Chris Tromans

This thread was discussed between 14/06/2005 and 16/06/2005

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