Gas Shocks

[iowaracer]

We are currently looking at switching shocks. Right now we are just running standard afco shocks. We want to try some kind of gas shock. In IMCA we arent allowed a cannister shock, so the M2s are out. We are looking at Integra, Genesis, or the new style of Bilsteins. Just curious what are your opinions of these? i know that the integras and genesis are great shocks, but we are leaning to the bilsteins cuz of cost reasons, what are the basic differences in these shocks?

[ScottyRocket]

The option i would be looking for is adjustable gas pressure. The old bilstiens steel bodies didn't have that option unless you added it yourself.

Another key to look at is the gas volume. More volume mean less pressure increase as the shock is compressed. This may or may not be a sensitive thing on your car but that depends on the tires, chassis and setup you have.

If you can revalve them yourself, then that is also something to think about.

Best thing to do is get what is within your budget. Run them, learn them and then re-evaluate where your program is for the next season. If you feel you have a good handle on them, then maybe sell what you have and upgrade.

Good Luck.

[iowaracer]

The adjustable gas pressure is pretty key for us, thats one of the options we really want, but we were told the guts of the new bilsteins are pretty much the same as the others, and I was just curious, what is the basic differences between like a Bilstein and an integra or genesis.

[Rocket Bonehead]

I am sure any of the brands will work. The main thing will be to find the right people that will work with you (for a reasonable price) to get the shocks where they need to be.



RB

[timmayb]

If you decide to go with bilsteins, check this guy out. He did some shocks for us earlier this year, and was very well priced, and he can add the schrader valves for you so you can adjust them yourself.

http://www.wadecross.com/fxsuspension/index.htm

Normally i don't plug people, but we were extremely happy with the work we got, and it was dirt cheap.

[jr18]

what does the adjustable gas pressure do. This type of shock is new to me I am still trying to learn the afco's. It seen to me that is all you hear about now is the adjustable gas shocks and I am planing to try them pretty soon. How much different are in knowing what adjustment to make. I hope you can make out what I am asking.

[timmayb]

The type i was talking about with the schrader valve i think only adjust the nitrogen in them for rebound, i may be wrong. The majority of the people are talking about the adjustable canister shocks.

Those are the best shocks available from what i hear, but run about 4 grand for a full set of 6.

[ScottyRocket]

The gas pressure affects the rod pressure....basically if you were to look at a shock dyno chart and only adjust the gas pressure, your compression dampening force would go up and your rebound would go down at all shaft speeds.... so kinda like going form a 4/4 to a 5/3 without changing the valving. The adjustable gas option is mainly for making quick adjustments. A heavy tacky track usually will require a higher pressure just to help keep the car freed up. Then once the track dries a little you can lower the pressure.

As for how much adjustment.... that's up to your shock builder and you. Everyone will like a little different feel.

The idea around the canister or larger gas volume is that the rod pressure doesn't increase as quickly as the gas shocks w/o the canisters do. Less pressure change means a more consistent dampening force and it will be less sensitive to higher shaft speeds(less pressure buildup = less rod pressure).

Shock builders are great for getting you going, but i am from the school of learn on my own, so that is what we do. I also think that if the builder isn't a racer, then they are getting their information from the racers...and in my mind i am already behind the curve if i rely on them for info. Honestly, one of the teams i work with has done pretty well around here and I haven't really messed with their shocks all that much this year. We're still running twin tube gas bag shocks. We've worked more with springs and bars than anything.

[GRT85c]

I guess I would recommend the Bilsteins. I have been on Bilsteins for 7 years now and have had nothing but good luck. We also are budget minded and can run any type of shock. We started with all steel bodied Bilstiens (used) and have purchased several new ones to get the valvings that we felt we were looking for. I have worked with Kevin Weaver to get schrader valves installed and to get my shocks rebuilt/revalved/dynoed. The only shock that we have found that we did anything special with was the LR. We do change the gas pressures to suit the car/track, but we have been able to accomplish this with the steel bodied shocks with schrader valves. I'm sure you can spend more money on a shock package, but for a weekly racer I just can't justify the expense.