revalving shocks
#32
#33
What is the max spring rate we can use with the stock valving? As per my searches, it seems many believe the car to be overdamped...which should allow the use of a little stiffer springs without the re-valve.
Thanks,
TomK
Thanks,
TomK
#35
Nordschleife Master
OK so, bringing this thread back up cause frankly, it's always relevant...
Just to be sure that I understand, there are two "reasons" to send shocks to Bilstein: Revalve, and Refresh, right?
- So then, you need to "revalve" only if you change the springs, correct? Assuming everything was "matched" to begin. This assures that everything works in harmony.
- The other reason is to "refresh" the seals, fluid, and any wear items, correct?
My setup was ok, but now has 20,000 hard miles. Is it safe to assume that it would be a good idea to send my dampers off to Bilstein for a refresh?
My home track is very bumpy, but I don't have the money for the multi-way adjustable setup that would be ideal when I go from track to track.
Oh, my shocks are from a cup car.
Thoughts?
Just to be sure that I understand, there are two "reasons" to send shocks to Bilstein: Revalve, and Refresh, right?
- So then, you need to "revalve" only if you change the springs, correct? Assuming everything was "matched" to begin. This assures that everything works in harmony.
- The other reason is to "refresh" the seals, fluid, and any wear items, correct?
My setup was ok, but now has 20,000 hard miles. Is it safe to assume that it would be a good idea to send my dampers off to Bilstein for a refresh?
My home track is very bumpy, but I don't have the money for the multi-way adjustable setup that would be ideal when I go from track to track.
Oh, my shocks are from a cup car.
Thoughts?
#36
Rennlist Member
Revalve
FFaust so yes to the benefits of revalving the last time I did this was when I converted from the stock springs to a 700/900lb set up .Given what you say about what I assume is a bunch of tracktime(just like me!)and that your shocks are Cup car shocks I would say you should run those shocks out to whoever manufactures them .I am sure the refresh cycle on the Cup shocksis like everything else on the cup car and you are probably way past the time for maintenance.Off hand I have no idea if Bilstein is the maker of those shocks and wouldn't be surprised if there were several manufacturers .Of course I am sure they are rebuildable!cheers HOM
#38
Nordschleife Master
FFaust so yes to the benefits of revalving the last time I did this was when I converted from the stock springs to a 700/900lb set up .Given what you say about what I assume is a bunch of tracktime(just like me!)and that your shocks are Cup car shocks I would say you should run those shocks out to whoever manufactures them .I am sure the refresh cycle on the Cup shocksis like everything else on the cup car and you are probably way past the time for maintenance.Off hand I have no idea if Bilstein is the maker of those shocks and wouldn't be surprised if there were several manufacturers .Of course I am sure they are rebuildable!cheers HOM
#39
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At ~25,000 miles (total - way less track miles), my shocks were completely toast. I expect the same from you.
If I were in your shoes, then I'd consider 700/800 and getting the shocks refreshed and revalved to match. You should notice a difference next spring.
Cheers,
If I were in your shoes, then I'd consider 700/800 and getting the shocks refreshed and revalved to match. You should notice a difference next spring.
Cheers,
#40
Nordschleife Master
Thanks Allan, I agree.
Is there a way to know if you shocks are toast, or is it a matter of getting it done and then realizing afterward how bad they were?
Is there a way to know if you shocks are toast, or is it a matter of getting it done and then realizing afterward how bad they were?
#41
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I really felt the bounce-bounce-bounce in a couple places on the track and then I let a pro drive - he agreed the shocks were gone.
With new motons and springs, everything tightened right up and I now have more confidence in high speed turns. The car was a bit "floaty" before and now it's more predictable because the suspension settles down faster. I don't know if I'm using the right words, but once you go through the process, you'll understand.
With new motons and springs, everything tightened right up and I now have more confidence in high speed turns. The car was a bit "floaty" before and now it's more predictable because the suspension settles down faster. I don't know if I'm using the right words, but once you go through the process, you'll understand.
#42
Nordschleife Master
Thanks again Allan, you are absolutely using the right words. I get the picture, cause that's how I feel.
Drove the car on the street a bit between the track season and putting it away for the winter, and the car literally wanted to jump off the road when it got rough.
Also, this summer, I came back to Mosport (bumpy) after spending a month at Tremblant and Calabogie (very smooth both), and felt like the car was all over the place. The opposite of being "confidence inspiring".
I'm still kicking myself for not getting one of our local racers to drive my car late in the year. He came out with me as a passenger, but it wasn't until I got home that night that I realized the missed opportunity
Drove the car on the street a bit between the track season and putting it away for the winter, and the car literally wanted to jump off the road when it got rough.
Also, this summer, I came back to Mosport (bumpy) after spending a month at Tremblant and Calabogie (very smooth both), and felt like the car was all over the place. The opposite of being "confidence inspiring".
I'm still kicking myself for not getting one of our local racers to drive my car late in the year. He came out with me as a passenger, but it wasn't until I got home that night that I realized the missed opportunity