Have you replaced your shock absorbers?
 

With all SVXii being over 5 years old. What shocks are you running?

I have done them all with OEM shocks.

Mine are still the original and all still in good shape, but I would like to lower the front end. I would be interested in knowing if anyone lowered theirs and what type struts they used.

I've read opinions here that the struts should only last 60k or so, but after 133k my SVX rides very well with no bouncing or harshness.

Admittedly, my SVX has not led a very hard life. It's very, very rarely driven hard and never really 'thrashed.'

I've had 3 SVXs, all with original shocks and springs. The one with 225k miles was very soft riding but not bouncy and handled okay, the one with 95k miles was shockingly smooth and an amazing handler, and the one I have now with 108k miles rides rather firm, but not harshly, and doesn't quite handle as well as the one with 95k miles that I wrecked. They all looked original...go figure.

Should I have the ones on my new 108k mile baby replaced? How can I tell if they need replacing? I have all 3 sets at my disposal, so if there's a way to tell if they're leaking or whatever, i'd love to know.

Does anyone notice that all SVXs have a completely different driving feel from each other? All three of mine felt like completely different cars, and add in the others i've been in, and...god I miss my 95k mile claret baby :(

Konis here.


With the Ground Control kit the car feels more like a Porsche, less like a Caddy.

Body lean is almost nonexistent until you push it... then it's there but controllable. I want sway bars next.

i just pm'ed you just so you know didnt know how often you check that thing....thanks in advance

K&B Springs
 

I got a set of K&B springs (from motorsportwarehouse) on OEM Struts. My car nose is definitely lower. and handles great but I will be upgrading to Koni shcks soon wrap things up.

Just hit 290,000 km on my way to the office this morning. Still has the same shocks as the day I bought it. I've asked the mechanic at the dealer I take it to, and he says they're fine. I don't notice anything bad, no bouncing around or swaying on cornering. How much longer can they last on my good old 92? regards dave

Just to bring this back up to the top again.

The results are starting to get interesting, but could do with a few more replies.

I would also like to know if anyone replaces their shocks, without feeling they were completely shot, and what sort of difference was noticed.

I would also appreciate any links to mag tests etc on this subject.


Thanks

Should I have mine replaced? Riding seems smooth and not excessively bumpy but it looks like I have more wheel gap in the front than the back.

Yeah the sheetmetal is cut like that for aerodynamics...i know...ick.

The SVX prototype had rounder rear wheel wells, and got .27 cd...better than our production ones. Why did they do that!?

So, again, how do you know if they're bad or not, or leaking?

Sure Porter,
 

any opportunity to brag about your awesome upgrade :D
-Bill

The normal 'life expectancy is 5 years or 50k miles.

Shocks should be treated like a service item, after all, we don't wait until our cambelts snap before we replace them.

The performance drop off is slow and is therefore un-noticed. Similar to tyres really, except you can see when you tyres need replacing.