New springs and shocks

P

Phoenix

New Member
Guys.... I collect my car on Tuesday and one of the first jobs I would like to tackle is the suspension, I would like to make it stiffer.

I am sure I can buy new springs with the rear ones being slightly stiffer than those on the front..... can the stronger rear springs be fitted to the front :? In other words are they the same size?

I would also like to fit stronger shocks and wonder whether any of you can recommend a brand and supplier to me :?

I know these questions may sound a little premature but I am sure I will have a list of jobs soon. Many thanks :)
 
Hello Phoenix,

Front and rear springs are not interchangeable. If you place front and rear springs side by side on the ground, the rears are from memory a good few inches shorter than the fronts. Rear springs if fitted in place of normal front springs in the front suspension would see the car sitting down on the front bump stops... :shock:

Uprated springs will each be stiffer than the standard Rover factory settings, with appropriate reductions in free length to take this into account. In this way the car will sit nicely when on the road and look just right.

Classeparts have some very nice looking shock absorbers which are fully adjustable for the P6/P6B.

Ron.
 
The P6 is designed with soft long travel suspension - one of the first mass production cars to have this. Handling and grip in long stable corners is already superb, even by modern standards. You don't have to stiffen the suspension to improve grip! Decent width tyres are all you need for that. What does need attention is turn in, which is very poor as standard. This can be solved easily with an uprated front anti roll bar and decent dampers.

I'd start by fitting SD1 Vitesse wheels and 205/65 X 15 tyres, the roll bar and dampers. Try it at that and then fit new springs if your taste in ride comfort demands. Of these really only the dampers are expensive and you are going to need them anyway!

Alan at Classeparts is probably the best contact for all these unless you are very confident in suspension design yourself.

Chris
 
Phoenix said:
Thank you very much for pointing me in the right direction :D
Click to expand...

No problem! :)

Depending on your budget, the Gaz shocks may make your eyes water a tad. You might also want to look at Avo adjustables...I know testrider on here fitted them and is well pleased. If you drop him a PM, I'm sure he'll give you the griff on them.

Available either >direct< or from Motorsport World or Demon Tweeks

Cheers,
 
Steve

You have my number .... I can show you Gaz springs and shocks fitted. I had Gaz springs made to lower the car 1 1/2", and adjustable shocks. I can throw the car around roundabouts at 40 without so much as a squeal. The car now sits in a superb position, almost aggresive to look at.

If you want them fitted, or supplied and fitted, this can be done at lower prices than buying Gaz shocks from a 3rd party. Please bear in mind, fitting new springs and shocks )especially fronts) is not for the feint hearted. Front springs are a REAL saga (wings off, impossible clamping blah blah), as is getting the car to sit right again, given all the shimming that has to be done ... goes down as one of the most miserable experiences of my restoration.

As I said before, welding, painting, modding can all be done within 2 mile of your front door.

As for SD1 wheels and tyres ..... they are best left on SD1's in my opinion, plus all the stud bother. A set of period Minilites, Cosmics or if you can find them Magstars look right. 195's are wide as I would go given rear arches. 15" Rostyles with low profiles are a nice, but common option (bu rub). Sd1 alloys are cheap and I believe personally this is for a reason (in my opinion).I prefer to see a car with "s" wheel trims over SD1 alloys.

Another option, is to buy as many SD1 alloys as humanly possible, wait for prices to peak and run them all in to Crow Metals!! Thats where boxes and boxes of Rover 25/45/75 alloys went, when Rover in Crow Lane went pop :D
 
Jim you are a star mate.... I may have to seek your advice from time to time but I would never take advantage.

I am collecting my car tomorrow and will be able to think of such jobs soon :)
 
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