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Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:31 am

Hi there, installing a full new drive train in my manx style buggy (SWB) and want to know what the best (most comfortable with good cornering) shocks are for front and rear.

Gonna replace these too!!

Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:57 am

It sounds like your application will be for paved roads. If that is the case I would gl with KYB GR2 (light grey in color). Good luck.

Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:00 am

they seem pretty stiff for my buggy. Aren't they meant for a standard bug, ie: 450+ pounds more body weight than my buggy?

My uncle used to design and build racing chasses for formula vee at Autodynamics back in the early 70s, and he had planned to put some old-style oil shocks on my buggy back when it was his project. He said a used (worn) pair would work even better, since you don't need all that much damping for a buggy.

Still, if the KYBs are at all like the ones I had on my squareback in the 80s, they should be all worn out pretty soon 8)

Mark

Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:07 am

i got the gr2 but haven't put them on yet. i have stock shocks now and they are plenty stiff! i have been told often to give the gr2s a try so i will be.supposed to be softer than the stock anyway.

Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:27 am

Try the Boge shocks, they are not as stiff as the KYB.

Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:11 am

I have the GR2s (gray) in the front with gas adjust (white) in the rear - road driven and i LOVE windy roads. Everytime I drive this thing, I am still amazed at how smooth the ride it. And it stays flat in the corners.

With the buggy, it originally had bias ply tires and stock shocks. New radial tires a wheels made the biggest difference, but the KYBs made it feel more "solid" - it's hard to describe it exactly, it's like it was firmer, but the ride quality actually improved.

Keep in mind tire pressure can also make a HUGE difference in ride. I run about 4 lbs over stock pressure in my Subaru WRX (handles better and tires wear better), but you feel every bump in the road.

Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:55 pm

I am now actually thinking on going for spax adjustables of a slightly shorter length than standard.

This way, the camber will be adjusted and I can pick how firm the ride is!!

Tue Apr 25, 2006 10:35 pm

Silver Gr2 on the rear, worn out oil shocks on the front, I also keep the front tire pressure low, about 12 lb.for the road, 5 lbs.offroad, the tire absorbs shock and is part of the suspension.

Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:42 pm

Funny, my WRX rides better with tires over stock pressure as well. At the rate I'm going, I'll have to wait till the end of the summer (at the earliest) to see how my buggy rides.

Flat Engines rock!

Thu Apr 27, 2006 12:07 am

Is the front end lowered?

Is so then what shocks do you recommend?

Thu Apr 27, 2006 5:33 am

joemama wrote: Silver Gr2 on the rear, worn out oil shocks on the front, I also keep the front tire pressure low, about 12 lb.for the road, 5 lbs.offroad, the tire absorbs shock and is part of the suspension.

Wow, that's low pressure! My buggy is longer than most (only shortened 10" instead of 14"), so the weight distribution is about 30/70 compared to 10/90 or 15/85 like most buggies, so I can't go that low, but I still may need to drop it a bit more. I'm running 18 front, 26 rear, but the vintage manual I have recommends 16/24. I'm running 185-60R13s in front and 245-60R15s in back, and I thought with the low profile tires I'd need more air, but maybe not.

I'm pretty much deciding that I need those worn out oil shocks up front, though. Anyone got a set they were thinking of tossing? :wink:

Mark

BTW, biggraham, you're right up the road from me. Ought to hook up some time and do a mountain cruise, once I get my carbs/distributor set up right.

Thu Apr 27, 2006 7:27 am

I am running 205 55 15 and 295 50 15 - pretty sure I am running about 24 in the front and 26 in the rear. If I run too much lower the cornering suffers a lot - (too much sway in the tires) - Shortened Manx style.

Thu Apr 27, 2006 7:45 am

I remember a post from Lostinbaja, perhaps from the Manx site before it went PPV. He suggested drilling a small hole at the base of a cheap shock and draining the oil into a measuring cup. Replace the oil with the same amount of 0 wt. shock oil and then seal the hole back up, either by tapping the hole and sticking a screw in it or a pop rivet. Did I remember that right, Jerry?

I've thought about doing this, but I have been unable to locate a source for 0 wt. oil.