Recomended springs/dampers

[chris1600]

As part of the rebuild of my car, I might get new springs and dampers. I wondered if there are any that people would recomend. I don't want/need dampers with adjustable bump/rebound, just some simple good quality ones. The car is an Swift FB90 and the damper size is 13 inch with 9 inch springs.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[mattray]

Hi

If I were you I would ask Ben Norton what he ran and use that. I will email him and let him know about this thread.

or did he have an 89?

Matt

[Walshy]

Hi Matt.

Ben's was an '89, but as far as I am aware, it's the same car. They just mounted the radiators in side pods rather than one large one behind the driver.

When I had the Swift' 89 Chris, it was on SACHS and the springs were:
Front: 250 Rear: 300

You might have trouble sourcing steel SACHS now and as far as I can remember, getting them rebuilt is a struggle.

Plump for something else.

[mattray]

888 will service SACHS but they send them to Germany and it can take a while, certainly longer then the first race is away!

[chris1600]

Thanks for your replies guys.

Your'e right Walshy, i've got a set up sheet and it is 250/300 and I think the front dampers are sachs, not sure about the rears. Im going to see if I can get the springs tested to see what ratings they are.

I guess these are the original springs/dampers. Are they still going to be ok after 17 years or do they wear out.

[Athgoe Racing]

If i were you i'd stick a set of ohlins in the car good easy to use damper and friendly helpfull people and start with walshys spring rates.

[Walshy]

I can't imagine their being much of a problem with the springs. It's not like they take a major hammering.

The springs are relatively inexpensive to replace anyway.

Regarding the Dampers, th Ohlins are very very good, but I would say if you are new to the sport, then for the massive outlay for Ohlins might not be what you fancy.

Watch everyone wince now, but if you want to throw a cheap set on whilst your getting used to things, go and get some AVO's. I know I know, some people don't like them, but I put them on the Swift and they were fine and at the end of the day, you can have 5 sets before you've paid for the Ohlins.

And I have to say, they weren't as bad as people make out.

Then again, if there is no rush, then send the SACHS to germany.

If you need anymore data Chris, PM me and I can supply you with loads on the 89/90.

[chris1600]

I might stick with the existing kit for the moment. I've spent plenty allready and the dampers aren't in bad condition. They are easy enough to change quickly later on.

Thanks again.