Board logo

Shock Info
Daddylonglegs - 15/9/08 at 10:42 AM

Any recommendations on poundage and shock/spring size for my car (+442 running 1.6 Pinto and Type 9 'box with Live axle rear)

I weigh in at a measly 210lb () -- but am 6' 4" so carry it off really well

JB

Surrey Dave - 15/9/08 at 10:49 AM

Springs

275 lbs front

180 lbs rear

Marcus - 15/9/08 at 11:28 AM

sounds about right to me, although i went 225 front with a crossflow

omega 24 v6 - 15/9/08 at 12:27 PM

Having just done my 442 I've come to the conclusion that you SHOULD NOT guess at it.
Do a search as there are a couple of spreadsheets available for you to work it out for yourself. Or I'm sure there will be others more informed than I who will be along to offer advice.

mr henderson - 15/9/08 at 03:52 PM

OK, well seeing as you are asking about shocks and springs I'll assume you have neither at the moment.

Best thing to do is to get the suspension assembled and the wheels and tyres on. Then jack the car up til it's at your required ride height. Then make up some lengths of steel box to take the place of the shocks, and fit them.

If you are happy that the car looks right as is, then you can remove on of the dummy shocks and decide how much suspension movement you require, and as you move the wheel up and down you can measure what the open and closed lengths of the shocks needs to be.

When you replace the dummy shock you will be able to measure how much the spring will be compressed by when fitted and at the standard ride height. By now you have all the data needed to calulate the spring rate AND LENGTH that is needed.

My maths isn't up to caculating the required spring from that info, because the springs will be at an angle and soemwhat in from the actual wheel, but I believe there was a thread on here recently with a couple of spreadsheets that will help.

I would say that most 7's are fitted with springs that are too stiff, OK for smooth race tracks where resisting roll is important, but not so good for normal (bumpy) roads, so bear that in mind when making your choice.

John

mr henderson - 15/9/08 at 03:54 PM

Oh, BTW your post says 1.6 pinto, but your info panel says 1.6 OHV. OHV would usually be a crossflow, whereas the pinto would normally be described as SOHC

John

Daddylonglegs - 15/9/08 at 06:33 PM

quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
Oh, BTW your post says 1.6 pinto, but your info panel says 1.6 OHV. OHV would usually be a crossflow, whereas the pinto would normally be described as SOHC

John


I think senility is setting, you are indeed correct it is a SOHC NOT OHV. Signature now amended.

Sorry for being stupid

And thanks John for the info, you are right, I have not got to the suspension mounting bit yet. That is my next move. I am just sourcing the steel, bushes etc. for bones and trailing arms/panhard rod and also the mounting brackets.

JB

MikeCapon - 16/9/08 at 08:51 AM

Here's a spreadsheet that will help you with the choice of rates.