shocks and springs

[alfanewbie]

hello! i bought a 74 gtv 2000 a week ago. my 1st alfa! woo hoo! i am enjoying the car. it'll need some minor body work and paint (rust and flaking!) but it is a nice, strong car.

i don't know much about shocks and springs. i've been reading the threads but haven't found exactly what i'm looking for. i noticed quite a lot of people use konis. not sure about the springs. here's the deal: my gtv rear end sags (i read that this is common) and suspension is too soft.

while i don't want race or performance type setups (maybe later), i would like to have the rear not so soft-and-low, and the front a little lower. would new stock equipment settle this? or could i go a little better with aftermarket products? could anyone provide me some info on appropriate combinations of parts? i would really appreciate it.

thanks.

[italcarguy]

You could go two ways with this:

Koni shocks with Shankle "sport" springs. This will give you a little lower ride and slightly stiffer ride but definately drivable everyday. Snaidy recently did this on his car, maybe he'll chime in and give you his opinion. I am about ready to do this set up on my GT Junior. Also, the ride height is slightly lower, if you want it lower you can cut the springs.

Another way to go is stock spring replacements from IAP and Koni shocks. they will sit about what it should sit stock. Again, if you want to lower it, cut the springs.

Most people I have come across have gone with the Shankle/Koni set up.

[justcallmefred]

Take it easy on cutting springs you can quickly take away progression and add rate which translates into rough ride. Don't forget about Dave Rughs springs which I use alot on GTVs they probably lower a tiny bit more but not too much. E-mail me if you want his # at giuliasuper1967@aol.com There are other ways to lower the cars a little washers between the front a-arms and spring pans deeper spring pans thinner shims in the spring pans and in the rear looking at any spacers that may be sitting on top of the rear springs. If you are going to keep the car don't cheap out on shocks Koni or Bilsteins are the best. And don't forget rebushing the suspension it's amazing what a difference that makes on its own!

[Sniady]

If the car is stock, and a US car it has a spacer in the front to raise the car for Country regulations.

I'd put the sport springs in, and Koni's. This will lower the front about a inch and actually raise the sagging rear a tad.

Also, you want the rear soft. Keep that oversteer down.

[genericwood]

Another option is the International sport street springs. They also lower the car about an inch in front without much change in the rear. Combined with Koni reds, I have been very happy. Nice on the street and also quite good on track days. Keep the Koni's adjusted full soft in the rear, though!

Erik

[alfanewbie]

thanks guys, for all the helpful suggestions. i am excited to try something out. where exactly would i look for these parts. i had looked in IAP but they didn't have any individual springs (maybe i didn't make the right query) for the car. also, i didn't see those koni red adjustables. and when i order those koni's, are they standard for the particular car, or is there a specific model? thanks again for your help.

[67GTV]

alfanoob,

Just go to http://www.international-auto.com/, enter your car's information and do a keyword search for springs and then for koni.

They have this performance spring set (minus the shocks & anti roll bar) for $215. The Koni's are $115 each.

You can call IAP at 800-726-0555 to request a catalog and/or place an order.

[Paradiso]

Linearossa has the KONI reds for $85. Click here.

[John M]

OKP has red konis for 65 Euros each!

Best Regards,
John M

[AlfaAutoCrosser]

Forget IAP for the springs and shocks. I found the best deal, for the same set of red sport springs, is at Vick AutoSports. The set of 4 is $195.50, and I made the purchase and was very happy with them. As far as shocks, you can get the complete set of 4 yellow Koni's from shox.com for $397 and free shipping.

[bellamoto]

thanks for dropping a line, all of you. i had decided not to go sporty for now and changed my non-working spicas to boge/sachs - sorta oem. it's been on for a couple of months and i like the ride. the springs are still the original. i may want to replace all the suspension bushings next year when i get a chance.

too bad the snow's coming.

calvin

[mmarvi]

What are you doing with the old spica?

[bellamoto]

hi mmarvi,

the spicas that i took off the car does not spring back after compression. i think it won't work anymore, and am just storing it away. if you think you could use it let me know.

calvin

[genericwood]

Since when do shocks "spring back" after compression? Or did you mean that they don't resist rebound after being compressed?

Erik

[mmarvi]

I was thinking Fool Injection Pump. I should have read a bit deeper.

Mo