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1976 Alfa Spider
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I am looking to change the shocks on my Spider. My mechanic suggested Konis but have heard conflicting reviews and also don't want to pay that much. Does anyone have experience with these shocks from Vicks and/or Classic Alfa? Would either be a good choice?



Thanks,
 

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You could save more money by not replacing your shocks, are they leaking? - the originals are fine if in good working order, I've got Koni reds and have no complaints but TBH the originals were fine and i only changed them as part of a package to improve handling.
 

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78 Alfa Spider
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334 Posts
You can also save money by buying perfectly good used shocks from a BB member who changed or upgrades their system. I see them for sale all the time. I purchased the house brand from Centerline a few years ago. They were just ok. I upgraded to Koni recently and they make a world of difference..
 

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Henry: If you decide to go the used Konis I have a set off a 1974 spider. I tested them per Koni procedures and they seem to be OK. I could sense the differences in resistance when I changed settings. Don't know why PO changed them out. Complete with hardware. $100 + shipping OBO
 

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'81 Spider Veloce (US) on Webers
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I recently put 4 KYB gas-a-just shocks on my 81 spider and love the improved ride and handling. But to be fair I made other changes around the same time too, such as new tires, lowered front end on stock springs (removed 10mm spring spacers as well as added shims between spring pans and lower A arms) and lowered rear end (cut 2 coils off stock rear springs). Shocks were last thing replaced and I did notice an improvement in ride comfort handling and rough road driving after installation. All this has had a major improvement in the comfort and handling of my car, plus the KYB shocks are inexpensive. They do increase height of the body slightly due to being gas charged they are pressurized and want to be fully extended, this in turn tends to "lift" the car slightly when empty and standing still. Very happy with them:cool:(y)
 

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You could save more money by not replacing your shocks, are they leaking? - the originals are fine if in good working order, I've got Koni reds and have no complaints but TBH the originals were fine and i only changed them as part of a package to improve handling.
I just replaced my original SPICA shocks from a 1980 yesterday and they hardly move at all compared to the Konis I put on and the Konis are supposed to be stiffer at the softest setting.
 

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SPAX shocks are good quality, they have a wide range of adjustment and they are quick and easy to adjust with a screwdriver. No need to unbolt anything. But they are for drivers who are prepared to pay a premium price for a premium ride.
I switched from Koni to Spax in order get superior adjustment of bump and rebound damping.
 

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1985 S3 veloce black
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20 Posts
I am looking to change the shocks on my Spider. My mechanic suggested Konis but have heard conflicting reviews and also don't want to pay that much. Does anyone have experience with these shocks from Vicks and/or Classic Alfa? Would either be a good choice?

I was wondering if you bought them and installed so how they are?
 

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I just swapped out a near new set of vintage Gabriel Red Ryder gas shocks on my 69 Roundtail this afternoon for a set of the Vicks Hydrasport shocks. Ride is much more compliant. Only have 20 or so miles on them so far and haven't tested them thru the twisties but much more comfortable in town. Too early to tell how I like them overall but the Gabriels were a bit too stiff for my liking on rough surface streets in town. They were great on the highway and spirited driving on windy roads.
 

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it's almost a alfa romeo spider
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I am looking to change the shocks on my Spider. My mechanic suggested Konis but have heard conflicting reviews and also don't want to pay that much. Does anyone have experience with these shocks from Vicks and/or Classic Alfa? Would either be a good choice?



Thanks,
look at the qa1 website.. then get back to me..pm me
 
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