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Meridien Milano

Author Topic: New Shocks - GAZ  (Read 11295 times)

alberto

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New Shocks - GAZ
« on: January 22, 2010, 05:16:48 PM »
I planning to get the esseesse kit fitted soon, was thinking about replacing the shock at the same time as the esseesse springs are fitted, what recommendations do you guys have if at all, is this a good idea?
« Last Edit: May 06, 2010, 08:22:51 AM by Chris555 »
A 500 L E owner

fraserwh

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2010, 02:07:30 PM »
This is a great idea...the only problem is to know what to buy....if you find the answer to the shocking 500 shockers you will become a saint overnight!!

fraserwh

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2010, 04:11:28 PM »
Spoke with Koni UK today who knew nothing of the problem, but helpful Kevin phoned Koni in Holland who knew all about it.  It appears Fiat has retained Koni to develop an aftermarket solution which will only be sold via Fiat (Abarth). So there we have it another expensive accessory soon to be with us to solve a problem that shouldnt exist and would cost zero to install on the production line!

barry

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2010, 06:22:21 PM »
Sorry i should answer on this thread!! Any time scale from Koni? I als have been trying to talk to people at Bilstein, but no real joy. What we need is an experienced suspension expert to understand about valving of shockers and spring rates. It beggers belief that Fiat/Abarth have engineers who believe that stiff springs and soft shockers are the key! There is a new guy at Fiat who is trying to sort out suspension design and tuning. That includes Alfa as well, which has been traditionally poor. Look at the new Mito; several attempts later and it is better but not right!
Abarth 500 esseesse; Campovola Grey, Black Leather; DMS 197bhp Turbo and ECU upgrade,  Monza Exhaust, Brembo 4 Pot Calipers and 285x28 floating discs, Sabelt Seats, Xenon Lights, Auto Climate, Skydome Roof, Auto Dip Mirror, Blue and Me Nav, Red Stripes and Mirrors, Scorpion decal, Alloy Gear Knob, Alloy Filler Cap, Assetto Corse OZ Wheels with Toyo R888's for Track Days!

irishpete

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2010, 07:34:25 PM »
I was reading my recently purchased copy of everyones favourite italian car magazine and came across a news article about GAZ GHA spring and damper kits for the 500 Abarth.

I know of this brand from MX-5 circles. Only problem is that some '5 owners swore by them whilst others swore never to go near them.

Anyone know about the brand? I noticed on their website that they supplied the dampers for the 3 series that Top Gear used in the 24 hour race.

Would you be tempted to try these? It seems that they may have beaten the big boys to offering a solution for the poor suspension?
Abarth 500 | Black with Red Stripes and Mirrors | Red Leather | Petals | Climate | One Manic Grin!

fraserwh

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2010, 08:30:53 AM »
Thanks..Haven't bought Auto Italia?? this month so didnt see article....may wing my way down to Smiths and get a copy...may also contact manufacturer.

mky500

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2010, 02:41:08 PM »
Hi Guys.

Click on the attached link and see what you think. I have had experience of Intrax products on Porsche 911 GT2/3 etc and they are fantastic. Might be a different option for you to think about.

http://www.intraxracing.nl/?cat=nieuws&nid=131

fraserwh

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2010, 03:02:15 PM »
Thanks...i have sent them an email

barry

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2010, 05:20:33 PM »
I have sent one too! Let's see what it brings.
Abarth 500 esseesse; Campovola Grey, Black Leather; DMS 197bhp Turbo and ECU upgrade,  Monza Exhaust, Brembo 4 Pot Calipers and 285x28 floating discs, Sabelt Seats, Xenon Lights, Auto Climate, Skydome Roof, Auto Dip Mirror, Blue and Me Nav, Red Stripes and Mirrors, Scorpion decal, Alloy Gear Knob, Alloy Filler Cap, Assetto Corse OZ Wheels with Toyo R888's for Track Days!

mky500

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2010, 05:50:30 PM »
The quality of their products are second to none. Also the way they can be set up is simple and straight forward to do. If you have any trouble contacting them i have an external contact that should be able to help.

fraserwh

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2010, 03:33:34 PM »
they have been very helpful and I have received the following:

For the Fiat 500 we have the RSA, this is a adjustable set with 40 clicks. The front is in height adjustable. On our website you will find a full description of the RSA shocks:  http://www.intraxracing.nl/?cat=productpage&id=415&title=RSA

Below the picture of the dampers + springs. The complete set is handmade by our production in Holland.

Pricing RSA set 1550,-- excl. 19% vat
Delivery-time about 1 week after order.
If you have more questions you can call us.
Best regards,
Claudette Sommers

The product looks good but its a bit out of my price range...will have to keep on looking


Lagerlout

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2010, 09:59:50 PM »
By the look of the springs they look quite a lot softer than my KW's.
As Keith Richards tells it, Jones came up with the name "The Rollin' Stones" (later with the 'g') while on the phone with a venue owner. "The voice on the other end of the line obviously said, 'What are you called?' Panic. The Best of Muddy Waters album was lying on the floor—and track one was 'Rollin' Stone Blues'".

barry

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #12 on: February 13, 2010, 09:09:22 AM »
I like the look of these. I am awaiting Claudette to come back to me answering some specific questions on ride quality, and resolving the bouncy pitch on the standard suspension. Spring rates need to be lower, and rebound and compression higher. Let the shocks do the work, rather thanthe springs. Why do Fiat always get it wrong way round?! After the suspansion work, I think i will be finished with mods to my car.........
Abarth 500 esseesse; Campovola Grey, Black Leather; DMS 197bhp Turbo and ECU upgrade,  Monza Exhaust, Brembo 4 Pot Calipers and 285x28 floating discs, Sabelt Seats, Xenon Lights, Auto Climate, Skydome Roof, Auto Dip Mirror, Blue and Me Nav, Red Stripes and Mirrors, Scorpion decal, Alloy Gear Knob, Alloy Filler Cap, Assetto Corse OZ Wheels with Toyo R888's for Track Days!

fraserwh

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #13 on: February 17, 2010, 10:09:30 AM »
I am now working on an arrangement with a manufacturer to produce a set of front and rear direct replacements which sort out the problem. The solution will be aimed at quick road use/occasional track days with no bouncing!
It will of course be up to the manufacturer to settle on a price but I believe that it will be very economical compared with the Intrax set.
With testing and manufacturing this will take probably 2 months to sort out...I'll advise on progress

A cure for the white spacehopper is in sight!

GTMartin

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Re: New Shocks
« Reply #14 on: February 17, 2010, 01:12:50 PM »

With testing and manufacturing this will take probably 2 months to sort out...I'll advise on progress



I don't know how adjustable the suspension is on an A500. Would the above include recommended settings for camber, castor etc?

Martin
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