Better shocks

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

The effect of better aftermarket shocks depends upon how cheap and crappy 
the stock shocks were. Newer European cars come with top quality factory 
shocks (try buying their replacements!) which often last the life of the 
car. It is very difficult to improve upon these. Almost always aftermarket 
shocks not specifically designed for your model will change the ride and 
handling without improving either.

If a significant change in shocks is made on a newer Euro car then the 
springs and probably the roll bars will need changing also. Springs and 
shocks need to be closely matched for optimum performance.

Now 25 years ago we got European cars in Canada with terrible shocks to 
allow the manufacturer to trim the price. First thing we did was trash the 
factory shocks (remove and throw away from new, or drive 10,000 km and 
remove and throw away, the deterioration of the shock was academic, they 
were crap to begin with) A nice set of stock Bilsteins (not sport or HD) or 
Koni or Spax would transform the car without changing the springs or roll 
bars. This is rarely the case now for Euro cars.(NA built cars still come 
with crappy factory shocks and many Japanese cars do also)


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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