Shock absorbers

[1750GTV]

Some time soon I intend to rebuild the front and rear suspensions on my 105.
The car is used occassionally on the road and will never be raced - at least, not during my ownership.
I realise that this question has probably been asked repeatedly but I'm interested in getting the opinion of the list as to the types of shock absorbers that I should fit. Currently it has a set of standard deCarbons that I put on many years ago - they still seem OK, but I'll replace them anyway.
The suspension geometry is original and I'd like to keep it that way - I don't want to get into the whole lowering thing unless I can be convinced of the performance value of doing it. This is just a street car.
The tyres are new 195/70s.
While I'm under there, I also intend to replace the tierods and rebush the idler. The steering box was rebuilt recently.
I'd welcome comments,
Chris

PS: Over the years I've tended to get parts mainly from overseas because they usually have stock but this time I'd like to source the suspension components locally. Who would people recommend?

[Gary Pearce]

Turin Imports in Adelaide (1800 888225 ask for Ian) is your best bet for all your suspension parts. I don't think you will beat them on price even with freight to Qld. They offer you a discount too if you are a Club Member. You can't go wrong with Koni adjustable shockers, that way you can adjust them to suit your personality.

[pep105]

Hey Chris,
I rebuilt my suspension and steering box on my car 4 years ago. I run Koni adjustables yellows in the front and reds in the rear. The Konis were there when I bought the car and are in good condition so it was the few things I didnt change (and the rebound straps) I would recomend Konis and if its road use with original suspension Koni Reds would do the job, but nothing wrong with Koni yellow (sport). Once the suspension, steering box and new tyres (Michelins) were fitted the car was a revelation it really is beautiful to drive maybe its also a testament to how farked everything was before 

I sourced my parts locally (Melb) as your in QLD I would recomend Turin as well, fast, friendly service, good pricing and sometimes it seems youve just got off the phone with them and the parts arrived at your door...well almost !!!

[Davidm1600]

Yep can agree with Pep's comments and from what I have read elsewhere, including comments from Max Banks (Alfaholics), Koni Yellows up front and reds in the back is a good choice for normal road use. I have run Koni yellows front and rear and been happy with this setup. But that was my choice.

Truth be told if you go and have a look on the Alfabb there have been many discussions on the best suspension setup for 105s.  Sure Bilsteins, coil overs, etc etc, are great but there is the small matter of cost ($$) plus what sort of driving you are doing and therefore need.  Vin Sharp (PACE) I am sure could also provide plenty of advice on the best suspension setup you need and undoubtedly provide all you need.  Similarly, you should also be able to get most parts from places like Milano Spares.  I have dealt with Marc (Milano) in the past, and also Richard Norris (Classic Alfa - UK).  They all know their stuff.  Dave

[Sportscar Nut]

Hi

I have a 1969 GTV 1750 Series 1 that had Koni Reds front & rear and recently had the shockers rebuilt by Top Performance to Koni Yellow specifications and this transformed the handling and ride without being too harsh.

Beninca's recommended this as they believe that Koni Reds are way too soft for the 105's springs and I now agree with them!

Regards
Paul

[lombardi]

IN THE FUTURE ID LIKE TO RENEW MY SUSPENSION AS WELL ON MY 1750 105 VELOCE,NOT FOR RACING,THIS IS MY EVERYDAY DRIVER,to give me a ball park figure whats the cost,say with konis yellows,including labour,as i imagine its a pretty laborious job for experts.ciao

[Davidm1600]

Hi Lombardi

To try to answer your question I will give you some idea of the costs I spent on bringing my '69 1750 upto spec.  However, please bear in mind this was done some 10 years ago and in part now needs to be redone. So I would be definitely adding extra to guage the likely costs.   

I had both the front and rear suspension overhauled including new ball joints (upper/lower), tie rods (inner/outer), bushes, including sway bar etc as well as Koni Yellows all around. The total cost for parts/labour from memory (except Konis) was around $2200.  The Konis cost me an additional $550.  I have more recently in the past also had Koni reds upgraded to yellow specs and I seem to recall this cost me for 2 shocks around $200. 

If you wish to gauge the cost of parts in UK pounds and convert back to AUD log onto websites such as Classic Alfa, Alfaholics, Highwood Motor Co.  They have all parts listed and costed.  Similarly I suspect that PACE may also have similar info available.  Perhaps Turin do, though I dont think Milano do on their website.  A few ph calls or e-mails should give you a good idea on what to expect.     

As to the labour component, yes there is quite a lot of work to do in pulling it all down and putting it back together again but then again any decent Alfa specialist has most likely done this job plenty of times, and therefore it shouldnt be a problem to them.  Dave

[1750GTV]

IN THE FUTURE ID LIKE TO RENEW MY SUSPENSION AS WELL ON MY 1750 105 VELOCE,NOT FOR RACING,THIS IS MY EVERYDAY DRIVER,to give me a ball park figure whats the cost,say with konis yellows,including labour,as i imagine its a pretty laborious job for experts.ciao

I had budgeted about $2000 for the front suspension and steering with me doing the work. From what I see of prices, I probably won't be far out.
As for the rear suspension, it should not be that expensive, though I haven't priced it yet.

Thanks to all for the advice - I appreciate it.

When I do this, if there is some interest, I'll post some photos.

Regards,
Chris

[pep105]

Hey Chris,

Id say youve budgeted right my bill came to $ 2800 which included 4 tyres $ 480 and steering box $600
so looks like were all in the same ballpark

and yes we are interested so post some photos.

 

[1750GTV]

Before this thread dies, is it worth getting new springs as well?
Is there an easy way of telling if the old ones are cactus or will I have to get them tested? The car currently sits level and looks to be the correct height.
I guess if I'm going to rip the suspension out, I may as well go the whole hog.
Chris

[lombardi]

is it true that spraying wd40 on suspension and rubbers and springs every so often is beneficial,ie keep it working,minimise noise and added protection.

[Colin Byrne]

 If the ride height is still OK then the spring rate can't have changed,  that said springs are relatively cheap and are a very powerful suspension tunning mod.  Even for a road car changing the relative spring rate front/rear can have very beneficial results

As much as I love WD40, it's uses on suspension are probably pretty limited, spraying it on springs is not going to do much except attract dust,  I can't see how it can help vulcanised rubber bushes, it may stop it drying out, but I doubt it.   And if you have nylathane bushes you should use the specific grease supplied with them.

[1750GTV]

If the ride height is still OK then the spring rate can't have changed,  that said springs are relatively cheap and are a very powerful suspension tunning mod.  Even for a road car changing the relative spring rate front/rear can have very beneficial results

Thanks Colin. Looks like I've now got some research to do on springs. I might get yellow or red ones, what do you think?

Chris

[Colin Byrne]

I guess it depends on what colour neon's your going to put under your fully sick body kit