RE: [doc] lowering PSO.

["Chris Parnham" <chrisparnham@xxxx>]

Martin / Stephen / List.

A couple of years ago, DMC Huston looked into redesigning the DeLorean
suspension. They chose , possibly THE worlds leading expert to do the job.
H.....B..... Engineering, here in good old Derbyshire. These people worked
on the original Delorean project and continued to do development work until
this day, for most of the worlds leading car companies. They keep a very low
profile and do not deal direct with the public. I have been given the tour
of there manufacturing and research facilities, believe me, its small but
very impressive. They know what they are doing!

When the "project" started my car, Delores, was the test and research
vehicle used.

The eventual finished set up was a VAST improvement on the original , 20
year old set up.

So what did they come up with?

4 new, lower springs and 4 "state of the art" shockers.

The springs lower the front of the car down about and inch and a half,
making the car look and feel much better. The rear less so indeed, almost
imperceptible from the original ride height. DMC's price for 4 springs,
about ?400.

The shockers (or dampers) are specially designed and made at the Derbyshire
headquarters. Cost again about ?400 a set of four.
The only problem now, as I saw it, was the cost.

Its all right for these "rich" folk, but I wanted to try and get the parts
"affordable" for my UK boys. I tried to get a substantial UK "club
discount", but was unsuccessful.

Basically, a spring is a spring, as long as it's the correct height, and
loading, it does the job. The ones on the rear, after 20 years of use have
settled down to "near enough" the correct height. The front one's however
are much to long. I asked DMC Huston weather they would sell just the front
springs, to get the cast down. They said no. All 4 springs must come
together. Despite my discussions with all concerned, I felt that the total
price of about ?800, for the whole set up was liable to find very few takers
in the UK. Leading to the inevitable result that "my boys" would continue
the much cheaper, time honoured butchery of chopping springs!

In this "free market", I then approached a specialist spring manufacture in
Sheffield. After fully discussing the issues, he came up with custom
designed and made front springs, to the proper UK height, made to the
highest standards, with top quality steel, at an affordable price.

In his and my opinion, the reduction in height of the rear springs was so
minimal as not to be worth the cost and effort involved.

The shockers are another matter, I have to say that the one's designed and
made for DMC Huston are "the business", they may cost about ?100 each, but
considering the costs and effort of developing them, I think this is fair.

If money is no object, then buy the whole set up from DMC Huston for about
?800. If you are on a budget, buy a pair of springs from me at ?50 , and if
you can afford it, I would strongly recommend a set of the Huston (
Derbyshire) shockers, for another ?400.

I have no experience of other peoples shockers, but my main comment would be
that a "custom made one", is going to be far better than some others that
"happen to fit", as sold by some other people. .

I have currently sold about 60 sets of new front springs (at near enough
cast price) with no complaints.

You honourable (cost saving) secretary. CP






-----Original Message-----
From: Martin Gutkowski [mailto:webmaster@xxxx]
Sent: 28 February 2002 11:57
To: doc-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [doc] lowering PSO.

You can buy springs, front and back, from DMC Houston. They are expensive
Chris has the front springs at 50 quid. Go figure. Most people only
bother to lower the front.
PJ Grady has replacement modern shocks, for both front and back, which I
have heard can be ajusted to lower the car. They improve the ride and
handling massively.

Stephen Strelczak wrote:

> Martin,
>
> can I get a clear answer, as am still confused. As I see it, here
> are my options.
> 1) Buy 5o quid front lowering springs from C.P.
> 2) Use spring compressors at own peril......
>
> What were the other option then?
>
> Something about PJ Grady rear shocks or something, could you make it
> more clear cut. So I can chat with my mechanic about the options we've
> got. I'd love to improve the handling on the car, so I'm looking for
> the best system to lower the whole car, without going into really
> stupid prices.
>
>
> Stephen.
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