Re: [doc] Shock Absorbers

[Nick Tomlinson <nickandkathryntomlinson@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

  The original Lotus suspension design was to have the track control arms level in the first place. This was to minimise bump steer.
   
  They only changed the springs to higher ones (like the MG B) because of proposed American legislation of bumper/ headlamp height.
   
  Being of genetic tight Yorkshire origin I wouldn't bother replacing the shock absorbers unless they are leaking or gone soft :) 
   
  John, I would stick with what you have unless you want a wussy soft ride.
  If you want a wussy ride, buy a Focus/ Astra...............
  I'm sticking with NOS as I like mine nice and stiff !
   
  NickT.
   
  p.s. I've not tried one yet but you can buy rubber inserts to go into the coil springs to stiffen them up further. Parts for older cars sell them but I don't know if they would do them for the 'D' http://www.carparts-direct.co.uk/parts_for_older_cars.html

Chris <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
  I personally would not recommend putting the front springs on the rear as 
the rears need to be stiffer, in fact even stiffer than stock rear springs 
due to the weight at the engine etc. Most of the people who have performance 
springs made sell them as a set of 4 for that reason. I was hoping Chrispy 
would have rears made up to match his fronts but there was no interest when 
he asked the list :( The Mid state club in the US sell 4 springs that 
stiffen the more they are compressed i.e. general driving nice smooth ride 
or hard driving the harder the ride and better handling.

As far as shocks go the choices are...

1) Stock OEM shocks....Quite a stiff ride and now they are 20+ years old so 
even NOS are really passed their best and using 20 year old technology, OEM 
fronts are scarce - DMCH do not have any left they can only supply 
perfomance fronts with OEM rears. Rear Ride height is set and cannot be 
changed ( well not with out some work ).

2) DMCH modern perfomance shocks...designed in the UK by Harvey Bailey for 
the DeLorean but now made in the US and recently doubled in price over 
night. A firm sports ride...FYI Harvey Bailey worked with Lotus on the 
original suspension design. Rear ride high adjustable via adjustable 
collars.

3) Midstate shocks....The cheapest modern solution available (at least half 
the cost of a perfomance setup), a more soft Sports Touring ride designed 
with modern off the shelf US sourced parts...rear ride height can be set 
when installed via a custom made 1 piece collar that clamps onto the lower 
body of the shock.

4) DMC modern perfomance shocks....IMHO are the best available but also the 
most costly. They are custom made for the Delorean, are fully adjustable for 
rear ride height (via threaded collar) and for ride via a stepped valve on 
the body which gives 22 settings from soft 'sports touring' to hard 'track 
day', they are supplied with polyurethane bushes.

PJ Grady used to sell gas filled shocks which could be set for ride from 
factory as they were gas filled. Now Grady sells DMCH setup

There are some cross references for fronts that people have made work and 
some vendors sell, the rears a more of a problem due to the collar which is 
why IMHO it is better to buy a kit designed for the DeLorean as cross refs 
will not come with correct collars and spacers / bushings.

Lotus designed the car to sit 5" to 5.5" from the ground upto the front / 
rear frame cross member, there have been a several suggestions why they 
changed ride height for the production cars. In fact if you read DMC 
workshop manual you have to load the car down to sit at 5.5" before setting 
tracking. Also people who have put lower springs on the front will notice 
the control arms and tie rods are now level instead of at an angle (easier 
to steer at low speeds etc). If you do lower the rear its worth considering 
adjustable lower links as sold by Don Steger (DeLorean Motor Center) and 
Marty Maier (Midstate DeLorean club)

Still one day to go on my ebay auction (item no 8024752873 ) for anyone 
considering the Midstate setup :) Which I'm sure would suit your needs John 
from what you said ;) And anyone wanting a cost effective modern replacement 
for OEM shocks that are ready to bolt on. Fitting instructions are included.

Regards

Chris




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