Dave -
Hope I'm not opening a can a worms here, but lever shocks can't
compare with tube shocks. Oil filled lever shocks, by design, are
somewhat flawed because under sharp loads, the oil will increase its
resistance to movement (in the shock) and you get a very hard response
from the suspension when you hit a bump... that's why healeys have
such bad bump steer problems.... good or bad lever shocks don't make a
difference here. Think about pulling the trigger on a squirt gun...
if you pull it slowly, it is easy to pull... but if you pull the
trigger real fast, it builds pressure and the trigger becomes harder
to pull. The squirt gun can only let so much water through the spout
at any given time.
Gas shocks, by design, are much better set to taking sharp/shock
loads, hence why tube shocks will have a much better ride quality than
old-school lever shocks. In addition they will do a much better job
of keeping the wheels on the road, stopping bump steer.
That being said, both my healeys have lever shocks on them... I guess
they are good enough for me for the time being.
Regards,
Alan
'53 BN1 '64 BJ8
On 7/6/05, Dave & M <rusd@velocitus.net> wrote:
> Hi Steve,
>
> I think the type of shocks & brand that you use, are largely a matter of
> personal preference. Personally, I like the lever shocks, IF they and
> their mounts are in top condition. Sometimes folks replace old lever
> shocks with new tube types & report remarkable improvements. Not
> surprising, as they are comparing new shocks to worn shocks.
>
> If you do a shock conversion, be very sure that the shock mounting
> hardware design is up to the added strain that will be put on it. Some
> kits are questionable in this respect.
>
> Glad the car is working out for you!
>
> Regards,
> Dave Russell
>
> Rizzo Steven D LtCol AETC/XPRU wrote:
> > Hi, Listers!
> >
> > Hope all of you Americans had a great 4th holiday! I notice it is a
> > little "slow" on the list so thought I would venture out and ask a
> > question: How many of you have modified your Healeys with the
> > Bilstien gas shock conversion? AND what do you think - was it worth
> > the trouble and money? All I have heard on the conversion so far is
> > that it greatly enhances the road handling ability of the big Healey.
> > I was finally able to drive my BJ8 this holiday weekend and all went
> > well. Newly rebuilt starter turned the engine over much more rapidly
> > than before - started great and had a great drive. Balanced brake
> > drums seemed to help eliminate the 55 mph minor shake, the wheel
> > seals didn't leak and the engine ran strong. Nice time. However,
> > while driving along enjoying my new windblocker and all I thought -
> > OK, what next? Thoughts on the Bilsteins?
> >
> > Stever
|