Best suited Shocks?

[Frog2Spider]

It's time to put some new shocks on my '81 Spider.

No plans for a rally, I want to keep a nice ride with good 'fun driving' road handling.

Any suggestions or recommendations on shock brand and models?

Thanks,
Dave.

[lglade]

I put Konis on my 1984 and have been very pleased with them.

[Frog2Spider]

Thanks Iglade,
They are likely the best for a 'performance' application, but I'm concerned that they may be stiffer than what I'd want. I've put 195 and 205/50's on the car, which made the ride harder, having less rubber between the wheel and the pavement, and while I realize that a stiff shock is the best for handling, I don't want to make the ride any firmer than it is now.
I'm 'leaning' towards more of a stock shock, but still open to suggestions.
Dave.

[njoconnor]

When i re-did the suspension on my 72, I used progressive springs from A/R and Koni yellows on "full soft". Acid test was some washboard on one of our local county trunks; went over that so smoothly my spouse was flat out amazed (and she prefers comfortable ride to handling). Took it on some back roads on a couple of my long distance work days, and had no troubles exiting all the S turns on Highway 60 (along the Wisconsin River) at higher speeds than when entering.... . Koni's are pricey, no argument. I believe I've got an excellent balance of ride and handling now.

Neil

[Redline]

Probably not an option in the US, but I really like the Spax adjustables I have. Unlike Konis, you adjust them with a little click wheel on each, so no need to remove them. I run them in the softer third most of the time, and they're very good. Body motion is well controlled and they just suck up the worst compressions and humpback bridges in a way that is potentially hazardous, as it's a giggle to keep trying it day after day with a bit more, shall we say, gusto. I love a good damper that just goes "Schwuppp!" and feels like it's almost proactive, rather than reactive, on mid-corner bumps.

[narfire]

I love my Koni yellows. I have the 205/15's with IAP Red springs. Car lowered nicely and I find the ride and handling just great now. Had the KYB's before but the extra loot for the Koni's are worth it in my opinion.
Chris

[phaetn]

I tried to get a good deal on some Koni yellows on E-bay. I had the high bid for a couple of days and thought I could actually get a set of for for $75: http://www.ebay.com/itm/201552780851?item=201552780851

I kept my eye on it and a slow computer at work hindered my winning a bidding war that suddenly occurred within one minute of closing. It was disappointing. They eventually went for pennies shy of $200, which is still a good deal for the four dampers if they are in good shape.

Guess I will have to work on getting new ones...

Cheers,
phaetn

[jandarah]

Koni yellows, feel good on smooth and bumpy roads. Plus, I believe they performed well at my recent sprinting effort.

[v6spider]

Kyb gas adjustable shocks are awesome.. You can dial in how much dampening you desire as there is a knob at the top of the shock.

Cheers!
Rob

[Frog2Spider]

Thanks for all the in-put !

Koni Yellow, it is. I sure hope they are worth the coin! Those suckers are expensive!!!

Dave.

[argonaut]

At $15 each on rockauto the KYB GR-2 dampers aren't bad. I put them on with the Autoricambi lowering springs and it rides very cushy. So far it has decent enough rebound control to not raise too many hairs in spirited mountain twisty driving when transitioning out of one turn and into another. I would prefer Kunis but at 10x the price I can buy them later after a big Brake upgrade.

[chrisg]

How difficult would it be to source Spax for the US? I've always loved Konis on 124s and generally I've been quite content with Yellow "sport" Konis set on full soft for 'normal' use, but i've always heard good stuff about Spax...

[DieselSpider]

How difficult would it be to source Spax for the US? I've always loved Konis on 124s and generally I've been quite content with Yellow "sport" Konis set on full soft for 'normal' use, but i've always heard good stuff about Spax...

I contacted the Spax distributor in Florida a while ago and while they're primary focus is British Cars they would be happy to provide Spax Shocks to 124 Spider owners.

BAT (British American Transfer) is the Spax distributor in Sarasota, Florida. Below is the response I received in August of 2015 about Spax shocks for my 1978 124 Spider:

Spax Shocks for Fiat 124

Fronts G596 $149.15 each
Rears G609 $156.60 each

Delivery 2-3 weeks special order as pre-pay no refunds or exchange.

Regards,

Eric Weller
BAT Inc. / MOCAL USA
941.355.0005
sales@batinc.net

[Redline]

BAT is still around? Cool! I spent way, waaaaay too much money with them trying to make my Fiesta a lot quicker back in the 80s.

[chrisg]

interesting...certainly spendier than Konis. I guess I need to visit my friend Google, but offhand Spax are oil not gas, yes?