The 'E' Type Forum

I've bought a set of Koni adjustable shocks for the e-type S1 that I am currently restoring. Does anyone know what the best setting is to acheive a comfortable ride with improved handling that wont shake my fillings out?

Cheers

Harry

Hi Harry,

Trial and error is the best method,

If you intend just using the car for road use you may be better just using a standard non adjustable koni shock. These shocks are already set for the best alround ride and performance.

An adjustable shock is more suited to a track day / competition car.


How many people buy adjustable shocks and never touch them after they have been fitted!!!!

What ever you fit, it must be better than the original.

Just another point I forgot to mention, if you are buying adjustable shocks make sure you dont have to take them of the car to adjust them.

I think Konis need to be removed from the car and adjusted by compressing and turning the shock shaft.

Hi Harry,
I am just replacing my old Spax dampers on the rear of my series 2 roadster because they're a little grotty, and the bushes are past their best.
I am using Koni Classics(adjustable) because I got a very good deal when I also bought a front pair. Also, by using the extra fitting ring supplied, the ride height will be increased slightly(good for the exhaust).

I adjusted the konis as per instructions, turning them clockwise 1 turn from the fully anticlockwise position. this roughly equates to my old Spax. I'll let you know if this is too harsh after I go for a run this weekend.

Bevan is quite right however when he says that Konis need to be removed and compressed to adjust them, unlike the Spax, which are screwdriver adjustable in 2 shakes. As he says though, with a road car, who alters damper settings? I adjusted the Spax once to their current settings!

The trouble with the Spax shocks is that the are bright yellow which really is not in keeping with a period 60's car. The adjustment is far better than the konis although I have always found them to be on the stiff side,

I remember back in youth days uprating the springs and shocks on my first car. The car was so stiff that when i jacked it up the back window shattered due to the shell flexing.

Cant see that happening with an e-type.

Bevan IMP

No, the rear window is plastic on a roadster.

Just to report, I ran down to Philip Porter's for the Club Christmas Bazaar yesterday with the Koni rear dampers fitted as suggested, over some very undulating surfaces. Ride quality super, although unladen static height looks a fraction on the high side.
I'd still recommend the Spax however, simply for their ease, and far greater range, of adjustment. I'd had them on my car for about 15 years, before this week.
I'd always advocate painting the damper reservoirs yourself in any case, whatever their colour. Konis are already black, but it doesn't strike me as a very durable finish.
So you pays your money and takes your choice!

As an aside, after talking to a notable local expert I was advised not to contemplate renewing the springs as ,"They don't make 'em like they used too". Apparently modern replacements are usually way too stiff, certainly for earlier 2 seat cars. Just get your old ones powder coated.

Good luck, Chris.

Thanks for that Chris I might have to bin my new spings then.

Harry