shocks in stocks

[MazdaMatt]

Did I read correctly that shocks do not cost any points? So I could run a shock that has "no more than two adjustments" without bumping myself out of stock?

What sort of changes could I expect going to a better quality, stiffer shock without changing my springs? Has anyone had good experience with a particular brand/model in a FWD car?

Are shocks like springs in the sense that you can select your damping rates? I know that a lot of people will look at their current spring rates and decide how to change them based on desired changes. Is the same process of selection applicable to shocks, or are they just 'buy the blue ones' and stick em on the car?

-M

[thekid]

In the P5 you're limited to what kind of shocks you can upgrade two and still maintain the stock springs. You're pretty much limited to Tokico HP's (non-adjustable) and Tokico Illuminas (Adjustable).

Let me know if you need more details. I also have a pretty good Tokico hook-up.

[Pete@Marcor]

Did I read correctly that shocks do not cost any points? So I could run a shock that has "no more than two adjustments" without bumping myself out of stock?

What sort of changes could I expect going to a better quality, stiffer shock without changing my springs? Has anyone had good experience with a particular brand/model in a FWD car?

Are shocks like springs in the sense that you can select your damping rates? I know that a lot of people will look at their current spring rates and decide how to change them based on desired changes. Is the same process of selection applicable to shocks, or are they just 'buy the blue ones' and stick em on the car?

-M

[MazdaMatt]

Brian: I've love to hear all that you are willing to type about these shocks and what they will do for me. Might as well put it on here for the benefit of everyone instead of in a pm/email just for me.

Pete: uh... were you trying to type a message there?

[Pete@Marcor]

Brian: I've love to hear all that you are willing to type about these shocks and what they will do for me. Might as well put it on here for the benefit of everyone instead of in a pm/email just for me.

Pete: uh... were you trying to type a message there?

Yes, but I somehow got booted at the same time that my computer decided that it needed to be re-booted. Then, I just forgot. :-)

Anyways, on to what I was gonna write: Except for R-compounds, and possibly wheels in stock, I think that shocks are probably the item that will gain you the most amount of time.

You get more wheel control, and I would really suggest an adjustable shock, so you can adjust the handling balance of the car.

Depending what OE wheel size you have, and if Hoosiers/V710s are available that are appropriate, I would choose 1)tires, 2)wheels, 3)shocks, 4) alignment. All of these are the big things to be used in Stock class competition. If you have a wheel that is usable, then you will have a free prep point to use, possibly for a sway bar.

[MazdaMatt]

Thanks, Pete.

I have recently purchased a set of smaller, lighter rims, RA1's and had my camber and caster maxed out (Cm=1.0, Cs=2.5). Looks like I skipped a step and need some shocks.

So Tokico is the popular shock with the prot5 owners, eh? I notice that eibach makes nothing for this car. I will look into these and ask about them when they appear to be within budget.

With a little tooling knowledge and the right equipment (airtools, lift, mechanics on hand to ask questions) is a shock change a big deal? I know it would cost me an arm and a leg to have a shop install them.

[Pete@Marcor]

It comes down to availability, to be honest.

I use Koni in my competition cars, mainly because of the adjustability, as well as what they can do for a particular set of shocks. They can custom valve them, make them into "Double Adjustables", so that I could adjust compression and rebound separately, and other stuff.

The problem is that Koni does not make a P5 shock. You have to buy Tokico, or others. The Tokico is probably the easiest to get, and one of the better quality shocks.

For me, I would only use an adjustable shock, so that I could adjust the handling to the way I want. But, it is not a requirement. You can do it other ways. And, if you are on a budget, a non-adjustable shock is cheaper.

The way that the rule is written, you are allowed to get as much camber as your stock adjusters will allow. So, if you could get -2.5 degrees, you would be allowed to use that. Can you get more camber?

You may also want to look at toe as a tuning tool in your alignments.

I would expect that you will get charged around 2.5-3 hours, plus an alignment.