16 replies to this topic

[Dylanscar]

Hi Guys,

 

Been searching and searching to see if I could get some ideas on the better quality shocks on the market. I am needing to replace them all however I need QUALITY that will last as shipping them overseas and don't want the hassle later on of replacing and shipping again. I am building a fast road Mini but it will be running in the heat of the Middle East so want something good that will last- basically the best quality available. 

 

So if I say to ignore price (But exclude the alloy type) and ask simply what peoples recommendations would be. I have read the article by Keith Dodd but that was written back in 2004. Have there been any new developments since then and are there any shocks that people would say stand out above the rest?

 

I have been recommended the Bilstein Performance Sport and then Keith says in his article the Koni Sport twin tube is the best. A friend just bought the AGX Evolution but not yet tried them or is it a case of just picking a make and going for it. Do I then need to simply base them on colour? Lol

 

Any thoughts would be great

 

many thanks

 

 

 

 

[Tamworthbay]

I have used Protech on several minis and for quality they are impossible to beat in my experience. They are hand made in the uk and are also fully rebuildable which helps if you are overseas as any local hydraulic specialist could do them. That said my oldest set are now 8 years old with no problems. The guy who runs it (Kevin) is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and has worked at several of the other top names and designed for them. Give him a ring and you won't be disappointed. They arent the cheapest, but quality costs.

Edit: if cost truly is no object than ring SPA as they are the dealer for Penske shocks which are stunning, but they are £800 A corner! We got a second hand set for a project and they were brilliant, but for a road car I would always go with the Protechs.

[Baldspeed Racing]

I agree as I ran or will be again using Pro Tech's nice looking shocks and nice n light for peeps who want to save some weight here n there

[Dylanscar]

Wow that was quick.

 

Thanks for the info and had a look at the Protech shocks and was surprised at the price. Cheaper than the Koni and Bilsteins. Think the wife would kill me if I dropped over 2K for the Penske shocks though.

 

If you don'd mind but why else would you rate these more that the others (the rebuild-ability is a great option) and would you say any preference between the steel or aluminium other than weight? 

 

Again many thanks and will definitely look more into them

[majorj0nny]

I have to say I had some lowered green spax shocks from minispares (adjustables) and one of the rears developed a nasty squeak when I adjusted it to anything other than fully soft.. the harder it was adjusted the more unbearable was the squeak. 

 

Minispares failed miserably to assist, after many many ignored emails and phone calls (their phone system sucks major Ballz) I finally got through to someone that gave me a return code? but said they once I returned it they would return it to the manufacturer for testing - that could take an unspecified length of time ?? ie - my car would be crippled for ... who knows? 

 

I never bothered , set them all to soft and have left it like that. 

 

I intend to replace them all with 'something better' at some point - NOT SPAX. and will think hard about using minispares too. 

[joyce1bro]

I just forked out for protech coilovers which I received just over a wk ago and they are stunning. I read and read and read and almost everyone said protech. Service was awesome and I can't wait to get them on the car.

[IainStallard]

I haven't used protech shocks on my mini however they are the only suspension manufacturer we use now for our TVR, their quality is great, very good customer service and well worth the price

[Baldspeed Racing]

the good thing also the shocks have external adjustments where the Koni's need to be taken off and adjusted for the stiffness which imo is a proper ballache if you are wanting a quick adjustment

[HarrysMini]

I have AGX Evolution and I can say they are brilliant everywhere I have tried them. Also, you don't need to take a wheel off or anything to adjust them. They are also made my KYB so you know they're good quality.

 

I bought them as part of a performance handling kit from Minispares for around £400 IIRC.

[jaydee]

KYB-AGX are brilliant, highly reccomandable, i rate them over spax and gaz in all honesty, but protech will probably turn out a better value for the money.

[Dylanscar]

All the views are great and views are appreciated.

One point sticking in my mind regarding quality is the 3 year guarantee and the rebuildability of the Protech shocks which speaks volumes to me.

Going to look at the AGX, Bilsteins and Koni's warranty to compare but based on the comments the Protech looks to be the top so far. Unless there are other views about it??? Lol

Guys so many thanks as to be honest never even looked at Protech and TMF has helped immeasurably.

Cheers

[Tamworthbay]

All the views are great and views are appreciated.
One point sticking in my mind regarding quality is the 3 year guarantee and the rebuildability of the Protech shocks which speaks volumes to me.
Going to look at the AGX, Bilsteins and Koni's warranty to compare but based on the comments the Protech looks to be the top so far. Unless there are other views about it??? Lol
Guys so many thanks as to be honest never even looked at Protech and TMF has helped immeasurably.
Cheers

You won't be unhappy with Protechs, and Kevin's customer service is amazing. He did a job for me last year at about this time of year, it was turned around in less than a day and back with me just over 48 hours after I sent them. I have used Gaz and Avon in the past but their technical support is less than impressive (Gaz were unable to suggest a spring rate for an application on a single seater we were building, it was a case of 'this is what we have, what do you want?'. I spoke to Kevin for about two minutes, sent over the specs and had his suggestions back in under an hour).

[Ipod]

Tam put me onto Protechs this summer....and he wernt wrong in his advice, and Kevin there is one helpfull chap.

 

The finish is excellent, the feel is ace, and even on my road car (Mpi) feel great.

[daenesh]

i wouldn't rule out Koni Classics.. they have been pretty good to me.. adjustables as well.. softer when im on the roads and harder when im going through windy roads..

[Dylanscar]

Hi Guys,

 

Wanting to get a last bit of help if that's okay?

 

Going with the Protech shocks but wanting views on whether to get the steel or aluminium ones?

 

Seem to be the same price so whats the difference??? 

 

Thanks again