Chassis Works Vari-Shock Coil-Overs

[astroracer]

Chassis Works Vari-Shock Coil-Overs...
http://www.cachassisworks.com/Content/Catalog/Catimages/VariShock_Vol2.pdf
Anyone have experience with these shocks? I am to the point that I need to get the front coil-overs for Bad Ast in my hot little hands and am looking very seriously at this brand. I can get exactly what I need as far as travel and spring rate is concerned and the single knob adjustable is similarly priced to most of the other major brands.
I have been told to be leary of QA1's quality lately so I am looking at other manufacturers.
Any input would be welcome.... Katz?

[astroracer]

No help here at all?
Well, I guess I'll be the first one to use these shocks. I have been talking to Jim at ChassisWorks and he feels the shocks will work just fine. Of course it will be a while before they get any road time but I am going to order them today. They are the only shock that really fits my application and they have a few features I like better then the other selections... I'll be the guinea pig...
Mark

[astroracer]

I ordered my shocks Friday. I had some discussions with Jim in sales about valving, mounts and spring rates. Valving is fully adjustable of course and I went with bearing mounts on a suggestion from Katz. He said to go with the bearings and switch to poly mounts for street running. I will order some poly mounts before I finish building the shock towers.
Alston has a 450# spring listed in the catalog but they don't carry it because no one has ordered it. Katz and I decided on the 450# as a good starting point for initial development. Katz also suggested trying some stiffer 525-550# springs down the road. I have a set of 450# springs I picked up at a swap meet for 10 bucks. I'll use those for now and then order a new set from Afco when the time comes.
Mark

[astroracer]

Thought I would update the thread with a coupla' pics. The shocks look great but the proof is in the pudding and it will be a while before they see any road time. Just something to look at and verify suspension clearances right now...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
The spring is a 450lb per inch. I picked a set up at a swap meet for 10 bucks last year...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Steve1968LS2]

Wow.. nobody has posted in here? Dang, I will just so you don't get lonely.. lol

Nice.. I was considering trying these on Penny since she is running drag stuff right now..

[astroracer]

Wow.. nobody has posted in here? Dang, I will just so you don't get lonely.. lol

Nice.. I was considering trying these on Penny since she is running drag stuff right now..

Thanks Steve... :cheers:
I have found it to be VERY lonely building an :hah: Astro Van... :attn:

[rockdogz]

Hey, actually I have Vari-shocks on my Alston front subframe. I don't have much to report though since the ride is still not ready for road action yet. I have wondered about how much of a PITA it will be to adjust these things after they are installed though...

[Tony@AirRideTech]

the Alstons are super nice shock absorbers........

[Steve1968LS2]

the Alstons are super nice shock absorbers........

I was thinking of converting my 68 coilover to either these or to shockwaves.. hmmmm

The current setup is way too soft.. good for drag racing.. bad for track work..

[CraigMorrison]

Mark- I hope that you have seen this van:
http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/heritage/landmarkcars/renaultespacef1.htm

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
Formula1 van!

[astroracer]

Thanks for the link Craig. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one thinking outside the "box"... although my van is not going to be a full race van like the Renault, I do expect it to handle very well.
I would like to get some weight out of it. I will be replacing most of the stationary window glass with lexan but I still have to deal with steel body parts. Any 'glass manufacturers interested in popping fenders, doors and hoods for these vans? There is a market for them... believe it or not.
Mark