The shock discussion threads reminded me that I've got a set of the discontinued SPA-1 front shocks for B / E bodies sitting on my parts shelf. The only problem is one still "feels" right, but the other definitely isn't (which is why I replaced them).

When I contacted Koni about rebuilding 'em a few years ago, I was shocked by their quote, since it was about three (3) times what I paid new for the shocks originally IIRC. Anyone know of a shock rebuilder who might be more affordable?

Thanks,
Brad

you might check with
http://www.naake.com/
sending them qa1s next week for revalve

I also have a set of front SPA-1 coilovers that need rebuilding, I have contacted 3 rebuilders including Koni and they ALL get around 200 each. But I do believe if you just want a wet kit the price is a bit lower.

Performance Shock Inc. 800-965-5664
Hal Lees Ent. 772-463-0291

Possibly mark mencer or I think strange engineering uses koni valves in there shocks may try them

Fast Shocks in MN.

Call up Vorshlag in Dallas.

http://www.vorshlag.com/services.php

They were going to fix a set of JIC Coilovers that were no longer in production.

call Randy @ Fastshocks. He has many parts needed for a rebuild on Koni, Afco, QA1 & JRI. He is at PRI but will be at the shop on Saturday. Give him a call for a quote. 612-306-5387

Lamb can also take care of rebuilding Koni's. They also have their own valving just for the Koni shocks.

OK, so there are some options to check into.

I remember Koni stating the SPA-1s were "not for street use or big-block-powered cars", which means I used them for exactly the type of application they said not to.

The SPA-1 rebound circuit was adjustable, but the fixed compression damping was seriously on the light side. This let the front end dive back down (too?) easily, because the idea IIRC was to make sure the front end would settle on the top end.

One of the things I'm wondering is if the rebuilt SPA-1s would work better than the QA1 R-series (fixed firm compression damping & adjustable rebound damping) I replaced them with. The R-series have extremely light rebound damping on their lightest setting, so there's no problem getting the front end to lift. Whether the compression damping is actually too stiff, I really can't say. Since that circuit isn't adjustable on the R-series, ya' just gotta live with them if you're not willing to spring for a re-valving.

Also, I found the old (2007) e-mails I got from Koni America when I inquired then about having them rebuilt and they also mentioned being able to upgrade them to externally-adjustable rebound damping... for more $$$, naturally.

Brad

I think it was stated earlier, if you have a 12-13 second car, a lower priced shock like the Rancho, QA1 or Viking will work fine, but if you are building a race car with a high horsepower engine, big tires, 4 link or a ladder bar car, a higher quality shock is a must if you want the car to work consistently and safely. You get what you pay for.

The car ran mid 10s on 275/60R-15s in full street trim w/ the QA1 fronts and CalTracs & Ranchos out back.