what shocks for my Capri 2.8i

Aug 23, 2006 6 Replies

hi there -



two questions re. my Capri 280:



I notice, occasionally, when I'm sitting on the sill of my car, or the boot edge, that the car will suddenly drop a little lower; there may not actually be much travel, but the sensation is noticable. 'Instinct' tells me that this is likely to be caused by a damper being shot, though I have pushed each corner of the car, and there is no dramatic bounce. Does the forum nevertheless agree that my dampers probably need replaced?



If so, what dampers do you recommend? I won't be doing any trackdays, and comfort is important to me, so I'd just like a good damper that doesn't feel rock hard but -ideally- improves the overall handling of the car. I have looked at the Burton's website and notice that they sell Gaz, Koni and Bilstein, in order of expense. Should I go for one of these?


Many thanks!


If you can, take the shocks off and see how they move. They should be smooth with no jerking. They do sometimes fail in a stuck position rather than provide no damping.

People like Bilsteins but like you say they're expensive. Anything in regular form is likely to be ok. Boge/sachs are also well regarded. Gas pressurised shocks are considered an upgrade to regular oil filled (non-pressurised shocks)

Well the originals are gas Bilstein and it's quite unusual for them to=20 fail. It's usually the coil springs. If you're not getting dramatic=20 bounce then chances are the springs are tired. A spring is about =A315 to= =20 buy.

Oh, and some internet resources for you:

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- Q&A Forum, not just for Lasers but any=20 Capri.

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--=20 Conor

"No trilogy should have more than four books" - Arthur C. Clarke

More likely is it's the suspension settling slightly as the wheel or bushes moves slightly, for a dramatic example jack any car in the air at the front & then let it down slowly & it'll initially sit higher

I didn't know the second link, and it's superb! Thanks very much; for the advice, too.

No problem. As you may have guessed, I'm into Capris just a little.

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