8 replies to this topic

[cooperd70]

When I got my car (a 1990) the suspension had a complete overhaul to include 4 new std genuine donughts, genuine hilo's and a set of std ride height Gaz adjustable dampers amongst other things (all from MiniSpares). Wheels are std 12" 4.5 alloy rims running 165 Yoko's. Driving is mainly solo or with just one passenger up front. Roads are rough around my parts in places!!

My Q is that even though all has been replaced/checked and the dampers are set on about 1/2 way all around (maybe a click or two harder on the front) and the ride height has been ever so slightly lowered via hilo's (for road holding/stance) and tyres are on around 29psi (slightly less in the rears) the ride is still harsh.

Have I got something wrong?

Is it just down to the Gaz dampers?

Has anyone had their car set up for road use and has used both Gaz and Protect and noticed any ride difference? I ask as I've hunted the forum and folk in the past say that Gaz are harsh and Protect are better!
I don't want to just buy a set of Protecs for the sake of it if I can get the Gaz items to perform better.

Or is it the current damping/ride height/tire choice/tire pressure settings?

Driving is mainly A and B roads (as well as fast bendy country roads etc.)

Anyone used a service that set their ride spot on for road use?

Or am I just expecting too much? It is the first time I've had a Mini since a 1275GT back in the v late 80's/early 90's and I can't remember that riding as harsh...mebbe the council looked after the roads better back then! ;)

Thanks in advance for any comments anyone can provide.

[cooperd70]

*Heading *Protec not Protect. When preemptive text doesn't work well :)

[mini13]

beware of setting dampers too hard, rebound "stiffness" is higher than bump, so if set too high the dampers can try to jack the car downwards over a series of bumps.

 

I have Gaz on mine I think I have them set pretty low, around 2-4 clicks from soft maybe 5 on the front. its been ages since I looked at them... I think they have 22 click adjustment on them.

[sonscar]

Set the dampers at the lowest setting all round.Still too harsh?consider new dampers.I used Gaz on a non mini and their lowest setting was too hard.I bought custom Protech and have them set to midway on their adjustment.Full soft was too soft and full hard was too hard so plenty of scope for tuning.This was a coil over on an MGB rear.Steve..

[Lplus]

I just checked a standard length front GAZ damper against a standard good condition KBA damper (minspares standard damper)  Full soft is softer than standard, 2 clicks is about the same and three clicks is slightly harder.  I count 17 clicks to full hard at which point the damper is almost solid.  Personally I'd use 3 or 4 clicks for road use.

[sonikk4]

Edited the title for you.

[ac427]

Are Spax any better?

I'm not sure if they are still available mind.

[Lplus]

Spax are still available - more expensive than gaz by about 20%

[cooperd70]

Thanks to all for the advice. I'll set them to softest all round and take her out of a spin and see where I'm at and adjust from there if they feel too soft.

And cheers for the amendment Sonik 🙂

Edited by cooperd70, 11 August 2022 - 05:38 AM.