Std Aero vs Abbott/Koni

[dave225]

Apologies first - as this has surely been covered in previous posts - somewhere, but has anyone got experience of the Std Aero suspension vs the Koni&Abbott set up?
I'm naturally drawn to the expensive Abbott set-up, but keep getting tempted by people selling the Aero kits. Is there such a difference between them, and is it worth the extra money for the Abbott kit?

[cdcarlsson]

Dave,
I can't help with a Std vs Abbott comparison but I'd like to point out that Abbott (by Giles's own admission to me) have had at least three different rates of springs over the years. This may lead to differing comments coming in to this thread in reply to your question.
HTH

Nick.

[philcrombie]

I went from Aero to Abbott/Koni and the car really did come alive - much more fun. The ride is firmer but arguably better as it's 'taught' with great body control. I hate wallowy cars - make me seasick. Currently the car has slightly firmer ride to my friend's Audi 3.2Fsi with Audi sports suspension but the audi has better control over 'crashy' bumps.
You can fine tune by adjusting the konis but there is a sweet spot that means you can now drive to where you feel the tyres and their limits as opposed to the angle you are leaning over
Note: I later fitted a front Strut brace which allows the suspension to 'work' instead of twisting the chassis - Very good especially with firmer springs.
I also fitted some poly bushes and a 1" SAS rear ARB which really sorts out the turn-in and understeer. - Abbott do a piggy back bar which will have similar effect.
I bought my Abbott springs about 18months ago - not sure what generation they are.

[PHudson]

[ QUOTE ]
Dave,
I can't help with a Std vs Abbott comparison but I'd like to point out that Abbott (by Giles's own admission to me) have had at least three different rates of springs over the years. This may lead to differing comments coming in to this thread in reply to your question.


[/ QUOTE ]

And I'd love to know which mine (bought off ebay are) 'cos I'm not very impressed with the ride at present. Any way of telling? Or suggestions for some better ones? (Eibach?)

(I have an Anniversary with Konis and Abbott springs, but the result should be much the same as for an Aero).

P.

[cdcarlsson]

When I bought my car it was said to have Abbott springs (and Koni shocks) on it. The ride was rather harsh over small imperfections around town and down B-roads. Also, the nose of the car bobbed up and down over larger humps, of which we have a few around these parts. Overall, terrible with not much to recommend.
Last December the car was off to Abbott for a gearbox overhaul. I took the opportunity to get their comments on what they thought of the car's suspension! Giles thought it was terrible as well and suggested their latest springs. (He offered to put the original stuff back on if I wasn't happy with the result.)
The end result was a far more comfortable ride over small imperfections, and far less bobbing of the nose over the larger 'humps'. The springs sit the car slightly higher than the old ones. Understeer is slightly more prevelent.

Nick.

[billj]

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I'm not very impressed with the ride at present.

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How have you got the shocks set?

[PHudson]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I'm not very impressed with the ride at present.

[/ QUOTE ]
How have you got the shocks set?

[/ QUOTE ]

1 turn on the back, 1.5 on the front (usually). I took your advice from another posting about turning them *up* at the front for better control of the springs, which does make things less bouncy/lurchy, but the isolation from bumps is rubbish.

I do suspect I have the variant of the springs that Abbott subsequently decided wasn't wright.

P.