Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 20:33:03 EDT
Reply-To: BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ben T <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Getting a Handle on the Handling of the Vanagon
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Robert,
I am disappointed to find out that you had such trouble with the H & R
springs with the KYB's. I was contemplating them since our last discussion of
the set-up. I have since had the H & R's installed in my 87 2wd Vanagon
(non-Westy). I retained the existing Boge shocks to experiment on ride. I was
intending on trying the KYB's for cost reasons. Now I don't think I will need
to.
The ride on my H & R equipped van is quite comfortable. Bu then I do not have
the stiffer gas shocks. I did notice that the shocks require updated
dampening. I am considering adding Bilsteins to improve the dampening. The
ride is firm but compliant. I don't experience the pitching that you are
describing. Even with the stock anti-sway bar, she turns much flatter around
the corners. Perhaps I am just not pushing it as hard as you are. Or perhaps
the softer oil shocks help. I don't really know at this time.
I will upgrade the anti-sway bar but want to resolve the dampening issue
prior to adding further complications. Rear bar will be added as well.
Does anyone have any recommendations for shocks with additional dampening but
not added firmness? An adjustable shock would be ideal but would probably be
cost prohibitive for my project. Maybe an outboard 2nd set of shocks?
Once this is all said and done, I will start looking at low profile tires
with stronger sidewalls. The Toyo Proxes from a Porsche are just too soft in
the sidewall area. I got them used but in very good shape. Within 2 months of
hard driving while testing my new springs. They have started to show cracking
on the sidewalls. These are VR rated tires. I have used ZR rated tires with
the stiffer sidewalls w/o any noticeable sidewall problems. Cost makes them
slightly less desirable. Does anyone make load rated 50 & 60 series tires?
This brings me to one more point. I don't know what tires and rims Robert was
using on his van. I am using 15"X8" Porsche Fuchs are et23 front and back. I
would have liked to use 7's in front but had these handy. It is most likely
that my new track is much wider than Robert's van. For those who want to
know, the Porsche Fuchs I am using have been redrilled to Vanagon pattern.
I will be bring this van to the September Van-O-Rama in San Francisco along
with my Syncro 16 Doka.
BenT