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Date:         Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:03:43 -0600
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Carl Hansen <Carl_Hansen@ATK.COM>
Subject:      Syncro Shocks, an update/lo

SyncroBeast Syncro Shocks, an update/long <snip><snip><snip> Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 16:20:15 -0400

========================================================================= Date: Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com> From: David Bartolini <davidb@SKYBEST.COM> Subject: HEAVY Duty Shocks

I've watched and waited but lately, no one has brought up shocks--So here goes. My creame puff 84 Westy needs a more stable ride, she needs to toughen up a bit! I'm interested in the Readers experience on specific shocks. I would like some very HD, non air shocks. I am open to suggestions and have a frugal budget.

******************** I am somewhat remiss in updating the list so here goes.

An update to the Bigger/Better shocks for the Syncro crowd. Some traffic did cross the list a couple of weeks ago, heres a synopsis of that info and where I am with the search.

Some good info has been gathered, and I remain commited to finding out WHO the OEM manufacturer of the "N" suffix part is, hopefully so that I can get it easier/less expensive from the manufacturer, rather than order from VW Germany or from Peter Seikel. (Although Peter does come very highly recommended)

The shock for the rear is the same as for the standarsd van. The shock for the front of a SYNCRO has a spring perch on it, and is stiffer than stock non Syncro's. I do know that Bilstein does not make for the SYNCRO front, KONI does not build a shock for the SYNCRO front, and Sachs/Boge builds only the "C" suffix which is the softest available from VW. The "C" suffix is available from VW America, and better prices can be found with Ron Salmon at the Bus Depot. <www.busdepot.com>

1. Basically, of the three factory front shocks for Vanagon Syncro, all are identical in dimensions and are progressively stiffer from suffix C to suffix M to suffix N.

>>>>>>>>>> front shock: 251 413 031 C regular 251 413 031 M 14'' HD package "Schlechtwegepaket" 251 413 031 N 16''

rear shock: 251 513 031 D regular 251 513 031 M 14'' HD package 251 513 031 N 16''

2. Peter Seikel is happy to sell these and says the N style was the factory option for the years 90 and 91 for 16" Transporters. Seikel says the springs he sells are much stiffer than the factory springs and are also progressive rate. He said the factory springs are 75 kios per 1cm spring rate whereas his springs are 140 kilos per 1 cm. He says his heavy duty springs can fit even a factory original C suffix shock absorber, so everthing fits together in any combination, with no compatibility problems.

Peter Seikel in Freigericht near Frankfurt/Main recommends the "N" absorbers. Seikel used to develop racing and off-roading suspensions for all kinds of VW and Audi also the T3 syncros he is probably the most experienced person about these items. Give him a call or better a fax it is worth while. He also offers reinforced coil springs for the T3 syncro.

Auto Seikel GmbH Herr Peter Seikel Industriestrasse 5 D 63579 Freigericht Phone: +49 - 60 55 - 52 82 Fax: +49 - 60 55 - 82 731

Prices: Front spring: DM243 each is $135 each @ 1.8 exchange = $270 the pair Rear spring: DM315 each is $175 each @ 1.8 exchange = $350 the pair

Front shock DM315 each is $175 each @ 1.8 exchange = $350 the pair Rear shock DM208 each is $115 each @ 1.8 exchange = $230 the pair

So you have a full setup of heavy duty springs and shocks for $1,200

Another adress you could try is: projektzwo Herr Rissmann Saarburgstrasse 13 D 86899 Landsberg Phone: + 49 - 81 91 - 92 77 - 0 Fax: +49 - 81 91 - 92 77 - 99

projektzwo sells mostly show stuff, but does have some rather nifty fender flairs and brush bars and a lift kit for Syncro's using the stock stiffer "N" shocks, and hey, it's a real flashy brochure. You could drool over the thng for hours, and it's only 3 pages, double sided.

A local contact for projektzwo is VW Sports - 703-451-5134 Springfield VA

************* That's all I know now. I continue to look for the OEM for the "N" suffix, and will probably just break down and get from Seikel in the near future. (that is if I can get ahold of Derek Drew and ask him how you order overseas. I'm a bit nervous about that, never having done it before.)

Ch '89 Syncro Beast '87 GTI 16V '86 Scirocco (SO's)


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