ACR shock differences?

[darkostoj]

so whats the difference between the earlier and later versions? I did a bunch of searching but couldnt find any info specifically stating the differences...is one better than the other?

how does changing the shock assemblies from the stock konis on a 98GTS affect the ride and performance handling characteristics? Is there that much of a difference?

 

[okloneranger]

There are experts who I'm sure will chime in on this, but I do know the ACR springs are much stiffer, perhaps twice as stiff. The rear springs as I recall are 1100lbs. The standard rear Viper springs are around 6oolbs,give or take, and again I may be way off. The ACR shocks are aluminum resevior and body. Because of the stiffer springs the shocks are not meant to have the travel of a street shock. The ride is much harsher and choppy on the street at lower speeds. You can live with it if you have the mental mindset that what you are driving is a purpose built performance sports car. Want something kinder and gentler-every thing else is. At high speed the race shocks are what is needed. They don't hold up near as long as street shocks, but they are rebuildable. Just like the statement 'Viper isn't for everyone', ACR suspension isn't either. Hope this gives you an idea of what these are like.

 

[Camfab]

I've got the Koni's and love them, but they are a race shock which means periodic rebuilding. Figure about $150/unit to rebuild. The Dynamic shocks cost more to rebuild from what I've seen. I've never used the Dynamic so I certainly can't compare their performance differences. The Koni's tend to make a rattling sound on bumpy terrain (that could mean something as small as an expansion joint). The Dynamic shocks have an external reservoir while the Koni's do not. The Koni shock is the "2812 Race Damper", you can find more info on the Koni website.

 

[darkostoj]

so is one better than the other?

 

[FastZilla]

The Koni shock is the "2812 Race Damper", you can find more info on the Koni website.

Any idea on the "specs" of this damper - I looked at the Koni site and there is a ton of dimensional options.

Thanks!

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

I literally sit across from the guy at work who designed the past ACR Dynamic Suspensions dampers and asked him the question.. he simply said they are lighter and have more adjustment.. if you want specific details I can get them..

 

[darkostoj]

I literally sit across from the guy at work who designed the past ACR Dynamic Suspensions dampers and asked him the question.. he simply said they are lighter and have more adjustment.. if you want specific details I can get them..

which ones are better?

 

[Paul Hawker]

Motons are better.

Penske are better.

 

[2000_Black_RT10]

which ones are better?

I'd go with what the others prefer.. should realize that the ACR DS street dampers were designed 10 years ago for Chrysler and put on cars practically 10 years ago, regardless of usage, they will most likely need to be rebuilt, just like tires, the seals age. Brand new sets aren't readily available, so no sense in comparing them to what is available today.

If you really want to keep them in your car as OE, Haas rebuilds them for DS in the US and here is their website: Carl Haas Automobile Imports, Inc

DS supplies F1, etc.. and in most cases race style dampers are rebuilt after every race, DSSV dampers are in a different league.. such as these which have an external cartridge and are very expensive Dynamic Suspensions

 

[SCCAviper]

Have had both. The Koni's are softer with a poor adjustment system (a drill bit is key). The DS's are much better, eazy to adjust and are true high end race dampers. The rear spring rate is brutal. Both are not street shocks.

If you are looking for an excellant set of street shocks, see my Snake Oyl shocks in classifieds.