Installing FX3 without electronics?

[jpanek]

I'm planning to autocross this year, but the vette has the regular suspension with a rather "floaty" ride. Seems like excessive body roll on turns. New shocks will go on, but what kind?

I was thinking about installing the FX3 shocks, and leaving off the electronics. After reading Hib's excellent article about them, this idea came to mind: Install the shocks, and take off the electric actuator that changes valve positions. When I go to race, manually switch them to firm, and when done manually switch them back to soft.

Issues:

1) Locking them manually in the desired position
2) Fluid leaking out with the electric rotary actuator removed

Can I leave the actuator on and connect a power supply/function generator to make it move?

The whole point is to leave out the cockpit switch and related electronics, as I won't need to be switching positions very often.

 

[Tuna]

There are other 'adjustable' shocks available for the C4 that are cheaper than the FX3 shocks and would do what you are seeking. Example: Koni Sport, externally adjustable are $139~ each at TireRack.com and would provide the results you desire.

The cheapest FX3 shock I've seen is $199 in MidAmerica.

Something to think about.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

Yeah, I would also suggest the HAL QA1 12-way adjustables..

The setting can be changed while installed, I heard with some shocks you need to unbolt them to change the settings

 

[Tuna]

The setting can be changed while installed, I heard with some shocks you need to unbolt them to change the settings

Ditto the FX3 shocks - in the rear at least. The FX3 asjuster shaft sticks out the top of the shock - in the rear, this is buried up inside the rear inner fender area and requires you to lower the shock to get at the actuator/adjustor shaft.

I would hope that externally asjustable shocks would be designed to make this easier - I don't know. I have FX3 on my car. For auto cross, I want them full stiff so I use an optional controller that does just that.

 

[jpanek]

Thanks guys! I'm really looking forward to putting those on. Glad to know there's an alternative to hacking up fx3 shocks.

 

[Jeffvette]

Ditto the FX3 shocks - in the rear at least. The FX3 asjuster shaft sticks out the top of the shock - in the rear, this is buried up inside the rear inner fender area and requires you to lower the shock to get at the actuator/adjustor shaft.

I would hope that externally asjustable shocks would be designed to make this easier - I don't know. I have FX3 on my car. For auto cross, I want them full stiff so I use an optional controller that does just that.

The Konis don't, the knob is on top of the shock....... brilliant idea :eyerole They may have changed the design. But I haven't cared to check.