QA1 Adjustable Shocks

[Chris Kennedy]

Good morning:

I saw some QA1 Adjustable Shock Absorbers for our cars at a recent Corvette show (Van Steel was offering them), and also Eckler's now sells them. Has anyone had any experince with these shocks? They have a twelve position knob adjustment, and should be easy to adjust at the front with the hood open, though the rear ones are probably more troublesome. Still, I had some five-position adjustable Tokico shocks on an old IROC-Z, and really liked them a great deal. The 89 Ebay Rat's FX-3s were shot when I got it (running TPIS Shocks now---VERY good), and some day I am thinking these might be a better alternative than fussing with the FX-3s.

Cheers,
/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[rkreigh]

the fx3 is a PITA and the actuators are getting expensive.

the only advantage of the fx3 is that it adjusts at speed. if you can live with a manually adjustable shock rate the QA1s are a good shock.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

the fx3 is a PITA and the actuators are getting expensive.

the only advantage of the fx3 is that it adjusts at speed. if you can live with a manually adjustable shock rate the QA1s are a good shock.

What I remember reading about the FX-3 was that people generally found it either too soft or too firm. Some day I would like to activate it on the Rat to see for myself, but the price is pretty out of line. I have kept the actuators to the system, but the shocks are in bad shape and are starting to break apart in places, so no rebuilding them. The best price I have seen for BOTH new shocks and actuators is about $400 each, with shocks about $200 each. Also, of course, it adds complexity to the car. The QA1s are interesting, and I will probably contact the manufacturer for more info.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[froggy47]

I've had them for 2 years, work fine, win races. You'll need to fab a front bump stop.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I've had them for 2 years, work fine, win races. You'll need to fab a front bump stop.

Many thanks for the response! If you get a second, could you answer several questions: Do you use the car on the street at all? If so, how wide is the range of adjustments in actual use and how easy/difficult are they to adjust? Incidentally, it looks like you're from the San Diego area---I'm trying to get a job there and hope to be there with the Rat soon!

Cheers,

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[froggy47]

Many thanks for the response! If you get a second, could you answer several questions: Do you use the car on the street at all? If so, how wide is the range of adjustments in actual use and how easy/difficult are they to adjust? Incidentally, it looks like you're from the San Diego area---I'm trying to get a job there and hope to be there with the Rat soon!

Some street, on the soft setting they are stiffer than the stock Bilsteins, but not so stiff that it bothers me. YMMV.

To adjust turn knob on each shock.

On stiff setting you can barely bounce the car by pushing on the "bumpers"

Be sure to come to a solo2 race at Qualcom Stadium when you get here.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

Some street, on the soft setting they are stiffer than the stock Bilsteins, but not so stiff that it bothers me. YMMV.

To adjust turn knob on each shock.

On stiff setting you can barely bounce the car by pushing on the "bumpers"

Be sure to come to a solo2 race at Qualcom Stadium when you get here.

Many thanks---I would think the knob would be easy to reach on the front shocks (just open the hood and reach down), and am wondering whether you can simply reach under the car to adjust the knobs on the rear ones or do you have to raise the car? I am a pretty nimble guy, so it's no problem for me lying on the ground if they're reachable.

I'll take you up on the Solo 2 race invite---I am pretty familiar with San Diego and can't tell you how much I am looking forward to relocating....think about it all the time and have got everything planned except the job!

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[froggy47]

I just lay down on the ground next to the rear wheel, reach under & twist. Knob is at the bottom of the shock. Face it forward when you install it. On Koni adjustables you have to remove the wheel & shock to adjust the rear, or cut a hole in the body - not allowed in stock class.

That's why I decided to try QA1's instead of Koni plus they are 1/2 the weight (I weighed them both)


Look me up Black 96 Vette #147 I'm at all the events.

 

[Chris Kennedy]

I just lay down on the ground next to the rear wheel, reach under & twist. Knob is at the bottom of the shock. Face it forward when you install it. On Koni adjustables you have to remove the wheel & shock to adjust the rear, or cut a hole in the body - not allowed in stock class.

That's why I decided to try QA1's instead of Koni plus they are 1/2 the weight (I weighed them both)


Look me up Black 96 Vette #147 I'm at all the events.

Great! That's what I hoped for. I'll look you up, thanks, and no need to reply. You've been a huge help.

/s/ Chris Kennedy

 

[froggy47]

Don't forget to do a front bump stop or you will blow the shock, rears are on the frame so no sweat there.