QA1 Shocks
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
QA1 Shocks
Hi all
I'm looking at buying new shocks for my 85. I'm trying to decide between the non adjustable QA1 and Bilstein Z51. I plan on using the car for autocross. Does anyone have experience with both?
Thanks
I'm looking at buying new shocks for my 85. I'm trying to decide between the non adjustable QA1 and Bilstein Z51. I plan on using the car for autocross. Does anyone have experience with both?
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 993
Likes: 3
From: Iowa
My Bilsteins were old when I went to the double adjustable QA1's so I can't really do a comparison. I will say that the QA1 shock is a very nice shock and has done very well for me in the performance department (but the double adjustable shock is in a different league than both that you listed). If you decide to go with the QA1 I may be able to help you on the price some. Just my .02
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
I've run the QA1 single adjustable and Bilstein Sport (z51) Both worked well with my FE1 suspension.
Since my 86 is lowered the QA1 did not have enough dampening control to slow suspension compression on the streets.
The Bilsteins worked better for the street, and had a shorter stroke for a lowered suspension.
My suggestion is to run the QA1's. They build sport shocks, not street shocks.
Learn how to adjust tire pressure to compensate and balance the car.
Spend a season learning how to drive competitively and saving your money.
Then start planning your changes with the knowledge of what will suite your driving style.
Best advise I ever received when I started autoxing.
You should have enough saved for a set of dual adjustable QA1's then.
Having adjustable shocks is an autocrosser's dream. Along with enough torque to shear off wheel studs..
Since my 86 is lowered the QA1 did not have enough dampening control to slow suspension compression on the streets.
The Bilsteins worked better for the street, and had a shorter stroke for a lowered suspension.
My suggestion is to run the QA1's. They build sport shocks, not street shocks.
Learn how to adjust tire pressure to compensate and balance the car.
Spend a season learning how to drive competitively and saving your money.
Then start planning your changes with the knowledge of what will suite your driving style.
Best advise I ever received when I started autoxing.
You should have enough saved for a set of dual adjustable QA1's then.
Having adjustable shocks is an autocrosser's dream. Along with enough torque to shear off wheel studs..
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hi
Here are some of the main issues with coilovers on early c4's.
1. the stamped metal plate they bolt on to need to be replaced with a 1/4-1/8 inch steel plate to spread the load across to the lower control arm. (Is easy enough to cut out the shape you need with a oxy accetelyne cutting tip, then use a vice and hammer to shape it and drill the holes and the shock reccess)
2. The sway bar needs to be moved forward on some cars depending on the coilover thickness, i made a new sway bar to lower control arm rod to clear the coilovers.
3. You may need to widen the shock absorber towers, easilly done with a large shifter, you only need a litle extra room.
You may be ok with the QA1 coilovers as their design has the threaded part on top of the coilover.
4. If you want to street use the car i recommend single adjustable and the lighter springs, heavy duty race type springs will really affect the ride on normal highways.
For autocross you will definitly benifit from double adjustable and track springs.
I would suggest visiting the Van steel website, see link below they have all the accessories you need.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&subgroup=1972
Here are some of the main issues with coilovers on early c4's.
1. the stamped metal plate they bolt on to need to be replaced with a 1/4-1/8 inch steel plate to spread the load across to the lower control arm. (Is easy enough to cut out the shape you need with a oxy accetelyne cutting tip, then use a vice and hammer to shape it and drill the holes and the shock reccess)
2. The sway bar needs to be moved forward on some cars depending on the coilover thickness, i made a new sway bar to lower control arm rod to clear the coilovers.
3. You may need to widen the shock absorber towers, easilly done with a large shifter, you only need a litle extra room.
You may be ok with the QA1 coilovers as their design has the threaded part on top of the coilover.
4. If you want to street use the car i recommend single adjustable and the lighter springs, heavy duty race type springs will really affect the ride on normal highways.
For autocross you will definitly benifit from double adjustable and track springs.
I would suggest visiting the Van steel website, see link below they have all the accessories you need.
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&subgroup=1972
Last edited by gerardvg; Sep 25, 2014 at 09:38 PM.
