strut/shock choice
#1
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Car: 86 z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: built 700R4
strut/shock choice
i am setting my z28 up to start bracket racing and am looking at the difference in front struts and rear shocks. what is the difference between 90/10, 70/30, & 50/50? What do the numbers stand for? any help is welcome.
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Car: 1989 IROC Z28
Engine: 305 TBI (L03)
Transmission: 700R4 w/ Corvette servo
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen, 3.23, posi, PBR
The numbers relate to the directional dampening, or resistance to movement, of the shock/strut.
A typical shock is 50/50, where the dampening is the same in each direction (extension & compression). The dampening on a typical front drag only shock is 90/10 to allow the front to rise quickly on launch and transfer weight to the rear wheels.
Of course, you may not want that to happen at every traffic light on a car driven on the street. Valving internal to the shock/strut controls the dampening.
Some manufacturers offer adjustable shocks/struts to allowing you to tune the action for your needs. Some can even be adjusted w/o removing the shock/strut.
Hope this helps.
Remember: Keep the shiny side up!
A typical shock is 50/50, where the dampening is the same in each direction (extension & compression). The dampening on a typical front drag only shock is 90/10 to allow the front to rise quickly on launch and transfer weight to the rear wheels.
Of course, you may not want that to happen at every traffic light on a car driven on the street. Valving internal to the shock/strut controls the dampening.
Some manufacturers offer adjustable shocks/struts to allowing you to tune the action for your needs. Some can even be adjusted w/o removing the shock/strut.
Hope this helps.
Remember: Keep the shiny side up!
#3
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Car: 86 z28
Engine: 350
Transmission: built 700R4
thanks for the info that makes sense. if a good drag shock for the front is a 90/10 what would be good for the rear.
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Car: 1989 IROC Z28
Engine: 305 TBI (L03)
Transmission: 700R4 w/ Corvette servo
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen, 3.23, posi, PBR
50/50 is typically used for the rear.
The front is where the different valving usually comes into play. In general:
Front Rear
Street/stock: 50/50 50/50
Street/Strip: 70/30 50/50
Strip: 90/10 50/50
Of course, there are always exceptions.
Keep in mind the primary purpose of a shock/strut is to keep suspension travel under control and tires in contact w/ the pavement.
If the spring & shock/strut combination is too stiff, cornering might be great, but the ride will be harsh, the rest of the suspension will take a beating, and the tire may leave the pavement on bumps. If the combination is too soft, handling will suffer and, on a bumpy road, the tire may spend more time off the pavement than on. Not a good situation.
The front is where the different valving usually comes into play. In general:
Front Rear
Street/stock: 50/50 50/50
Street/Strip: 70/30 50/50
Strip: 90/10 50/50
Of course, there are always exceptions.
Keep in mind the primary purpose of a shock/strut is to keep suspension travel under control and tires in contact w/ the pavement.
If the spring & shock/strut combination is too stiff, cornering might be great, but the ride will be harsh, the rest of the suspension will take a beating, and the tire may leave the pavement on bumps. If the combination is too soft, handling will suffer and, on a bumpy road, the tire may spend more time off the pavement than on. Not a good situation.
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