Author Topic: Suspension  (Read 3080 times)

Peter h

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08.68 280sl automatic white 717 G  blue MB Tex
09.68 280sl  4-speed, now 5-speed Getrag 180 G dark green MB Tex

Jack the Knife

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #1 on: January 24, 2023, 21:48:27 »
How do these compare to John Olsen’s springs? Anyone know?
1964 230SL
2015 G550 """Professional"""

Peter h

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2023, 04:52:56 »
I have been driving the mechatronic suspension in combination with the original Bilstein in both pagodas for many years and I am very satisfied. Many in my circle of pagodas have also rebuilt afterwards and don't want to drive anything else. Mechatronik builds this suspension in its large engine pagoda conversions.
I can't say anything about other suspensions.

And I dont sell this Mechatronik suspension...
Peter
08.68 280sl automatic white 717 G  blue MB Tex
09.68 280sl  4-speed, now 5-speed Getrag 180 G dark green MB Tex

mazmonza

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2023, 17:52:23 »
I have used John Olsen springs for 11 years and I much prefer the ride over standard, (better handling)
1967 250sl ZF 5 speed
1991 300ce-24 coupe Sportline
1962 Lambretta TV175/ RB20
2000 Ducati 748s
1970 Ducati Monza

teahead

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2023, 19:36:46 »
I have used John Olsen springs for 11 years and I much prefer the ride over standard, (better handling)

Did you get progressive?  Linear (aka "Sport")?  Both?

I tried to order the linear JUST for the front and he won't sell them to me unless I also ordered rears.  So I told him to get me the front progressives.
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

Cees Klumper

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2023, 23:18:27 »
Already spoken for, that's too bad, great deal.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

Jack the Knife

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2023, 23:46:08 »
Hesitation is defeat. I was going to buy these when I had free hands at the end of the day today. Darn!

Are these retailed new by anybody?
1964 230SL
2015 G550 """Professional"""

mazmonza

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2023, 08:09:23 »
I use sports front and progressive rear
1967 250sl ZF 5 speed
1991 300ce-24 coupe Sportline
1962 Lambretta TV175/ RB20
2000 Ducati 748s
1970 Ducati Monza

stickandrudderman

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2023, 14:21:41 »
I wonder how many people have done back to back tests with NEW (or at least where spring rates are known to be to new spec) against after-market.

rwmastel

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #9 on: January 26, 2023, 21:31:18 »
Good point.  And, people will have different opinions because people may have different models of shocks installed, and some shocks would be more aged than others.  People will have different age on the rubber bushings/mounts in their cars.  People will have different tires, and maybe different size tires/wheels.  Also, people may be looking for an enhanced "normal" ride, hoping pot holes and rail road tracks are handled better, where as other people may be looking for handling improvements at the edge of traction.  Each person and car is different, so when one person is not impressed with the change on their car, it means nothing about what another person might feel about it.
Rodd

Did you search the forum before asking?
2017 C43 AMG
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1980 450SL
1966 230SL

mazmonza

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2023, 09:44:21 »
Hi Colin, I went from standard to Olsen springs ( back to back) and for me felt a great improvement.

Maurice
1967 250sl ZF 5 speed
1991 300ce-24 coupe Sportline
1962 Lambretta TV175/ RB20
2000 Ducati 748s
1970 Ducati Monza

teahead

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #11 on: January 30, 2023, 20:24:24 »
Hi Colin, I went from standard to Olsen springs ( back to back) and for me felt a great improvement.

Maurice

linear (F), progressive (R)???

1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

afibbe

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2023, 21:21:31 »
6 months ago I installed my original front springs (John was having supply issues) and Knoi adjustable shocks. The front brake dive is gone and it corners like I want it to. I like adjustability and the fact that the shocks are hydraulic and not gas operated. Install and adjustments are much easier with hydraulic shocks.

This winter I am rebuilding the rear suspension and will use John’s progressive springs with Koni shocks.
Alex Fibbe
1966 230SL
USA, Cincinnati, OH

franjo_66

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2023, 23:35:42 »
Hi Alex

Out of curiosity, does the ride quality get noticeably stiffer or harsher with the Konis?
I am looking at replacement shocks, so keen to see if Konis are still comfortable for daily driving (and I know they improve handling for those weekend drives  ;D )

Regards
Franjo

1965 230SL Black/Auto/RHD
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
1983 BMW 735i
1986 560 SEC
1991 500SL
1982 Holden Statesman DeVille

afibbe

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Re: Suspension
« Reply #14 on: February 06, 2023, 03:45:19 »
It is hard for me to say. My front suspension was not in good shape when I purchased the car. Last year I removed the suspension and replaced all the worn or warring parts including the steering box and installed the new Koni shocks. I was very happy with the results but it wasn’t just the shocks.

I would recommend installing the Koni shocks because they have 6 different settings. If you don’t like the ride, change it. Because they are hydronic and not gas, pulling them and changing the setting is easy.
Alex Fibbe
1966 230SL
USA, Cincinnati, OH