Upgrading Contemporary Cobra Suspension

LeonardU · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 07:27 PM

I have an early Contemporary, #3050, with torsion bar front suspension, original Koni shocks in the front, upgraded anti-sway bar in front and Aldan single adjustable shocks with Eibach springs in the back. The ride is too soft. I have been told that I need to get double adjustable shocks for the rear. Is this necessary and advisable? If so, what do you recommend that is reasonably priced? If not, what do you recommend? I want a good modern shock for the front. Any suggestions? I do not have Watts Link in the rear. What is the advantage of Watts Link? I do not race or do burn outs. I just want a good handling street car. Mickmate, do you still make your Watts Link? Can radius rods accomplish the same thing as Watts Link? If Mickmate doesn't still make the Watts Link, anybody else fabricating one? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Len

Three Peaks · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2012, 09:10 PM

A quality single adjustable shock like the QA1's and the proper spring rated springs would go a long way to giving you the ride you are looking for. Double adjustable shocks are great if you are running track days a bit but not really necessary for a quality and/or sporty ride on the street.

Check your springs to see what they are rated and either ask here or go to one of the sites that has a spring calculator for your application. I believe QA1 has a calculator on their site for sizing springs.

Bob

mickmate · #3 (**permalink**) 07-26-2012, 05:23 AM

The ride is too soft at the rear? That would just be a matter of getting the correct spring rate. I believe you want around 300-325 springs. Any idea what you have?
I am still making the retrofit watts linkage kit. If you have nothing to stop the forward/back movement that gives the rear end a workout. They had (mushy) rubber bushed radius rods in the Jag. We are typically running much higher horsepower and fatter tires on the rear end. The greatest advantage to the watts is positively locating the rear hub carriers with no front/rear movement and it does more than the suspension travel with no bind and no arcs to pound the swing arm bearing.