KONIs for Contemporary or other Cobra with Jag suspension

[CCX33911]

Looking into buying KONI double adjustable shocks for my Contemporary Cobra. Has anyone run these. What part numbers would be appropriate? Specific problems I see are that the car is set up for shocks in the front that use 1/2" eyes, and the back uses standard 5/8" Jag size eyes. The racing KONI double adjustible use 7/16" (unless special order is possible).

Anyone have ideas or know someone who runs them?

Thanks

Gary

[skibum2]

I have a contemporary with jag. suspension also...the instruction (assembly) manual warns against using any other shocks except the ones that the factory can supply...big letters that start out with "WARNING"...now then....I have a question concerning the rear end....if you can help, the output shaft is leaking at the pumpkin side, if you know, do I need to pull the complete assemby out to change this?..any special tools?..the assembly manual states that the R&D dept. of Koni engineered the shocks for this kit...they are not available over the counter...thanks and I hope this helps...larry

[CCX33911]

The shocks that came with my coil over setup from the factor were made by Carrera which are generally considered not as good for racing situations as Koni. Also the Carreras require dismounting two adjust valving where the Koni's can be adjusted on car. They have adjustments for both bump and rebound independently with about 7 settings each.

Concerning your leak. Is the leak coming from the pinion (drive shaft) or from arround the disk brake area (half shafts). I believe either can be repaired in place. Get a Haynes maunal for the Jag XJS and it will describe how to change them. Clean the shaft and outer bore (where seal mates to housing) with laquer thinner and use a small amount of RTV on the outer edge and a bit of grease or Vasoline (sp) on the seal lip.

[Jack21]

We seem to have lost some of the posts in this thread in the server changeover.

Mike Eisenberg did get back to me on my front coil over for MII suspension Cobra. Bottom line is if Koni makes it, he can get it. And if it has wheels on it, Koni makes a shock for it. Koni tech support has been most responsive on this also.

In my hot rodding experience, Koni offers handling and control unmatched by any other shock. Additionally, Koni's never wear out, you only have to buy them once. If one does manage to wear out a set, Koni will rebuild them. If you live in the NorthEast, you do have to watch for rust as they age.

[CCX33911]

Thanks Jack. We did loose a few posts, but I read them. I did send mike and koni an e-mail on Friday, but haven't heard from either. I assume they will get back to me on Monday.

Is it better to call Jack in leu of e-mail?

Thanks
Gary

[Jack21]

You're in CA, Koni is in TN. They're on Central time. Koni TS may take a day or two, but they're pretty responsive. Got Mike's e-mail Sat AM.

6 of one, 1/2 doz of the other. Phone calls frequently get phone tag w/ voicemails.

[skibum2]

thanks for the info....it is snowing like crazy here so I will have time to jump into this right away... larry

[Jack21]

Koni website has 3 downloadable catalogs in PDF format. More than you ever wanted to know about shock absorbers, perhaps, but useful info. Might want to slant your shock choice toward single adjustable, and in steel, not aluminum. Get the right valving from the factory for the other. Single adj steel ~$100, aluminum ~$200, double adj aluminum ~$300+.

Double adj is handy if you go from track to track, and have to dial car in for different tracks. For street driven car, dial it in once and leave it alone. Add a click every 30 thou or so for wear.

[Aussie Mike]

Hi Gary,

I'm running AVO coil overs on my Classic Revival which uses Jag front suspension components. They have 1/2" spherical bearings in the ends and are externally adjustable without removing the shock (you can see the adjuster near the lower mount). It's a single adjustment for both compression and rebound. They are a steel body double tube damper and are rebuildable. They came with the aluminium upper and lower seats but I machined up the seat to go between main spring and the tracking spring. AVO shocks are made in the UK and I'm not sure where you would source them from in the US but some one must import them.

Cheers

[Don Anesi]

Gary
Have a set of 4 NEW KONI's for XKE JAG 61-71 rear, they are the adjustable shocks. Box is marked 2 KONI "Special" D part number 80-1491-SPA2. In orginal boxes and never been on a car. You can reach me by E mail at anesidl@nep.net if interested.

Don Anesi

[Tom T.]

Gary,

I exchanged e-mails with the tech guys at Koni, and was told that the company no longer makes the specially valved front shocks for the Contemporary car, at least as to the torsion bar front suspension, which I have.

If anyone has better luck, please let me know. I'd sure appreciate it.

TT

[CCX33911]

Looks like to get the high zoot Koni racing shocks with double adjustable damping (model 8212 or 3012) cost ~$500 to 550 each. Penske 8100's are ~750 each. Aldan single adjustable with springs are 350 per pair, and double adjustable with springs are %510 per pair. The konis and Penske's are both regarded highly in the racing circles. Not sure if who has used the Aldans on the track, etc.

Obviously the cost is tough to swallow especially for people who are not going to be pushing it at the trak. I have not priced the SPAX or AVO yet for this application. I may run the stock Carreras for a while and buy something nice towards the end of the year when finances permit.

[Jack21]

Perhaps you want to consider the Low Zoot Koni steel single adjustable 30 or 30SP8 series. 'Bout a hun or so ea, less springs.

[RACER X #99]

AVO shocks available right here in NJ from the importer.

BTW,
AVO is the originator of coilover shocks.

Check out their sitewww.cfimotorsports.com

AVO North America
5B Hamilton Business Park
85 Franklin Road, Dover, NJ 07801
(973) 989-9260

Tom T.
I got the AVO coilovers on my torsion bar track turd and they work just fine.
On the rear AVO coilovers.
On the front AVO adjustable shocks only.

Cranky

[Tom T.]

Crankster,

Torsion Bar Track Turd! That's it, from now on I'm telling people I have the Contemporary TBTT model. Very exclusive!

TT

[RACER X #99]

Tom,
Have to give the credit to Hank Dondero for naming my car the Track Turd. That's what friends are for.

Cranky

[SCOBRAC]

That's nothing Tom. I own the only known Contemporary TTST (street) model and it isn't a stupid replica.. Thanks for getting that manual, though it may not actually apply to the TTST model.. It hasn't gotten here yet but I'm sure it's on the way!!!

Regards,

[Tom T.]

Went in the mail two days ago--you should see it soon.

TT