Problems with VariShocks!

[fvike]

I just discovered that both my front VariShocks dampers (TCP front coil-overs) are busted. I was driving the car hard on some local twisty roads, when I noticed that the front end would wobble at high speeds. At first I thought the sampers were set to soft, because they were only at setting 3 on both rebound and compression. But a few days later I decided to lower the car a bit, and when I removed the passenger side damper to clean it, I saw this:

http://home.no.net/fvike/images/Dscn0429u.jpg

http://home.no.net/fvike/images/Dscn0430u.jpg

http://home.no.net/fvike/images/Dscn0431u.jpg

That damper had virtually no oil left. The driver side damper I could easily compress, and before I cleaned it, I looked for oil, which I found on it. So that's busted too. Has anyone experienced the same thing with their VariShocks? I know Steven Rupp had leaking VariShocks on Penny and got them replaced. I've written two e-mails to TCP, but no answer (The same mail to both sales and tech department), and that is why I'm posting here about it. Didn't want to, but here it is. I hope they aren't expecting me to buy another pair of $795 shocks, with that quality. How long will they last?

[The WidowMaker]

with your setup, is the shock fully collapsed before it hits the bump stop? that sucks to see. i was just about to order a set today. not sure if its going to stop me or not, but it still sucks.

[fvike]

with your setup, is the shock fully collapsed before it hits the bump stop? that sucks to see. i was just about to order a set today. not sure if its going to stop me or not, but it still sucks.

No, the spring will bottom out before the shock. I posted a similar tread on Stangnet, and a guy at TCP responded, and is helping me out. So it looks like it's gonna work out for me. He said half their sales/tech department has been out on events the past week, so that's why they haven't responded to my email yet.

[waynieZ]

Keep us updated

[Teetoe_Jones]

That sucks. I've seen that more than 10 different times now from Varishock. There is a reason I use Penske and Bilstein over Afco, QA1 and Varishock. You don't see these kind of failures from shock companies that are in the winners circle year after year. I don't see street rod companies making shocks that are winning races, let alone building a product that can hold its own on the street.

You could have had a set of custom valved Bilsteins for $5 bucks more than you paid for the Varishocks that would have lasted you the life of the car.

Tyler

EDIT:

Forgot to add, that although I've seen these failures before, they always get replaced in an orderly fashion. That says quite a bit about the guys at Varishock, other companies leave their hand out for more money to replace a bad part.

[fvike]

How much more does a Penske shock cost than a VariShock?

[tjbruning]

That sucks. I've seen that more than 10 different times now from Varishock. There is a reason I use Penske and Bilstein over Afco, QA1 and Varishock. You don't see these kind of failures from shock companies that are in the winners circle year after year. I don't see street rod companies making shocks that are winning races, let alone building a product that can hold its own on the street.

You could have had a set of custom valved Bilsteins for $5 bucks more than you paid for the Varishocks that would have lasted you the life of the car.

Tyler

Tyler, I was under the impression that the AFCO's were on the same level as the Penske, Bilstein, and Ohlins in terms of quality, race bred technology, etc.

Currently comparing remote res coilovers, what about the AFCO's is lacking?

[Apogee]

How much more does a Penske shock cost than a VariShock?

Penske's are big money...I haven't priced them for an automotive application, but I got my race shocks for my quad from Custom Axis, a division of Penske, and it was roughly $2500 for 3 shocks. The quality is second to none, but certainly not for the faint of wallet.

Tobin

[ccracin]

Tyler, I was under the impression that the AFCO's were on the same level as the Penske, Bilstein, and Ohlins in terms of quality, race bred technology, etc.

Currently comparing remote res coilovers, what about the AFCO's is lacking?


Ditto, I used AFCO on Stock Cars and had very good success. AFCO does have a street rod line, but I don't know if they are the same shocks as their race line. I would think not. Any more info would be great Tyler. Thanks.

[Teetoe_Jones]

A Penske 8300 series shock is $830 each without springs. Worth every penny the first time you feel the valving and ride quality.

I distribute parts for manufacturers who have proven over and over that their products are of the highest quality. I also like to stick with people that make one thing very well- Like AP Brakes. They don't make wheels, springs, control arms etc. They make racing brakes, and they have been on every winning LeMans Corvette for over 10 years. Penske is the same way, as is Bilstein, Brembo, Ron Davis, etc. I won't use a shock manufacturer (like Afco) that makes radiators, ball joints etc. I want a shock manufacturer who only makes shocks, and does it right.
Think of it this way- Do you want your shocks built by a company that does a little bit of everything, or a company that does one thing exceptionally?


Tyler

[The WidowMaker]

tyler - are the bilsteins you speak of adjustable coilovers (the ones for a little more for a pair) or they custom valved non adjustable coilovers?

[Teetoe_Jones]

The Bilsteins I sell are non adjustable, custom valved coil overs. We can upgrade the shaft and add a remote reservoir to them and make them double adjustable, just like the Penskes.

Tyler

[fvike]

I just got a mail from TCP, and they'll replace my VariShocks.:thumbsup: So I'll give them another shot. My brother has a XV lvl 2 rear suspension for his 'cuda, but haven't installed it yet. One of the dampers in that kit (Afco) is now being sent in for replacement, it was easily compressable. So I agree with Teetoe_Jones, you get what you pay for when it comes to shocks, but then again, you'd expect higher quality from a race damper than a street damper.

While we're discussing, what are the pros for having a remote resovair on a damper? Is it a tuning aid?

[AJSZR2326]

ive had one leaking for a while now and one that snapped off at the top,tcp said too much preload was on the one that broke at the top near locknut.

[FreddieCougar]

ive had one leaking for a while now and one that snapped off at the top,tcp said too much preload was on the one that broke at the top near locknut.


Unfortunately, that does happen. We do not recommend using the spring seat as a ride height adjustment, it screws up the shock travel and increases the risk of bottoming (or in this case topping out) the shock.
When did this happen? Did we fix it? PM me if you need help still.
Tim

[AJSZR2326]

it happened months ago, yes i fixed it by ordering new springs(200lb) and a new shock. i've tried following the directions with 60/40 compression i dont like the 5" travel on shock i tried to set it up so i get about equal movement up and down. how do you recommend setting ride height? i talk to carl at chassiworks. overall i kinda hate my car with all the stuff i put into it, my friends 70 rides better than mine(stock). there's no way i could ever bring it to the track it will surely break.

[FreddieCougar]

it happened months ago, yes i fixed it by ordering new springs(200lb) and a new shock. i've tried following the directions with 60/40 compression i dont like the 5" travel on shock i tried to set it up so i get about equal movement up and down. how do you recommend setting ride height? i talk to carl at chassiworks. overall i kinda hate my car with all the stuff i put into it, my friends 70 rides better than mine(stock). there's no way i could ever bring it to the track it will surely break.


Call me at the shop, ex 257, I would like to get to the bottom of this....
Tim

[AJSZR2326]

what company are you with?

[FreddieCougar]

what company are you with?

Sorry, I am with Chris Alston's Chassisworks!