24-10-2013, 12:17 PM
(24-10-2013, 10:04 AM)Rippthrough Wrote: Even paying trade prices for the parts, tubes and re-using pistons and valves out of something else, I can't build even a cheap set of coilovers for rally use for less than £600, so that should tell you how good they will be
If they're anything like the old set I took apart, they're pretty similar to a very old Koni design with rubber piston seals etc, and a lot of stiction/friction in the system (the reason for the poor ride, it doesn't let the suspension move properly until they get a big enough whack)
yeah I fully agree, although there's quite a bit of difference between a bespoke kit you would produce and a generic kit produced by the 1000s in a thrid world sweat shop,
but I guess there are more than one business model you can pursue , ie build up slowly using top quality components and supporting motorsport this is where the likes of Ohlins, AST have come from and now over many years have built a enviable reputation as market leaders which allows them to charge what they do, I remember around 10 yrs ago buying some Nitron dampers for my TVR, at the time Nitron were a relatively new company with a limited product range and when I made my order I was quizzed by Guy Evans (the company founder) re how the car was to be driven, what brakes and tyres were fitted how I drove, what my expectations were etc, they basically built me a custom set of high quality dampers, now Nitron have grown from these humble beginnings and are right up there with the best, have an extensive range and excellent reputation, I suppose that’s the best way to build a business, but it’s not the only way, knocking out 1000s of cut price units to people who simply want to lower there car 100mm and sod the consequences also seems viable or they wouldn’t do it, the margins must be incredibly tight and I’m sure designs have been pinched from more reputable / established manufacturers, but what like I said how bad can they be? The worst case scenario is they are proper rubbish and not up to the task, well in the case I’ll run them till I can workout better solution and then sell them on ebay, I’d guess I’m likely to recoup around 60% of their initial cost so it’s not like I’m risking a great deal.