Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 08:09:13 -0800 (PST)
From: David Edge
Subject: [imps] Spax Adjustment
Could anyone tell me how to adjust my spax adjustable rear shocks, they have a screw on the inside of each. Last night I screwed them both in as far as they would go, except that they didn't stop screwing in. It felt like nothing was turning, more slipping inside, however when I drove the car afterwards it was bouncing all over the place at the rear. Someone help as it is very alarming.
From: Mark Chater
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 18:24:31 -0000
Subject: [imps] Re: Spax Adjustment
The way to set spax is to unwind them as far as they will go - it will get easier the more they unwind until it you reach the stop. At this point they are as soft as possible and if you take them off you will see how soft - almost no resistance.
Now wind them in however many clicks you want. The first few you will probably bot be able to feel as it turns as the clicks are almost indistiguishable at first. Once you get to the maximum setting, which is usually 12 or 14 (someone correct me if I'm wrong) then further winding in does nothing, it just slips internally as you have noticed and stays on the maximum setting.
If you drive it like this then the car will be very bouncy, but not in the 'all at sea' fashion of knackered shocks, and will turn in very well, almost frighteningly well at times, and will want to spin you through 180 degrees if you are not very careful. Start with a setting of about 6 clicks (1.5 full turns of the screw) and experiment from there. I use about 10 when classic trialling, but I have an extra 150lbs or so at the back, most of it behind the line of the rear wheels.
From: CKirkw00d@aol.com
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 14:40:14 EST
Subject: [imps] Re: Spax Adjustment
You can keep on turning to the left and after a while you'll be at zero and any further turning will do nothing. This is the softest setting. It will stiffen up then by turning to the right, clockwise. I suggest after turning left enough times you turn one complete 360 on each shock then try the car. If I remember correctly you have fourteen turns to the right for the hardest setting.
If anybody is interested I have two new Spax adjustables for sale. Problem is that they are for a m*n*. Purchased in a set of four that were meant to be all Imp.
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 18:00:23 +0000
From: Andrew W. MacFadyen
Subject: [imps] Re: Spax Adjustment
Slow down ! back the adjustment right back until you feel a stop the give the fronts about 3 clicks and rears 5 and try that, Spax are only designed to have 14 adjustment clicks so just go up one click at a time. Setting the dampers too hard can result the car becoming very unpredictable - no warning it will just fly off the road. Because of the low weight on the front wheels the front adjustment is particularly sensitive.