somewhat OT: selecting coilovers, coilovers for Healey V8 build Options

[914efi]

I'm building an Austin Healey V8, and am redoing all of the suspension, changing to coilovers front and rear. Does anyone have experience on choosing damping rates (based on weight/spring rate?) and suggestions for brands? I'm assuming I will want double adjustable damping.

Thanks

[914efi]

Thanks,

I planned on calling the mfrs for info. I would have liked to have better info, but this is a bit of a dark art. I added one ugly pic, I don't have much at home, but I can add more if there is interest. Engine is a 289 ford, will be mounted with a front plate, a midplate and a rear trans mount. Car will look stock, no flares or other crazy stuff. It is a 1960 BN7 which a nice 2 seat version of the 3000. Frame is being built up now and then it will be blasted and painted before final ass'y. Car was converted to V8 a long time ago in Cali, I bought it 5 yrs ago on the east coast.

[GS Guy]

EFI,

I think all the lower end adjustable dampers have a wide enough range in adjustment they'll take a pretty big range of spring rates.
Of course, the high end stuff is probably more "tailored" to the spring rate - Koni, Ohlins, Penski. If you're dropping that kind of coin I'd talk to a dealer directly.

On the mid-price there's Spax and AVO, but harder to find a US dealer for?

In the "more affodrable" catagory - your basic (Chassisworks) Varishock, Aldan and QA1.
My research on these (YMMV) - QA1 quality wend down when production went offshore and advancement stopped. Problems with leaking, quickly worn mounting bushings and inconsistent valving settings from shock to shock. I've read Carrera was bought out by QA1, not sure if they still carry the Carrera as an independent line or not?
Aldans - Don't believe they dyno their shocks, heard some good and some bad about them??
Varishock - this is the state of the art/advanced version from the original designer of the QA1. Heard 99% good news about these, all shocks dyno-ed, very high quality build, all USA made. I'm using these on my custom tube-chassis buggy build. They seem to be the best option in this price-range category.
If I had the money I'd probably get Koni's, but at last check the double adjustables were around $400 per, without springs. Single adjustable Aluminum body (rebound adj. only) were around $300? ea.

Several other lesser known "roundy-round" shocks available too, don't think most of these are quite as "universal" as the brands mentioned above. Mostly fixed dampening, but user re-valvable?

At least there are plenty of options!
Jeff