sunbeamtiger.co.uk

Recieved a new set of front shocks for the tiger today a set of AVO adjustables. Thought I would try these out as in the past I have had Spax and have never realy been that impressed with them koni seemed hard to get hold of Gaz wanted 4 weeks to build them and Ohlins were oh my god expensive
will fit them this weekend and will let you all know how they perform
Ps would post a pic but can not seem to do it sorry.
Jay
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Got home early from work on Tuesday so thought I would make a start on changing the shocks. Removal of the old unit went well, half expected bolts to be seized or snap but no went OK. Got new shock out and looked at bottom mounting bush, straight away could see a problem. New shock had a bush to take a 5/8" bolt but original shock is bushed for a 3/8" bolt made a quick phone call to Brian Postle who went and checked some shock brackets he had and yes they are 3/8" as well. Phone call to AVO next Spoke to a guy called Neil who was a little surprised but was unsure what they should be but said would send replacements.
Replacements arrived today (Thursday) new metal bush for 3/8" bolt, I guess it was a bit silly of me to think that they would be sending completely new shocks. Phone call to AVO

"Surely you use a press to put the bush in,
yes we do
I don't have one
Just use a hammer to drift it out"

Now I don't know about you but bashing my new shocks with a hammer is not what I expect to have to do having just bought them,
so have had to send them back for them to do
At end of conversation was told they have been selling these shocks for 10 years and never had a problem before making me feel as if was my fault
Is it me or has any one else had this problem.
AVO not on my christmas list anymore

I too bought AVO's as replacements for an old set of Spax fitted on the car & had similar problems. Having given them an old front & back to measure they managed to get the length wrong by not fully extending before measuring & even with a sample in their hand still put the wrong size fittings on the ends. To give them credit they did sort out the problems very quickly.

As for the shocks themselves I bought the double adjustable ones & having covered some 700 miles since fitted still can't get them to a setting that I am convinced with. With approx 18 setting on each of the bump & rebound I feel I will be fiddling forever to get the set up to suit my style of driving.... if anybody has experinece of these double adjustable shocks & has any advice all will be greatfully received.

Thanks,

Martin.

Like the sound of the AVO double adjustment shocks, it sounds as if it does away with the use of stiffer springs? Have no experience of those shocks sorry. I assume it would be case of soft setting for the rebound as you want most of the work done by the spring, and then a fairly stiff setting for the traditional shock to give you a more desired firmer ride.

Sure somebody will tag along with some advice, I'd personally start with the softest setting on the rebound and then when you are happy with the firm handling play with the rebound setting. Wouldn't of thought you need much on the rebound

Hi Martin, how you enjoying the new exhaust manifolds and anti-tramp bars Did you also fit progressive front springs on the front? that might have an impact on the settings of the shocks

I started to change my old Spax shocks with the new Spax gas adjustables and I also had a pair of new old stock classic Koni shocks for the front (bolted straight in!) Have 100% stiff on the rear and 85% stiff on the front Koni setup and with a 7/8 anti-roll bar as opposed to the stock 3/4 inch roll bar the handling is completely transformed. Have the progressive front springs and do like a firm ride







The biggest difference is that you can stamp on the brakes hard and the Tiger stays poised, unlike before where I would be fighting with it and it'd be nose diving big time (SCARY!)

Keep us informed and Jay do let us have some pics

Tony

Hi Tony,

I have turned the rebound off and playing with setting up the bump which is making a difference, just an excuse to go off testing really.

The manifold has made a big difference, it revs so freely above 3k revs & it flys along, thanks for these.

Jay - looking forward to hear how you get on with your AVO's

catch up with you soon.

Martin

Lastest update on AVO shocks

Thursday evening took shocks to post office and sent first class to AVO
Today, Monday shocks arrived. Unpacked them and to my delight new bush with 3/8 " hole installed. Got to say very impressed AVO must have recieved them on Friday Fitted new bush and sent out by return same day. I have always said if it can go wrong it will go wrong particulally with cars, the true sign of a good company is one that puts wright any problem quickly and without further expense and this really is the case with AVO.

Now, I fitted the shocks and have got to say there was one small problem on Thursday the guys at AVO did ask me if the length of the bush was 1. 5" and without checking I said yes. Guess what, the length of the bush is not 1 1/2" it is 1 3/8" so I had to machine down the bush to fit the mounting bracket it was not to hard so no real problem but worth mentioning if you buy a set. I will be talking to AVO to thank them and let them know length.

Took the car out for test drive remember this is with stock springs and stock antiroll bar but with poly bushes on front suspension, put the shocks on 3 clicks and must say they gave a nice smooth ride and good control on some uneven road surfaces and good under braking.
A good result and pleased

AVO back on my Christmas list


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Any info you may want pm me
Jay

Just purchased a new set of AVO adjustable shocks for the rear.
This time happpy to say the bush sizes were correct they bolted straight in £152.75 they were in stock and delivered the next day. very happy this time, first time.