Carrera dampers

[Ralph Z.]

I just drove my recently purchased 1968 Alexis FF this weekend for the first time. I noticed a strange characteristic when transitioning from the throttle to the brakes...the front wheels bounce like a basketball. Not for long, just under transition.

I know the car is set up to be very soft. Lots of suspension travel.

I'm thinking that the shocks might be shot. Does anyone have a read on this issue or am I on target?

Also, any idea where to get information on Carrera shocks which are on the car?

Thanks for your help.

[Bob Coury]

Ralph:

In the 80's, I needed 4 shocks for my Crossle 32F. I could not spring for Armstrongs or Bilsteins, so I purchased 4 Carreras. I am not a seasoned pro-but I did not have any issues with them. I remember speaking to the factory and being told that the bodies were really Gabriel shocks. I believe that you had to fully extend or compress, then turn the shaft in order to adjust them. 3 Position only comes to mind. If memory serves correct, they were bought out by some QA1 years ago. Perhaps they can be of more help.

[revtom]

By chance, is it chassis 43? I owned and drove for most of the 90's.

[DK540]

Ralph, I have Carreras on my Lola T-540 and they have a part number on them you should be able to find (but might have to do some yoga to see it). Mine are #3247 on the front and #3253 on the rear. You can use this web site info to decode what you've got. Anyone selling the QA1 shock should be able to cross what you've got to what they sell now, or you can use the decoded data to shop for something else.

http://www.nyracer.com/carrera.htm

David

[DK540]

The 32 series (not explained on the web site) is the chrome steel adjustable series, adjustable to three positions as noted above, with neutral being the middle one.

[DK540]

Here is how the adjustments work:

Position '1' - 45/55 extension over compression - Softest ride and fastest rate of body lift.
Position '2' - 50/50 extension over compression - Best for performance handling.
Position '3' - 55/45 extension over compression - Most roll control, resistance to lean and resistance to lift.

[R. Pare]

Any info or service you may need for them, call Cory or Chet Phillips at Advanced Suspension here in Indy. Their specialty is roundy-round ( sprint and midget), but they are very good.

http://www.advancedracingsusp.com/

[Ralph Z.]

Fellas:

Thanks for the input on the Carrera dampers. I didn't know that these were adjustable. I'll look into that. I'm hoping that they are set on the softest setting because they seem too soft for my taste.

What other shocks are a good selection for an Alexis Mk14? I understand that 2-ways are allowed in vintage. What do you recommend?

[G.B.]

Ralph, I have Carreras on my Lola T-540 and they have a part number on them you should be able to find (but might have to do some yoga to see it). Mine are #3247 on the front and #3253 on the rear. You can use this web site info to decode what you've got. Anyone selling the QA1 shock should be able to cross what you've got to what they sell now, or you can use the decoded data to shop for something else.

http://www.nyracer.com/carrera.htm

David

The website doesn't seem to be working.

How do you adjust the 32 series dampers?

[DK540]

Well, GB, I haven't actually done that. It appears you have to take at least one end off and turn the top vs. bottom one way or the other. Sorry I can't be of more help. I plan on looking into this in August. Just got it set up and have not driven it on a track yet so I want to know what it feels like where it is before I change anything. Maybe someone else will chime in and educate both of us.

David

[DK540]

Apex won't let me upload a Word file so I'm sending G.B. what I gathered before the web link went inactive. If anyone else wants it, send me a note, but it'll have to go via your personal email.

David