thoughts on Gaz coilover kit for 172?

[Weeksy]

I am looking to tweak the suspension on my newly purchased 172 and wondered what your thoughts are?

I see the EIbach springs are popular, but as the shocks look a little tired, and I am friends with the Gaz family, I thought a coilover kit would be a nice addition.

What do you guys run/ recommend please?

Thanks

Weeksy

 

[rdoxenham]

I had the Gaz GHA on my 172 previously; no major complaints. I replaced them for Spax RSX as the car is now track-only

 

[Weeksy]

Thanks for the reply Mr.

Ok cool that's good to know. Appreciate your feedback.

I have used the spax coilovers on my old 3 door Cosworth and they were great.

Did you not consider going over the Gaz golds?

Thanks a lot

Weeksy

 

[Stu172cup]

The RSX converts the Rears to a True Coil over with the Spax not a shock and spring platform so that has its advantages

Im Running a Set of GHAs on the front of mine and Spax shocks and GAZ springs on the rear and havent had a problem yet

 

[Weeksy]

Hi Stu,

Oh right got you. I know the Gaz kit used a telescopic with the spring and adjustable platform. I will pose this one to them I think!

Thanks for your reply.

Weeksy

 

[Chip-mk1]

I dont really see the seperate shock and spring as a big issue TBH, and certainly not one that would ever lead me to make what I view is a terrible decision to go with spax, the quality of them is just terrible, and the customer care even worse.

With regards to the Gaz, they worked quite well I found, and when they do need a rebuild its hassle free and not expensive, as relatively budget stuff goes I think its ok.

With AST at 995+Wait (not an auto correct of +vat, I mean they take ages!) from cooksport though, I think thats the most logical choice if wanting a track setup, and that is true coilover on the rear anyway for those that bothers.

 

[Weeksy]

Oh no, what have I started here?!
I had heard some stories about Spax, namely when they were taken over a few years back, although personally I couldnt fault the performance of the ones I had, although I heard that they are not rebuildable...

I am not looking for a track set up as such, just a way to freshen up the handling for a sensible (for less than 500 anyway) amount. Are you on PF too Chip?

Weeksy

 

[Chip-mk1]

Yes mate I am, although far less so these days as the only ford I have now is just a daily not an interesting car anymore, I got rid of my 3door earlier this year.

 

[182_Adam]

I have a set of GAZ GHA's on my 182. Cannot knock them what so ever. They're height and damper adjustable and at £500 are cheap considering the next one up with those adjustable's were near on £800.

Had mine for 18 months now, they probably could do with being refurbed but still no issues what so ever.

 

[Weeksy]

Was that the infamous Yellow beast?
I still have mine, could never sell!
MT msport had it right?

 

[Chi]

I've got GAZ on 2 of my cars and rate them highly.. Nothing to compare to though as Im a trackday noob...

 

[Chip-mk1]

Was that the infamous Yellow beast?
I still have mine, could never sell!
MT msport had it right?

Yes mate, the yellow one that went to MT, and the engine is now in my mate Mike's westy (he runs a clio specialists in staines now, its a small world, lol)

You might remember his Focus RS van if you have a long memory, it was in Fast Ford a few years ago.

 

[Weeksy]

I saw the 3 door on his site, and though that can only be one car... hahaha, it really is eh?!

I dont regnise the van though fella....

 

[Ph1 Tom]

I've had Gaz before. They did the job, and did it well for the money. Not much else out there for the same money with height and damping adjustment that work well unless you can get a cheap set of FK Konigsports or similar.

My only qualm with the Gaz was the corrosion protection may as well have been non existant. Gaz did offer to redo it for me FOC but it meant the car sitting around on stands for a while so I took it on the chin.

 

[Weeksy]

Thanks for your reply Tom.

I think they are good value, and local to me, and the customer service is second to none, coupled with the fact they are completely serviceable and rebuildable.

I have spoken to them about this in the past, and there are now solutions for this.

Thanks a lot

Weeksy

 

[Midnight]

Are they similar to tein in terms of rebuild.

Tein: More or less sell that as a sales pitch as when you come to rebuild/service them it costs twice as much as buying a new unit.

Have been looking into the GAZ units in detail. Just so much conflicting reviews regarding them.

 

[Weeksy]

Not at all

The gaz units are very reasonable when it comes to rebuild time, and assuming the piston rod isnt bent/ damaged, a front strut can be refurbed for approx 40 quid. A new piston rod if damage is 50 quid.

Thanks

Weeksy

 

[Midnight]

Not at all

The gaz units are very reasonable when it comes to rebuild time, and assuming the piston rod isnt bent/ damaged, a front strut can be refurbed for approx 40 quid. A new piston rod if damage is 50 quid.

Thanks

Weeksy

So roughly £90+Vat?

How much is a new unit on its own? I am extremely interested in the GAZ units just trying to pursued myself over the likes of BC / AP.

 

[Mr R.]

I've had Gaz before. They did the job, and did it well for the money. Not much else out there for the same money with height and damping adjustment that work well unless you can get a cheap set of FK Konigsports or similar.

My only qualm with the Gaz was the corrosion protection may as well have been non existant. Gaz did offer to redo it for me FOC but it meant the car sitting around on stands for a while so I took it on the chin.

That's why I won't be buying Gaz, there factory is only up the road from where I live.

 

[Weeksy]

Even better reason to buy their stuff!

And the corrosion has been addressed....

 

[spooner82]

will be getting some of these from you, thanks weeksy

 

[Weeksy]

Pleasure fella.

I will get something ordered, and the top mounts too.

Have a tihnk on spring rates. Tom Ph1 is pretty clued up on the rates 4 coilover wise, as I am sure others are. I am going for 275 / 175 , but I know you want low low, so you may have to up it a touch!

Thanks Mr

Weeksy