Adjustable Shocks

Shock absorbers seem to suffer a little understanding. I'm not going to get terribly technical here, just cover the most commonly asked questions.

The first point is that shock absorbers in no way control the ride-height of the car. To illustrate, many people think that because their Mini suspension appears to have sunk on one corner or side, that the shock absorbers need replacing. Definitely not so. Again, shock absorbers do not control the static ride height of the car. it is almost certainly caused by worn knuckle joints/nylon cups, and in odd occasions deteriorated rubber spring cones.

The other is-which is best out of Spax or Koni adjustable performance shocks? This type of question is always difficult to answer, pitting different manufacturers against each other. The Spax ones are obviously far easier to adjust than the Koni's as it is done merely with a screw-driver. However, if you are that interested in achieving the best available performance from the suspension, the extra time needed to adjust the Koni's shouldn't be a problem to consider. I have used both, and from purely a personal point of view I prefer the Koni's. Maybe a shocks article will be forthcoming to explain why, you never know.

For now I would like to support this Cable News Our man Myk Cable's new Mini Miglia racer is in the final stages of preparedness for this season, resplendant in it's new door-sized Mini Spares stickers, (see across page). Myk reported that he is optimistic at his chances this year and claims that his new chassis is "head and shoulders" above the old one. He has fitted "the ultimate" roll cage made from T45 aircraft alloy. with first hand experience in the Mini Spares Monte Carlo car. I was present at and in fact took the car to the MVEE testing grounds in Chertsey where the car was put through its paces by the intrepid Bill Soli is. After he'd spent some time enjoying himself, he agreed to take me round for a few laps, just to get an impression of the car from the inside. I was immediately aware of the incredibly smooth ride of the car. Especially considering that this car was a purpose built race car. This usually means severely stiff suspension that jolts the occupants around a fair amount. Not so with this car. it can only be attributed to the shock absorbers, as all the rest of the suspension was standard. They were specially built by Koni. I was so impressed, we may start marketing these for the general public. They will be more expensive than the currently available items, but personally I believe they'd be worth every penny.

Keith Calver

Cable News

Our man Myk Cable's new Mini Miglia racer is in the final stages of preparedness for this season, resplendant in it's new door-sized Mini Spares stickers, (see across page). Myk reported that he is optimistic at his chances this year and claims that his new chassis is "head and shoulders" above the old one. He has fitted "the ultimate" roll cage made from T45 aircraft alloy.

Stick around

A limited number of King-sized Mini Spares door stickers (27" x 20"), as modelled by Myk Cable, are now available priced at £4.50 each. Our Sam thinks one would look good on her Mini roof (at least police helicopters would get a sporting chance).

Graham Austin