Rear Shocks - Cheaper Alternatives

[02insight]

I went ahead an took some measurements of the rear shocks. Hopefully I can find a replacement of similar size that can work from junkyards etc...

I know there could be valving differences and whatnot, but something should work, hit or miss. The metal part that holds the Bolts seems to be removable and put on another shock with the bushing as long as the diameter of the hole is the same.

here is a diagram I made, I tried to measure as accurately as I can, but there can still be errors of maybe ~1cm.. Drawing not to scale.

I also measured the springs, which are Diameter: 4.25" and Length:10.5"

[gsfent]

Since you have all the measurments, why not contact one of the big shock makers, like Koni, Bilstein, Sachs, etc and see if they either have a cross reference to the car, or have something with your measurements?
Regards,
Jerry

[crxgator]

awesome. thanks for the measurements. i was in contact with bilstein yesterday; still waiting to hear back. but we could probably use the universal shocks and just customize the top of the shock for the metal bracket.

Bilstein

i was thinking something towards to the line of the A409120520 which are about $140/each

after looking again, maybe A410130520 is a better fit shock is 10-13"

[02insight]

there is this document here that has lengths and part# for monroe shocks, I will look into and and see what I can find.

And I think the manufacturers measure the length from the center of the loops, not the outer edge like I did, so to compare with their lengths maybe you can subtract 4 cm from the lengths I gave gave above.

which brings the leghts to about approx 9" Compressed / 12" Uncompressed. (measure from the center of the rings)

http://www.monroe.com/catalog/docume...engthSheet.pdf

[Insightful Trekker]

You guys have missed the most complex part of shock design. The damping and rebound rates. Which will be in the unusual catagory given the Insights light weight.

Mere external dimensions are the easy part.

I doubt there is an off the shelf alternate without compromising these two critical design factors.

[02insight]

I had thought of that, so I said I will try similar sizes hit or miss with the internal valving specifications, as long as something feels good or better than stock. I was mainly just looking for an alternative from a more mass produced car, that we would be able to get for alot less than $100 each.

I know most other cars will be heaver, with their shocks designed for that, but I was hoping for a firmer ride, because the stock Insight rear end is really squishy, especially when loaded with 2 people and cargo.

But after looking through Monroe's shock sizes catalog, I cannot find anything that would fit on the Insight, but there are some that come close to fitting. Why did Honda have to make these cars so unique!?

Originally Posted by Insightful Trekker

You guys have missed the most complex part of shock design. The damping and rebound rates. Which will be in the unusual catagory given the Insights light weight.

Mere external dimensions are the easy part.

I doubt there is an off the shelf alternate without compromising these two critical design factors.

[crxgator]

where-as i am looking for something that would handle auto-x and possibly 150-250 lbs rear springs...

[jonnyvtec]

Be careful with using the car mass as a guide with other cars. It totally depends on the motion ratios between the damper and the wheel hub flange as to how that damper actually performs.

Might be worth sending a good damper off to be dyno'd?

Id deffo be interested in a set as at 140k i imagine mine are tired and TBH its not handling that great. I have little confidence in going fast around unknown corners. Speed on my commutes is coming from trial and error rather than feel.

[Cobb]

When I use to be a scion owner Konis and sensatracs were the two recommended. You can get sensatracs at sears auto.

I cant wait for a different shock for the g2 as I have lowered mines and the ride is a bit choppy.

[E27006]

I think I read it on IC, the Daewoo Matiz hatchback rear units are a swap for the Insight parts, the Daewoo springs are stiffer therefore less sag under load