i've read about that car before. thats a sick setup, but it was like 6k for their custom design. nor can i afford 3k and get racing next year. please see if u can find the other options WRC. i've done my fair share of looking, and i'm stumped, i don't wanna kill my 1500 dollar tein system.
You're correct in that a standard Tein coilover spring and shock will not be good for rally. The first thing you'll need is a "non-lowering" spring that is about 1.5 times firmer than stock (this is a ballpark starting number). They should have as few coils as possible to prevent binding and provide maximum travel. The most readily available are Eibach race series springs. They come in a multitude of sizes, lengths, spring rates and diameters. As you're very aware, its very hard to find shocks for a Focus. For rally a monotube shock/strut is preferred. They tend to be stronger and dissipate heat better. The fact is that there just aren't many available for this car off the shelf. DMS is considered one of the better rally shocks but they are very pricey. I have seen both KYB GR2's and AGX's used with reasonable success as well as Tokico Illuminas and Bilstein HD's (one of the few reasonably priced monotube shocks). These are cheap enough that you can justify having a full backup set when compared to Hotbits, Oleins, DMS, Tein Dirta, etc. If you can't afford a spare set (of even cheap shocks) you could already be over your head. Spares are absolutely necessary and are needed to finish most rallies, so budget for them.
yup, i hear ya. i have teins (new) and ksport (new) suspensions that i already own. i've decided to get a nice set of hotbits from one of the rally teams that i helped out. used one race, and they didn't like them. they are very functional and he's givin me a steal. so i'll be selling the others very shortly.
For Stage rally you have a couple of choices. DMS, HotBits, RS&SP, Pro-Flex:
HotBits are the cheapest and Simonac has started running them on his Spec Focus. He said they held up well at Rally NY. Check out: http://www.davenportracingusa.com/ as he is hotbits dealer.
DMS are expensive. They are a good strut until they break. The fronts are particularly weak where they bolt into the knuckle. The spec focus rally cars have broken 4 struts like this in the last 2 years or racing. That being said they soak up the bumps and rough stuff at speed and make the car really easy to drive. http://www.dmsnothamerica.com
RS&SP: Is kinda an unknown. The Subaru / EVO guys rave about them but no one has run them on a focus where in the states. They are around $1,000 more expensive than the DMS but are 4 way adjustable. http://www.rallispec.com
Pro-Flex: They were a popular option in Europe. They use an off-set front strut hosing which allows you to run stock wheels more easily. Not sure on pricing or a US dealer.
You can also check out http://www.rallyanarchy.com. There is a guy there that builds custom rally suspension for pretty much every car, he might be able to set you up with something.
i know this is old post but im bored and awake. suspension that i have had luck with either using or knew people that ran them minus the reiger. shell out 2 years pay for those no doubt.
*RS-SP. is truley state of the art for the price. probably 6 grand im not sure. www.rallispec.com they might be the only authorized seller for NA. they make a focus kit.
*DMS AMERICA. They are also a great suspension. ran them on my subaru. dms 50's. They dont have a remote resevoir. The jumbo's do but they dont make those for the focus. The 50's run about $5000 for the focus. and the Jumbos are like $18,000. but dont make them for the focus i dont think.
*Proflex. Also are good and probably more than the 2. i havent seen prices on them lately.
*Hotbits are newer like rssp and have made a good name for themselves.
*Reiger is the ultimate in suspesnion if you r wealthy[:0]
Im running hotbits as well, we have had some issues with them. So caused by the shocks and some by the top hats. They are not as stout as I would of hoped, currently Im looking into Bilstein 46mm custom pieces for the front.
Bilstein based,custom rally specific coilovers,40mm or 50mm,made in Washington state.
Rear:
I don't believe he normally sells the tubular stuff shown-just the struts themselves.
But IIRC he did have the stuff made to his spec for the customer-so you can ask.
But on the rear-I wouldn't bother with the tubular trailing arm.
Beef the stock one instead-either with tubes or however..
Concerning the rear struts-you may want to consider ditching the pin mount tops show for conventional tops with mounts welded in(double shear).
Here is the front:
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