Koni Adjustable Drag Racing Shock Absorber Series SPA1
90/10 Theory Falls By Wayside
The KONI SPA1 series shock absorber (for drag racing only) is a complete departure from the old "90/10" thinking which is no longer effective in modern drag race competition.
The old thinking was to allow the vehicle front end to rise quickly and stay there to promote as much weight transfer as possible to the rear wheels. This was achieved by virtually no rebound forces ("10") and a great deal of bump forces ("90"). This massive amount of bump force was supposed to hold the front suspension up and maintain that "bite."
Unfortunately the nose-in-the-air position trapped huge volumes of air which ruined any attempt at aerodynamics so E.T.s were not as good as they could have been.
KONI SPA1 series shocks deal with this in several ways. First, they use virtually no bump (compression) damping. Why? To allow the front-end to settle quicker, restoring the nose down attitude that is so essential for cleaner air flow. Second, the rebound (extension) forces are velocity sensitive; that is, they increase at a rate directly proportionate to piston speed.
So, what does this mean?
On a dry surface with good hookup, the amount of lift generated by initial launch is, of course, very sudden and quite violent. The velocity sensitive nature of the SPA1 reacts instantly (no magic, just good design and tuning) to damp this lift to avoid bogging caused by too much weight transfer. Yes, you can have too much of a good thing.
On the other end of the spectrum, a slick surface would naturally provide less lift and tire shock, so the SPA1 then allows more movement of the front end because the lack of traction initially does not lift the chassis as violently. This "gentle" impulse does not activate the higher speed circuit of the SPA1, so you end up with more front to rear weight transfer and accordingly better bite. Not only that, they have five settings that enable you to tune your chassis. For KONI rear SPA1 shock, there is a big difference. They still have nearly zero bump (compression) damping but the rebound damping, unlike the fronts, is digressive.
Digressive means they are designed to digress, or "blow off" at high piston speed. Why? Well, if you had the velocity sensitive type setting on the front shocks use, it would be possible to grossly over damp the rear suspension on initial launch, thereby picking up the rear wheels. The rear SPA1 KONI will "blow off" then, and allow proper "unwinding" of the rear suspension.
WARNING
KONI Series SPA1 shock absorbers are specifically for use in off highway drag race competition only. If used on public highways, loss of vehicle control and consequent personal injuries may result.
From stock class applications to the rigors of Pro Stock competition, Koni has a drag racing shock that can meet the needs for your racecar. We have worked with teams to develop drag racing shocks for Front, Rear and all wheel drive platforms to get bite off the line and good E.T.s at the end of the track. Also, with the adjustability, you can tune the car to work with the changing track conditions or, with the electrically adjustable shocks, mid-track.
Please select the type of drag racing which best matches.
Stock mounted
Chassis mass produced as an on road vehicle and must utilize stock style mounting.
Racing chassis / modified chassis
Chassis was designed or has been modified to accept eye to eye universal spherical bearing shocks or fabricated struts.
Stock Classes
Below is a summary of the different series of products which are applicable to stock class drag racing. Click on the damper series for more detailed information on that type of damper. KONI SPA1 is a different theory than other shock manufacturers. Details of this theory can be found at this link.
KONI SPA1
The KONI SPA1 was designed as an adjustable drag racing only damper. These units are of stock mounting style and are available primarily for RWD domestic applications. They allow optimum transition at launch with a quick transition back to a level attitude allowing less air to be trapped under the nose of the car and improving ETs. To check on applications available click here or on the damper series above.
KONI Special/Sport
The KONI Special/Sport was designed primarily as a street unit. When available, a Special damper will generally be the better choice for RWD drag racing. While the Sport damper will generally be better for FWD drag racing. For AWD the best setup is determined by how the center differential works on your application. To check on applications available click here or on the damper series above.
Racing chassis / modified chassis
Below is a summary of the different series of products which are applicable to racing chassis and modified chassis class oval racing. Click on the damper series for more detailed information on that type of damper. KONI SPA1 is a different theory than other shock manufacturers. Details of this theory can be found at this link.
80 2650SPA1 Series
The 80 2650SPA1 shock is a steel-bodied compress to adjust coil over. It has a twin tube hydralic construction that is fully rebuildable and the valving can be matched to a wide rage of applications. This is an inexpensive high performance shock which is adjustable rebound damping. It must be removed from the car and fully compressed to mage the adjustment.
8216 SPA1 Series
The 8216 series is an aluminum-bodied externally adjustable coil over. It has a twin tube hydralic construction that is fully rebuildable and the valving can be matched to a wide rage of applications. Adjustment of the rebound damping is provided without removing it from the car.
8212 SPA1 Series
The 8212 series is an aluminum-bodied externally-double adjustable coil over. It has a twin tube hydralic construction that is fully rebuildable and the valving can be matched to a wide rage of applications. Adjustment of the rebound and compression damping is provided by two controls and may be adjusted independently of one another, without removing it from the car.
12-9000 Electric Drag Series
The 12-29000 series is an Steel-bodied externally-double adjustable coil over. It has a twin tube hydralic construction that is fully rebuildable and the valving can be matched to a wide rage of applications. Adjustment of the rebound is done electronically. The valving can be adjusted during the run for optimum grip. The compression is also adjustable.
KONI North America 1961 International Way • Hebron • KY • 41048
Telephone: (859) 586-4100 • Fax:(859) 334-3340
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