‘85 Carrera Von Shocks - Anybody running them?
 

Howdy. I have an ‘85 Carrera and it’s due for some suspension work. I’m considering running the Level 1 or 2 Von Shocks with the corresponding torsion bars that Elephant offers. They say level 1 is best for a street car. The car will be driven spiritedly on the street most of the time but I don’t want it to be too soft. Does anyone have experience with these set ups? Or better yet, does anyone in central Maryland or south central PA have Level 1 or 2 on their car where I could get a ride along? I’m considering attending the autocross at Ripken stadium this Sunday as a spectator. Thanks!

I'm in Wilmington, DE and have a set of Von Shocks (I think Level 1) that I bought for my '89 Carrera (since sold) and never installed. I can't offer you a ride but if you decide on them, I'm happy to let them go for cheap. They've been sitting in their original boxes for like 8 years.

I had Vons level 2 installed at all 4 corners a few years ago, as well as full rubber refresh, new TBs and so on.

Intent was aggressive street, and it performs as advertised. On roads in reasonably good repair, it's a wonderful setup for spirited driving. However, some of the roads out here in NorCal are deep into deferred maintenance, and on those stretches I wish it was a tad softer. That said, most of the crap roads are getting in and out of town, and the highways and backroads where I like to drive are in good shape, so I really only complain when I'm close to my house. :)

If you find yourself out in the SF bay area, happy to give you ride along. If not, happy to answer any other questions you have.

A couple local guys here run them on their 930's and LOVE them.

Thanks so far guys!

MrBonus I’ll pm you in case I decide on Level 1’s.

Bemmett good answer. Sounds like roads around here. I plan the smooth ones but ultimately end up on others too.

turbo ride, do you know which level(s) your buddies are running?

Keep it coming guys!

Are those Von shocks adjustable?

Not adjustable. The rears are circle track dampers with sleeves and the front is a re-valved stock / RSR strut. I would do a MCS or KW setup for the adjustability.

Anyone else running these?

I have them too, with coils. level 4 I think.

Anyone in MD or surrounding area running these willing to give me a ride?

What shocks do you currently have? If you have Bilsteins, ER can rebuild them. I recently sent ER mine for rebuilding; they came back with Von stickers.

These are for a dedicated track car with very stiff torsion and sway bars. ER recommended level 4 settings (including digressive valving). ER provided the data sheets from the shock dyno runs.

Behavior on track is much improved and the rears are actually more compliant (but I think they had defects before that caused some issues)

Cost was a bit over half the price of new Von shocks.

Thanks for the advice ‘78 SC. My car came with Bilsteins. I drive the car on the street. I’m hoping to decide between level 1’s or 2’s and get them soon. If I don’t do it by the end of the summer, I will consider sending mine in over the winter. Anyone able to give me a ride please?

You're welcome. Regarding level selection, I would go with the ER recommendation based on torsion bar size, unless you have very specific goals. From the ER site:
You will fill out a work order with your torsion bar sizes when sending in your shocks. You can also chat with a sales rep about your shocks.

FWIW, I chatted online with ER about turnaround time before sending mine in (I was between track events). The actual turnaround was two weeks longer than projected. They did get them back to me in time, but it took some expediting.

Isn't that precisely what Vons are? Revalved Bilsteins?