The better coilovers for trackdays

[PeR4]

I'm changing to RBBCs on my Atom 2 this winter. I've understood from this forum that the dampers must be changed or rebuilt as well. Which dampers are the better, and which are good enough for mainly trackdays..
I know that this is like asking which oil is the best

I've found here that Ohlins TTX36 owners are happy, both on track and road.
Is this the only Ohlins damper for the Atom?
Are these with low and fast speed adjusting of both compression and rebound?
Can't find much information and prices for Ohlins, where to look?

Are the 10way adjustable Bilsteins ok for this use? I got the 5 way adjustable Bilsteins now, but due to sticking PBBCs I don't know much how they function.

I'm as well considering the Intrax 4 way coilovers, any advice?

[reg]

Yes.

So. I have been through various stages of loathing with my Intrax. They are very trick, but are very orientated towards track use. I have worked within MotoGP and BSB with a few teams and what I have learnt is there is no 'bad' damper' but some very bad choices made from drivers/riders who spec things outside their needs. When you have track support at 'x' a year it's amazing how many times you hear the same issues. Some just aren't capable of pushing into the operating window of the spec. The trick is to hold your hand up and say 'this is what I want', therefore any good supplier will be able to accomodate.

I was selling my Intrax.

The reason for this was I couldn't find a middle ground on the road. I am not a racing driver by any means but know when a race shock is on the road. Again, kill me with fire, but I know the TTX. It's available for everything and they've done a great job of marketing it. I'm not slagging it off but IMO it is a compromise. Its gold and some bloke called Rossi has it. In reality it's just another damper, Rossi has a custom valved one off made from unobtanium which also happens to be gold . But it's gold, see point 1.

The Bilsteins.

They look like something from the dark ages. In the UK they're regarded as 'Gaz', which is a travesty. I was nearly buying a set tbh.

So where is this rambling going, I hear you ask?

I am going to get myself lynched for this but I decided to speak to Intrax. I have learnt many things about the initial development and where they are now. I do like Ohlins. But look at what Intrax are doing, where they are competing.

To this end, and getting down to the nitty gritty I am sending mine back to the factory and having them fully upgraded to ARC, it's what Radical are using, amongst others. For my, not so inconsiderate investment I am getting; to speak to guy who is actually developing the damper, the set up from the 'other' guy who did 3000km on French/Spanish roads, laps the ring in his Atom an indecent times and happens to work for certain manufacturers regarding chassis dynamics.

The blurb is that it runs a much softer spring and shifts the damping into the hydraulics. I am positive but quite realistic. It doesn't matter who makes the damper, it is how it is set up and how you are using it. We have a design brief and I have been guaranteed satisfaction, for me, not a general thing. There is very much an edge of bloody mindedness about  my decision but I have faith. Faith, and a shotgun license 

[PeR4]

Thanks reg, 
Recent emails with a sales person with Intrax supports your decision, at a cost they will rebuild and make your coilovers much more "relaxed", better for both track and road. I think for me the negative with Intrax is the distance to closest dealer/workshop who knows these in and out, as  I'm living in Norway.
If that is important then only Ohlins are a good choice.. Service and knowledge is good here, or fairly close in "neighbour" Sweden. I think a very expensive choice to buy, and then all is well..

[8407jeff]

When I purchased my Atom it came with two sets of shocks--a set of double adjustable Penske for track use and a set of Bilstein set up for the street.

Neither set worked great.  I was constantly "chasing" the shock set-up for the track.  The Bilsteins were too hard for the street--too much resistance on the high speed and not enough rebound.

Ultimately, I sent the Penske shocks back in for a rebuild specifically for street use.  They were better, but still not great.

Finally, I took to car to a shock specialist and had it put on a 4-post test rig.  This was the best performance decision I have ever made on any automobile!  The result was a set of custom valved shocks with new springs.  These non-adjustable custom shocks were an incredible upgrade. They perform better both on the street and on the track than any of the 3 shocks prior.  I was able to sell the double adjustable Penske shocks and springs for more than enough to cover the test rig and custom shocks/springs.  My car lacks the "bling" of the double adjustable look, but it drives and handles much better, plus a smoother more comfortable ride.

My suggestion, based on experience, is to check your local track or shock specialist and see if you can put your car on the test rig.  You will not be disappointed.

[Rocket Man]

so these super shocks, what make are they and who did the set up for you. i am sure they must have the data therefore others may reap the benefits of your labor

[PeR4]

Thanks for a different perspective 8407jeff!. I've read about this method to fine tune suspension. Must check whereabouts this can be done.
About the ability to easily adjust.. Roads here are sometimes not quite even, so would like to have the possibility to loosen up when driving to and from the track.