new springs/shocks

[Lennart Sorth]

As mentioned before, my ex 1.6 1983 Murena shares the problem with most late 1.6's that the rear suspension makes the car sit about an inch to high up, so the rear wheels are not centered in the e wheelarc. Apart from looking a bit daft, it also changes the geometry of the rear suspension  away from its intended values. I think Matra made the chassis almost identical between 1.6 and 2.2 on the later 1.6's - but somehow forgot/neglected to modify the setup.

Since I was quite sure my front shock absorbers (and possibly the rears as well) were getting poor, I decided to buy a whole new set of Spax shocks and height-adjustable rear springs (Simon 24031/A).

- and it is a revelation, It feels a lot better. First of all, my car now has "modern car" grip in corners on uneven surfaces, something that bothered me before  - a great improvement, and the car feels even more in balance than before.  Even if it is only about 3cm the rear came down, it is noticable when driving - the view is different - quite odd after having owned the car for 13 years :-)
It also looks rather nice (about 1cm too low, but that can now be adjusted):

BEFORE:  http://www.matrasport.dk/Cars/Murena/Conv/P1.9i-8v-ls/Med/ls_mur_19i_001.html

AFTER: http://www.matrasport.dk/Cars/Murena/Conv/P1.9i-8v-ls/20080706/index.html


/Lennart

[Titus]

Hello Lennart,

What an improvement! I have a 1.6 1983 Murena which would benefit as you suggest. Your car being modified, I think, would the kit work for my standard 1.6? Also, did you need to cut through the carpet lining in the boot
below the rear glass hatch to fit the new shocks?

Regards.  Titus.

[Lennart Sorth]

would the kit work for my standard 1.6?

Oh yes - there is nothing modified on my car that comes close to these parts. And being freely height-adjustable, you can lower it precisely as much as you like.

did you need to cut through the carpet lining in the boot

In principle yes, but they (MatraMagic) managed to lift the carpet instead - the glue isn't very strong any longer. 

/Lennart

[Titus]

Thanks Lennart,

An improvement I think will have to be done.

[lewisman]

Looks great!