Uprated Armstrong shock absorbers

[Mr Spigot]

My front shock absorbers are leaking oil and need replacing. ESM have just brought out new uprated units which have the same bore size as the uprated rear shocks that they supply and similarly have a 25% increased capacity. In addition to this the uprated spec results in a fractional increase in negative camber when under load. With all new components the new body casting and spindle fully renew the plain bearing for the upper front suspension. The snag is that they are £335 for a pair whereas reconditioned standard units are £100 a pair.
Does anyone have any view as to whether they are worth paying out the extra £225?

[moggiethouable]

Given the extraordinary lifespan of standard units, mine have 98k miles on them and also if you are running low mileage p.a. I would be tempted to stay standard.
I have no direct experience but wonder if uprated means a firmer ride and is that desired ?
I recall on here some members extolling the virtues of standard shockers with engine oil in them for a better ride, but perhaps you should look that up here first. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=65566&hilit=what+oils+are+best

Food for thought anyway.

[myoldjalopy]

Agreed, I can't see any real advantage of these 'uprated' dampers, especially if you are running a standard car.
However, if you have plenty of money to throw at such things, why not try them and report back on your findings?,

[Mr Spigot]

Sticking with the standard units is my inclination as they have stood the test of time well and the significant extra cost of the updated ones is hard for me to justify. Everyone has to do their own cost/benefit analysis for these upgrades but even with a 1275 engine, the old leaking units are not doing a bad job so I will save my money and stick with the standard setup.
Thanks for your thoughts which have been helpful.
If anyone does splash the cash on the upgraded ones, I think we would all like to see a review!

[philthehill]

Personally I would not spend the money on the ESM uprated Armstrong dampers. If the dampers are not leaking or worn I would drain and refill the dampers with a straight 30 oil and put a packing washer between the eye bolt and chassis leg all at a cost of about £10.
Unless you are concerned about originality it would be cheaper to fit the basic ESM tele damper conversion and a eye bolt packing washer.

Saying that - years ago I did fit a pair of VW Derrington uprated Armstrong dampers with revised valves and springs which did make the car handle better but back then the pair were £12. I also filled those dampers with straight 30 oil. There was a plate inserted between the eye bolt and the chassis leg to give 1 degree of negative camber at normal ride height.
Currently those VW Derrington dampers are only used as the top link and filled with fully synthetic MC front fork oil. The eye bolts are Minor Mania negative camber items set at 2 degrees negative camber with the car lowered 2". The dampers are SPAX adjustable gas items mounted centrally over the lower suspension arms.