242 replies to this topic

[38bfast]

Video FB V2 Motorsports
 
"The new shock price will be set at $198.74 apiece, with the complete upper mount/bump stop kit retailing at $249.90. Parts will be available exclusively through Mazda Motorsports with a total cost for conversion; including four shocks, top mount, bump stops and lower spherical mounts for less than $1,050."
 
No intent of being sarcastic, but what's the deal with using/modifying FatCat Isolators and later when they (Penske) do a complete kit they'll make their own isolator. Will the SCCA write the shock isolator rule that either (FC modified) or (Penske) of the isolators is ongoing acceptable.

Both isolators will be compliant

[Bench Racer]

Ralph, without your video's (thank you) us commoners (those without an end mill/15/16 inch diameter/deburr tool) wouldn't have a clue that the holes in top hats must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter.

 

SCCA/SMAC, there is nothing to date I've viewed in any literature on this Penske shock which suggests this top hat hole must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter. IMHJ, this lack of information from the SCCA/Penske is not being honest with the customer. No question when shocks are received by the commoner customer and he/she tries a learning assembly their going to say, WTF. Sadly this product is not ready for market for we commoners.

 

David Dewhurst

SCCA 250772 

[Dave D.]

David, Do you really feel that opening up the top hat hole is a machining operation beyond the capabilities of the average SM driver? Wasn't it back with the early NA cars the hole had to be opened up to get the larger Bilstein shock shaft through the hole as the original had a flat on the shaft end to stop rotation? This is the same operation with only a larger bit. I'm sure Penske could have made a super sexy/trick billet upper bearing mount, but then we would all complain about the higher cost. I feel that what they came up with is a simple,elegant, inexpensive solution. Wasn't the engineering criteria for the contract  to make this compatible with most of the parts we have? 

  My only concern is the size of that upper bearing. I know it will only see the forces from the shock and not vehicle weight, but it looks to be very small in order for it to fit through the top hat. Will Penske make individual parts available for replacement due to wear or damage? Since I haven't gotten any in yet,I'm curious to how the shocks are put together. Are they threaded together like common Penske racing shocks? How do they deal with making them tamper proof?  

[OrangeCrush86]

The Mazda kit should probably come with a 15/16" drill bit lol.

[ChrisA]

Ralph, without your video's (thank you) us commoners (those without an end mill/15/16 inch diameter/deburr tool) wouldn't have a clue that the holes in top hats must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter.

 

SCCA/SMAC, there is nothing to date I've viewed in any literature on this Penske shock which suggests this top hat hole must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter. IMHJ, this lack of information from the SCCA/Penske is not being honest with the customer. No question when shocks are received by the commoner customer and he/she tries a learning assembly their going to say, WTF. Sadly this product is not ready for market for we commoners.

 

David Dewhurst

SCCA 250772 

 

Dave, it was mentioned somewhere that the tophat hole would need to be opened up/modified to accept the upper pillow-ball and that Penske would provide us with detail on the installation procedure. I can't find where it was mentioned but it was, and since I can't find it will agree that it needed to be called out more distinctly. 

[ChrisA]

I posted on FB a video on how they assemble. 

 

Ralph, thanks for the video, puts in my head what I'll need to be doing before they arrive. 

[38bfast]

Ralph, without your video's (thank you) us commoners (those without an end mill/15/16 inch diameter/deburr tool) wouldn't have a clue that the holes in top hats must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter.

 

SCCA/SMAC, there is nothing to date I've viewed in any literature on this Penske shock which suggests this top hat hole must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter. IMHJ, this lack of information from the SCCA/Penske is not being honest with the customer. No question when shocks are received by the commoner customer and he/she tries a learning assembly their going to say, WTF. Sadly this product is not ready for market for we commoners.

 

David Dewhurst

SCCA 250772 

Bech it is in the directions that ship with the shock that there needs to be a 15/16 hole drilled. So I don't see the issue. If you are not equipped to drill a hole I am sure the is somebody near by that can help you out. This is bitching just to bitch IMO. Really drilling a hole is a deal breaker? Bench do you have barbed wire in your underwear. 

[38bfast]

Youtube link of video

 

[ChrisA]

Will a 24mm step-drill work ok? It’s just wee bit bigger then a 15/16th.

[38bfast]

Will a 24mm step-drill work ok? It’s just wee bit bigger then a 15/16th.

 

I would think it would be ok. There is 50 lbs torque on the nut and there is not a lot of side loading. But the directions say 15/16 and its a tight fit. So at your own risk. I would give it a 85-90% confidence it would work without issue. 

[ChrisA]

I would think it would be ok. There is 50 lbs torque on the nut and there is not a lot of side loading. But the directions say 15/16 and its a tight fit. So at your own risk. I would give it a 85-90% confidence it would work without issue. 

 

Tight is better as long as it's not "I can't get this one to fit tight" The conversion of the two sizes is 15/16 = 0.9375 vs 24mm = 0.9449.

[Martinracing98]

I have received the shocks, but not the install kit so I do not know if it will tell me that I need the drill bit. I hope so, but if not I chalk that up to the oversight that happens sometimes as small volume products and as being the early adopters. Prior to getting the kit I do not know what size sockets I need either. I may have to buy the large socket also. I do not think that makes anyone dishonest or the product not ready for prime time. Amazon has a step bit with 15/16 size for $10. If finding out a drill bit is needed leads someone to say WTF I suggest they send the parts and car to someone else to do the work.

Ralph, without your video's (thank you) us commoners (those without an end mill/15/16 inch diameter/deburr tool) wouldn't have a clue that the holes in top hats must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter.

 

SCCA/SMAC, there is nothing to date I've viewed in any literature on this Penske shock which suggests this top hat hole must be opened up to 15/16 inch diameter. IMHJ, this lack of information from the SCCA/Penske is not being honest with the customer. No question when shocks are received by the commoner customer and he/she tries a learning assembly their going to say, WTF. Sadly this product is not ready for market for we commoners.

 

David Dewhurst

SCCA 250772 

[Sphinx]

Dumb question - my springs can use a thorough cleaning (including overspray removal from paint jobs), any suggestions on what to use?  Since everything will be disassembled, this is a good time to clean up.

[Bench Racer]

Copied from address in post #1 of this thread.

 

"The new shock price will be set at $198.74 apiece, with the complete upper mount/bump stop kit retailing at $249.90. Parts will be available exclusively through Mazda Motorsports with a total cost for conversion; including four shocks, top mount, bump stops and lower spherical mounts for less than $1,050."

 

These words, tell me the FatCat and top hat are history.     

 

David, Do you really feel that opening up the top hat hole is a machining operation beyond the capabilities of the average SM driver? 

Dave, yes drilling per the Penske instructions with a 15/16 inch diameter drill is beyond many of the SM DIY owners. Now if the Penske instructions stated use a 15/16 inch step drill (Penske instructions would be a rule), that's another story, under some conditions for the step drill and having an end mill machine or a substantial drill press with a vise to hold the top hat.

 

Martinracing98, trust me as a SM owner, my capability and tools are not an issue. For the record the Penske instructions specify to use a 15/16 inch diameter drill which makes it a rule, not a step drill. But I will suggest your condescending attitude matches my WTF.  

 

Ralph, thanks for the video, no barb wire, really. What I read above suggests the FatCat and top hat are history and new parts will be included. For the others who want to do some picking, I have access to a mill at the Loshak/miller/Moser race shop, the mill is not the point.

 

How many of you DIY SM owners own or have access to a mill per video below?

 

https://www.facebook...8152164942488/ 

[Steve Scheifler]

Read it again. I think you are confusing top hat & top mount, or top mount and the upper spring perch/spacer which will be retained on existing cars but available from them for new builds. What’s the BFD?

[Martinracing98]

I do have a mill. It is just a cheap Grizzly mill/lathe. I have not been happy with the mill side of it. I will probably just use a step bit. I already place  a bit on order tonight. 

How many of you DIY SM owners own or have access to a mill per video below?

 

https://www.facebook...8152164942488/ 

[Ernie Cole]

Why would you need a mill? A basic drill press would suffice. 

[ChrisA]

 

Martinracing98, trust me as a SM owner, my capability and tools are not an issue. For the record the Penske instructions specify to use a 15/16 inch diameter drill which makes it a rule, not a step drill. But I will suggest your condescending attitude matches my WTF.  

 

 

 

    A "rule" what in the world are you talking about?? Is that in the GCR? Would it be enforceable? "No, I'm sorry Mr. Tech Steward, I do not have video evidence of the tool used to enlarge this hole" 

[Dave D.]

Copied from address in post #1 of this thread.

"Dave, yes drilling per the Penske instructions with a 15/16 inch diameter drill is beyond many of the SM DIY owners.

 

How many of you DIY SM owners own or have access to a mill per video below?"

 

Really?

If a Spec Miata racer can"t figure out how to expand an existing hole out to 15/16 , then maybe he should let a shop do the work. He's most likely going to have a prep shop re do the set up anyway! If he doesn't want to pay someone for either the work, or setup, and doesn't want to put forth the effort to learn how,then maybe it's time for him to take up golf! Next, you are going to suggest that we should not be required to have roll cages as not everyone has access to MIG and TIG welders!!

[38bfast]

It does say in the istructions that a step drill may be used. They call for a 15/16 hole. How you get it in there really doesn’t matter. Step drill, drill, water jet, laser cut, punch, CNC cut, file, die grinder, outsource it to China, have Kyle Webb knaw on it with his teeth.

The things we have to discuss on the internet pains me sometimes