131mirafiori forum

I am after some front shock absorbers for my 131 sport.

My local factors will sell them to me at ?50 each, which call me stingy, I felt was a bit on the strong side.

I was wondering if any of you have a supplier which offers good prices. Alternatively does any one know if the 131 shocks are the same shock absorber as another manufacturers?

Phil

http://cgi.ebay.it/COPPIA-AMMORTIZZATORI-ANTERIORI-FIAT-131-DAL-1978-81-/160496088423?pt=Ricambi_automobili&hash=item255e4ff567

Loads of Them on ebay uk front and back.

I would find out the original part numbers for the sport front struts for what ever make they are advertising as they may say in their ad that they are for 131 sport but if they sell you the struts for pushrod models which look the same they will be soft and make a significant affect on handling

There's the fact that there are at least three different types of original absorbers. Koni or Bilstein both made absorbers too. Harder too find but ideal for 131 Racing. Those from diesel are also a good fit for sporty driving. I have those on my Racing.

Mike is right. Either try to find Diesel or Panorama front shock absorbers or try to find Konis (rare, but worth the price - I had the Panorama shocks first, they were very good; then I changed to yellow Konis, this was again an improvement).

Here's a pair of Diesel front shocks, new:

http://cgi.ebay.de/Satz-Stosdampfer-vorn-Fiat-131-Diesel-Spica-1761-NEU-/360240396528?pt=Autoteile_Zubeh%C3%B6r&hash=item53e00038f0

If you look through ebay uk and type in Fiat 131 suspension you will see all the Monroe shocks that are for the 131 Sport/Racing.
If you contact the seller he will ask for the year of manufacture and your number/reg plate engine size etc to ensure you get the correct set specific to the SPORT/RACING 2000 TC.
Postage/courier costs from europe to UK are getting expensive now,That is if you live in the UK.

Yes, but keep in mind that Monroe is nearly as crappy as Kayaba or Gabriel; they may last 10,000 miles, but that's it. The only brands that are really made to last are Bilstein, Koni, Sachs, Spax, maybe Boge. Correct me if i'm wrong.

i disagree on Kayaba. i haven't managed to kill them on my lada for three years and around 60.000km now, and believe me, i tried! also, you wouldn't believe the size of potholes around here

Thanks everyone for your help and comments.

I think I will go for the Diesel front shocks, I should have though of checking Ebay in Europe as the shocks listed in the UK seem to hover around ?70.

Hopefully I have made a good choice as I don't want to be replacing the front shocks more than I have to it's not my favourite job.   

I had my KYB absorbers in my car for 7 years but the car was stood still 5 of them ;D Today I replaced them with new ones (KYB again) and as for the rear ones I used original from 124 which are stiffer...
But I guess that panorama ones are even stiffer...

Most of the guy's say the diesel shocks are good so they will be good for your 131 Sport.
Your postage alone will cost you about 50 - 70 euro to get shocks from europe to UK so i hope you get the shock's cheap !

Sorry but the shipping prices are not that high.

From Germany to the UK:

with DHL (German Post Office): 22 Euros (up to 10 kg), or 32 Euros (up to 20 kg)

with Hermes (like UPS): 19.90 Euros (M package, size up to 80 cm longest+shortest side)

with GLS (like UPS): 22.40 Euros (size up to 80 cm longest+shortest side)

PM me for details, if you like.

I had a pair of BOGE front struts which had their own part number specifically for the sport / racing,
This must be fifteen years or more ago and I think they were new old stock then,
These were the best front struts I have ever had on a 131 just wish I had kept the part number !
but then they are probably unobtainable now anyway ?
I bought a pair of Koni adjustables after these and to be honest I wouldn't pay for them again as the Boge struts I had were a lot better.

Hi, i wouldn't recommend koni's unless you want your bodyshell to crack in half! They are way to stiff even on the soft setting.

I had Bilstein's under my replica. They were very good. Still, i would recommend those from Diesel because they are the right stiffness. Diesel engines are heavier then the petrol engines. Absorbers are usable together with original springs.

I would second Chris's comments. I have yellow konis on my silver four door and they give a bone shaking ride compared to the standard dampers.

I have decided to go for the Diesel shock's, thanks for providing the link Robert.

I think that the cost is reasonable, 60Euro for two shocks and 25E to courier to the UK.

My Palpal receipt is for ?76.31which when you consider my local factors wanted ?100 for a pair and most advertisers on Ebay uk want ?70 each, thats nearly buy get one free. ;D ;D ;D ;D