b'TECH TIP PAGETech Tip 8: Shocks are the final frontier to making cars have more grip to brake, corner & accelerate better & faster. One of the most important measurements of a shockand the least talked about by average car guysis its response time from input to control.From small inputs, like minor track surface irregularities to larger inputs, like bumps, how quick a shock responds IS the most important key. It does not matter what your shock valving isor that it is adjustableif the tire isnt loaded on the track surface! For this reason, any design technology that makes a shock respond quicker, is valuableand slow responding shock designs are not acceptable for winning track performance. The first important choice youll make is between Hydraulic Twin Tube or Gas Charged Monotube. Its not really a debate. Twin tube shocks respond in the 20-30 millisecond range & monotube shocks respond in the 4-8 millisecond range. That is a HUGE difference! Running twin tube shocks in a race car makes no sense, unless the rules require it. The ARS, Fox, JRI & Penske race shocks we utilize are of the superior monotube design. Testing has shown our ARS valved shocks to be the absolute best for autocross, while our Penske valved shocks dominate on road courses.JRI shocks are the best dual purpose autocross & track shock, but expensive.Our Fox Racing Shocks are very close in grip for 1/3 less money. Superior, faster responding, higher grip montube coil-over shocks typically cost $200-300 more than the ower performing twin tube design shocks.Scrimp somewhere else. Buy the monotubes!Remember: It does not matter what your shock valving isor that the valving is adjustableif the tire isnt loaded on the track surface! Tech Tip 11: Shocks are such a critical key to winning performance, the technology evolves very fast. In just 3 years, the technology leaders have changed significantly. The Fox/Ridetech shocks we built for years with digressive pistons & Secret Sauce valving, are still available. But the new Fox Racing Shox are significantly better, at similar great pricing to Ridetech.JRI has not developed much new the last few years, but still offers their same high grip technology & digressive valving. ARS & Penske have taken the lead in development with decoupled/digressive pistons that increase grip even further over irregular surfaces on all tracks. Penske now offers their patented Regressive Valves that allow the driver to literally drive over road course curbs at speed WITHOUT unsettling the car!All four race shocks (ARS, Fox, JRI & Penske) are available with base valves or canisters to reduce rod pressure & increase grip. The highest grip, most adjustable, single adjustable is new from Fox Racing Shocks. Our testing & results have shown our ARS valved canister shocks to be the absolute best on autocross courses, while our 8300DA & 876TA Penske valved shocks dominate on road courses.JRI shocks are still the best dual purpose autocross & track shock.If you wait, all that happens is that you get older. 54'