Looking for feedback on QA1's or other adjustable front shocks for street/strip

[Scott GN231]

I'm about to replace my sagging front springs and am considering adding adjustable shocks in the front as well for a firm street ride that could be softened up at the strip. I have an old set of Bilsteins that I've always been happy with, but they're starting to bounce a bit.

I've seen several references to the single adjustable 12 position QA1s and am looking for feedback from anyone who has used them. Are these adjustable drag shocks, or high performance shocks that can be softened up a bit (I'm looking for the latter as it is a street car)? I've looked at their literature and it's not clear to me what handling characteristics the 12 position range covers.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated. I know Koni's are great and offer adjustability, but that they need to be removed to be adjusted. Are there other obvious shocks to consider that can be adjusted without removing them?

Thanks,
Scott

As a reference, a few other QA1 discussions can be found here and also here

[Steve Wood]

There is another thread on this from not too long ago.

The stiffness is changed, not the ratios on the regular QA1s.

[Scott GN231]

Originally Posted by Steve Wood

There is another thread on this from not too long ago.

The stiffness is changed, not the ratios on the regular QA1s.

I believe I include the thread you refer to in the 2nd link above. If there's another that I missed in my prior searches do tell.

At any rate, I'm still trying to puzzle through this-- any additional feedback would be appreciated. Are these suitable and good performing street shocks, with the adjustability coming in handy for softening things up at the track, or am I missing the point?

Thanks,
Scott

BTW, GMHTP reviewed them in October 2004 "A Kick in the Shorts"-- one of two issues I'm missing from the last 4 years... anyone have a scan?

[Steve Wood]

I have only had one car with them...I don't think they are quite as good as the Bilstiens for over all handling, but, you can stiffen the car up for fun on good roads, or soften them for better ride on rougher surfaces. The not quite as good is a very subjective statement.

Loosening them in the front and slightly in the rear, will allow the front to come up and the rear to sit down a bit. Unlike true double adjustables, they don't resist coming down, however.

I think they are a pretty good compromise for a driver thyat is taken to the track.

[TTA89]

Not really Buick Related but I have QA1s in my Lightning. I daily drive it all year long and I Auto X it 8-9 times a year and Drag Race it 6-7 times a year.

I set the fronts 1 and rears to 8 when at the drags and people were coming up telling me they could really see the weight transfer and what had I done to it.

At the last Auto X I was turning better times than a Stock STi WRX. Although I don't have stock suspension in the Lightning but it handles pretty damn good now with springs, shocks and swaybars.

There are a few Lightning guys that have had some issues with them leaking and had to have them sent back and replaced but so far mine are doing alright. I have around 12K on them now.

I can adjust the shocks without jacking up the truck, just turn the front wheels to the side and you can lay on the ground and adjust the fronts, the rears you have to crawl under the truck but I can go from street to track settings in about 90 seconds on all 4.