AST @ Werkin Mini

[k-huevo]

AST suspension products are available through Werkin Mini. AST shocks are race capable, with enough damping adjustability and compliance to be used on the street. Their inverted design with 44.5mm diameter shafts both front and rear makes for a very rigid assembly, combined with spherical bearing mounts they provide predictable, stable, suspension geometries under heavy lateral and breaking loads.

The 5100 series is the entry level racing shock with height and rebound adjusting only. Its broad range rebound adjustability and quality fixed compression valving won't leave much performance on the table. The shock can handle 60 N/mm (350 lb-in) springs and more than double the rate with equal control.

If increased demand calls for more travel, greater heat dissipation, and more adjustment options, a 5100 shock can be upgraded with remote reservoirs and compression damping later.

MSRP for AST 5100 shocks is $2799.00; main springs, helpers, camber plates, spherical bearing rear upper mounts, and spring hats for stock style mounts are extra cost.

AST is an "Official Supplier to the Continental Tire Sports Car Challange". Begining this comining 2011 season AST will be one of two shock suppliers for GRAND-AM. Shocking News: KONI, AST Suspension Named Co-Suppliers for 2011 The GRAND-AM kit will be based on the 5200 series, details of the kit are soon to be announced.

AST-USA hasn't forgotten those looking for a reliable solid platform at a lower price point, and is working long hours developing a fixed damping, height adjustable coilover. Impressions of the prototype's performance are very favorable and I'm looking forward to this option.

[KC Jr 54]

Very very cool !

Will you be able to source the rear shock mount w/ various nut and adapter fittings like Jeff was able to at TSW ? Royce was lucky enough to get those before TSW was sold, and i am VERY impressed with their overall construction. Really, very beautiful pieces and unit overall when paired w/ the KWs.

*wishing i could justify the cost of ASTs as they are such solid performers*

[Rally]

Nice, AST is a great company

When ordering vorshlag camber plates, would it be possible to order two spare bushings with the order?

The little bushings at the bottom of the pic:

[k-huevo]

Originally Posted by k-huevo

...AST is an "Official Supplier to the Continental Tire Sports Car Challange"...AST-USA hasn't forgotten those looking for a reliable solid platform at a lower price point, and is working long hours developing a fixed damping, height adjustable coilover. Impressions of the prototype's performance are very favorable and I'm looking forward to this option.

Data collected through on-going race developments in the series has already been incorporated in plans for the new MINI shock. However, time constraints have put hardware development on hold for the race season.

Here are AST technical videos explaining shock dyno data:

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 1 of 4

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 1 of 4

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 2 of 4

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 2 of 4

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 3 of 4

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 3 of 4

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 4 of 4

YouTube - Dyno 102 Part 4 of 4

A typical track ready kit for the R53, with just a change of camber plates and lower rear mounts, it's ready for duty on an R56 as well.

[Jason Montague]

Thanks Keith. Good info as always. You know..........if you ever think of renaming your shop; you should call it 'Keith('s) Kar(e)s.' Sort of a 'Double Entendre' there.

Jason

[k-huevo]

Teams running AST suspension finish in 8 of the top 9 positions in the GS class for the 3rd round of the GRAND AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.

The GS class, packed full of AST vehicles, took finishing spots 2 through 9 at the Barber 200 on April 9. The #96 Turner Motorsports BMW led the most laps, but relinquished the lead with 4 laps remaining. Manufacturers represented in the mix were BMW, Ford, Chevrolet and Porsche. The AST-USA Suspension teams have had great success with several teams and cars finishing at the top in the first three races of the season.

Doran Racing has been using AST-USA shocks throughout the 2011 GRAND AM season. The Doran Racing BMW 128i finished in second place in the ST class for its first podium of the season.

AST-USA’s general manager, Brian Hanchey said, “We are very excited to see the continued success of our product in one of the most grueling professional race series in America. We have provided a package that is fast and consistent throughout the race. The results really speak for themselves with 9 of the 12 cars running our shocks finishing in the top 11.”

GRAND-AM Continental Challenge Series teams utilizing AST-USA shocks include: Turner Motorsports, Roush Performance, Stevenson Motorsports, Fall-Line Motorsports, Bimmerworld, Rum Bum Racing, Trade Manage Motorsports, BGB Motorsports, Doran Racing and Compass 360 Racing.

The next race in the series is the Bosch Engineering 200 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, VA on May 14th.

AST-USA is the exclusive importer of AST Suspension products in North America. AST Suspension sells high performance adjustable shocks for street cars, autocross cars and road racing cars in North America. For more information, visit ast-usa.com, 972.424.3700, or Werkin Mini, 210-797-9848.

The MINI race team in Grand Am, RSR Racing, is experimenting with AST suspension on the rear this season. It's probable RSR and the entire field will make the move to AST suspension next year.

[k-huevo]

AST 4150 Damper - Motoring Alliance Gallery

A new shock has been added to the AST line for the MINI. Positioned between the 4100 and 5100 series on the price scale, the 4150 is $2,200 MSRP.

Here's what AST-USA has to say about the new shock:
AST Suspension - USA is proud to announce the new AST 4150 Series Damper. The new design builds on the success with the AST 4100 series damper and the recent wins in GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, including new technology developed specifically for GRAND-AM racing teams.

DDP Technology Piston
Our latest digressive piston developed for GRAND-AM gives drivers and race engineers the best of both worlds. Drivers love the low speed damping response and body control, while race engineers love the “blow off” at high shaft velocities. When the rebound adjustment is soft, the damper curve looks similar to an OEM street shock profile. When the rebound adjustment is hard, the damper curve looks like a race shock!

This “Jekyll and Hyde” personality is exactly what AST 4000 Series customers want: soft street ride and race car track performance in ONE shock - all with the turn of a knob!

Lower Drag Seals
High performance seals are a challenge for any damper. They must balance friction and sealing ability while not impacting shock performance and not leaking; a difficult balancing act! While the seal was originally developed for GRAND-AM road racing, AST is taking our knowledge from the track to the street again. Newly redesigned seals decrease hysteresis in the damper and decrease seal drag over 50%
.
Upgradeability
4150s will be upgradeable to 4250s! Using a modular build system, customers can send their shocks to AST at a later date and upgrade from a 1 Way shock to a 2 Way internal reservoir or remote reservoir system.

[k-huevo]

AST–USA has announced its 2012 Motorsports Contingency programs. Details can be seen here.