A client has an MG ZS 180, now fitted with our VHS Bilstein damper kit. He likes the performance and quality upgrade that these parts have provided. He also owns a Rover 200 ‘Tomcat’ Turbo coupe. Very stylish, very (very) strong performance and now an appreciated and appreciating classic. Could he have an equivalent set of VHS Bilstein dampers for this car please? Of course, Sir…….
I’ll be honest. It took a while. First, we had to measure the damping performance of a pair of donor front struts on the trusty VHS dyno (always better to do two rather than one, just in case you have a duff sample. Thankfully these were nicely matched). Then, take a deep breath (these original units are getting scarce and sealed twin tubes are just that – sealed until you cut them open….), strip and measure all the components. Then some negotiation with, and design work by, Bilstein. Then some more negotiation, agreement and kick off the prototypes.
What did we agree? The strut bodies were stripped, restored and powder coated in Bilstein yellow, but only after a rather neat screw top had been produced. This allows a monotube cartridge to be inserted, with valve components to replicate the rather tidy performance seen on the ZS180. Plenty of body control allied to the smooth rolling comfort that always surprises on the first drive. There is also the (often forgotten) benefit of increased camber stiffness with this type of monotube strut; massively greater resistance to bending provides much better toe control and steering precision. Even when new, the Tomcat Turbo needed all the help it could get……
But isn’t the Rover Tomcat a niche product? Well yes, but the fundamental strut design is used on all Rover 200, Rover 25 and MG ZR derivatives. With the ability to select the most appropriate damper specification, there is now a bespoke, high quality monotube strut solution for your car.
The best bit? It could be finished in black instead of yellow (or to be honest, any colour you like).
Restoring your car and maintaining originality? No problem, but don’t forget to include a monotube damper within your original struts. Restomod, VHS style.