Trade show season in the automotive aftermarket always packs a few pleasant surprises. Just when you think things can't get any better, savvy manufacturers figure out a way to up the technological and performance ante. We were reminded of this once again at last winter's Performance Racing Industry show, while spending a few minutes chatting with engineers in the QA1 booth. The company's comprehensive catalog of top-notch adjustable shocks and coilover kits have made them a favorite with hot rodders, but it's raising the bar even higher. In addition to its wildly popular single- and double-adjustable dampeners, QA1 is rolling out a line of budget-priced, non-adjustable performance shocks as well as new adjustable struts.
QA1's single-adjustable shocks adjust both compression and rebound valving in equal measure at the same time. They're intended for cars that see occasional competition duty, but spend most of their time on the street. By simply twisting the knob, users can choose between 12 different settings. We currently use QA1 Stocker Star single-adjustable shocks on Project Street Sweeper, PHR's '68 Chevelle project car.
The new QA1 non-adjustable Stocker Stars are premium small-body shocks that retail for about $90, and bolt right up to the factory mounting points. They feature the same twin-tube design and durable machined aluminum bodies as QA1's premium shocks, but at an extremely affordable price. "Our new non-adjustable shocks are perfect for people who want an aluminum high-performance replacement shock for $90, but are probably more interested in cruising than going to the road course," says Corey Flynn of QA1. Unlike most replacement shocks, the new Stocker Star NA shocks can be serviced, revalved, and rebuilt. These obviously aren't your typical throwaway shocks. They look great, and are the last set of shocks you'll ever have to buy.
For street/strip enthusiasts, QA1's new Gen 3 Camaro and '79-present Mustang struts should prove equally exciting. With an all-aluminum design, deflective-disc valving, and the capability to be rebuilt and revalved, these struts offer the same capabilities as QA1's most popular shocks. Flynn says, "These struts are a great addition to the marketplace. They're available in single-, double-, and R-series valving, so no matter what style of driving you're going to do, we have you covered."
Unlike the Stocker Stars that retain the factory spring and shock mounting locations, the Proma Stars are full coilover conversions. This double-adjustable variant enables compression and rebound settings to be changed independently from each other. With 24 different settings for compression and rebound, this equates to a total of 576 valving combinations. QA1 recommends installing its double-adjustable shocks on hard-core street/track cars that will see plenty of time on the road course, dragstrip, and autocross.
While QA1's newly expanded lineup offers more choices than ever, selecting the right set for your car doesn't have to be confusing. "The foundation of QA1's product line is our Proma Star and Stocker Star shocks, and they're both available as single- and double-adjustable units. The main difference between them is that the Stocker Stars bolt to the factory shock mounts, while the Proma Stars are for coilover conversions," Flynn says. "Furthermore, our Stocker Star, Stocker Star NA, Proma Star, and R-series shocks are available for most muscle car and domestic late-model applications."
By springtime, QA1 will also have a cool wireless remote adjust kit for all QA1 adjustable shocks. Stay tuned!
