Scorpion Struts

[Bill Gorelick]

Can anyone tell me if Scorpion Struts and X1/9 Struts are intrechangeable? Advise Bill Gorelick

[Will]

Nope. Scorpion struts can be rebuilt or replaced with Ledas. Ledas are damn expensive at around $300USD per corner, Scott Hay did them first, they are nice. Chad at the monte hospital sells them now too.
If you want your scorpion struts rebuilt, contact me off-list (76lancia@optonline.net)
-Will

[512tr]

I bought some springs from a guy who was using x 1/9 kyb struts in his scorpion. I asked him what he had to do to make them fit - he said they bolt right in. He said they have a little less travel which was not a problem with 1" shorter springs. I have yet to try this myself so I have no first hand experience with this interchange.

[Will]

The X-1/9 uses a completely different top mount, so I would imagine some refabricating would have been necessary, unless he mated up the scorpion top mount with the X strut body and then installed the mess into the car. The X has a raised portion around the strut top, which is why it is so difficult to source camber plates for the X. I will be at the Carlisle Import & Kit Car Nationals show next week, I will make a point of comparing the strut assemblies and perhaps taking a few closeup photos if you guys would like. The general consensus I've gotten from other scorpion owners groups is that this is a less than satisfactory solution, and the best solutions are to either rebuild the strut and use aftermarket sprinks, find the once-available Konis, or bite the bullet and buy the Ledas.
I have seen and held (coveted) the Leda struts in person and they are beautiful, stainless steel coil-over jobs with quality throughout.
-Will

[Warren Horby]

I have used the X1/9 struts on my car.
They do work and yes you have to change the top mounts.
The difference in the two are the position of the spring pirch and bottom mount. The main body is in a different position but the pirch and bottom mount are the same for each. In fact I think you get more travel with the X1/9 strut because the shock body is set lower in the botom mount and there is less strut above the spring pirch. If any one is interested I can send pics showing this.

Cheers

[Tony Fasola]

Carrera Shocks have succesfully adapted a X 1/9 strut for the Scorpion. Jim Wenk in Atlanta has done it (Over a year ago) with good results.
T

[Maigret]

I assume the Scorpion are sealed like the VX struts. I have just recieved my struts back from rebuild with gas KYB inserts with threaded bits welded on. Total $300NZ each ($200US)

[Will]

The Scorpion struts (at least the S1's, donno about S2) have a spanner collar on top, they disassemble and you can rebuild them with a few inexpensive seals, some paper shims and some motorcyle fork oil or automatic transmission fluid- see the oft-reproduced Bernie Benz article for the particulars.

[Geoff T]

I am in the process of having both front and rear struts rebuilt using Bilstein inserts by a local suspension outfit. I have the fronts back already and they have come out very well. S2 monte's have sealed units and must be modified to install the screw in Bilstein inserts. All up cost is approx $200 USD per strut.
Montehospital units are fine, but at 3 to 1 exchange rate to the GBP plus freight to the other side of the world, they get mighty expensive for me!
These days, most performance suspension shops should be able to supply a recondition / insert service for just about anything.

BTW, for the rear struts at least, the lower leg is the same as 127 / 128 / X1/9 if you need a donor for an insert job. The fronts are slightly different in profile, but the above units may also fit with a bit of machining. Anythings possible if you are desperate!


Geoff T.

[ecohen2]

Hey if anyone has a set of stock struts front and rear that are in good condition I am interested..