ACR Dynamic Suspension shock rebuild Carl Haas Auto Imports review

[BFoster]

Recently, I came to the realization that I needed to address the shocks on my 2002 ACR that has 8,xxx miles on it. I was starting to notice poor ride quality with a lot of bounce, to the point my head made contact with the ceiling a time or two before putting the girl away for the winter. I don't drive the car very often at all, but still wanted it addressed in case I decide to sell the car soon... Which I am considering, again.

I browsed through all of the options out there, including the MCS shocks, BC Coilovers, Motons, etc. My requirement was to keep the stock ride height, and not spend a fortune since I won't be putting a ton of miles on the car at all. I kind of ruled out the MCS and Moton stuff due to costs. I then emailed BC about a set of their coilovers. I was attracted to them due to all of the positive reviews. The reason I did not choose them was because they lowered the car at least 1 inch, which I did not want.

I have recommended Carl Haas Imports for many members in the past, and decided they would get my business after all of the options were considered. I also wanted to write up a review for you all as well, to show how easy this process was. Check out www.haasauto.com for more information on the company, and you'll see that they are primarily a race shop, with a lot of knowledge and experience with high-end race cars.

I will start by saying that my experience was nothing short of perfect. I began by calling, and talking to Ryan Howell about what I was hoping to do. He talked me through the process, and said that from the time that I would have the shocks delivered to him, to the time I would get them back was about a week. I also asked about the ride quality issues that I was having, and what my suspicions were. He all but confirmed them, and told me they needed a rebuild. I asked him about how to properly adjust the shocks to give me a more comfortable ride, at which time he suggested (as many of you have already found out) that putting different springs in the back will help out the rough ride issues. He told me that I could get new springs for approximately $120/piece. The shocks would also be valved to match those spring rates. I decided against a change in spring rates, again to preserve it as original. He explained the shocks would be returned, with copies of the shock dyno charts. (No clue what any of the data means, but it looks cool)!

I also talked to Ryan about the fact that many of us have had issues with the shocks leaking and going bad. He told me that he has had enough of these Dynamic Suspension shocks come though the shop with the same issues that he is going to work with the machine shop and "see about getting a different top cover made to accept a quadring instead of the single step seal that currently seals them, and also investigate a different floating piston too, which are the two known areas to leak." In other words, they are working to IMPROVE these shocks for the future and the possibilities are endless.

Finally, I'll say a word about the cost. I won't give an exact breakdown of the cost for the rebuild and what not, but will say this: If you are looking at BC coilovers as an option this is very, very similar in pricing. Very. That tell you enough?


In summary, if you are an ACR owner with the Dynamic Suspension shocks and you are contemplating replacing them with something else, or rebuilding, I would recommend at least giving Carl Haas Auto Imports a call. It is well worth your time, and your money.

[BrianACR]

Thanks for the review. I've been thinking it might be time soon to get mine rebuilt...

[GTS Dean]

It is instructive that he recommended softer springs and a re-valve to compliment them. The reason the rear ACR Dynamics are sprung so stiffly is that Dodge was expecting that a number of the cars would be turned into SCCA racecars running the GT-2 wing. The added rear downforce requires more spring to resist aero loading, and the whole combination includes proper valving. Without the wing, you would be happier with 800# springs and a revalve.

EMI Racing built my Penske 3-ways. Eric and I competed in Viper Days together and when I ordered mine, we discussed driving style, typical track lengths and surfaces I encountered, and whether I was inclined to add a wing/splitter combo. I ended up with 600#/800# springs f/r, with enough damper adjustability to cover any road/track/tire combo I was likely to run. They are fabulous, and knocked multiple seconds off previous best laps at a number of courses I regularly ran. I can dial back on the adjusters or the nitrogen charge and have buttery-smooth ride with great control on long trips, super aggressive all-out track settings, or anything in between.

[blownrunner]

I had Ryan rebuild a bunch of spare Dynamics for me that I bought off e-bay, always great service. If you do this, remove the coils to save weight for lower shipping costs.

[cburke996]

This thread came with great timing for me. My DSI shocks are disassembled and in a box in the back seat of my car right now, ready to go out to Ryan at Haas. I spoke with Ryan about 2 weeks ago regarding just this, and he said another ACR owner just had the same done - must have been the OP. I plan on having them re-valved for my 800# rear springs. Also very interesting to hear about the R&D going on to make these shocks more reliable and seal longer. I will definitely inquire about that. Thanks for posting!

[Viperenvy]

Need some help with ACR Dynamic rebuild options. I have a quote for an 01, but it seems high - really high vs what I have heard bantered around. If you have had yours rebuilt, then call me, please.

248-705-1245

[Viperenvy]

So no one has had anyone rebuild with success besides Haas?

No one has called me

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Years Ago I found Haas to be extremely expensive.

I have referred DSI rebuilds to EMI Racing Eric Messley, email emiracing@mindspring.com

He primarily deals in Penske sales and rebuilds, but he can rebuild DSI shocks reasonably.


Note: If your only complaint on DSI Blue/Gold G2 ACR shocks is 'too stiff at rear' that is a simple spring swap with the OE brand springs that we have in stock, at lower rates. {See GTS Dean Post above}

[Viperenvy]

Thanks JonB

[drewsss]

Definitely need to get this done on my ‘01 as well. Thanks Jon!

Years Ago I found Haas to be extremely

I have referred DSI rebuilds to EMI Racing Eric Messley, email emiracing@mindspring.com

He primarily deals in Penske sales and rebuilds, but he can rebuild DSI shocks reasonably.


Note: If your only complaint on DSI Blue/Gold G2 ACR shocks is 'too stiff at rear' that is a simple spring swap with the OE brand springs that we have in stock, at lower rates. {See GTS Dean Post above}

[BFoster]

Sorry, just saw your post. The prices were VERY good, and they have some new options that make the actual rebuilds last A LOT longer.

As mentioned in my original post, feel free to contact HAAS and get a quote. If you do, mention this thread and that I sent you.