QA1 is one of the leading companies in performance shocks for motorsports. Its ISO9001: 2000-certified manufacturing facility in Lakeville, Minnesota, includes more than 15 CNC machines, state-of-the-art injection-molding machines, hydraulic presses, and spin-riveting and laser-etching equipment that allows, as the company puts it, “all-inclusive shock absorber assembly operations.” But did you know that QA1 is also number one in rod ends for motorsports with more than 5,000 part numbers and more than a million units sold annually? Yeah, we didn't realize it was that big either but we're here to talk about QA1's new shocks.
The first is QA1's 22 series steel monotube shocks (on the left). Since it's IMCA-legal, racers in that sanction will love the fact that they are racer revalveable, rebuildable, and repairable, and are designed for unmatched performance. QA1's precision-machined aluminum base valve allows you to run an extremely low gas pressure without having to worry about the shock cavitating. The design of the base valve allows the oil to remain stable under both rough and smooth operating conditions.
The main benefits of running the base valve series shocks are simple. First, the larger monotube piston reacts quicker to suspension movement and lowers the shock's temperature on long runs. Second, the car will always feel stable and smooth because of the almost non-existent rod force. The 22 series shocks have all the benefits of a monotube with the feel of a twin tube.
Available in 6-, 7-, 8-, and 9-inch strokes, the 22 series shocks also include a premium aluminum piston and hard chrome-plated piston rod.
The next shock racers of all types will love: The new 26 series steel monotube shocks (on the right) were designed for superior performance at a budget-conscious price. Like the 22 series, they're racer revalveable, rebuildable, and repairable, and are designed for unparalleled repeatability.
The new 26 series shocks utilize deflective disc valving, providing consistency in performance at all shaft velocities. As well as featuring unlimited valving options (available with linear or digressive valving), the tuneable gas pressure allows for quick adjustments for varying track conditions, while maintaining consistency on both rough and smooth tracks and during long races. Available in 7- and 9-inch strokes, the new 26 series shocks also include a premium aluminum piston and hard chrome-plated piston rod.
One of the things that we like about these shocks is that all QA1 22 and 26 series shocks are made in the U.S.A., dyno tested, and serialized. Best of all is the price of these shocks. The 22 series carries an MSRP of $299.95 while the 26 series starts at $97.