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Maserati Hyperblock Skyhook Shock Absorber

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OhDonPiano

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2005 Maserati GranSport
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609 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Now that I've finished my control arm rebuild project, I'm having issues with the front driver's side strut that is making a bunch of noise. It's much more noticeable when driving over bumpy road. I'm told that what I need is a new/replacement "Hyperblock" which is part 183015. These seem to be discontinued completely and impossible to find. Anyone know where I can source one of these?

Maserati told me that had a single one left in all of North America. I ordered that, but I'd like to have a replacement for the other side should it go. It is part 12 on this diagram. Mechanic seems to think it's this part but I should have someone else maybe evaluate as it wasn't making this noise before replacing my control arms.

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Discussion starter · #3 ·
Because I cannot see well and do not have a jack I cannot assess the problem until it's elevated. I can only see visually that one part seems to be worn and cracked. Part 9 which I'm lucky to find available. The spring appears to be crushing the rubber spacer and it appears to be cracked in 3 or more places. I cannot assess if it's the hyperblock.


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#4 ·
I've got a full set of spare shocks on my shelf in good nick, send me a PM to look into it otherwise I'll forget. Looks like an easy enough part to copy. Otherwise New Model Wreckers in Sydney Australia probably still have a bunch of used parts hanging around.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
lambertius said:
I've got a full set of spare shocks on my shelf in good nick, send me a PM to look into it otherwise I'll forget. Looks like an easy enough part to copy. Otherwise New Model Wreckers in Sydney Australia probably still have a bunch of used parts hanging around.
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That's awesome. Sending you PM.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I chatted with VPS and they said this part should not be difficult to reproduce, however, the rubber components make it expensive as a custom mold needs to be created to replicate that component. They will be able to do it if a minimum quantity of 50 are ordered.

Curious if anyone needs these. 183015 skyhook hyperblock. let me know
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
The other alternative seems to be the standard hyperblock part number 386600109

Visually looks the same to me as well. This supercedes the ferrari part. I suppose the only way to know is to have 2 of them together next to each other to compare.

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Discussion starter · #8 ·
OhDonPiano said:
The other alternative seems to be the standard hyperblock part number 386600109

Visually looks the same to me as well. This supercedes the ferrari part. I suppose the only way to know is to have 2 of them together next to each other to compare.

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Looks like this post has not been getting much traction here. Maybe there's no interest or this isn't a problem for most people. I've decided to grab this "non-sport" version above so I can place them side by side to see if there's any meaningful difference. My gut tells me that these parts are 100% identical between Ferrari and Maserati. There's nothing special about it, just metal and rubber. The shock itself is different for skyhook than non-skyhook, but this upper component appears to be identical between the two as it just mounts the top of the strut to the chassis and acts as a shock absorber. Will report back with images of both next to each other.
 
#9 ·
There aren't many DIY people like you and me on these cars. And most people aren't aware of a lot of the issues they have because they're not the ones pulling things apart. I'm sure a lot of people could use the part, but a lot of people probably don't even know.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
lambertius said:
There aren't many DIY people like you and me on these cars. And most people aren't aware of a lot of the issues they have because they're not the ones pulling things apart. I'm sure a lot of people could use the part, but a lot of people probably don't even know.
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You do a lot more taking things apart than I do ... I'm a noob in that respect. I don't have the tools to even try but I do what I can within reason and my level of fear. haha
 
#11 ·
It's been my experience that if the hyper block is bad with the suspension on full droop you should be able to see a space between the shock and the car body. Don't know what kind of noise you're experiencing but I would look at part number 17 the uni ball. When it wears it makes all kinds of racket. Superformance in the UK sells a rubber bushing to replace the uni ball.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Gtvelocity said:
It's been my experience that if the hyper block is bad with the suspension on full droop you should be able to see a space between the shock and the car body. Don't know what kind of noise you're experiencing but I would look at part number 17 the uni ball. When it wears it makes all kinds of racket. Superformance in the UK sells a rubber bushing to replace the uni ball.
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Thanks. We will see the difference between the hyperblocks today when the standard one gets delivered. Good thing part 17 is still available, so if that's it, then it will be easy to sort. Part 9 is worn and cracked too and I have replacements already. Just need to bring it into the shop for them to sort it out.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Gtvelocity said:
Part number 9 does take a beating. If the uniball is worn you may want to consider the rubber bushing superformance sells. Not as harsh an interface as the uniball. Softens up the ride just a tiny bit.
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Part 9 is a rubber upper spacer between the spring and the hyperblock mount. I have 4 of them already and they are relatively available on Scuderia or Eurospares. Part 17 is also available in case I need that one. The only thing unavailable seems to be the skyhook sport hyperblock itself. I was able to obtain one of them, however, sad to report that the standard hyperblock is indeed a bit different and will most likely not work.

Differences:

Sport Version:
1. Circumference of the hole in the middle is larger than on standard hyperblock.
2. The rubber has a thinner height on the upper portion than on standard hyperblock.
3. The rubber has a thicker height on the bottom portion than on standard hyperblock.

Standard Version:
1. Circumference of the hole in the middle is smaller than on sport hyperblock.
2. The rubber has a thicker height on the upper portion than on sport hyperblock.
3. The rubber has a thinner height on the bottom portion than on sport hyperblock.

The overall heigh of the two hyperblocks appears to be identical even with the different thickness of rubber in upper or lower locations. It suppose it could work as long as the hole is large enough for the other components. The bushing in the middle of the hyperblock (the metal piece with the hole appears slightly elevated to the variance in rubber thickness but is probably the same size overall.

It seems like the current options are only to find a used replacement that is not worn or if you're lucky you may find an old stock new part somewhere. The only other option replace this EOL part is to have a company like VPS manufacture replacements. The metal is the least expensive part. The custom rubber molds required to do these is the more expensive part. They would require a minimum order of 50 to engage in a project of this sort.

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#15 ·
These hyper blocks are quite durable parts. The center bushing in the molded rubber piece is the only thing that holds the shock at the top of the car. In a pinch I guess you could use the standard hyperblock with the hole drilled out to the correct diameter if you had to. Perhaps lambertius can measure the OD of the skyhook shaft in that area and compare sizes.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Gtvelocity said:
These hyper blocks are quite durable parts. The center bushing in the molded rubber piece is the only thing that holds the shock at the top of the car. In a pinch I guess you could use the standard hyperblock with the hole drilled out to the correct diameter if you had to. Perhaps lambertius can measure the OD of the skyhook shaft in that area and compare sizes.
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The issue is the variance of the thickness in rubber from top to bottom as well. The are inversted in terms of rubber thickness. In either case we would want to use two of the same type on both sides. I'm putting this project on hold until I can sort out the actual issue properly diagnosed. I have the parts just in case they are needed, especially the deprecated sport hyperblock. If I need to I'll have to find another or another strut assembly that includes it.
 
#17 ·
OhDonPiano said:
I chatted with VPS and they said this part should not be difficult to reproduce, however, the rubber components make it expensive as a custom mold needs to be created to replicate that component. They will be able to do it if a minimum quantity of 50 are ordered.

Curious if anyone needs these. 183015 skyhook hyperblock. let me know
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I'm on the hunt for two of these for my Spyder if anyone has found them or an alternative. Thank you.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
bjjacob said:
I'm on the hunt for two of these for my Spyder if anyone has found them or an alternative. Thank you.
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I only was able to get one but they need to be changed in pairs. I haven't confirmed it's the problem yet because I've had other things to deal with. I chatted with VPS who rebuilds the control arms for our cars. They would be willing to make upgraded replacements but require an order of 50 total. So far with me and you that's 4. No one else has expressed interest yet.
 
#19 ·
OhDonPiano said:
I only was able to get one but they need to be changed in pairs. I haven't confirmed it's the problem yet because I've had other things to deal with. I chatted with VPS who rebuilds the control arms for our cars. They would be willing to make upgraded replacements but require an order of 50 total. So far with me and you that's 4. No one else has expressed interest yet.
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OhDonPiano said:
I only was able to get one but they need to be changed in pairs. I haven't confirmed it's the problem yet because I've had other things to deal with. I chatted with VPS who rebuilds the control arms for our cars. They would be willing to make upgraded replacements but require an order of 50 total. So far with me and you that's 4. No one else has expressed interest yet.
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OhDon, how much does he want to make 50 of them? Then we only have to sell 46 of them. The resellers that are all out of stock may have some interest in them? Did you replace your shocks also? Where did you get them? I sourced them from two different places in Europe, they were about $3500AUD a piece. Expensive toys these are.
 
Discussion starter · #20 ·
bjjacob said:
OhDon, how much does he want to make 50 of them? Then we only have to sell 46 of them. The resellers that are all out of stock may have some interest in them? Did you replace your shocks also? Where did you get them? I sourced them from two different places in Europe, they were about $3500AUD a piece. Expensive toys these are.
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We never discussed a price but I would find it hard to imagine is being insane. The part that I found came sourced from Maserati themselves as the last available single sport hyperblock in NA. No others available whatsoever. I believe they got it from a dealer in Chicago USA. They charged like $140 with shipping and tax included. I'd imagine one from VPS could be anywhere from $100 - 200 maybe less. No idea as we never discussed a cost as that might be impossible to really know as of yet.

If we were to assume on the high end maybe $200 per piece or more .... 50 of them could be $10,000 USD. I don't want to get ahead of myself with numbers here but ... it won't be cheap for a single person or a pair to buy 25 sets and then resell them. We can keep a running list of people who may need them and are willing to pay. It won't be worth chatting with VPS until we have at least 20 people which gets us to 40.

Do you need all 4 or just a set of 2?
 
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