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Coils for coil-overs

Old 01-09-2016, 07:55 PM
  #21  
Kacyc3
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Originally Posted by bmans vette
According to the QA1 specs, I need an i.d. 2 1/2" spring. Have not received the ones I bought yet but will post the total look once they show up and I assemble the whole setup. This is the rears only. Still working on finding a good deal and complete setup for the fronts.

got anymore info on those springs you bought?
based on the info I saw on QA1s site using the fbody shocks with the coil adapters listed above should net the same compressed and extended lengths... someone speak up if I am wrong on this please.
Old 01-10-2016, 01:31 AM
  #22  
bmans vette
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Originally Posted by Kacyc3
got anymore info on those springs you bought?
based on the info I saw on QA1s site using the fbody shocks with the coil adapters listed above should net the same compressed and extended lengths... someone speak up if I am wrong on this please.
Here is the ebay link

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191721167792?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I'll blast them and then powder coat them.
But first I need to assemble them with the actual shocks first.
I'll post that up when done.

Old 01-12-2016, 09:37 AM
  #23  
diehrd
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lurking I need a set for my car
Old 01-12-2016, 05:54 PM
  #24  
bmans vette
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Originally Posted by diehrd
lurking I need a set for my car
My goal is to piece it together from deals I find.
Test it as I go.
It is more challenging than just buying an expensive engineered setup from a vendor.
More old school hot-rodding for me.
Like we did in the 60's.
Takes longer, but more fun....IMO

I'll keep posting as this progresses.

Bman
Old 02-03-2016, 11:01 AM
  #25  
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ANy update on what you used for shocks ? I am starting the 4 link and want to do the front coil overs as well
Old 02-04-2016, 12:52 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by diehrd
ANy update on what you used for shocks ? I am starting the 4 link and want to do the front coil overs as well
Sorry...did not see your post until today.

Still have not put the front coil overs together yet as there are not that many out there that fit.
And some manufacturers discontinued them for the 68-82.
Ridetech seems to be capitalizing on this need but that is not in my budget.
Still need to do more research.

I'll post when I get them together.
Txs for your interest.

Hopefully those that have been down this road lately will chime in.

Bman (Dennis)
Old 02-08-2016, 10:37 PM
  #27  
DaveL82
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Are you looking for springs that fit a typical setup with 2.5 in seats at both ends or do you need springs for the hybrid that take a 2.5 in seat at the bottom and fit the frame spring seat at the top?
Old 02-09-2016, 12:14 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by DaveL82
Are you looking for springs that fit a typical setup with 2.5 in seats at both ends or do you need springs for the hybrid that take a 2.5 in seat at the bottom and fit the frame spring seat at the top?
For the front end coil overs that is what would be needed.
I also need the shocks that are applicable to this setup.
QA1 lists them as a GD507 (double adjustable) and GS507 (single adjustable) but no one seems to sell them except QA1 themselves and a few of the high end suppliers.
I'd like to find a shock that equals the specs of the 507 and is adaptable to the coil over threaded sleeves.
I'd also like to find any reinforcing support/plate for the lower end of the shock as all the pressure of the front end is now applied to those 2 bolts and cross shaft. The stock setup shares the pressure between the shock and the lower spring perch.

So any help would be appreciated by me and anyone else looking to do this on their own.
I have seen Viking Shocks in some setups but they are not adjustable. If there are others out there it would be good info to share also.

Txs
Bman (Dennis)
Old 02-09-2016, 01:35 AM
  #29  
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A coil over that fits a C-3 will also fit

Skylark 64-67
Camaro 67-69
El Camino/Chevelle64-67
Nova/Chevy II 68-74
Corvette 63-82
Cutlass 64-67
Omega 73-74
Firebird 67-69
LeMans/GTO/Tempest 64-72
Old 02-09-2016, 06:30 AM
  #30  
midigike
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I just bought a set a of coilovers from Speed Direct and they have discontinued with the QA1 shock combo they were using. The reason their tech told me was they were having several quality, fit, and supply issues.
Supposedly several guys left the company to do other projects or go work for the competition.
They are now using Viking shocks (made in Minnesota) with springs from Van Steel. I originally bought single adjustable but was upgraded to double adjustable for the same price. Very good quality and machined parts.
I have only one cruising season in with them but the ride is very nice and have no gripes so far. I have a small block and I am running the 400lb springs.
Old 02-09-2016, 10:06 AM
  #31  
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Speed directs 700.00 for coil overs is highway robbery . .
Old 02-09-2016, 05:59 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by diehrd
Speed directs 700.00 for coil overs is highway robbery . .
Not really... QA1 wants $495 bucks each for a Corvette coilover at Summit, and those are single adjustable, the Speed Direct are 700$ for both and they are double adjustable. fwiw
Old 02-09-2016, 08:43 PM
  #33  
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I listed teh cross over cars a C-3 coil over works in , that should save everyone a few hundred a pair
Old 02-10-2016, 08:10 AM
  #34  
0Rodney@ridetech
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Originally Posted by DaveL82
Are you looking for springs that fit a typical setup with 2.5 in seats at both ends or do you need springs for the hybrid that take a 2.5 in seat at the bottom and fit the frame spring seat at the top?

You are better off with a traditional coil spring setup than a hybrid. You have more spring options with a traditional setup. A hybrid setup tends to put weird side loads on the shock itself. The bottom of the shock moves in and out as the suspension goes through its travel, basically in an arc. Typically, the shock is mounted higher in the chassis than the spring, so they are moving in 2 different arcs putting side loads on the shock as it travels. These side loads will cause more wear to the seals and rod guide.
Old 02-10-2016, 08:29 AM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by dugsgms74
Finding of the "right" spring rate is pretty simple, there's alot of formulas on the internet. All you need is sprung weight per corner, total lower control arm length, distance from lower control arm pivot point to coilover mounting point and mounting angle of coilover. A few minutes with a tape measure and and educated guess for the weight will get you well within the ball park.

Using that number and the extended and compressed length of the coilover body will allow to select the right spring fairly accurately. Since the springs themselves are pretty cheap it doesn't cost alot to fine tune spring rate to better suit your application.
We have a Spring Rate Calculator on our site that we worked with Hyperco to develop. We output 3 spring rate options from the data that is entered; street, street performance, & race. Keep in mind, it is only as accurate as the info entered.
http://www.ridetech.com/tech/spring-rate-calculator/

Last edited by Rodney@ridetech; 02-10-2016 at 08:29 AM.
Old 02-10-2016, 12:15 PM
  #36  
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Although Rodney@Ridetech is correct in his description of semi to full coil overs there is a concern for full coil overs IMOP.


Stock the spring sits in a top pocket and the control arm pocket spreading the load and forces over a large area...... A Full coil over ... Is transferring all the front suspension weight and loads to JUST the shock mount locations , 2 very small bolts in the lower control arm which are located right next to the hole the shock passes through. And the upper bolt hole the shock attaches by. These areas ARE NOT designed to carry the entire load not even close and yes people get away with it but I say Fk that noise LOL..

I used a pro shock mounting system on my semi coil overs. And if you do use a full coil over I suggest you do something to strengthen the lower control arm area like I am doing on my car.
Attached Images  

Last edited by diehrd; 02-10-2016 at 12:17 PM.
Old 02-10-2016, 03:02 PM
  #37  
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Old 02-10-2016, 04:47 PM
  #38  
0Rodney@ridetech
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Originally Posted by diehrd
Although Rodney@Ridetech is correct in his description of semi to full coil overs there is a concern for full coil overs IMOP.


Stock the spring sits in a top pocket and the control arm pocket spreading the load and forces over a large area...... A Full coil over ... Is transferring all the front suspension weight and loads to JUST the shock mount locations , 2 very small bolts in the lower control arm which are located right next to the hole the shock passes through. And the upper bolt hole the shock attaches by. These areas ARE NOT designed to carry the entire load not even close and yes people get away with it but I say Fk that noise LOL..

I used a pro shock mounting system on my semi coil overs. And if you do use a full coil over I suggest you do something to strengthen the lower control arm area like I am doing on my car.

That is the main reason we build control arms to convert these cars. The stock arm is less than 1/8", not enough to support the car on just a trunnion. I like your setup, spreads the load.
Old 02-10-2016, 04:48 PM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by ddawson
That's a work of art!!!!
Old 02-10-2016, 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Rodney@ridetech
That's a work of art!!!!
This part is from VBP and is part of their monospring front suspension kit. The part number is 1181. Now I called last year and they did not have them in stock but where willing to make them for about 100$. I want to also say thank you to Ddawson who suggested this to me when I did my front coilover install. Yes they are pretty

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