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I don't have any experience with the Ridetech system, but the basics of suspension upgrades for these cars are pretty straighforward and I can offer the benefit of my experience in general terms. Its true the factory suspension is pretty good, but there is lots of room for improvement. These include adding a rear sway bar, possibly a stiffer front sway bar, stiffer springs, composite rear spring (in my opinion the best upgrade you can make), gas shocks, and low profile ( & larger diameter) tires. I put a kit from Vette Brakes & Products in my '79 many years ago and the improvement was breathtaking, even though I still have 15" tires (I like the period correct look). One suggestion I would make is to stick with the factory rubber bushings rather than going with polyurethane. They work, but they squeak. And of course make sure everything is fresh and in good condition. No suspension kit is going to make up for worn bushings and ball joints. Also add a 'spreader bar' - that bar that connects the right and left sides of the frame at the upper control arms to prevent flexing. By far the biggest bang for the buck upgrade there is.
I have installed but not run a full ridetech suspension. Their kit is outstanding and is pretty much a simple bolt on. As far as ride, I can't tell you, but a few more months and mine will be up and running. Here is a pic of the rear.
I went with Global West upper and lower front control arms and Viking dual adjustable coil over shocks. Put the same shock (not coil over) on the rear and had my 9 leaf spring 'adjusted' by Eaton Detroit. I tried a composite rear spring, but it was the TRW design and made the car sit higher than my 9 leaf with both using an 8" rear bolt. The handling of the car is totally different that stock, ride is fully adjustable both compression and rebound. Front height is adjustable with the coil overs. I gave Eaton Detroit the rear ride height I had before their 'adjustment' and where I wanted to be, When I got the spring back it was like new and hit my ride height target. My car no longer tries to get airborne at higher speeds, car now corners like it is on rails and rides great. Front is now 26 1/2" to fender lip and rear is 27". (FYI- I have Ridetech control arms, coil overs and 4 link on my 55 Chevrolet. I had issues installing their 4 link. I also like the Viking dual adjustment much better.)
Last edited by RU7376vettes; Oct 7, 2020 at 09:56 PM.
Reason: additional information
I have installed but not run a full ridetech suspension. Their kit is outstanding and is pretty much a simple bolt on. As far as ride, I can't tell you, but a few more months and mine will be up and running. Here is a pic of the rear.
Sorry but this is not the street grip suspension system from Ridetech
Here is the link You have the rear Strongarm System (coilovers) the Street grip is like the factory spring.
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Suspension - Ridetech
