HAL QA1 Question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 246
Likes: 18
From: Menlo Park CA
HAL QA1 Question
I just put some QA1's on my 92 and I love them. However, after the install I noticed that the front end is sitting about 3/4" lower. I like the new ride height, but can't figure out why the shock would lower the ride height. The rear is exactly the same height.
I had Bilsteins w/fx3 suspension on before. My only thought was the Bilsteins are a gas shock and thus ride higher. Anyone know? Is there some adjustment that I'm missing?
Thanks
I had Bilsteins w/fx3 suspension on before. My only thought was the Bilsteins are a gas shock and thus ride higher. Anyone know? Is there some adjustment that I'm missing?
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
I believe that you're correct. If your suspension bushings are somewhat worn gas charged shocks can change the ride height, although 3/4" is a lot. Did you measure the length of the shocks. Maybe the QA1s are shorter??? By the way I kind of had the same issue when I installed my QA1s. My solution was to lower the rear with a lowering kit (longer bolts).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 246
Likes: 18
From: Menlo Park CA
Admiral94,
Interesting that you had the same experience. I went to an autocross this past weekend and the back end was all over the place. I'm assuming this is because the weight has been shifted to the front. I've got the longer bolts on the car and will drop the back end.
I'm going to take it to a shop in my area that can do weight balancing so I can be accurate.
Thanks
Interesting that you had the same experience. I went to an autocross this past weekend and the back end was all over the place. I'm assuming this is because the weight has been shifted to the front. I've got the longer bolts on the car and will drop the back end.
I'm going to take it to a shop in my area that can do weight balancing so I can be accurate.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Originally Posted by C4ragtop
Admiral94,
Interesting that you had the same experience. I went to an autocross this past weekend and the back end was all over the place. I'm assuming this is because the weight has been shifted to the front. I've got the longer bolts on the car and will drop the back end.
I'm going to take it to a shop in my area that can do weight balancing so I can be accurate.
Thanks
Interesting that you had the same experience. I went to an autocross this past weekend and the back end was all over the place. I'm assuming this is because the weight has been shifted to the front. I've got the longer bolts on the car and will drop the back end.
I'm going to take it to a shop in my area that can do weight balancing so I can be accurate.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 68
From: Hewitt NJ
Originally Posted by JA94vette
So what causes the lowering??? Thats a cheap alternative to lowering blocks. Whats the cost on the QA1s???
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 246
Likes: 18
From: Menlo Park CA
I think the shocks are great. They made a huge difference over my bilsteins. It's like a totally different car now...however my bilsteins were a bit worn out.
Cost was $550 for all 4 at Summit Racing. I have the 12 way adjustable.
Cost was $550 for all 4 at Summit Racing. I have the 12 way adjustable.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 60
From: Fremont Oh
I'm running coilovers, however I would venture to say that the shocks are shorter... if you have the adjustables I'm running mine at like 4 in the front... I'm running a 400# springs wich are pretty close to what the stock front spring works out too... theother thins is the FX if I recall are gas shocks so they will support a little bit of weight, the QA's are not...
Hope this helps,
Mo
Hope this helps,
Mo
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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I can't tell. I swap the mono spring/Bilstein set up with the QA1/Hyperco set up. I got to lower the Vette to my personal set up.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: dallas texas
i can only speak for the c5 qa-1 shocks(TC3010P).if they are the adjustable model (with 12 settings),and if the car has been lowered,it will need to be put back to factory level or close.with the qa-1 set to 12,install the shocks.then,begin by lowering the car by tightening your lowering bolts.(don`t slam it).with the shock on 12 and the car slightly lowered go drive it.( the car it will be stiff ).stop and go to setting 11 and so on down .if the level does not satisfy you,get the shock back to 12 and tighten the bolts again (lowering the car).and repeat the steps.i know it is time consuming but i figured it out.(it is a 2 step elimination process)..Bottom line,the shocks need to be installed on setting 12 at factory height..i slammed my 98 (with factory shocks) and then installed the qa-1`s and it went down even more!once you get the car lowered to your liking,the shocks will due what they were designed to do and your level can be adjusted at the shock.keep in mind that a full tank of fuel,items in the car and two riders will make a difference in your end results.i also want to clarify i am not an expert and will never claim to be.i was told by experts qa-1`s were the best so i bought them and i am more than pleased with them.hope this helped.vin
Last edited by vinhill66; Jun 26, 2010 at 10:02 PM. Reason: failed to mention model number