Hello everyone,
Recently I installed coil over shocks and it went pretty smooth. First I researched all the post on this forum. Next I selected Bilstein Shocks with Hyper coil springs. I chose to use HEIM Links which turned out to be a true solid investment. The reason, I did not have to drill holes in the frame and move the front sway bar forward a ½ inch. They front went together as the instruction provided stated.

Second the rear was a little different. I followed the instructions except on point. I found an alternative and thought I would share it. The instructions said to drill holes in the frame and move the shock mount bolt holes forward ½ inch. That the shock hole in the frame would need to be elongated ½ inch to accommodate the shock movement forward.

I chose to have new shock mount plated fabricated by a welding shop ($65.00) and move the shock mount hole in the plate ½ forward. I chose this method because I wanted to use the welded nuts in the frame. Once I got the brackets I first pre-fitted them to ensure mounting bolt holes where lined up and straight. That the plate was fabricated correctly, if not, use a small grinded to elongate the hole to the rear only. This will ensure that you get a full ½ inch adjustment by keeping the front hole and the shock mount hole unaltered.

Next, using a nut and bolt, I mounted the shock rubber cushions on the plate to use as a guide. I drew a line and half circle on the frame to use as a grinding guide. Then began grinding and testing until I could mount the new plate and turn the bolts in by hand. This insured that I had grinded enough off the shock hole in the frame.

It went together smooth and provided lots of clearance for the coil spring.

If any one has queations, please fill free.

 

Pretty slick!

 

Nice, great info and tip.

 

I had the same issue for my install. Good call

Van Steel fixed that problem by producing an off-set upper mount bracket. Yours are way cheaper!!



My coilover "mod" bracket.

 

For those interested, the only modification I did to my Vette was to grind (elongate) the rear shock absorber holes in the frame, and grind some of the rear trail arm bolt heads as the instructions stated. That is it. I got my coil over shocks from Exotic Muscle or EM Racing out of Arizona (http://www.emracingcorp.com/Scripts/default.asp). I spoke with Merle over the phone who set me up with all the right parts. The HEIM Links came preassembled (so that you didn’t have to figure out the right washer, spacer, adapter combination) and fit perfectly. The only thing that needed done was to adjust the length of the links once the ride height and static weight were set.

The instructions were clear, much like most of the information you can find here on the forum.
Here are a few lessons learned along the way.

1. Do as much research or reading here on the forum or other locations to become knowledgeable about the installation. You can learn great tips that others have experienced.
2. On the work bench pre-fit (assemble) everything possible. Do not wait until you’re on the ground half assembled to find out that you need to clean or clear an opening.
3. To easily remove the A-arm to Link bushing I simply placed an over sized socket on the outside with along bolt through the socket and busing. Head of the bolt and washer on the inside and simply tightened the nut forcing the bushing out. See picture.
4. If installing new sway bars or not, grease the sway bar to mounting rubber cushions area. This allows the sway bar to rotate freely and slide side to side to center it over the links, and will not pick up pick squeaks latter on.
5. When reversing and grinding the rear trail arm bolts remove one at a time, and place the washer and bolt in your bench vise and grind as a unit, this will ensure that they both clear the new coil over collar. Be generous with your grinding to ensure success.
6. The instructions stated to drill and relocate the rear shock mount plate. This is where I decided to use my method. There are places you can order and ship modified mounting plates (PLRX Reply). But my welder had them ready in an hour. Also there are no elongated holes ensuring that nothing moves/shifts/ adjust while driving.

Good luck and feel free to ask questions.

 

How do you like the ride when you're not on the track?

 

Any pics yet ? Where did you set the ride height at?

 

Well I have not been able to really drive it yet other than quick shake downs to ensure no more rubs. It's still winter here in NY!!! But, I did notice that the ride is just as comfortable, no hard spine shockers. I drove it over some pretty rough roads to check for rubs. Glad to report...none. I like and approve of the ride.

The ride height is 26.5 inches from ground threw center of wheel to fender. I love it, the wife no so much.

First track session is 28-30 April at Watkins Glen. I'm hoping for a new top speed, previous is 124 out of the S-Turns and into the back stretch.

Pictures coming as soon as I can clean it up the sun come out.

Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback. See you on the track.

 

Here are a few pictures of the project.