Replace stock shocks vs. coilovers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Replace stock shocks vs. coilovers
I have been meaning to do something with my suspension and I think this year is the year. I haven't had much time to research the differences and what work best for each application but was wondering what people typically run. It's mostly street driven with an occasional track visit and I would like to get the rear end lower a few inches since it looks like a truck in the back currently 
91 396ci
Thanks!
91 396ci Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Shocks will make a big difference....the type of spring, not so much (or at all). Coil overs give you adjustability (easier to change springs), but unless you're tuning at that level on a regular basis, not worth it.
You can lower the rear easily with the stock springs by getting longer bolts.
You can lower the rear easily with the stock springs by getting longer bolts.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 341
From: Adelaide South Australia
Being a 91 you will have an easier time getting coilovers in.
it depends what you want and how much you want to spend.
there arent many c4 options for a bolt in set, this is from vansteel in single adjustable. the fronts are upside down which isnt a preferred option for oil shocks (generally only pressurized gas shocks should only be hung upside down)
but having fitted coilovers to the front I can understand why they have done it, without major mods to the shock tower there is no other way.
the rears have custom made mounts top and bottom, again no other way to do it.
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=1972
so unless you want to take on a bigger than ten bears project, just pay the money and be done.
if your going racing upgrading to double adjustable shocks is well worth the extra money !
it depends what you want and how much you want to spend.
there arent many c4 options for a bolt in set, this is from vansteel in single adjustable. the fronts are upside down which isnt a preferred option for oil shocks (generally only pressurized gas shocks should only be hung upside down)
but having fitted coilovers to the front I can understand why they have done it, without major mods to the shock tower there is no other way.
the rears have custom made mounts top and bottom, again no other way to do it.
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=1972
so unless you want to take on a bigger than ten bears project, just pay the money and be done.
if your going racing upgrading to double adjustable shocks is well worth the extra money !
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 125
Likes: 22
From: Colorado
Being a 91 you will have an easier time getting coilovers in.
it depends what you want and how much you want to spend.
there arent many c4 options for a bolt in set, this is from vansteel in single adjustable. the fronts are upside down which isnt a preferred option for oil shocks (generally only pressurized gas shocks should only be hung upside down)
but having fitted coilovers to the front I can understand why they have done it, without major mods to the shock tower there is no other way.
the rears have custom made mounts top and bottom, again no other way to do it.
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=1972
so unless you want to take on a bigger than ten bears project, just pay the money and be done.
if your going racing upgrading to double adjustable shocks is well worth the extra money !
it depends what you want and how much you want to spend.
there arent many c4 options for a bolt in set, this is from vansteel in single adjustable. the fronts are upside down which isnt a preferred option for oil shocks (generally only pressurized gas shocks should only be hung upside down)
but having fitted coilovers to the front I can understand why they have done it, without major mods to the shock tower there is no other way.
the rears have custom made mounts top and bottom, again no other way to do it.
https://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?f...&subgroup=1972
so unless you want to take on a bigger than ten bears project, just pay the money and be done.
if your going racing upgrading to double adjustable shocks is well worth the extra money !
Last edited by rsc337; May 22, 2016 at 01:04 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20,974
Likes: 261
Coil overs are great if you plan to lower or really meant for racing. I'd bet most here including myself have no ide how to really set up coil overs or have the tools to do it right.
It cost me almost the same to buy a complete set up from VBP as it would to do coil overs, but coil overs need mods to get them in, and again you might get more performance out of the stock set up since it's just plug and play.
I did have a head ache with VBP though, but they claimed to be having some turn over issues at the time.
It cost me almost the same to buy a complete set up from VBP as it would to do coil overs, but coil overs need mods to get them in, and again you might get more performance out of the stock set up since it's just plug and play.
I did have a head ache with VBP though, but they claimed to be having some turn over issues at the time.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 239
From: Sun City West, AZ
If your lower the rear, you should corner weigh the car. In order to properly corner weigh your car you will need a front spring with adjustsble pads. If you lower just the rear you may be introducing a handling problem especially on a road course.
Who ever does your corner weight's, make sure the tires are properly aired, the fuel level is at the level when you are racing, the sway bar(s) is/are disconnected, and your body weight is in the driver's seat. Also, make sure the scale pads are sitting on a bubble/laser level surface/platform.
Who ever does your corner weight's, make sure the tires are properly aired, the fuel level is at the level when you are racing, the sway bar(s) is/are disconnected, and your body weight is in the driver's seat. Also, make sure the scale pads are sitting on a bubble/laser level surface/platform.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
I agree with what Blackozvette says. Please research this forum about Coilover conversions. It isn't easy to do if done right. You can lower your car a little with factory suspension but if you track your car/ or drive hard then your going to get into different spring rates which is a whole different game. Please look up "My version of a Front Coil spring swap". You will get the idea of how much work it is. If you just want to lower the back get longer bolts. Usually 12inch bolts will do the job? Good luck and be safe.
thanks for the info! I think for right now I would just drop the rear on the factory suspension...you mention longer bolts. Is there a place you would recommend to get these or is it just stand bolts longer than factory?
thanks!
