Ridetech coilovers VS???
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 229
From: Michigan
These days, I think the biggest reason for going with coilovers is if you want a much stiffer spring rate than stock. Since VBP went out of business, the supply of stiff and adjustable aftermarket leaf springs disappeared. So now, coils are the only realistic option. Other than that or the reasons Tom mentioned, I don't see a major reason to go with coilovers.
I do think the Ridetch shocks (coilover or not) are a very good looking option for a C4. The Koni yellows are terrible by any means, but they are twin tube (old anot especially performance-oriented architecture) and the rear shocks half to be removed to adjust them (which is a giant PITA). .
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,111
Likes: 1,993
From: St. Charles MO
I'd probably agree with that. They are high quality monotubes, and of course original equipment on C4s. they can even be custom valved. My experience with Bilsteins in general is that they tend to have higher compression rates than some other shocks like Koni. That tends to give them a harsher ride. I don't know why. However, I think the stock-valved ones are going to be a good match for a C4, and I can't think of a non-adjustable that's better.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I totally agree with this, except *I* would describe the ride as "more taut"....not more harsh. To me, Bilsteins feel like they have good quality damping. The Koni's while adjustable and can be "softer", are what I would call more harsh.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 229
From: Michigan
Maybe it is a difference between Y and F platforms.
Last edited by KyleF; Jun 24, 2020 at 09:07 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
I was talking about on any vehicle. I've used Bilsteins on 'Vettes, Silverado 1500's, 2500 diesel, 3S's, Mustang (Fox), Jeeps....in all cases that I have experienced, that shock has what I would call, "Very tightly controlled wheel and body movements". Tight control....but not harsh.
I would submit that your Koni was better than whatever stock junk came on 3rd gens (no offense; you know that I had them too), and would or could lead you to your conclusion. I'd submit that a Bilstein would have provided even more damped, tight control w/o being more harsh than the Koni. Wish you didn't live so far away; You could drive my Koni equipped '92. I don't think that the shocks are great.
I would submit that your Koni was better than whatever stock junk came on 3rd gens (no offense; you know that I had them too), and would or could lead you to your conclusion. I'd submit that a Bilstein would have provided even more damped, tight control w/o being more harsh than the Koni. Wish you didn't live so far away; You could drive my Koni equipped '92. I don't think that the shocks are great.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 24
From: Baltimore MD
Tom, I had the Ridetech shocks, Banski rear bars, polyurethane on my sway bars all with my stock Z51 fiberglass leaf springs. I was never fully satisfied with my ride or handling even after everything I did.
Having said that the Ridetech adjustable shocks made the biggest improvement with the stock leaf springs. But the car was still lacking (I could get decent handling with the shocks set to a very firm setting but the car was skittish and had a ride that crashed over every bump).
When I switched over to the complete Ridetech coilover setup it was a night and day difference. And I realize for the money it should be! But this setup really delivered, the cars ride is so much more compliant and handles flatter then ever before, I am running a shock setting that is closer to the softer side of the shocks range. My car feels much less skittish when cornering over bumps, and the car is also really planted at speed especially the rear end.
I remember reading that GM went with the fiberglass leaf spring because of weight, cost and the added sway bar effect.
I know sway bars take away some of the independence from side to side on an independent suspension. Adding a fiberglass leaf spring adds some more sway bar effect causing even less independence.
My thought is that the CoilOvers give back a bit more independence to the suspension versus the leaf springs.
Having said that the Ridetech adjustable shocks made the biggest improvement with the stock leaf springs. But the car was still lacking (I could get decent handling with the shocks set to a very firm setting but the car was skittish and had a ride that crashed over every bump).
When I switched over to the complete Ridetech coilover setup it was a night and day difference. And I realize for the money it should be! But this setup really delivered, the cars ride is so much more compliant and handles flatter then ever before, I am running a shock setting that is closer to the softer side of the shocks range. My car feels much less skittish when cornering over bumps, and the car is also really planted at speed especially the rear end.
I remember reading that GM went with the fiberglass leaf spring because of weight, cost and the added sway bar effect.
I know sway bars take away some of the independence from side to side on an independent suspension. Adding a fiberglass leaf spring adds some more sway bar effect causing even less independence.
My thought is that the CoilOvers give back a bit more independence to the suspension versus the leaf springs.
I'm a Fox Body Mustang owner for the past 20 years and I ultimately had to go Coilovers to get the ride/performance I was looking for. I dont ever adjust the shocks so I'm running custom valved Bilstein Sports on that application that i'm very happy with but there was an option for that. If Ridetech offers their single adjustment shocks, that would be way more than I need to get the end result i'm looking for
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,678
Likes: 229
From: Michigan
No offense. I don't think GM built Thirdgens with the best parts in the world. It is a Camaro, not a Ferrari and I am not a believer in stock is best. Still love them though.Possibly, I am happier with the ride than any other Thirdgen I have had. That doesn't mean I have experienced all options. There could still be better. I can only tell you I am happy and how I would describe the ride.
Last edited by KyleF; Jun 25, 2020 at 10:28 AM.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 24
From: Baltimore MD
Well, I installed SuperPro bushings and fresh-er FX3 shocks on my car and after driving it around for a couple weeks I am impressed with how things tightened up with the Bushing upgrade but the shocks and springs still leave alot to be desired.
Im curious how the RideTech system would be compromised by using the SuperPro bushings in conjunction with their coilovers and sway bars. Not sure I want to go through the hassle of pressing in new bushings into my control arms again LOL
Im curious how the RideTech system would be compromised by using the SuperPro bushings in conjunction with their coilovers and sway bars. Not sure I want to go through the hassle of pressing in new bushings into my control arms again LOL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,111
Likes: 1,993
From: St. Charles MO
Well, I installed SuperPro bushings and fresh-er FX3 shocks on my car and after driving it around for a couple weeks I am impressed with how things tightened up with the Bushing upgrade but the shocks and springs still leave alot to be desired.
Im curious how the RideTech system would be compromised by using the SuperPro bushings in conjunction with their coilovers and sway bars. Not sure I want to go through the hassle of pressing in new bushings into my control arms again LOL
Im curious how the RideTech system would be compromised by using the SuperPro bushings in conjunction with their coilovers and sway bars. Not sure I want to go through the hassle of pressing in new bushings into my control arms again LOL
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 24
From: Baltimore MD
Bringing this thread back from the dead as I have purchased the Ridetech Coilover/sway bar kit and will start tearing the car apart tomorrow to install.
For those who have experience installing this setup. Should I start with the coilovers at zero pre-load? or is there a coilover length (or spring length) I should be aiming for right "out of the box"?
Any other pointers would be appreciated.
For those who have experience installing this setup. Should I start with the coilovers at zero pre-load? or is there a coilover length (or spring length) I should be aiming for right "out of the box"?
Any other pointers would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 291
From: MA
Bringing this thread back from the dead as I have purchased the Ridetech Coilover/sway bar kit and will start tearing the car apart tomorrow to install.
For those who have experience installing this setup. Should I start with the coilovers at zero pre-load? or is there a coilover length (or spring length) I should be aiming for right "out of the box"?
Any other pointers would be appreciated.
For those who have experience installing this setup. Should I start with the coilovers at zero pre-load? or is there a coilover length (or spring length) I should be aiming for right "out of the box"?
Any other pointers would be appreciated.
Check your ride height stock at each corner before tearing your suspension apart. I took a piece of paper and drew a picture and marked it Front left, Front right, Rear left, and Rear right. I took a tape measure on a fairly level floor and measured from the middle of each wheel opening lip to the ground and wrote the values down on the paper.
I ended up lowering my car from stock close to an inch all around for a better stance.
And also I adjusted the coil overs to try and achieve equal height for each corner.
The only issue I remember having when installing the RideTech kit was with the sway bar Delrin bushings. You may find the bushing ends up being mounted on the bend instead of the flat part of the sway bar. I took a picture and sent it to customer service and Ride Tech told me that it was okay. it must be because I have never had any issues after several years.
Enjoy the kit and the new found ride and handling!!
