Coli over shock question.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Coil over shock question.
I'm thinking about upgrading to coil over shocks on my 86 Vert. Does anybody know if coil over gives a softer ride than stock? Everytime I hit a bump or pot hole it feels like my car is gonna explode. Anybody who has installed coil overs let me know what you think. Is it worth it? Does it give the car a newer feeling. Where can I get a complete kit (shocks & springs)?
Thanks! :cheers:
[Modified by BigD904, 7:39 PM 4/5/2004]
Thanks! :cheers:
[Modified by BigD904, 7:39 PM 4/5/2004]
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,105
Likes: 2,511
From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
Re: Coli over shock question. (BigD904)
I have Callaway Coil Overs on my Vert and the entire dynamics are changed - BEST riding Vette I have ever driven :steering:
http://www.callawaycars.com
:flag
http://www.callawaycars.com
:flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 36
From: Livermore Ca
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Coli over shock question. (BigD904)
I'm thinking about upgrading to coil over shocks on my 86 Vert. Does anybody know if coil over gives a softer ride than stock? Everytime I hit a bump or pot hole it feels like my car is gonna explode. Anybody who has installed coil overs let me know what you think. Is it worth it? Does it give the car a newer feeling. Where can I get a complete kit (shocks & springs)?
Thanks! :cheers:
Thanks! :cheers:
O ya... Its rides also better. Alot smother going over bumps...
[Modified by Coupe89, 10:15 AM 4/5/2004]
[Modified by Coupe89, 10:34 AM 4/5/2004]
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Long Island NY
Re: Coil over shock question. (Coupe89)
Coupe89 did you get the DRM CoilOver Suspension Kit or the C4 Corvette XtraGrip Suspension kit? Did the kit come with the shocks? Has anybody used the Exotic Muscle coil over kit?
Thanks :cheers:
Thanks :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 36
From: Livermore Ca
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Coil over shock question. (BigD904)
I bought mine from one of the forum members(Coilovers and shocks). They are made by DRM.
From what I understand DRM sells the shock separate from the coil over kit.
If I was going to buy a new set I would opt for the QA1 coil over setup. There are a few threads on this. I think the QA1 setup can be had for under $1000 with springs, 12-way adjustable shock, springs and mount brackets.
From what I understand DRM sells the shock separate from the coil over kit.
If I was going to buy a new set I would opt for the QA1 coil over setup. There are a few threads on this. I think the QA1 setup can be had for under $1000 with springs, 12-way adjustable shock, springs and mount brackets.
Waka, Waka, Waka!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 2
From: Richmond Virginia
CI 4-6-8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Coil over shock question. (BigD904)
I'm thinking about upgrading to coil over shocks on my 86 Vert. Does anybody know if coil over gives a softer ride than stock? Everytime I hit a bump or pot hole it feels like my car is gonna explode. Anybody who has installed coil overs let me know what you think. Is it worth it? Does it give the car a newer feeling. Where can I get a complete kit (shocks & springs)?
Thanks! :cheers:
Thanks! :cheers:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 36
From: Livermore Ca
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Coil over shock question. (Trog)
Hmmm... my drm coil over is new & I think mine rides pretty harsh... althought I have to admit the roads flat suck in my area.
Coming from me harsh is when you need a kidney belt to drive the car :lol
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Re: Coil over shock question. (Coupe89)
If I was going to buy a new set I would opt for the QA1 coil over setup. There are a few threads on this. I think the QA1 setup can be had for under $1000 with springs, 12-way adjustable shock, springs and mount brackets.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland OH
Re: Coil over shock question. (FX GS)
$1895 per the http://www.upfronttechnologies.com web site
Ron
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: Coil over shock question. (BigD904)
Let me throw a wrench on this topic.
All those kits (with the exception of the DRM kit) are for the 88-96 C4s. The geometry for the 86 is different and the rear shock mounting is different than that of an 88-96 C4.
With that said, I've also heard that the front shock mounts on an 86 would need to be reinforced to use a coil-over setup and I believe the knuckles would have to be sent to DRM to be modified to work.
Im pretty sure HWoods has coil-overs on his 86 so Im pretty sure it can be done, it just may be more of a PITA to do if you are not looking for a race car suspension.
All those kits (with the exception of the DRM kit) are for the 88-96 C4s. The geometry for the 86 is different and the rear shock mounting is different than that of an 88-96 C4.
With that said, I've also heard that the front shock mounts on an 86 would need to be reinforced to use a coil-over setup and I believe the knuckles would have to be sent to DRM to be modified to work.
Im pretty sure HWoods has coil-overs on his 86 so Im pretty sure it can be done, it just may be more of a PITA to do if you are not looking for a race car suspension.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 36
From: Livermore Ca
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Re: Coil over shock question. (VetteNoob)
I forgot about the other years :crazy:
Anyway for the 89-96
RonRed89: You have to open up the front shock tower by 1/8 and the rear turn round the lower mount bolt and drill a new hole on the upper shock mount about 7/8.
$140 each through Summit Racing. $155 from Hal Shocks.
Call Hal Shocks and talk to Pat (1-952-985-5675) for your specific 'vette year.
I would also have the front shock physical measurements before I called. The shocks on my '96 were shorter than the ones listed. They did have the correct Corvette shock when I gave them the measurements.
I used shock part #TC 1958P for my '96.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=314168
[Modified by Coupe89, 9:53 AM 4/6/2004]
Anyway for the 89-96
RonRed89: You have to open up the front shock tower by 1/8 and the rear turn round the lower mount bolt and drill a new hole on the upper shock mount about 7/8.
$140 each through Summit Racing. $155 from Hal Shocks.
Call Hal Shocks and talk to Pat (1-952-985-5675) for your specific 'vette year.
I would also have the front shock physical measurements before I called. The shocks on my '96 were shorter than the ones listed. They did have the correct Corvette shock when I gave them the measurements.
I used shock part #TC 1958P for my '96.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=314168
[Modified by Coupe89, 9:53 AM 4/6/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 60
From: Fremont Oh
Re: Coil over shock question. (BigD904)
Big D,
I have QA1 coilovers... I have some info on my website http://www.ndneyes.com/mo
I just upped the spring rates to 500 pound springs in fornt and 400's in the back.
The shocks were about 169 through Summit, on my 96i had to move the fromt sway bar forward about 3/4 of an inch and I moved the top rear shock mount forward about 3/4 of an inch...
As others have posted it drives like a totally differnet car I have put over 10,000 miles cross country driving with no problems...
I think I listed all the parts on my website if not I'l be happy to help you ...
Mo
I have QA1 coilovers... I have some info on my website http://www.ndneyes.com/mo
I just upped the spring rates to 500 pound springs in fornt and 400's in the back.
The shocks were about 169 through Summit, on my 96i had to move the fromt sway bar forward about 3/4 of an inch and I moved the top rear shock mount forward about 3/4 of an inch...
As others have posted it drives like a totally differnet car I have put over 10,000 miles cross country driving with no problems...
I think I listed all the parts on my website if not I'l be happy to help you ...
Mo
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
Re: Coil over shock question. (BigD904)
Our coilovers are the best handling setup out there. As you guys have already said the ride is harsher than stock. There is a fine line between good handling and a good ride. We sell them in a few different ways with shocks without shocks and the full xtra-grip(with bushings, different trailing arm brackets, chamber brackets and mods done to the knuckle). You can check it out more at dougrippie.com
If you have any more question feel free to ask
Randy
If you have any more question feel free to ask
Randy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,320
Likes: 4
From: Kyle TX (Because Mojo Made me fill it in)
Re: Coil over shock question. (Randy@DRM)
Randy,
For the early C4s, what all would have to be done for coil-overs to work using the DRM kit? Am I correct in thinking that machining of the knuckles will be necessary and that the front shock mount would require strengthening? Any details you can provide would be great!
For the early C4s, what all would have to be done for coil-overs to work using the DRM kit? Am I correct in thinking that machining of the knuckles will be necessary and that the front shock mount would require strengthening? Any details you can provide would be great!
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 9,615
Likes: 13
From: Burlington NC
Re: Coil over shock question. (VetteNoob)
Mounting coilovers in a early car can be trouble. The first problem is the front shock tower needs to be replaced with a later model tower. Finding the later tower can be challenging. Now for the rear, the knuckle will have to be replaced with the later model also, because of the different mounting position. There is a lot work needed to install the coilovers but after they are install the time is well spent.
Randy
Randy
