RideTech ShockWave vs. "normal" coil over
 

Hey all,

This Thurday I'll be pulling the trigger on ordering my shocks and springs.

I'm still struggling with the decision to go with "regular" coil overs or ShockWaves.

Here is the thinking at the moment:

ShockWaves:

Pros:

1. Ability to adjust the ride height as I drive. This is compelling so the body does not drag on curbs, speed bumps, etc. I don't intend on "dancing" the car.
2. Looks really cool


Cons:

1. A lot more weight with the compressor, etc.
2. A lot more stuff that can break when racing
3. A lot more expensive
4. A lot more effort in installing it (electronics, pneumatics, etc.).

The car will be used for autocross, street, and shows. Handling is king for me. If I do drag race, I can tune both so I figure it's a wash.

Any other pros / cons? Would you spend your money on a set if money was not an issue?

Thoughts?

:cheers:

Since 'handling is king', ask yourself what would a race car work best with. I, and this is a personal opinion only, would use the regular coil overs. :cheers:

I'm going with Shockwaves in my build because I like the adjustability and everything I hear is that the ride is second to none.

Look at the how well the Ridetech cars have done in the autox events... That is the reason I went with their complete set up. Added the airpod upgrade which made the install way easier and it doesn't add that much weight.

Have you driven your car yet? I am not a fan of shock waves on light cars, the ride quality isn't that great, maybe it's my combination but I have not been that impressed ( I have them on a 69 Camaro and on a 67 Nova ) . The digital controllers are a pita the ride height seems to be inconsistent at the same pressures. One other piece of advice I can give is, don't use the flexible plastic line and pushlock fittings they are leakers. The plastic line has a leak down rate if you look at the mfr. specs. I just finished a 62 bubbletop and did all the lines in steel and used braided ss where they had to be flexible and that car can sit for months and not loose air pressure. Just my .02

Unfortunately, I can't take my car for a ride (I received it in several crates and have parts everywhere in the house -- from the attic to the basement).

So, my only recourse is to ask those who have gone before me for their recommendations.

Just for fun, here are the weights posted around the web for the Camaro, Nova, and my 'Vette:

3765 lbs 69 Camaro
3,180 lbs 64 Corvette Convertible
3,145 lbs 67 Nova


:cheers:

I would probably dispute that weight on the 69. Maybe a big block car with a/c,t-400 and a heavy driver,full of fuel...etc might weigh that much ,but I doubt it. I think more like maybe 3,300 pounds would be more likely. jmo

Not being a Camaro expert, I will have to defer to those in the know. All I can say is that's what I Googled. :)

The thing that strikes me as interesting is my '67 Chevelle (from long, long ago) weighed 2980 lbs with rust holes as the only mod. Seems like the Camaro weighes more than it should, but that's just me.

Anyhow, back on topic.... AirRide vs. coil overs. Any other comments?

:cheers:

the shock wave is mush more progressive in its spring characteristic than a "normal" coilover... and it rides a bit better and is easier adjustable... imho there is no argument against a well engineered air system other that increased vehiecle weight and complexity...

but you have to get the right diameter bag and get the mounting height right.. otherwise you will be better off with a CO..

also with the electronically adjustable ridetech shocks, you could have a true "push of a button" drag race setup... with 90/10 front valving at the track.. and autocross/street valving as teh other setting

Just to follow up -- received my Afco D/A shocks from Chad Fletcher. It took me a while to pull the trigger -- too much travel for work (called Chad from the airport), but everything went smooth as silk. :thumbsup:

Looks great, can't wait to have them on the car!

:cheers: