Some things I found that I think contributed to the poor ride characteristics were that 2nd gen shocks are too long and bottom out. Since I switched to shorter shocks the rides is actually better than the ws6 springs and edelbrock shocks. I also changed the poly bushings for greasable solid and the arms rotate much freer by hand compared to the poly.
I am very pleased with the ride 90% of the time and I am hoping that adustable shocks will help me control the last 10%. I know what you are talking about on the hop. For me it occurrs when both wheels hit a bump or big dip. My theory is that since the sides are tied together and transfer energy from side to side due to the pivoting mounts, when both wheels compress the center of the spring has twice the energy and thus the hop.
I am very pleased with handling and the reduced unsprung weight the system offers. The lack of road noise compared to a coil spring has been very noticeable as well. The highway ride is as good as any factory car I have driven and better than our old 03 mustang and the 96 ws6 TA I drove.
The problem is I need to keep the low speed control similar to the hotchkiss shocks and stiffen up the rebound control on larger inputs.
I also have an aquantance with a c6 Vette and he has offered to let me drive it. I am going to have to take him up on it to see if they have any of the hop feel as they use the same style suspension. I would be curious of they have it all removed. My theory is that if Chevy can do there should be no reason I can't get close. Lofty goals, but I enjoy tuning my suspension the way some tune their motors.
If I never got it any better, I could be very happy with it if I stay on reasonable roads or slow down on the rougher roads.
I really think the Hotchkiss bilsteins are close. The control is much better as the temp gets warmer above 65. I can't figure that 15 degrees would stiffen the shocks that much.
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