Viking Coil Over Shocks - Lateral-g Forums

mnickcrna · #1 01-20-2017, 06:37 PM

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum with my first post. I'm looking for some shock advice on my 69 camaro. I bought the car as a full resto-mod with a LS1, 4l60e, 12 bolt posi, tires 275/35/18 rear, 245/40/18 front, CPP slotted disc brakes front/back, quick ratio steering gear box, and Hotchis Sport Suspension kit- leaf springs, front and rear sway bars, non adjustable shocks. I have another engine, a LQ4 stroked to 402 with ported LS3 heads and intake, FAST 2.0 EFI with traction control, mild street cam and rebuilt 4l80e tranny that my cousin built for me for another project that fell through. After buying the very nice 69 camaro, the plan was to just sell the Lq4/4l80e, but I can't get anywhere near what I have in the motor but now I have someone interested in buying my LS1/4l60e in the camaro and I'm considering swapping the LQ4 into the car. The stroked LQ4 hasn't been dyno tuned but should be at least 550HP. I was told by some folks that since my car will never see a drag strip or autocross track, just strictly a local cruiser and local car shows, that I could get away with just installing Viking DA coil overs up front and Viking DA shocks in the back since I already have a Hotchis suspension kit. However, the majority of people I ask say I should go to 4 link rear. Does anyone have any experience with similar setup that can provide some advice as to whether the Viking shocks would be acceptable to be able to handle the extra HP and tune out any excessive wheel hop and provide decent ride for the way I will be driving it? I just want it to be streetable and be controllable when I do decide to punch the gas on the street, supposedly the traction control on the Fast system should help me too. I realize something like a ride tech suspension kit with 4 link rear and new geometry control arms/drop spindles in front would make a huge difference, especially in drag and track use but I won't be using the car at all in that way. Also, I live in West Texas where curves are as rare as trees! Thanks for any advice!

Michael

Rod P · #2 01-21-2017, 09:21 AM

the Hotchkis leafs spring suspension is easy and works well...and the Viking double adjustable shocks will allow control of both rebound and compression separately and will help you smooth out the bumps and control the ride...

do you have the Hotchkis arms also?

mnickcrna · #3 01-22-2017, 03:54 PM

I'm not sure about the Hotchkis arms or not. I bought the car with everything already installed. Previous owner said he had the Hotchkis suspension kit installed. Obvious to see the upgraded springs, shocks and sway bars but not sure about the arms. This is my first first gen camaro, so not sure how I could tell about the arms? It was a frame off restoration so all the metal looks pretty much new. So for my application you think I could get away with the DA Viking shocks front and rear and have a controllable car for street driving with 550HP?

tx71nova · #4 01-23-2017, 07:48 AM

Have you called viking and ask them?

I know they have a 1st gen camaro with a LS that is quite fast through a auto x course. Also I have a friend that works there that would probably be able to help you out.

If you say that you wont be drag racing or doing track days then my opinion would be to dont build it for drag/track use.

Leaf spring work great on the street and the shocks can be tuned to how you like them.

BMR Sales · #5 01-23-2017, 09:05 AM

The Vikings should work well. Vikings principles will be at BMR in a few minutes.

mnickcrna · #6 01-23-2017, 08:03 PM

I did call Viking and they said for the way I would be using it that they thought I would be fine with my stock control arms with their DA coil overs up front and DA shocks in the rear. Tx71Nova, the viking 69 Camaro has a fully upgraded suspension with their coil overs on all 4 corners. Can you ask your friend there if he has installed their shocks on 1st gen Camaro with stock control arms and maybe leaf springs in the rear? BMR, or anyone else, have you installed the Vikings on similar setup and were you happy with the ride and able to tune out wheel hop with high HP engines? I'm glad to hear that folks are saying that this setup might be good for me. I really don't want to have to spend a lot of money for a 4 link and tubular control arms if I'm not going to benefit from all the upgrades. If I decide to stick with the stock control arms and Hotchkis suspension and only upgrade the shocks, are the Viking shocks the best option? Thanks again for everyone's advice.