Firebird suspension update

[Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by Warpath Pontiac

I am going to be ordering all the parts to rebuild and update the front suspension on my '69 Firebird this weekend and I just wanted to make sure i'm headed in the right direction.

-I'm going to reuse the factory control arms and get polyurethane bushings and new ball joints.
-1-1/8" Hotchkis front sway bar
-Hotchkis subframe connectors
-Hotchkis SBC front springs (or would the big block springs be better for an A/C equipped car?)

and any opinions on shocks? I was thinking some KYB GR2s, but I really have no idea what to do when it comes to shocks.

The build plan looks solid, and you'll be happy with the SBC springs, the Pontiac 350 and the stock iron Chevy 350 are similar in weight. If you want to go a little lower, the 3" spring works well. What is your current height on stock springs from the center of the wheel well opening to the ground? One thing people don't think about is 35 year old cars often have settled several inches over the years, so a 1.5" drop spring actually doesn't lower the car much if at all.

As for shocks, if you can swing it spend a few extra dollars and go for a true high-quality high-performance shock. You'll be glad you did. Our HPS1000 is made in Germany by Bilstein and valved to our specs, so its a great choice, but no matter which way you go avoid the over the counter auto parts store stuff.

Sounds like a really fun build, and '69 Firebirds are really cool looking cars you don't see as often. Post pics as you go forward with the project!

[Josh69]

I used Hotchkis 2" drop BBC springs on my bird with iron heads because my research showed the Pontiac engine weighs around 650lbs, a BBC is 685(Mark IV) and a typical SBC is 575, so it's between the two, and I wanted the firmer rate. Now that they are on, the ride is nice, but they aren't quite low enough for me. I have 2" drop DSE leafs in the back and it has a fairly level stance with just a slight rake. I switched to aluminum heads and am adding A/C, so they'll probably end up about the same. My shocks are Koni's, which I personally prefer. Every Bilstein I have used has been harsh though I haven't tried the Hotchkis valved version. Even with these BBC springs, my ride is very compliant and it's never harsh. I have Global West Del-a-lum bushings in stock lca's, and same in Speedtech uca's. I also have the Hotchkis 1-1/8" sway bar. I have solid GW bushings and subframe connectors.

[Josh69]

Originally Posted by Hotchkis

The build plan looks solid, and you'll be happy with the SBC springs, the Pontiac 350 and the stock iron Chevy 350 are similar in weight. If you want to go a little lower, the 3" spring works well. What is your current height on stock springs from the center of the wheel well opening to the ground? One thing people don't think about is 35 year old cars often have settled several inches over the years, so a 1.5" drop spring actually doesn't lower the car much if at all.

As for shocks, if you can swing it spend a few extra dollars and go for a true high-quality high-performance shock. You'll be glad you did. Our HPS1000 is made in Germany by Bilstein and valved to our specs, so its a great choice, but no matter which way you go avoid the over the counter auto parts store stuff.

Sounds like a really fun build, and '69 Firebirds are really cool looking cars you don't see as often. Post pics as you go forward with the project!

How much lower would a SBC spring ride than the BBC spring and what is the spring rate differences? Is the 3" drop spring available for the SBC and BBC and what are the respective rates?

Thanks in advance for any clarification!

[Warpath Pontiac]

Im actually going with the Hotchkis valved bilsteins all the way around, along with springs, sway bar, and tubular uppers so I can do the guildstrand mod without cutting anything up. I ended up spending a little more than I originally planned, but I have a feeling I will end up with a really solid car.

And I went with the 2" SBC drop springs. I still have the factory springs in right now and if I can net around 1" to 1/2" drop I think my stance would be perfect.

One thing is certain, once everything is on the car and I get it aligned, i'm going to try and go through a couple tanks of gas driving around.

[Warpath Pontiac]

So 10:00 this morning I get a text message saying a ton of boxes just showed up for me and I knew exactly what it was. Sadly I was at work and had to suffer the rest of the day like a chained down child who just was just given a red bull. So after speeding all the way home I walked in and saw this...


So far i've pulled out all the old suspension and tomorrow im going to rebuild the lower control arms and drill the new holes for the guldstrand mod. Maybe I can get some driving time in late saturday or maybe sunday.

Oh and while unpacking my global west tubular uppers, am I the only one that was shocked in how overbuilt these things look? I mean, I have seen them on cars, but holding them in your hand up close is completely different. I was shocked a lot like this guy --->

[JRouche]

MAN!!! You gotta love X-mas in April... Looking forward to hearing about the first drive.... JR

Originally Posted by Warpath Pontiac

So 10:00 this morning I get a text message saying a ton of boxes just showed up for me and I knew exactly what it was.