427ci LS2 sleeved, dry sump oil pump, engine build & install, 69 Camaro

[DaleTx]

Originally Posted by PTAddict

Dale,

My '71 was originally set up with Hotchkis front and rear springs, Hotchkis/Bilstein shocks, Hotchkis front sway bar. It worked pretty well, but the rear dipped quite a bit on acceleration, and I didn't get the quite the drive off corners I thought I should. The CAT5 springs were quite a transformation - the rear dip was gone, the car really hooked off corners, and the overall feel was more stable and locked down. On the flip side, the ride was significantly harder on the street, but not enough that it bothered me.

The CAT5 springs use solid spherical bushings at the spring eyes, which eliminate twist along the long axis of the spring and thus in theory reduce leaf-to-leaf rubbing and binding. And they're very stiff in the front half of the spring, so the spring acts more like a control arm, doesn't wind up much at all, and has greater anti-squat effect. It all seemed to work very well for me, at least in that application.

As I said, on the 2nd gen I used the Bilsteins to begin with, and later switched to adjustable AFCOs sourced from Global West. The AFCOs were an improvement, but not huge. On my current '69, I use Detroit Speed double adjustables. I set them initially to the baseline that Kyle and Stacy gave me, and I've never had to move them more than one click from that baseline. That's one of the advantages of buying from a premium vendor like DSE - they've done almost all of the testing and experimentation I'd have to do myself.

Just my opinion, if it was me I'd go back to the Bilsteins for now, sort out what you want to do with the rear suspension, then work with a trusted vendor to see what shock package matches your combination and goals.

Scott... Thanks for all the great info! What you described with the rear end dipping on your 71 under acceleration is exactly what I am experiencing. Thanks for steering me to the Global West CAT-5 leafs. I called them today and placed an order for a set with 2" drop. They said the CAT-5's are a good set up for the track and will support HP levels of 600 to 700. I think this is a good next step for the suspension on my car. Also, I have done enough work on the car in the past year... and just want to enjoy it for a while now. Changing leafs will be a breeze compared to changing to a 4-link set up. Thanks for offering some great insight and solutions

Originally Posted by Sieg

Dale - I have Global West rear leafs, not sure how they compare to the new generation of part numbers. I just emailed them my part number (31-245-1) and asked them to translate my spring rate to their new part #'s. They're relatively stiff, I'd guess they're L2's.

You're more than welcome to drive my car if the springs end up being what you're considering.

Marc at SC&C is a wealth of knowledge, just be prepared to spend 45-60 minutes on the phone and have a notepad handy.

Thanks for the great info Sieg! Appreciate the offer to drive your car. I'm committed now... I'm not to much worried if the ride is a little stiff.

Originally Posted by Flash68

You guys all realize that Fox manufactures the shocks for Ridetech right? You know, the "must have" shocks of many of today's pro touring cars?

I believe that JRI's can be upgraded from single to the multi-adjustable with what you already have... can you do that with the Fox/Ridetech/Hotchkis? Just thinking out loud...

The CAT-5 is also an awesome leaf spring setup and about as good as it gets for leafs. Some killer cars run that.

Thanks Dave! appreciate the feedback on the CAT-5 leafs... can't wait to try them out.

Originally Posted by Sieg

Yes, as an old off-roader I've known Fox for years. But Fox, like with any good shock manufacturer, you're not going to get their best valving with their "entry level" performance line. I've also ran Bilsteins on a car (in the 80's) and there's something magical about the way their valving ramps up as you push the vehicle harder.

The KTM 300 Dale just picked up has exceptional suspension and I'm anticipating he'll expect similar performance from the shocks on his Camaro now that he's taken it to another level with a killer motor and trans combo he's exploited the chassis' weaknesses. IMO - He's ready for serious 3 way valving and another brake upgrade won't be too far off. In no way am I knocking Ridetech/Hotchkis/Fox as their 3-way products appear to perform well as do a few others. It's big money, but I've never regretted an investment in top-notch shocks.

You can make up for a weak motor with good brakes and suspension............with my limited experience it doesn't work the other way around.

Good to know regarding the GW Cat5's - Thanks

Sieg... I totally agree with you on this. Fox does make great stuff, but the shocks I got are "entry level", and designed to work under a wide range of applications and uses... I am very attuned to the handling on my car now after several years of tweaking, and I know they are just not quite what I was looking for... but that doesn't mean they won't be great for other applications. I am probably at that point where I need some adjustibility in a shock like you said.

I went back and read Carl C's post about the Hotchkis tuned Fox shocks and he said they worked great after some fine tuning by the guys from Fox. He made a comment that after the tuning, the shocks were "much more composed" so maybe he was also experiencing some bounce in stock form.

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Mary Pozzi seemed to do just fine with leaf springs...


Just sayin'

That works for me, new leafs on the way! ... I'm sure Mary could do quite well with just about any set up though, Lol