New Suspension Needed - Scared

[81reaper]

Well, after buying my 81Z several months ago, I am still sitting and just looking at it. At first I didn't even know where I wanted to begin. I finally decided to start from the ground and work up.

My biggest problem was the question of "What did I want in the end". For me, it was either "drag car" or "street car", in regards to the handling that is. Not that I intend to race it all the time. I just needed a direction. I have finally just decided to build a good handling suspension and if I do plan to race a little, maybe it won't hurt me too much.

Anyway, here is the problem. I have a very specific look that I am wanting. It is probably much like the look that many of you have. I want the car sitting almost level, with a little bit of rake to it. Just enough so it doesn't look like concrete blocks are in the trunk, like now.

My plan is for 17X8's in the front and 17X9's in the rear.

I am leaning toward the Hotchkis TVS system heavily, although, that is where I am starting to get scared. My car has settled over the years and the stance is not right currently so it is hard to gauge. I am afraid of spending $1200 bucks on a kit and then not like how it sits.

Can anyone give me some direction or advice. I am wanting to begin really bad but I just need a kick to get going. Money is ready, time is ready, place is ready, where to start.........who knows.

Picture attached for reference.

Thanks for your help.

 

[ks71z28]

PM sent

 

[ProdigyCustoms]

The Hotchkis TVS kit is a great choice for you. We have sold many TVS kits and everyone seems to be happy. As for how it will sit, your "little rake" your seeking is exactly what you will get. Just 1 1/2" lower then stock. Maybe close to the worn height you have now.

 

[81reaper]

Thanks a lot for the replies,

Where my car sits now would be fine with me as long as it was not so low in the back or maybe lower in the front. There is still a lot of ground clearance so that doesn't look to be much of an issue on these cars.

I have read that Hotchkis is ok, and actually recommends slight cutting on the front springs in small increments to achieve the desired height. Is this a fact? If that is the case, I am a little more comfortable with that. This would enable me to dial in the exact stance that I am looking for.

I know this entire kit probably isn't fully necessary but it appealed to me because of how complete it appears. My main question concerning this kit is, what are the trade offs? Like I said I plan on occasionally going to the drag strip. Is this kit designed strictly for handling, to the point that it would hurt normal driving or occasional strip use? Is the ride harsh?

I know I am asking a lot and sound completely dumb, but I am just wanting to ask the people who have been there and know before I spend the $$$.

Thanks

 

[mikelsall]

Don't feel stupid - suspension is a very important part of how your car looks and feels. I like the look of mine and did it on the super cheap.

I used MOOG Part #5610 for the front coils.
For the rears, I used the 5 leaf spring kit from D&R Classic - I also got the kit that includes shackles and all other replacement hardware. Here is the link.

Here are some pictures (with a SBC 350, no air). I have 16's on mine, but your overall diameter with 17's will be the same (just a smaller profile tire to keep the same overall circumference).

The ride is a little more harse than stock, but that's because I installed some Lakewood slapper bars to eliminate the wheel hop on fast take offs and I set them up with a real tight tolerance.

 

[67lemanster]

I have read that Hotchkis is ok, and actually recommends slight cutting on the front springs in small increments to achieve the desired height. Is this a fact? If that is the case, I am a little more comfortable with that. This would enable me to dial in the exact stance that I am looking for.

yes this is very accurate info. matter of fact plan on cutting to get where you want then if you dont have too its a bonus. lol

many factors come into play with the fronts, things like aluiminum heads, glass hood, a/c taken out, aluminum intake, fender wells taken out. as you can see all will have some determination on how the car sits. if your car is bone stock you might just get lucky. hotchkis designed the springs to be installed on stock cars with steel heads and steel hoods.

i have hotchkis and love it. i cut my springs one full loop. i wanted my car a little lower than your average bear though.

 

[67lemanster]

also check out dave or 79 t/a man he sells some great kits that are the same quality as hotchkis and a tag less expensive www.pro-touringf-body.com

 

[m pozzi]

Great questions and glad you're doing your homework before jumping into the purchase. Presently, there's lots of good suspension systems available for our second-gen F-bodies and you can go with one manufacturer or mix/match parts for a custom application.

Before you install anything, check the body bushings on your Camaro. If they're OEM rubber, they most likely need replacing and go with solid bushings. Don't worry ... adding these solids won't alter the ride quality.

And your wheel selection should be made based on what brake system (rotor/caliper size) you end up with. If you plan to track or drag race your Camaro, plan to upgrade the brakes as well.

I originally went with the Hotchkis TVS back in 2002 and still have parts of that system on my car. For me, the rear sat too low compared to the front so the Hotchkis leafs were switched to Global West's CAT5's. Yes, the ride is much firmer (240# spring rate will do that) but I like it. I also went with the GW UCA's and Del-a-Lum bushings. Kept the Hotchkis front springs and sway bars, and changed the Bilstein shocks for QA1 double/single adjustables. It's a very basic suspension system that works very well for most driving events. Mind you, these parts were installed before the current AirRide, et al, bagged suspensions came out. While I've never driven a car with this type of suspension, it's a sound concept and one that works well. Plus, there's tons of adjustability for all types of driving.

You'll notice I never mentioned stance and it's because a car's stance shouldn't dictate how the build goes together. A good handling car will almost always sit well whereas I've seen cars with a most incredible and awesome stance handle like a pig. Go with what works and not necessarily with what will give you that "awesome stance" everyone talks about. You'll get the stance in the end and love your car's handling as well.

Keep the car compliant ... this is the most important advice I can give. Keep it fun to drive and build it for many different types of driving. A car that's single purpose will lose it's glamour very quickly.

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

 

[81reaper]

This is all great info. You all are amazing at the effort that you put into helping others and giving advice.

Your responses have given me a lot more confidence in putting this suspension together.

Mary, thanks for the advice on the body bushings. I will add this to my "to do" list. I hadn't thought about that. It looks like you have much experience on the suspension aspect of a Camaro.

67lemanster, thanks for verifying the spring cutting info. I wanted to be sure I hadn't received some misinfo.

Mikelsall, nice looking car. That stance is very similar to what I was referring to in my original post. That overall stance would work for me. Even if it was an inch or two lower all around, as long as the ratio from front to back stays like that, I would be fine. And from what everyone has said, I should have no problems getting these results with the TVS kit.

Basically when this is all said and done, my end goal is similar to Mary's post. I am wanting to try my best to get this Camaro to handle like a modern sports car. I just want to make something that is very fun to drive. Camaro's handle pretty well as they sit, but it could be much better, and I feel that using your advice and a few dollars worth of parts will get me the results I am after.

Thanks

 

[rscamaro73]

Mary, thanks for the advice on the body bushings. I will add this to my "to do" list. I hadn't thought about that. It looks like you have much experience on the suspension aspect of a Camaro.

Which is one reason why she's a moderator of this area....

The lady knows 2nd gen suspensions.