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badazz81z28
08-28-2011, 04:40 PM
I have heard this is around, but no news on the release? Anybody have the info? I was thinking DSE, but since the rest of my car is hotchkis....

Hotchkis
09-02-2011, 08:58 AM
badazz81z28 – We’re happy to announce that our after nearly a year of R&D, street testing, track testing and refinement, our new 3-link system is nearly complete. We are currently beta testing the new system on two well known 2nd Gens, and will be rolling it out officially for sale in about a month. The first gen system is not far behind. Here’s a little more info: http://www.hotchkis.net/19701981-camaro-firebird-3link-rear-suspension-coming-soon.html

We will have a press release and more official info very soon, but if you want to be first in line call 562-907-7757 and ask for Drew in sales, and tell him you want to get on the list.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLcyhkSdzCc

sik68
09-02-2011, 09:17 AM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/09/facebook_like_button_big-1.jpg

Will the first gen be out in time for winter projects?

badazz81z28
09-05-2011, 03:43 PM
Can we talk price? That will determine when I can afford it. I want one so badly!!!!

yellow1098Greg
09-05-2011, 10:13 PM
+1 if it can be afforded...another sale right here

badazz81z28
09-06-2011, 07:32 AM
I will gladly donate my Hotchkis Leafs/Shocks if I can get a killer deal to make the swap ;)

Rod
09-07-2011, 09:30 PM
are they ready yet??

badazz81z28
09-17-2011, 09:56 AM
Havnt heard any updates on this. I even tried to get my name on the list with no reponses.

rrunner68
09-17-2011, 10:07 AM
Be patient guys. They are really putting a lot of work in on this, and it is going through very rigorous R&D, not just "we think it will work." When it comes out it'll be worth every penny.

Hotchkis
09-20-2011, 08:27 AM
Hello all – Thanks for your interest! We’re still working very hard on the kit to make sure it’s perfect before releasing it as a part number. When we’re all done with the R&D we’ll be able to set the price of the kit. We’re still on track for making a big announcement at SEMA in November about the kit.

Badazz81z28 – Did you talk to Drew to get your name on the list?

zombiekiller
09-20-2011, 10:30 AM
please tell me that there will also be a debut of the unicorn-like galaxie suspension bits that were developed for the Leno build!

CarlC
09-20-2011, 10:49 AM
I rode in Mary's 2nd-gen Camaro on Sunday at Buttonwillow. That car is rock-solid, does nothing weird, and is very compliant. It just keeps getting better and better.

Flash68
09-20-2011, 11:25 AM
Carl, will you be installing this 3 link on your car when it is ready? Or you might be the R&D car for it? You can plead the 5th. :)

Nessumsar
09-20-2011, 11:44 AM
I rode with Carl behind Mary's car, and it looked rock solid; apexing the corners over the bumps didn't phase the car one bit. Very nice!

I wonder if they need a Nova for testing?? :)

brownz
09-20-2011, 02:47 PM
How will this work with a mini tube and 335 tire? stock gas tank with tail pipes? price??? lol Im ready to know

CarlC
09-20-2011, 03:02 PM
For personal reasons I'm holding off on doing any major revamp of the rear suspension. In 3-4 years that will likely change. For a leaf spring car, it still works pretty darn well, but the nut behind the wheel needs a lot more tuning.

Flash68
09-20-2011, 05:34 PM
Word, Carl. It does work very well when your simple leaf sprung non-mini tubbed Camaro can keep up with Todd and his full DSE R888 wearing car. :)

badazz81z28
09-22-2011, 11:38 PM
Hello all – Thanks for your interest! We’re still working very hard on the kit to make sure it’s perfect before releasing it as a part number. When we’re all done with the R&D we’ll be able to set the price of the kit. We’re still on track for making a big announcement at SEMA in November about the kit.

Badazz81z28 – Did you talk to Drew to get your name on the list?


I never heard back :(

Nothingface5384
10-02-2011, 01:09 PM
BUMP! its october and no price.. i know ..iknow its the weekend lol

just hopeing this will be cheaper then the bmr and speedtech torque arm setups!

Rod
10-03-2011, 09:21 PM
:look: weekends over get back to work we want our parts!!

badazz81z28
10-04-2011, 08:56 AM
:look: weekends over get back to work we want our parts!!

lol...yeah! I want to get this so badly......Hotchkis! If you need a test dummy, Im here!!!

The problem is who is going to install it for me while I'm deployed to Korea....

CarlC
10-04-2011, 09:26 AM
It will happpen guys, but something like this is not a simple deal. It's always better to wait and get it right than hurry it along and not be pleased with the end result.

David Sloan
10-05-2011, 05:04 AM
Do you have any installed pics.
We would love to see some of them.
Thanks

Hotchkis
10-06-2011, 08:58 AM
Hey all – We’re still going through R&D on the kit and we’re still on track to make the announcements about the 3-link next month. Thanks for checking in! :)

Bryce
10-06-2011, 10:13 AM
Wait for SEMA!

badazz81z28
10-29-2011, 05:52 PM
Updates at all?

LeighP
10-30-2011, 06:36 AM
Any pics of this kit installed?
Would love to see what clearance there is with the parts in place. Considering some of the other bolt in options, this one looks like a real winner for it's simplicity.

RAnthony97
11-05-2011, 12:27 PM
Was this kit ever introduced at SEMA?

robertjra
11-05-2011, 04:18 PM
Was this kit ever introduced at SEMA?

yes it was in the hotchkis both up on a stand so you could look under the car i spoke with John and the kit is done!!! and the first gen is on the way so just hold tight a bit longer it will be worth the Waite

srh3trinity
11-05-2011, 08:14 PM
Pricing?

Nothingface5384
11-06-2011, 07:11 AM
Ditto that

HotRod68Camaro
11-06-2011, 07:15 AM
so who took some pics of it at SEMA?

badazz81z28
11-06-2011, 01:04 PM
Yes!! I have been waiting!!! What is the pricing?? Hotchkis Web Site still shows October. I had a great time at the Optima Challenge! Mary's car had the show at this event, she did better than all 3 DSE cars in the Braking challenge and Autocross. Gives me hope a lower cost car can be competitive. Well...with the exception of the $3,000 Tiger Cage Roll bar I saw in the car! Yikes!

SLO_Z28
11-06-2011, 01:39 PM
Yes!! I have been waiting!!! What is the pricing?? Hotchkis Web Site still shows October. I had a great time at the Optima Challenge! Mary's car had the show at this event, she did better than all 3 DSE cars in the Braking challenge and Autocross. Gives me hope a lower cost car can be competitive. Well...with the exception of the $3,000 Tiger Cage Roll bar I saw in the car! Yikes!

I don't think the 3 link will cost less than DSE's setup, but the car is sorted and can perform. It certainly earned its stripes this weekend.

srh3trinity
11-06-2011, 02:26 PM
I would think that it would line up with the mid to upper level priced kits kind of like their control arms.

badazz81z28
11-07-2011, 01:59 PM
I don't think the 3 link will cost less than DSE's setup, but the car is sorted and can perform. It certainly earned its stripes this weekend.



Hate to say it...But I will have to get DSE if Hotchkis 3 link is more than the quadra-link. Come on Hotchkis!!

CarlC
11-07-2011, 02:59 PM
To put things in perspective, Mary finished second in the 2011 OUSCI Autocross in the Camaro. She placed behind Danny Popp in his very racey C6 Z06. I'm sure she will share the story of her exploits once she recovers from sleep-deprivation, but I could not be happier for anyone in that event. She did outstanding for what is easily the most street-able of the top five cars.

SLO_Z28
11-07-2011, 03:24 PM
To put things in perspective, Mary finished second in the 2011 OUSCI in the Camaro. She placed behind Danny Popp in his very racey C6 Z06. I'm sure she will share the story of her exploits once she recovers from sleep-deprovation, but I could not be happier for anyone in that event. She did outstanding for what is easily the most street-able of the top five cars.

She finished 5th in the overall challenge, and 2nd in the autocross. This car has proven it is VERY competitive.

CarlC
11-07-2011, 05:58 PM
Fixed

SLO_Z28
11-07-2011, 06:11 PM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/DSC_0669-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/DSC_0323-1.jpg

LeighP
11-11-2011, 09:31 PM
Bump....
Any pics yet of this kit installed???
Thanks

badazz81z28
11-12-2011, 10:03 AM
Bump....
Any pics yet of this kit installed???
Thanks

There are plenty...Have you not seem them on link posted? Its the same.

srh3trinity
11-13-2011, 11:16 AM
Pricing?

LeighP
11-14-2011, 02:31 AM
There are plenty...Have you not seem them on link posted? Its the same.

I've seen the pics of the kit ...but not fitted to a car....I couldn't see a link to any fitted pics...appreciate a pointer in the right direction if you could.
Thanks

SLO_Z28
11-14-2011, 04:19 AM
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/3link-1.jpg

RAnthony97
11-14-2011, 07:10 PM
Just noticed on the Hotchkis (http://www.hotchkis.net/19701981-camaro-firebird-3link-rear-suspension-coming-soon.html) web site that the release date for this kit is March 2012.

MrQuick
11-14-2011, 10:20 PM
right side upper mount...smart.

badazz81z28
11-15-2011, 04:06 AM
Hotchkis, Can we get a 3-link update??

LeighP
11-15-2011, 04:43 AM
Thanks for that pic, James...much appreciated. Just looking at how you'd get a 2.5" exhaust over the top of all that.....hmmmmmm. I can see why the car in the picture has the exhaust ending where it does.

MrQuick
11-15-2011, 10:45 AM
Thanks for that pic, James...much appreciated. Just looking at how you'd get a 2.5" exhaust over the top of all that.....hmmmmmm. I can see why the car in the picture has the exhaust ending where it does.

yep, coil overs in the way

John Wright
11-15-2011, 11:17 AM
yep, coil overs in the way...and tire/rim. Even if you get by the shocks, it's gonna be hard to sneak that tubing through by the corner of the fuel tank with those big meats in the way.

LeighP
11-16-2011, 12:16 AM
Our local constabulary are real hard on exhausts that finish under the car like that....big "no-no"...lol.

badazz81z28
11-17-2011, 06:42 AM
Hotchkis,


Still impatiently waiting...UPDATE PLEASE its killing me to buy a set-up :smoke:

RAnthony97
04-07-2012, 10:51 PM
Has anyone heard anything about this kit yet?

MCB Matt
04-17-2012, 10:28 AM
I will post up once the kits are on the shelf, ready to ship.

Anyone else who does not want to wait there are other alternatives.....affordable too!!

I do like Hotchkis quality and R&D but it takes time unfortunatly

MCB

SLO_Z28
04-17-2012, 05:52 PM
How many other 3 links are there?

MCB Matt
04-18-2012, 08:03 AM
4 links.....for those who don't or can't wait.

FirebirdSteve
04-18-2012, 08:22 AM
or get a torque arm set up.....

johnny68
04-22-2012, 07:04 PM
heres a great view of speed tech torque arm well kind of
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
john

fiream400
04-22-2012, 09:53 PM
In the pic near the top of this page, it looks like the upper bar goes into the floor pan. Do you have to cut a hole in the floor to mount the upper bar bracket?

69496
04-24-2012, 06:48 AM
In the pic near the top of this page, it looks like the upper bar goes into the floor pan. Do you have to cut a hole in the floor to mount the upper bar bracket?


Yes I believe you do.

DJW32
02-11-2013, 04:35 PM
Bump. Hotchkis no longer has the second gen kit listed on their website. Anybody know why this 3 link is no longer available?

Rod
02-11-2013, 07:40 PM
Bump. Hotchkis no longer has the second gen kit listed on their website. Anybody know why this 3 link is no longer available?

I'm just guessing but maybe demand and pricing, I don't really know, maybe its under redesign

David Pozzi
02-11-2013, 11:49 PM
In the pic near the top of this page, it looks like the upper bar goes into the floor pan. Do you have to cut a hole in the floor to mount the upper bar bracket?

A a hole must be cut. A box bolts inside to the floor pan that locates the front of the upper link. It has height adjustment holes for anti- squat. The rear ends of the lower links also have alternate height holes.

Dave95Z28
02-12-2013, 01:05 PM
Were they ever going to offer this package for first gens as well?

Dave

badazz81z28
02-12-2013, 04:47 PM
Hotchkis did have it priced pretty high. Honestly at $4000, I think I would rather buy the DSE quadra-link and pay to have it installed.

srh3trinity
02-12-2013, 07:18 PM
For a late entry I thought it was too expensive. Between Ridetech, DSE, BMR, Speedtech and Jakes there are plenty of great options at lower price points.

badazz81z28
02-27-2013, 06:30 PM
A a hole must be cut. A box bolts inside to the floor pan that locates the front of the upper link. It has height adjustment holes for anti- squat. The rear ends of the lower links also have alternate height holes.

David, any insider info on whats going on with this kit??

David Pozzi
02-27-2013, 07:49 PM
I don't know but will ask John Hotchkis next time I speak with him. I know they wanted to have a 1st and 2nd gen version. I had some input into the design and the two key points I asked for were lots of adjustability and to offset the upper link to the right & lower to counter rear axle torque & eliminate intrusion into the trunk floor. I wanted over the axle exhaust routing, but it didn't work out. They did prototype an under the axle exhaust system.

The biggest thing that impressed me was how nice this system rides on the street. I could tell the difference in ride within a couple of hundred feet in a street ride & I wasn't even driving. The use of tall shocks allows a ride height change by simply adjusting the spring perches on the shocks. If more is needed, the lower shock can be moved to a different hole. Some other rear suspensions work great at the designed ride height but if you try to lower them beyond an inch of design height, you quickly run out of shock travel. The only real disadvantage to leaf springs is higher unsprung weight, and lack of tuneability to change spring rate, and they are somewhat difficult to change ride height.
David

DJW32
05-03-2013, 04:45 PM
Bump.

David,
I was curious if you ever talked to Jon about this rear setup?

David Pozzi
05-05-2013, 08:20 AM
Not yet, I was supposed to meet him at a track day but couldn't go because I was prepping the One Lap Camaro.
I'll send an email.
David

DJW32
05-05-2013, 04:14 PM
Sir,
Thank you.

jtwoods4
05-05-2013, 04:30 PM
I just saw this thread and the kit sounds interesting. Where do I go to read more about it?

David Pozzi
05-08-2013, 10:37 PM
There's another thread here: http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224772

I got an update from John Hotchkis & it was quite a surprise. They are opening a new East Coast facility in the Charlotte area! The new building is up and floor was just painted, soon new equipment will be moved in. Most if not all their manufacturing will be moved there. They hope to be producing the Camaro 3 link kits by November. Moving production out of California should allow a more competitive kit price, and the fabrication quality of the new facility will be better than ever.
David

DJW32
05-09-2013, 09:53 AM
Thanks David.

Also, when can we see more pics of that blue camaro in your avatar?

qnitro
05-09-2013, 12:12 PM
Not surprised they left the people's republic of California. The cost of doing business here is crazy. I'm thinking this will help them with pricing as well

BMR Sales
05-09-2013, 12:43 PM
for a late entry i thought it was too expensive. Between ridetech, dse, bmr, speedtech and jakes there are plenty of great options at lower price points.


B-I-N-G-O


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/normal_897834534_zps1f14cdae-1.jpg (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/BMR-Suspension/media/70%2081%20F%20Body/normal_897834534_zps1f14cdae.jpg.html)


Our kit is a true bolt on kit with no fabrication. Here is a link to a install article that Super Chevy did a few years back:

http://www.superchevy.com/technical/chassis/suspension_steering/sucp_1111_bmr_rear_suspension_install_strong_arm/

MCB Matt
05-09-2013, 12:44 PM
Yes, espically up here in Nor Cal, trying to find a building to buy instead or renting anymore...over 1 mil for 5k sq foot.....stupid!

David Pozzi
05-10-2013, 10:53 AM
The combination of bringing fabrication in-house, plus relocating to Charlotte make great business sense. It gives them an east coast base, reduces cost, plus there are great NASCAR rescources in that area.
The California bureaucracy costs time & money.

badazz81z28
05-19-2013, 01:05 PM
Go figure...I use to live on the East coast, always complaining how everything was on the West coast...now I live in Cali. lol...

I have hopes for Nov, but of course I won't hold my breath. Its so late now, I question if it will even come out at all.

badazz81z28
11-18-2013, 07:14 PM
Updates?

badazz81z28
11-18-2013, 07:14 PM
Two years late...What is the latest?

MrQuick
11-19-2013, 12:05 AM
I don't think you will see anything till Jan-Feb. I think the price tag killed off the interest.

alphaenvirmgt
11-22-2013, 07:09 PM
I live about an hour from Mooresville! Been thinking I would go with DSE for my 74 Camaro but this is interesting! I will go check them out. Looking for front & rear suspension.
Conrad

alphaenvirmgt
11-26-2013, 12:59 PM
Interested.
Conrad

badazz81z28
11-28-2013, 01:24 PM
I just want to know if there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'm really looking at mini tub.

Nothingface5384
11-28-2013, 07:10 PM
I don't think you will see anything till Jan-Feb. I think the price tag killed off the interest.

Yeah I assumed it would be around same price as the torque arm kits by BMR and speedtech..boy was i wrong.
3 links looks stupid simple in design compared to a torquearm or quadralink setup

David Pozzi
11-29-2013, 09:41 AM
I have no news. John Hotchkis did say they are already outgrowing their new shop, & build quality is up with some savings on material costs already realized. Of course there has been a substantial up-front investment.

MrQuick
11-29-2013, 11:08 AM
the new new shop in NC? wow, at least there is room for growth there. DSE did the same thing. Good thing for the industry.

MrQuick
11-29-2013, 11:09 AM
Yeah I assumed it would be around same price as the torque arm kits by BMR and speedtech..boy was i wrong.
3 links looks stupid simple in design compared to a torquearm or quadralink setup
Don't let the simplicity fool you, there is a lot of engineering to put the links where they do the best and also fit.

badazz81z28
11-29-2013, 11:43 AM
Don't let the simplicity fool you, there is a lot of engineering to put the links where they do the best and also fit.


I would just just like to know if it's coming or not. My entire car is Hotchkis, I just feel it would be kind of lame to have a DSE, Ride tech etc on the rear and Hotchkis everywhere else....if I have to do that, all the Hotchkis is coming off. I don't want to do that....

Nothingface5384
11-29-2013, 05:51 PM
Oh i know, they built it with lots of adjustability in mind
just saying it looks like theirs nothing there compared to other setups

badazz81z28
11-29-2013, 10:30 PM
Oh i know, they built it with lots of adjustability in mind
just saying it looks like theirs nothing there compared to other setups



i really want want to showcase hotchkis, tons of people use DSE.

Jon @ Hotchkis
12-06-2013, 03:27 PM
Hey guys. I do have some good news for those of you who have been patiently waiting. With our new facility in NC up and running we have put this 3-link system on the front burner, and the guys in Mooresville will be working on finalizing this kit and getting it ready for market.

I will update this post when we have a better idea of a timeline and pricing. Thanks for the continued interest!

Rod
12-06-2013, 03:53 PM
Hey guys. I do have some good news for those of you who have been patiently waiting. With our new facility in NC up and running we have put this 3-link system on the front burner, and the guys in Mooresville will be working on finalizing this kit and getting it ready for market.

I will update this post when we have a better idea of a timeline and pricing. Thanks for the continued interest!

excellent to hear!

David Pozzi
12-06-2013, 04:54 PM
Great news!

70Uglybird
12-06-2013, 05:03 PM
Yes looking forward to seeing this option on the market!!

qnitro
12-06-2013, 05:08 PM
Sooon please I'm ready to order..

badazz81z28
12-06-2013, 06:08 PM
Jon,

Thanks for replying to my emails and updating the thread. Would you be able to tell us if the design has changed at all? We saw peeks if the kit on Mary's car a couple years ago, but I would imagine since so much time has passed, the kit has been changed.

DJW32
12-06-2013, 08:21 PM
Jon,
Any word on the first gen 3 link? Also, will there be a different price point? I remember the original version was $$$$ for what you got.

qnitro
03-22-2015, 05:55 PM
What ever happened to this kit? Seems it got dropped and no one ever bought one?

dhutton
03-23-2015, 03:47 AM
They never released it. Too many variable with rear ends etc apparently.

Don

badazz81z28
03-23-2015, 11:07 AM
They never released it. Too many variable with rear ends etc apparently.

Don

Strange, nobody else seems to have that issue. I gave up a year ago....DSE got my cash and a lot of it lol.

Nothingface5384
03-23-2015, 11:36 AM
I thought it was due to it being perceived as overpriced and therefore it wasnt recieved well..

wendell
03-23-2015, 01:43 PM
Lateral Dynamics built the slickest, no compromise 3link you could ever ask for. At the end of the day it wasn't "bolt in" enough for the market. Hotchkis don't learn the lesson till it was near too late. Folks would rather spend a couple grand on an all compromise 4 link and some Walmart coil overs for that "wicked stance". It's a funny hobby.

Nothingface5384
03-23-2015, 01:53 PM
Out of curiosity, how much did that kit go for?
Pretty sure the hotchkis was going to be around 4500?

badazz81z28
03-23-2015, 06:10 PM
I guess it could be argued, who's is? if that was the problem, they should have just made a 4 link like everyone else. I would have fired my R&D lead....




Lateral Dynamics built the slickest, no compromise 3link you could ever ask for. At the end of the day it wasn't "bolt in" enough for the market. Hotchkis don't learn the lesson till it was near too late. Folks would rather spend a couple grand on an all compromise 4 link and some Walmart coil overs for that "wicked stance". It's a funny hobby.

Hotchkis
03-24-2015, 11:20 AM
We are really sorry about the delay on this product. We've got two on the road and are doing intensive testing. After 3 versions we are not confident if we will end up bringing it to market; however should that change we will let everyone know.

Rod
03-24-2015, 01:04 PM
We are really sorry about the delay on this product. We've got two on the road and are doing intensive testing. After 3 versions we are not confident if we will end up bringing it to market; however should that change we will let everyone know.


still want one

CampbellshotrodsAZ
03-24-2015, 02:10 PM
Keep us posted. I'll be in the market for a rearend setup in about 6 months, with another 2 potential 2nd gen F-bodies to follow.

F-Body International
05-25-2015, 09:26 PM
Did this project completely die off??? Looked interesting when it broke news and was on the hotchkis website.

Hotchkis
05-26-2015, 07:20 AM
Not too much new, however we've got one more car that just got finished and we will be doing more testing in June! We are really excited about this kit however finding the right balance of simplicity and performance can be difficult. We want to make this kit as user friendly as possible yet still perform at or above the level performance everyone has come to expect from out products!

F-Body International
09-08-2015, 10:21 PM
What's the latest test results? I just ordered the rear sway bar frame mount "upgrade" directly from you guys last week. Should be purchasing a set of leaf springs from you guys this week as well. I hope to see this 3 link setup in the future.

Rod
09-09-2015, 07:40 AM
Not too much new, however we've got one more car that just got finished and we will be doing more testing in June! We are really excited about this kit however finding the right balance of simplicity and performance can be difficult. We want to make this kit as user friendly as possible yet still perform at or above the level performance everyone has come to expect from out products!

still want one

F-Body International
09-10-2015, 02:58 PM
still want one


x2

I just ordered leaf springs from Hotchkis today for my 2nd gen Trans Am. I have the sway bar, leaf spring and non-adjustable Hotchkis-Fox shocks for my rear suspension. The 3 link setup would be cool for a future mod.

badazz81z28
09-24-2015, 12:16 PM
x2

I just ordered leaf springs from Hotchkis today for my 2nd gen Trans Am. I have the sway bar, leaf spring and non-adjustable Hotchkis-Fox shocks for my rear suspension. The 3 link setup would be cool for a future mod.



2011.....I don't think you will see this soon. Can you imagine if I was holding my breath? What is the new expected production/release date?

F-Body International
09-24-2015, 08:27 PM
2011.....I don't think you will see this soon. Can you imagine if I was holding my breath? What is the new expected production/release date?

I remember when it was on the website "coming soon" so I understand. I'm just going to have to rock out the leaf spring setup and build other parts of my ride. There's so many suspension and frame setups for these muscle cars. Hotchkis seems to have a nice product line for bolt on replacement stock leaf spring and subframe applications.

badazz81z28
12-27-2016, 05:36 PM
So what happened??? 5 years later....