Looking for feedback on this set up from Ridetech by anyone using it on their 2nd gen

[cpd004]

Im thinking of using this set up on my 71 Firebird which I would like to have a more performance orientated ride.

http://www.ridetech.com/store/1970-1981-chevy-camaro-complete-coilover-system.html

Upgraded to Heim joints and their Musclebar set up.

[Schwartz Performance]

Ridetech makes great stuff. We also have a full frame for these cars if the budget allows.

If you're planning for the Ridetech were a dealer for them and can help you through the process.

-Dale

[cpd004]

Thanks Dale. Looking for feedback right now from those using this system on their 2nd gen's.

[bret]

Finch has used several on customer cars...ask him. Also, Albert Melchior has a couple of cars with that system under them.
I can tell you ALL about it...but I figured you were looking for someone not so...biased :)

[cpd004]

Bret, I appreciate the info. You're right, I am looking for unbiased feedback.

[alphaenvirmgt]

I think you are wise to buy everything from one manufacturer! That way you have some assurance that it will all work together! It is truly a crap shoot if you mix & match!
Conrad

[cpd004]

Ok...say I go with this kit minus the heim upgrade (per RT's suggestion) and the DSE minitub kit. I'm thinking of running 18" YO Honeycombs. I think Nick from Ridetech (?) mentioned that for front tires I'd be at 275/35/18 and rear 335/30/18 at the Crown Point stop of Power Tour. Is anyone else running this at all? If so, pics would be helpful as well as comments or concerns. If anyone has suggestions on the rim width and back spacing using those sizes, I'd appreciate that as well.

[Flying Bandit]

I just installed the stage 2 coil over kit on my car. I loved the ease of adjusting the ride height and single adjustable shocks. Only took a couple of test rides to get the car riding real nice.

I still need to get an alignment yet but can tell it is going to be nice to drive.

[cpd004]

I just installed the stage 2 coil over kit on my car. I loved the ease of adjusting the ride height and single adjustable shocks. Only took a couple of test rides to get the car riding real nice.

I still need to get an alignment yet but can tell it is going to be nice to drive.

What did you go with for wheels?

[Flying Bandit]

I am going in stages. Wheels tires and brakes next. Right now I still have original 15x8 snowflakes on it.

[cpd004]

Anyone else? Still looking for pics and to see what a mix of the DSE tubs and Ridetech package look like.

[GeoffP]

How's this for unbiased feedback - I absolutely love my 68 Camaro since I installed the full RideTech setup including Heim joints on all the links! I'm planning to mini-tub in a year or two but no plans for other changes. That's just how good it is!

[srh3trinity]

Check out syborgtt's Camaro build. He has the ridetech setup with dse tubs.

[spinedoc]

Anyone else have the Level 1 or 2 on their second gen? I am also looking seriously at this and wanted to hear some real world feedback and maybe chat on the phone with some owners who have this. I spoke with Ridetech, as well as several vendors who sell their product, and although they assure me they sell plenty of these kits, no one has put me in touch with an owner of the system. I looked at Alberts pages and see he likes the kits, which is good, but I couldn't get a hold of him.

I spoke with one perosn who had the level 2 kit on their 71, and when he dumped the clutch to do a burnout, the rearend rotated up and hit the floor along with the driveshaft, bending his driveshaft. He states it may have been an anomaly, but I would like to hear what others who have experience with the system think of it.

I was just hoping to hear from more people who have done this conversion before I drop thousands on it. Thanks.

[cpd004]

I bit the bullet and did the Level 2. I actually was surprised by how much better the ride and handling was. I expected better, but it was much, much better. I don't have many miles on the set up as winter came and so did an engine swap. Come spring I'll have more feedback.

[MuscleRodz]

Anyone else have the Level 1 or 2 on their second gen? I am also looking seriously at this and wanted to hear some real world feedback and maybe chat on the phone with some owners who have this. I spoke with Ridetech, as well as several vendors who sell their product, and although they assure me they sell plenty of these kits, no one has put me in touch with an owner of the system. I looked at Alberts pages and see he likes the kits, which is good, but I couldn't get a hold of him.

I spoke with one perosn who had the level 2 kit on their 71, and when he dumped the clutch to do a burnout, the rearend rotated up and hit the floor along with the driveshaft, bending his driveshaft. He states it may have been an anomaly, but I would like to hear what others who have experience with the system think of it.

I was just hoping to hear from more people who have done this conversion before I drop thousands on it. Thanks.I have seen something similar but the pinion angle was not set correctly and the upper link tabs were not welded in the correct position. If the upper links are not installed correctly the car can feel very squirrely. If done correctly it is a riot to drive. A buddy of mine has the Ridetech 4 link in his 71 Camaro and it is stupid fast. Also unless your trying to get 10/10ths out of it, I would suggest not getting the heim ends. Once they get a little wear on them they tend to get noisy and can transfer alot of road noise into the cabin.

[yellow1098Greg]

Great topic that I have been researching and wondering the same thing for months. The real world difference of the level 2 kit on my 77 Ta. As was mentioned a bit in this thread so far, how different will the car feel with my year one snowflakes from stock along with solid bushing and subframe connectors. And how much more suited the car will be on the track and strip for improved performance. hopefully this one will keep going and we will get to hear more feedback. (Btw did the price of these kits go up)?

[Schroeder]

I too am a guy who has my selection of 4 link for my 77 TA down to the DSE 4 link or this ridetech set up. I do and dont like the bolt in of their 4 link. Of course bolt on stuff is easier to install, but it always strikes me as an easy way out and I always wonder if the bolt on kits are "short cuts" and are not as good as a full install kit that requires the extra bit of work. I have a 77 TA. I plan on mini-tubbing and running 335s on the rear on a moser 9" with big c6 z51 brakes. I too would like input on this.

Sorry to revive an old topic, but I don't think its THAT old, and there never was a

[yellow1098Greg]

Bring it back! Haha ...these thousands need to be worth it :)

[bret]

I too am a guy who has my selection of 4 link for my 77 TA down to the DSE 4 link or this ridetech set up. I do and dont like the bolt in of their 4 link. Of course bolt on stuff is easier to install, but it always strikes me as an easy way out and I always wonder if the bolt on kits are "short cuts" and are not as good as a full install kit that requires the extra bit of work. I have a 77 TA. I plan on mini-tubbing and running 335s on the rear on a moser 9" with big c6 z51 brakes. I too would like input on this.

Sorry to revive an old topic, but I don't think its THAT old, and there never was a

You can certainly weld the RideTech system in...no problem with that. In fact, some of the gen 2 cars have thin, damaged, or rusted rear framerails. In those cases i would recommend welding the frame brackets on.

[cpd004]

One minor gripe...and I can't seem to get an answer from Ridetech...is that I can't flip the rear shocks to be able to adjust the shocks from the bottom instead of the top. I have the single adjustable shocks. The shock part around the bolt hole is thicker on the bottom. Flipping it to have that area on top is not possible as it is too wide to fit in the bracket. It would be way easier to just reach under and turn the knob at the bottom rather than lay down and feel my way up to turn the knob.

[bret]

One minor gripe...and I can't seem to get an answer from Ridetech...is that I can't flip the rear shocks to be able to adjust the shocks from the bottom instead of the top. I have the single adjustable shocks. The shock part around the bolt hole is thicker on the bottom. Flipping it to have that area on top is not possible as it is too wide to fit in the bracket. It would be way easier to just reach under and turn the knob at the bottom rather than lay down and feel my way up to turn the knob.
Yes, they can be run with the adjuster knob at the bottom, no problem. Thats the way we tyoically run ours.
Im curious as to who you tried to contact and got no response? Phone or email? Dates/times? Just trying to make things better...

[cpd004]

Not sure if as a sponsor you can access my PM's, but there are several there back and forth and I also emailed a different person. I tried flipping it and the upper bracket that holds the shock will not let go far enough in to allow the bolt to go through. I'm not sure if the single adjustable are different than the others but it just wouldn't work. I can send pics after I get under the car if it will make it more clear.

[David Pozzi]

PM's are private and cannot be accessed by sponsors or even moderators.

[bret]

Not sure if as a sponsor you can access my PM's, but there are several there back and forth and I also emailed a different person. I tried flipping it and the upper bracket that holds the shock will not let go far enough in to allow the bolt to go through. I'm not sure if the single adjustable are different than the others but it just wouldn't work. I can send pics after I get under the car if it will make it more clear.

Forum pms are typically the least effecient path of communication...you never know when a specific person is traveling or on vacation, and unable to respond. A direct phone call or email is always best.

The hq series shock body is .100" shorter than the tq series from the bearing centerline to the cheek of the body. We did that originally because we did not have to accommodate the remote reservoir hose fitting in the body.
It is unusual for a hq owner to run their shocks upside down because they typically aren't that serious about tuning...its usually find a great setting for ride quality and leave it.
The latest brackets have enough clearance for both shocks, but that is a recent revision.
Bottom line...spend 30 seconds with a grinder to relieve the area of the bracket that interferes with the tq body. Smear a dab of black paint on it to prevent rust amd your'e done.
[email protected] can provide more info if neccessary.

Do send pictures of your overall project though...we'll post them on our facebook and website areas.
Thx!

[cpd004]

Thanks Bret. At least that's an answer. I had everyone saying they should work but no one could tell me why mine wasn't. I called, emailed and then sent PM's. I am very happy with the ride. My topics through all of the communications were the flipping issue and ride height related.