RE: DSI speed supensions for 70 Chevelle convertible, Best Speed stage set up?

[my70toys]

Hey Guys,

I had some Great advices and inputs from you Guys, from the start of my project, THANKS! On getting a Real 70 Chevelle SS convertible or 70 Malibu convertible for my Pro-touring project. Which in the end, I kept my Malibu convertible, :yeah:Yea, It sure feel great with No pressure to Cut and do things the way you want too. Can't imagine doing it on a Real SS convertible and the extra $$ cost for it. Then regarding the LS3 powerplant there were three options, pretty confusing on which one, since prices were so close together, anyways I think I feel pretty comfortable on my choice, went in between since it's a convertible, I don't want to choke myself with the LS3/525hp.

Heres the run down on My 1970 Chevelle convertible, Full new Transplant, just installed LS3/480hp, Tremec T-56 6 spds, Mattson's Rad, Eddie Motorsport serpentine, Vintage Air kit, Classic Dash with Phantom II gauges (was going with Dakota D, but dial colors and combo just didn't feel right for me, in my opinion), BMW E64 seats front and rear(looks a bit tricky to install), Budnik steering wheel, and etc. Now it's on to Suspensions.

I would like to ask your opinions and experiences on DSI Speed suspension kits? I was thinking of Global West, Hotchkis, and DSI. I finalize on DSI kits. Looking to do front and rear Speed kit. My built would be for weekends drives around town, touring few hundreds miles here and there, maybe track it went ever that will be, probably once in a blue moon, and No Racing. My two options: Front Speed kit 1 w/Coil spring Koni shocks and Rear Speed kit 2 w/Coil Spring Koni shocks, Or the Front Speed kit 2 w/Coilover spring and Rear Speed kit 3 w/Coilover spring. What is your take and thoughts? Which set up do you guys recommend? Why? Any guys with this DSI set up on your Chevelle and what your experience is? Any change you would do different? I heard the Coilover spring are a bit hard or stiff to Tour on, is that true? I've call up DSI techs, one suggest Koni shock, the other suggest Coilover spring, he said DSI are different than any other coilovers, More testing with DSI. :cheers:Thanks in advance!

[chevelletiger]

Dse? Lol
Stay away from koni,there customer support on buying parts to rebuild your shocks sucks. they wont let you buy parts unless your a dealer,and wont give you any tech advice on rebuilding the. I have dse front double adjustable coil over kit based off the afco shocks and love them.

[my70toys]

Oops, yea, DSE, I was thinking Co call Detroit Speed Inc, that why. Chevelletiger, any specific reason why not Koni? I'm surprised, I've spoke to two different reps, different days, They were Really helpful went I ask questions, also I've ask if I had to buy directly from there Dearlers, which they were willing to sell directly to me, got a price quote and everything. I really want to know from first hand users of DSE, rather than reps from the brand itself.

[hotrodalex]

For ride quality, adjustable shocks are the most helpful. Even with stiff spring rates, you can soften the shocks up for street driving and it will be fairly comfortable.

I like the adjustability options of coilovers, but a regular coil spring and adjustable shock is just as good as long as you are happy with the ride height.

[gray86hach]

I have Koni on my camaro and they are a really nice shock for the money. Just put 200 miles on my car in the last 24 hours no complaints with the dse springs bars and control arms. My wife thought the car rode really good

Tim

[Marcus SC&C]

Out of the three companies you mentioned I think DSE is the better choice in this case. For your application the parts from the Speed 1 package are your best bet. That said the Koni shocks used in the kit are very old tech (1968!) and you have much better choices today. More modern shocks will provide better handling,better drivability and better ride quality. I`d go with Varishock SS non adjustables if you want to want a really good modern Grand Touring shock that is nearly the same price as the old Konis.
Before you buy anything you may want to give a call and take advantage of our Free Suspension Counseling Service to compare the merits of the various systems that are available. We work with and install all brands at our shop so we can often help give you some additional perspective.