what type of shocks to use after lowering?

[69projectKAOS]

when i get the camaro back from paint and bodywork, i am goin to install my hotchkis sway bars, hotchkis drop springs and dse 3" drop leafs. i was wondering what shock should i use after i lower it? and what else should i get suspension wise to make the car handle like a newer car?? thanks-dom

[JRouche]

Good question. But its a lil open ended. Personally I like a compliant (soft) spring and a stiff bar with some adjustable shocks.

Nice soft springs to actually do some work, just enough to hold up the front end. A heavy bar to control roll but matched to the rear. And some double adjustable shocks to bring up the tuning to follow the road. I like an adjustable shock and a mellow spring. Why?? Dunno, just seems to work for me. Mine is a street car so I like the springs to take the load but want the shocks to control the rate of movement.

And alot of guys will go the other way. Stiff spring to plant the tire and mellow shock to follow. I see this as backwards. The spring should support the car, keep the tire in contact but the shock should keep it in contact, LONG enough with proper valving to provide a consistent drive.

So, I like a spring that will allow the suspension to do its work and the controlling (tuning if its an adjustable shock) force is the shocks. The shocks control, the springs suspend.

I think the shocks should control the rate of movement, not the springs. And if the springs or coilovers are too stiff then the shocks dont get a chance to do their thing.

I dont know. Just my thoughts :) JR

Oh, and Im sorry I didnt say a specific shock to use. Your original question.. I cant say. There are soooo many good shocks out there. I would go with an adjustable shock though. Ummm? Bilsteins, Koni, Penske, QA1, Varishock.. So many great shocks available... How deep is your wallet????

[130fe]

Several have used the hotchkis-valved bilstiens with a similiar spring combo with success. I used the QA1 adjustables on my hotchkis front/rear springs, pretty good.

[69projectKAOS]

i was looking at the qa-1`s but im gunna have to wait till the next paycheck to order then, but i got time because the car is in paint right now so it could be a while

[Hotchkis]

The key with shocks is getting the absolute best product you can afford. The Bilsteins we sell are specifically valved for each application, so they offer a comfortable yet sporty ride and fantastic performance. QA1s are pretty good if you're looking for an adjustable unit. Just try to avoid the inexpensive auto parts store type shocks, as even the "performance" models don't work very well. The reason is that companies like Monroe and Gabriel just up the charge for a firmer ride on the parts they call high performance. The result is a choppy, uncomfortable ride... and on less than perfect surfaces reduced traction. The high-quality aftermarket shocks use machined valves to allow superior traction and damping without the choppiness. Just food for thought...

[Bryce]

i like afco, I have had great results with their double adjustable T2