Chris Alston chassisworks G-Street coilovers

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Hi, my name is Adam. This is my first post after years of searching on here! I apologize if these questions have been answered but I have searched just about every possible key word to get my answer on this kit and the only thread I found was on lateral-g and the only reply was "its a nice piece"
I am in the Army and currently stationed in Korea and trying to get all of my parts together to finish the build on my 68 Camaro when I get home. LQ9/L92/T56 setup is all ready to go in I just need the subframe components to start putting this thing together. I am shooting for an excellent handling street performer as well as a car I can play around with at the track (both pro-touring and drag) on the weekends. Basically just want a good all around suspension that I can still dial in for road manners since this car will be driven A LOT. I pretty much had my mind made up as far as what I was going to do with the suspension but while I was in the field I read the book "how to make your muscle car handle" and like many times before it got me thinking and I may have changed my mind again.
My main questions are regarding the Chris Alston gstreet coilover kit. I have been doing a TON of researching during my 18 month deployment and have found near zero information on this kit. Is it new? I like how it is a true coilover kit from a box and not the hybrid like the QA1 setup which puts the excess loads on the shocks causing them to leak. The book had a small blurb in there about the kit which prompted me to look it up on the chassiworks site. Here are my questions.
1. It states on the site that the kit gives 5.5” of crossmember ground clearance. Where does this put it in relation to stock? (my fiancé bought me the car minus engine and trans so I have no comparison) I am looking at between a 2-3” drop in the front. Through researching on pro-touring.com and camaros.net I was getting numbers for stock ground clearance from 6-9 inches at the crossmember so basically like everything with these cars it is different depending on the car but I would appreciate a good ballpark amount of drop. I want to make sure that I get the ground clearance I am looking for while ensuring the shock is in the proper position to give me approximately a 50-50 rebound vs. compression at ride height while using the entire travel of the shock.
2. Are the gstreet lower arms compatible with the SPC upper arms? My original plan (well newest original plan) was to use these upper arms and modify a lower from another manufacturer to accept the bearing type coilover using the chicane setup from ATS to ensure I get the shock in the proper location for my ride height and suspension geometry. But these lower arms look perfect for what I was planning I just couldn’t find any information on whether they included any geometry correction. Some manufacturers put their geometry correction (camber and caster) in their lower arms while others add it to the uppers. I wanted to ensure that if the lowers had it also that I wouldn’t be overdoing positive caster gains for example with using the SPC uppers and the guldstrand mod which I had planned.
3. Is there any benefit for designing my own upper coilover mount or using the chicane (ATS mount) for use with a bearing style coilover mount vs. the stud type found on this kit if it in fact offers the ride height I am after? By the looks of it I believe a ¼” bearing shock mount like the ATS one would be a hell of a lot stronger than the weak stock style upper shock mount which was never designed to support the weight of the vehicle. This would also offer me the ability to build the mount with a specific shock/springs combo in mind so I can get the lengths perfect for the shock and suspension to operate at the correct ride height.
I believe that is all the questions I have for now, I am sorry for a long post it is just near the time when I have to get these parts at my door so I can start playing as soon as I get back to the States. I appreciate any information you can provide! I also hope this thread will help anyone else looking at this type of setup.
Very respectfully,
Adam

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Holy Crap. just realized how long that really was... SORRY! Guess I need to calm down the word vomit! I still hope someone has some info for me if they can make sense of it all!
Adam

[L & H Kustoms]

Adam, The chassisworks Gstreet soilover work well but I highly recommend the the Ridetech tru boltin coilovers instead. They are a very well built and better coilover. They also use the same swivelball stud top and are a true bolt in coilover and not conversion coilover like the QA1. I am using the Ridetech coilovers on our shop car and already have the rears and the front boltin coilovers will be here on Friday. I will post up some pics when they arrive. I have a sale going on for all of the Ridetech line including free shipping. I am a dealer for both Ridetech and Varishock/Chassisworks but feel like the new Ridetech coilovers are better built and new technology. Pm Me for a price quote.

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Could you please supply a link where I could take a look at the ridetech system? Their site is down and after checking yours and other sponsors sites I couldn't find any information on the system and all my searches have turned up either about the shockwave air systems or "the coilover conversion is coming soon from ridetech". haha. I'm curious if the system includes the same or similar to control arms as the air system or if these must be sourced seperately.
Thanks!

[ProdigyCustoms]

The Ridetech coil over conversion requires their lower arm as their arm has a drop pocket for additional travel of the shock. Your not finidng any pics because none are posted yet, but pics are coming soon.

[L & H Kustoms]

Could you please supply a link where I could take a look at the ridetech system? Their site is down and after checking yours and other sponsors sites I couldn't find any information on the system and all my searches have turned up either about the shockwave air systems or "the coilover conversion is coming soon from ridetech". haha. I'm curious if the system includes the same or similar to control arms as the air system or if these must be sourced seperately.
Thanks!

The Ridetech System uses the same strong arms as their shockwave setup. My Front Coilovers for our shop car will be here on Friday and I'll post up some pics for you too take a look at. Here is a link to their boltin coilovers.
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-systems/application-coil-overs/1967-1969-chevy-camaro-firebird-coilover-front-system-single-adjustable.html

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

The Ridetech system is starting to sound better and better. I would really appreciate pictures as I have not sene any of this kit! I am wondering if it is something with either the internet in Korea or the military internet but nothing from the Ridetech site has ever worked for me over here. It says page cannot be displayed. I always assumed it had something to do when they changed names but even the link from L & H which I assume is a good link did not work.
I am glad to hear that the kit uses the same arms as the shockwave setup. They look like sturdy pieces. I dislike the mounts used in most of the bolt in setups because common sense just tells me that is not the strongest or most effective way to mount a shock that is supporting the entire weight of the car.
I have not done a lot of research on ridetech because they mostly specialized in air ride technology which I really wasn't interested in so I would like to know what kind of geometry improvements they incorporate into their arms? They look strong and well designed but I want to ensure I would be getting similar geometry if I used another name brand control arm or if I would need to use taller ball joints coupled with the g-mod.
One last question. If I used the ride tech control arms coupled with the chicane coilover brackets would this be worth it? It gives me the ability to more easily order the correct length/spring rates of shocks and springs to work with my system not to mention the upper bracket would be a lot stronger than the stock stud style. Is this really worth it? I am planning a 2-3" drop.
Thanks again for the reply's!
Adam

[L & H Kustoms]

Adam here is a picture. Hope this works I am not near a computer and doing this on my iPhone
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/d0e26dcd-1.jpg

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Thanks a ton for that picture. It definitely illustrates excellant build quality! Is that the exact coilover used with the Ridetech upper and lower arms? Or do they come with single or double adjustable? Spring rates?

Adam

[marolf101x]

Here's a link to our coil over page:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/musclecar/suspension-components-musclecar/ridetech-coilovers-musclecar/

In case you cannot see it here's a list of the available spring rates (we use American made Hyperco springs):
Available Springs
Free Length ID Spring Rate
6" 2.5" 600, 700, 800 #/in
7" 2.5" 175, 200, 275, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750 #/in
8" 2.5" 150, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 450, 475, 500 #/in
10" 2.5" 150, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 450, 475, 500 #/in
12" 2.5" 150, 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 450, 475, 500 #/in

The image of the shocks in the previous post is a picture of our single-adjustable units. The coil overs come in:
non-adjustable
single adjustable
and coming very soon, triple adjustable (rebound adjustment through shaft; high speed compression and low speed compression adjustment on remote reservoir)
You can see vids in this post:
http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=30191&page=2&highlight=triple+adjustable

The coil overs are designed to be used with our upper and lower Strong Arms (same ones used with Shockwaves) and have the proper length shock and spring. The fitment for the first gen camaro is done. We use 600# springs in the front that provide a great ride quality while still providing a "sport car" feel. If you want more "race car" feel you can step up to 650# or 700# spring rate in the front.

We do use the stock upper shock mount (opposed to fabricating a new mount) as we have personally beat on our cars more than normal people ever will (ever seen Velocity at an event?) and we have thousands of customer vehicles on the road with this set up.
Common sense prevails, however. If the welds on the stock mount look like they were done on Monday morning, or if the metal is cracked the bracket needs to be re-welded and/or replaced with good metal. If you have concerns, add weld. It's cheap insurance.

We do not do the Goldstrand mod to our cars as we run our taller spindle, which accomplishes the same thing:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-components/components-hardware/spindles/ridetech-spindle.html

The best part of our kit is that it is 100% bolt in, and you can convert back to stock if that first gen ever fetches big money in stock form. Add to that the fact that the engineering is done, and you have a complete, simple to install kit that will perform with anything on the market.

[formula]

The ridetechs are an excellent set, no doubt--I actually have them on my car and have for about 5 years now (the bags, not their new coilovers) and their customer service has been second to none.

One thing that I feel like, from reading your first post, is that you're not necessarily afraid of a more involved installation than just bolt and go if it improves suspension geometry. Because of that, I just wanted to point you towards Detroit Speed's Speed Kit 2--It includes a redesigned upper shock pocket and matching UCA mounting pad that both ensure longterm survivability of the shock and significantly improve the camber curve of the front suspension over anything that mounts to the stock location.

Like I said, not trying to push you away from your current plan--I really do like the ridetech stuff and even run ridetech lowers and SPC uppers, just like you were thinking--but the DSE gear would push you just a little bit further if you want to go that way. I know in retrospect I wish I'd gone that route.

[redfire69]

I've been waiting for ridetech to package this as kit as well. Curious to see the final pricing for comparison to others.

[marolf101x]

Our retail pricing is pretty easy to figure out. As we now have a TON of options for a lot of vehicles we have set it up "a-la-carte". (We'll be offering "Level" kits with coil overs as well, we just have not gotten that far)

First, go here (for this example we'll use the first gen Camaro as the OP is looking for these parts):
http://www.ridetech.com/store/musclecar/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V174

Second, choose the parts you want. So, for this example:
Lower Control Arms: $600
Upper Control Arms: $400
Single Adjustable Coil Over shocks: $700
Grand Total: $1700

Want to add spindles?
Tall Spindle: $350
Grand Total: $2050

[redfire69]

Good information here. Where does a car land in ride height with 600# springs and stock spindles. Obviously lower w your spindles. What brakes do your spindles support? Sorry for the hijack. thanks again....

[marolf101x]

Ride height is about 2 to 2.5-inches lower than stock.

The spindles support any brake kit that fits a stock GM A-Body (Chevelle).

[Tech@Scotts]

Bout darn time.....

[marolf101x]

LOL!

There are only so many hours in the day. Between air suspension, coil overs, UTV's, military projects and every day items we seem to run out of hours.

Keep an eye on our website. It'll be updated as we get vehicle fitments finished.

[Tech@Scotts]

Excusses excusses can't fool and old coworker britt I know you only have a 1000 things going on at once instead of the 1000000 LOL

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Britt- I really appreciate all the great info. The 2-2.5" ride height you quoted is that using the spindles and the coilovers? I know the spindles are a two inch drop so I am a little disappointed the coilover system is only designed around a possible .5" drop. I was trying not to utilize drop spindles. Makes sense I guess to do it that way... one, you get 350 more dollars, and two you have a longer shock and spring which should give a better ride. But....I'm planning to run a 17" or 18" wheels but would still like to avoid some of the other headaches that come with dropped spindles (not to mention an extra $350! haha also I had already had some Bear brakes lined up to fit the stockers. Since it sounds like these kits will be sold ala-carte at least for now are their different length shocks available with this design? I absolutely refuse to be THAT guy who cranks down his coilovers to get the ride height to look good while only having an 1" or less of shock travel and feeling every ant that gets run over. Sorry, performance OVER cool! too bad i want both... not to mention higher roll center!
Thanks for ALL the reply's, I really appreciate them all while I try to get this thing all figured out. Anybody have alignment specs for what they were able to get with the ridetech shockwave setup?? Arms are the same. Has anybody ever suffered from a broken upper control arm? The design looks pretty but not quite as beefy as some of the others out there with crossbracing and such. They are pretty inexpensive too.... which you would think would be a good thing but the price compared to others and then too their lowers has me thinking that a lot of engineering may have gone into everything else and the UCA got left out?? Any thoughts? Stick with SPC uppers? or the countless other options...
Thanks for all the help! I'm getting things narrowed down! at least until somebody else steps in and says "hey, have you thought about this???"

Adam

[Tech@Scotts]

Adam as a prior Ridetech employee I can say since I am no longer there, we NEVER had an issue with an upper arm failing in any scenario. I was Sales/ Tech/Warranty and never came upon an issue... Also I'm sure they have coil overs set up with a drop designed into them with out having to utilize a drop spindle although Britt will have to chime in on this one because I left late October just before the vehicle specific coil overs where launched.
Also correct me if I am wrong brit but non adjustable are 600.00 single 650.00???
Comparing prices (the 350.00) difference is like comparing a mercedes E350 to a S550 both quality pieces but they are different animals the Ridetech coil over is a mono tube impact forged shock (New technology) versus a dual tube machined shock (old but still good) Also Ridetech teamed up with Fox on these which makes them a stellar piece!!!!!

[MuscleRodz]

I have a customer that just ordered a Speedtech frame and torque arm set up with Ridetechs new coil overs. I am awaiting pics from him on it since he just got it a few weeks back and currently installing it. Speedtech has them on their new Nova and have been very impressed with them.

[L & H Kustoms]

Adam the 2-2.5" drop does not include using their 2" Drop spindle and you can order the coilovers in either the 3.6" stroke or 4.1" stroke depending on what you want your ride height set at. I am using the 3.6" stroke Coilover to get me about 2.5-3" lower than stock.

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

That is what I was hoping to hear! But hmm... yet another thing to think about! I would probably stick with the 4.1" travel since it will be driven on the street a lot. You think that extra half inch of travel would make a difference? Any chance you know the compressed and extended lengths of the shocks?

Mike- Pictures are worth a thousand words! I am anxiously waiting to see what those coilovers look like in between those arms! Although I imagine they look better with that speedtech frame than the stocker I am rebuilding. lol

Adam

[marolf101x]

Control Arms:
Our control arms are built out of .219 wall DOM tubing and laser cut plates, so they may not look like much in the pictures but they are extremely stout. Like Jon was saying, we've never had an issue breaking control arms. . .and we've tried.

Alignment:
We could take Velocity to almost 2-degrees negative camber at ride height. We didn't run this much, as it would pull the tire decreasing the contact patch, but we could get it there.

Shock Strokes:
We use a 3.6" stroke shock in our package that includes the dropped spindle.
We use a 2.9" stroke shock in our package that uses the stock spindle.

Both shocks utilize a 2.75" stud mount to mount to the frame.
We offer 3 lengths of stud mounts.
So just in two shock stroke lengths you have six overall length options.

Believe me, it's not as easy as saying "I'll just use a 4.1" stroke shock cause I need more travel on the street". A 4.1" stroke shock, when used in a 2:1 motion ratio suspension will bottom out sooner than the same set up with a 3.6" stroke shock, and will have virtually no compression travel when used with a stock spindle.

[L & H Kustoms]

Fedex just dropped off my front coilovers. These things are stout. I like the use of the Delrin pivot. These are by far a much stronger and better design than the bolt in varishocks. I am using PTFB tubular arms and just waiting for Dave to get them finished up and I'll get all this mocked up and on the car.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/7d8cba6c-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/02/5e277431-1.jpg

[scherp69]

I have a customer that just ordered a Speedtech frame and torque arm set up with Ridetechs new coil overs. I am awaiting pics from him on it since he just got it a few weeks back and currently installing it. Speedtech has them on their new Nova and have been very impressed with them.


Well that answers the one question I had. I thought that Speed Tech built their control arms to run the ridetech stuff.

What do you guys think of the electric Ridetech shocks. I'm really leaning towards dumping my QA1's and gettting those. I love the idea of being able to adjust them in car.

[TBART70]

SpeedTech. this is second gen stuff though

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?77175-New-suspension

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

I will be out in the field the next week playing army so I won't be able to answer any posts or PMs but I look forward to seeing whats up when I get back! does speedtech sell a lower arm for a first gen with a coilover mount? I have seen where people have modified them to accept coilovers but those pictures look like they came that way?

Adam

[L & H Kustoms]

Adam, You can get the Ridetech coilovers with a lower trunion mount to work on factory or aftermarket control arms although I wouldnt use the trunion mount on oem arms.

[RAnthony97]

Would the StrongArms work with ATS spindles?

[MuscleRodz]

Would the StrongArms work with ATS spindles? yes

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Still thawing out but I am back from the field! If the 3.6" stroke shocks would give me about 2.5-3" of drop what would the recommended tire size be to keep from any rubbing? I have gone all over the wheel fitment pages and the only people that give their ride heights are the ones that have 2" drop. Would the extra inch have any effect on tire fitment? I am also planning on running the Baer T4 brake kit that works with my stock spindles and I believe that may push the wheel mounting surface (WMS) out just a bit? Anybody have any experience with this kit/brakes and tire fitment. I am thinking about a 17-18" front wheel and prefer to have a moderate size tire height (this isn't a honda) was thinking around a 235/45/17. Anybody know if this drop would allow rubbing in bump or a problem with turning radius with say 4.5" of BS and 8" wide wheel?

Adam

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

I know you can't give exact tire sizes without me getting everything together and doing some measuring I am just trying not to get over my head with something that is going to limit my front tire size tremendously. Thanks!
Adam

[L & H Kustoms]

Adam you should be able to run a 245 tire at that ride height. I would probably use a 4-3/4" bs. The Baer T4 front kit will push the wheels out .900" per side from a drum brake setup. But you wont have any issue with rubbing as long as the wheel specs are correct. if using the Ridetech strong arms with your stock spindles you will want to use tall bj as the are designed for a tall spindle. I also have excellent pricing on Baer brakes and free shipping when your ready.

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Thanks for bringing that up!!! I did have one more question about the strongarms. I am doing the G-mod but I have heard that tall ball joints are still a good idea. Are there tall ball joints available with them or do they use stock style ball joints so I can use any for a 1st Gen Camaro?? THanks!
ADam

[L & H Kustoms]

Thanks for bringing that up!!! I did have one more question about the strongarms. I am doing the G-mod but I have heard that tall ball joints are still a good idea. Are there tall ball joints available with them or do they use stock style ball joints so I can use any for a 1st Gen Camaro?? THanks!
ADam
Adam they do not offer the tall balljoints just the stock style but I can get you them as well. I would not recommend doing the gmod and the tall ball joints. I would just use the strong arms and tall ball joints to get the neg camber gain and the strong arms have + caster built in. No need to do the g-mod

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

I hate to break into this since it has been discussed a thousand times, but doesn't the gmod do virtually the exact same thing as the upper ball joints? just changing whether you change the pivot point on the a-arm mounting side or the spindle side? If this is correct from what you are saying I should be fine with using the balljoints that come with the arms if I do the gmod? Or am I off somehow?? If it is really necessary to use the tall ball joints then I would probably use the ridetech lowers and coilovers and go with the SPC uppers with tall BJ's. SO many decisions!
Adam

[marolf101x]

Well, things just got a little easier as we now have development finished for direct bolt-in coil over packages for the first gen camaro:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-systems/?subcats=Y&features_hash=V174.V253


Again, If you use the stock spindle you cannot use the 3.6" stroke shock. You'll need to use the 2.9" stroke version.

You can choose whatever parts you want, but I personally prefer to get everything from a single, reputable vendor as you know the engineering has been done for you.
If you want to see what it'll look like Velocity ran upper and lower strong arms with the tall spindle. That car had 245's up front on 18" CCW wheels.
http://www.ridetech.com/garage/1968-camaro-velocity/
(tire and wheel specs are listed on the page)

NOTE: Velocity did run our modular sway bar as we needed extra clearance when turning:
http://www.ridetech.com/store/suspension-components/musclebar-swaybar/1967-1969-chevy-camaro-firebird-musclebar-front.html

[ProdigyCustoms]

I would NOT combine and of these three, Tall Ball Joint, G mod or Tall Spindle. I would do one or another. Each will give you plenty of camber gain. Tall ball joint is my least favorite option. With the Ride Tech kit it is designed to work with their tall spindle which will also give you the additional drop you want.

So for you, very simple

Ride Tech uppers, lowers, spindles and coil overs. You will get the drop you want, The extra travel from the drop pocket shock mounting, tons of camber gain, all proven and tested.

I would not start mixing and matching

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

With the ridetech 2" drop spindles will I have the same tie rod clearence issues apparent with other drop spindles? I searched but couldn't find ridetech spindle exclusive info. I finally was able to get on the ridetech website!!! I downloaded the instructions for the spindles and it mentioned that they lowered the height of the mounting holes for the tie rods. I know this is good to correct factory bumpsteer but with the added spindle drop wouldn't this limit me to using at least an 18" wheel to run decent bs? Not that I am against this but I also don't want to be limited if possible. I saw in the pictures of the velocity camaro that with that tire size (same as I want) it still had adequate tie rod clearance but it didn't say whether it had stock or dropped ride height.
If this isn't going to be an issue I guess I will bite the bullet and dish out the extra cash if it is best way to go. I want to be cost effective but also don't want to cut corners.
Thanks All,
Adam

[ProdigyCustoms]

We have done multiple cars using the Ride Tech spindles. 18s clear the Ride Tech Spindle steering arms with room to spare. Get this stuff all matched, you will be happy you did.

[BeerB8AmmoGRITS]

Alright, sounds like a plan. Guess I will bite the bullet and go with the full kit. Happy about taking some of the guesswork out so there won't be any surprises when everything goes back together. Basically getting to the point where I can't wait to make the purchase and I can stop stressing over all the options! This has actually been harder than the engine choices. The next headache will be the rear suspension/axle choices.

Adam