? about Hotchkis front coils

[FatfreeGTO]

I currently have the Hotchkis 1901F springs in my car. The distance from the ground to the center of the wheel well is 25.5" I'm going to attach a picture because to me it doesn't seem to be lower then stock. I realize old springs sag. I have a few hundred miles and 2 years of having these installed but I want the front to be around 1" lower then it currently is. What does everyone think, should I cut them or buy the 2" drop springs 19112f?
If I do cut them any tips on how much to cut and if I should cut the top or bottom of the spring?

It is extremely likely that I will be changing out my stock upper control arms to something aftermarket and going with a tall ball joint in the future if that matters.

Thanks
BJ

59209

[67gtonut]

I dont know if this will help.....

1901's Front and Rear - Fresh install - The rear was too low for me, so I installed the spacers under the rear springs( shown in 2nd pic)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

A few years later...... new rims, but same tires ( fresh paint job on car )
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[FatfreeGTO]

That does help thanks. That is funny I also had to raise the rear up with the 1901's. I used air bags inside the springs though but I like your spacer idea. I just let out the air the other day and I think my front has settled because it does look better then it did at first. Looked like it was dragging its butt. I like the rake you have and that is basically the look I'm going for just like I said a tad lower in the front.

What are your tire sizes?

[UMI Tech]

I am a FOTGTO (fan of Troy's GTO).

Ride height is independent of UCA's and tall ball joints. Tall lower ball joints, if you happen to use them, will lower the car accordingly.

Ramey

[FatfreeGTO]

Thanks, I knew ball joints could have some effect of ride height. Forgot it was the lowers that did it. Maybe I will order the new springs and keep the old ones around in case I ever do change the LBJ. That way if its too low I can swap the 1" springs back in.

Thanks

BJ

[67gtonut]

Tires:

235/60r15 Front
245/60r15 Rear

Now tell me what wheel's you are running............ the 17" wheel route is starting to slowly tempt me......

[FatfreeGTO]

They are the Vintage Wheel Works V-40 17x7 front 17x8 rear 225/50/17 and 255/50/17. The lips are brushed vs the standard polished version and there is a clear powdercoat over the whole wheel.

[FatfreeGTO]

Only problem with the 17's is it seems like good tire sizes are pretty limited. My tires are Nitto Nt 450's which are ok..

[67gtonut]

My issue with 17's or any aftermarket wheel is color choice..... I love the gray centered wheels themselves.... But I dont think they go with my car, due to the color of the car.... They will get lost.

So I am trying to find the "right" wheel......

( sorry if your thread is getting off topic )

[79-TA]

Year One now makes a 17" Rally II wheel that you might like. Check the sizing options though, I think it was made with 2nd gen Firebirds in mind.

[67gtonut]

Yeah...... seen them. Not to my liking.....

I have always looked at the Coy's Wheels.... very affordable and nice 5 spoke design

[FatfreeGTO]

I've seen your car on these sites before and I always liked the Rallys that you are using. I think your car looks perfect.

[67gtonut]

I've seen your car on these sites before and I always liked the Rallys that you are using. I think your car looks perfect.

Thanks......

I am at a crossroads with the car........... How far do I want to go from stock? I am torn.....

I dont want to lose the classic feel, but now that the UMI stuff is installed in the suspension..... I love just driving this car.....

For instance....... My stock wood look steering wheel is faded. Do I have Performance Years recast my stock wheel, or do I buy an aftermarket wheel in a slightly smaller diameter and real wood....

My seats......... in near perfect shape, but this car corners so well now..... I am literally sliding out of them. I like the looks of the Procar Rally seats, but once again, am I going to lose the "classic" feel of the car.

Anyway..... I love the look of your 66.....

[FatfreeGTO]

I will say I did put in the 06 GTO seat and they are much better then the stock seats. Its tough to get them low enough to be "just right" for that feeling in the car. I'm 5'9" if I were taller I wouldn't like them. The other minor annoyance is how great these cars look with the windows down and nothing blocking the view. Mine obstruct that view but those are minor issues and I'm happy with them for now.

As for a steering wheel, I also changed that. At first the 13.75" wheel felt really strange in the car but the thicker grip is great! I'm used to it now and don't think I could go back to a skinny wheel.

I think keeping yours looking like it does but having it drive like it does is a great combo. Seats and a steering wheel would be great additions that don't really change the look of the car. You lost that "classic" feel when you started upgrading your suspension.

Good luck with your choices.

59240

[TheBandit]

This is why I decided to use spring adjusters. They're not plug & play like the aftermarket springs or easy to adjust like coil-overs, but I will have the ability to tweak ride height to my liking for about the same cost as aftermarket lowering springs (pair of AFCO spacer plus AFCO springs cost through Summit was within $10 of Hotchkis lowering springs for my application). Here is a link showing what they look like and some of the work involved to put them into an F/X body. If you think you want to go this route, keep in mind you may need a different size (diameter & free length) and rate (lb/in) spring & adjuster for your car. http://ls1tech.com/forums/16228672-post369.html

[Hotchkis]

Hi BJ,

90% of the time when a customer calls about a drop spring not lowering their car enough, it's a weight issue. From the pics posted it looks like you might be running an LS or some sort of late-model motor. If it has aluminum heads or is all-aluminum, the weight off the front end would explain why the car doesn't sit much lower than stock. Our 1901F spring was designed for someone with a stock iron small block. We'd recommend running the 19112F drop springs to get it down a little more, as cutting a coil will drop it but could result in unexpected ride changes. Hope this helps.


I currently have the Hotchkis 1901F springs in my car. The distance from the ground to the center of the wheel well is 25.5" I'm going to attach a picture because to me it doesn't seem to be lower then stock. I realize old springs sag. I have a few hundred miles and 2 years of having these installed but I want the front to be around 1" lower then it currently is. What does everyone think, should I cut them or buy the 2" drop springs 19112f?
If I do cut them any tips on how much to cut and if I should cut the top or bottom of the spring?

It is extremely likely that I will be changing out my stock upper control arms to something aftermarket and going with a tall ball joint in the future if that matters.

Thanks
BJ

59209

[FatfreeGTO]

Clint thanks for the link and info.

Thanks for the reply Hotchkis, you are correct Iron LS block aluminum heads. Although the height is the same as before when I had the 400.

Thanks again!