1970 Chevelle Suspension Suggestions

[SinCityChevelle]

I have a 1970 Chevelle that I am looking to do a pro-touring style suspension on. I want something that is comfortable for long drives, but still somewhat track-worthy. I am asking your advice and suggestions on what to get. I plan on installing a Ram Jet 502 Big Block in there so keep that in mind for front spring rates. Here is my current setup...

Edelbrock Performer IAS Shocks
Hotchkis Performance Sport Springs (hate these)
Hotchkis Performance Rear Trailing Arms (love these)

I would appreciate suggestions for sway bars, struts, springs, etc... Thanks.

[t72ss402]

I Am Taking It That Your Are Looking At Lowering Your Chevelle A Little( Via Using The Hotchkis Springs). Have You Looked Into Getting Factory Big Block Springs And Using A Drop Spindle. This Is The Set Up That I Am Thinking About Going With On My '72. Also On The Front I Used The Polygraphite Bushings Which Improved The Handling Dramatically. On The Rear I Am Using A Direct Bolt In Ford 9" With Boxed Upper Control Arms That I Made From The Stock Arms, And I Custom Made I Set Of Lower Control Arms And Used A Delrin Plastic Bushings Through Out The Rear End. The Car Launches Hard (using A 402 Big Block) And Still Has Decent Road Manners.

My Qeustion For You Is Why Dont You Like The Hotchkis Springs?
I Have Heard Alot Of People Appauled Them.

[Blown353]

Rather than repost everything here, I suggest reading this thread for some ideas of what's out there and what works for A-bodies right now. Pretty much all the recommendations are the same across the board for your BBC app with the exception of front spring rate.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93120&highlight=sc%26c

The main things to fix in the stock A-body front suspension is to raise the front roll center height and correct the camber curve. In the rear, there's only so much that can be done with the stock converging 4-link but you should mostly focus on removing any sources of binding. Going any farther than that will require a near-complete rework of the rear suspension (i.e. truckarm, 3-link, etc.)

First thing I would do in your case is ebay those Hotchkis rear arms. Solid, heavy boxed arms and poly bushings are a BAD idea in the stock converging 4-link on an A-body... they introduce a lot of odd and unpredictable behaviors "at the limit."

There's a few of us A-body guys here... read the link I posted and come back here with any questions you may have.

Troy

[SinCityChevelle]

t72ss402 - Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't thought about using spindles instead of springs, but that sounds like a good idea. i don't like the Hotchkis springs because the rear spring rate is too soft. My car sits lower in the rear than in the front and it bottoms out way too easily. Maybe I got sent the wrong ones, but who knows.

Blown353 - Thanks, I will check out that link right now.

[Zefhix]

Based on your username, do you live in Vegas? If so, I got a car we could talk over and I might be able to help and point you in the right direction. I'm here in Vegas...shoot me an email keith at zefhix dot com






t72ss402 - Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't thought about using spindles instead of springs, but that sounds like a good idea. i don't like the Hotchkis springs because the rear spring rate is too soft. My car sits lower in the rear than in the front and it bottoms out way too easily. Maybe I got sent the wrong ones, but who knows.

Blown353 - Thanks, I will check out that link right now.

[SinCityChevelle]

^^^^ E-Mail sent.

[FoxGranadaChuck]

t72ss402 - Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't thought about using spindles instead of springs, but that sounds like a good idea. i don't like the Hotchkis springs because the rear spring rate is too soft. My car sits lower in the rear than in the front and it bottoms out way too easily. Maybe I got sent the wrong ones, but who knows.

Blown353 - Thanks, I will check out that link right now.


If the Hotchkis springs are too soft, try a set of H&Rs. They should lower your Chevelle adequately, while maintaining an acceptable ride while not "bottoming out" prematurely.
I am planning on using H&Rs on my Cougar sedan.

[SinCityChevelle]

I will probably go with the H&Rs myself

[Orngcrush69]

With these big sleds it's all about heavy spring rates to make them handle and QA1's to make up for the ride, we went a afco spacer and spring system, on a tall spindle. And we're in the process of doing the same on the rear seeing that GW rear lbs. is only around 125 lbs.

[sinned]

Damn that pic looks familiar...... I have a spring/spacer just like that in my Elco.


"A" bodies need way more spring than the typical aftermarket drop-in spring.

[Orngcrush69]

Sorry Dennis, hope you didn't have a copy right on it, just thought these where better looking that mine. Hopefully I'll be using a set of 900 lbs. before next time out.

[sinned]

Sorry Dennis, hope you didn't have a copy right on it, just thought these where better looking that mine. Hopefully I'll be using a set of 900 lbs. before next time out.
I wouldn't know how to copy right something something if it were done for me. Besides....if you put it it on the net it's fair game, I don't care what kind of copy right it has.


I'm interested in how the 900's feel, please post feedback when you get done.