suspension upgrade at a time questions?

[yellow1098Greg]

So I want to start upgrading my suspension on my 77 TA with bilstein or ridetech shocks and sub frame connectors. I will probably end upgoing with something like the Hotchkis TVS system eventually but I wanted to do a couple things at a time obviously because of money. But my questions are fo rone, right now I have a nice set 15inch stock snowflakes I’m running and can’t afford the 17inch snowflakes just yet but wanted to put the shocks on. Will the shocks work the same for both sets of wheels? Or will they have to be changed when I upgrade to 17’s?
Along with that if I want to go ahead with the connectors before I get the Hotchkis system would it be best to get hotchkis connectors?Or will other brands work just as good with the system? Once that’s established what are the best sub frame connectors to buy?

[Hotchkis]

Hello yellow1098,

Have you had the opportunity to check out our new aluminum monotoube shocks? We have worked very closely with Fox Racing Shocks to develop and tune a damping solution that is tuned for the unique needs of classic muscle cars and is matched perfectly to our suspension systems. Since you are talking about eventually building your suspension system into a TVS kit, these really would be the perfect fit for you. But even though they are designed to complement an upgraded suspension, they still work great with your factory components and will provide a firm but comfortable ride. Check out more info here: http://www.hotchkis.net/19701981-camaro-firebird-hotchkis-tuned-15-street-performance-series-aluminum-shock-4-pack.html. At the Goodguys Autocross in Del Mar last month we actually had one of our H-Team members running 2 seconds quicker on Saturday then he did Friday after we installed a set of these shocks on Friday night.
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[Josh@Ridetech]

The shock length will only change if you lower or raise the ride height of the car. If you're just changing the wheels, you won't see a whole lot of difference in the ride height, so you don't have to worry about back-tracking if you buy new shocks now.

[Paul Huryk]

You can run any new, quality shock with either 15" or 17" wheels - might need some slight adjustment (if they are adjustable). Go for something adjustable - like Koni Yellows, Bilstein, QA1, or even the Hotchkis ones shown above. I have Bilsteins on my Camaro and Koni Yellows on my GTa and love both...

Subframes are a great idea for any f-body - weld in ones are typically the best,

The two best items to get when dealing with a stock suspension are new shocks and a wider wheel and tire combo - bang for the buck on those is sky high. I would suggest saving up and getting a good set of 17" wheels and tires as a next step - handling and looks will greatly be improved.

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

Yellow1098, (Duc reference?)

Have you checked out the Chassisworks g-Connector system? We offer a subframe connector that can be combined with a crossbrace and driveshaft loop for a very rigid underfloor structure. If you have a stock subframe, you need to weld two adapters to the back of the rail. After that, everything can be bolted in and out of the car. You can find details by Clicking Here (http://www.cachassisworks.com/c-532-camaro-77-81-gm-f-body.aspx).

When it comes to shocks, we have that handled too. Bolt-in, single adjustable, front or rear shocks for your car start at $348 a pair. We have been manufacturing the VariShock line of dampers at our factory in Sacramento since 2001. Since then we have put thousands of shocks on everything from daily drivers to 3000hp Pro-Mods to government vehicles. Cick Here (http://www.cachassisworks.com/c-643-camaro-70-81-gm-f-body.aspx)for more options for your car.