Hotchkis TVS Stage 2 on 68 Firebird

[captainofiron]

I just sent the rear end to the shop to get the ring and pinion set up (FINALLY!) and should be ready to get the car rolling again after a long 10 years.

My next step on my build plan is to get the suspension in (one of my leafs is broken which I discovered when I took off the axle only thing holding it together was the leaf spring perch)

Anyways I have been considering the Hotchkis TVS for my car

I looked at their website the other day and saw that they have a stage 2 kit now.

Does anybody have any experience with this?

Keep in mind that I am not building a race car, just want a nice cruiser with a pro-touring bias and original look

Thanks

[captainofiron]

Please help?

A fellow pro-touring guy on another forum has told me that the hotchkis spring rates are a bit off for the Pontiac 400 and suggested I go with Global West

Any pointers for the leaf springs?

[BMR Sales]

Javier,



Have you considered something to replace the leaf springs on the car?


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/kitpricing-1.jpg (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/BMR-Suspension/media/67%2069%20F%20body/kitpricing.jpg.html)


We offer a Torque Arm kit for the stock GM 10 & 12 bolt rear differentials and a kit for guys who want a Ford 9". The Ford 9” kit includes a bare Strange housing for $600 more than the 10 & 12 bolt kits. Take a look at the link below detailing an install that a fellow Pro-Touring member here completed with our Ford 9 in. kit in his 1973 Firebird:

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?80483-BMR-Torque-Arm-Installed-on-my-73-Firebird/page2&highlight=TORQUE+ARM


The owner of the 73 Firebird made the following comments to us:

“I've put 4000 miles on it and drive it at every possible opportunity. No track time yet due to other commitments but there is always this spring. I still have to play with the shock settings to soften up the launch, it is just incredible how the car reacts from the factory setup. The rear stays planted no matter if it's in the corners or straights. I've had ZERO issues with the entire setup, I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY with it. I hope to get some auto-x & road course time this spring.”

I still can't thank you all there enough for everything, the kit really changed the car into a ride that I truly enjoy driving.”


Our entire 67-69 suspension system was recently showcased on Two Guys Garage as well:

http://youtu.be/n60dENFWPFY

[captainofiron]

Javier,



Have you considered something to replace the leaf springs on the car?


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/05/kitpricing-1.jpg (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/BMR-Suspension/media/67%2069%20F%20body/kitpricing.jpg.html)


We offer a Torque Arm kit for the stock GM 10 & 12 bolt rear differentials and a kit for guys who want a Ford 9". The Ford 9” kit includes a bare Strange housing for $600 more than the 10 & 12 bolt kits. Take a look at the link below detailing an install that a fellow Pro-Touring member here completed with our Ford 9 in. kit in his 1973 Firebird:

https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?80483-BMR-Torque-Arm-Installed-on-my-73-Firebird/page2&highlight=TORQUE+ARM


The owner of the 73 Firebird made the following comments to us:

“I've put 4000 miles on it and drive it at every possible opportunity. No track time yet due to other commitments but there is always this spring. I still have to play with the shock settings to soften up the launch, it is just incredible how the car reacts from the factory setup. The rear stays planted no matter if it's in the corners or straights. I've had ZERO issues with the entire setup, I'm EXTREMELY HAPPY with it. I hope to get some auto-x & road course time this spring.”

I still can't thank you all there enough for everything, the kit really changed the car into a ride that I truly enjoy driving.”


Our entire 67-69 suspension system was recently showcased on Two Guys Garage as well:

http://youtu.be/n60dENFWPFY

Can you give me 4400 bucks? haha

Is that a bolt in kit?
Is it compatible with the 8.2 BOP?

[CarlC]

The Stage 2 is likely a bit more aggressive in the spring rates vs. the Stage 1. However, a proper matching of the shock to the spring rate will greatly effect the ride quality. The right spring rate when used with the wrong damper will make for a terrible ride. My Camaro with the TVS system and a very aggresive rear spring rate, combined with their new Fox shocks valving, is fantastic. Everyone who gets in the car can's believe how good the ride quality is.

Give Jon or Drew in Sales at Hotchkis a call and discuss your needs, they are more than willing to help. Tell them I sent you their way.

[BMR Sales]

Can you give me 4400 bucks? haha

Is that a bolt in kit?
Is it compatible with the 8.2 BOP?


Yes, It is a bolt on kit for any of the 1967-1981 F-Body cars with either a 10 or 12 bolt differential. One great feature of our 10 bolt kit is the ability to upgrade to a 12 bolt later. The only part that needs to be changed is the differential mounting plate.

[captainofiron]

The Stage 2 is likely a bit more aggressive in the spring rates vs. the Stage 1. However, a proper matching of the shock to the spring rate will greatly effect the ride quality. The right spring rate when used with the wrong damper will make for a terrible ride. My Camaro with the TVS system and a very aggresive rear spring rate, combined with their new Fox shocks valving, is fantastic. Everyone who gets in the car can's believe how good the ride quality is.

Give Jon or Drew in Sales at Hotchkis a call and discuss your needs, they are more than willing to help. Tell them I sent you their way.

thanks, does your Camaro have a SBC?

[captainofiron]

Yes, It is a bolt on kit for any of the 1967-1981 F-Body cars with either a 10 or 12 bolt differential. One great feature of our 10 bolt kit is the ability to upgrade to a 12 bolt later. The only part that needs to be changed is the differential mounting plate.

Great thank you

[BMR Sales]

Here is a video of a PT member here that got 2nd place in Street Machine Class at Kansas Good Guys last Summer. He was running air over shocks built for ride quality not performance and had not adjusted the roll center via Watt’s Link….. he should be able to cut alot of time off his time just by addressing these issues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf9qK5GLD-Q&feature=relmfu


Pictures of his kit:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/BMR-Suspension/media/DSC02757_zps16531b52.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s1103.photobucket.com/user/BMR-Suspension/media/DSC02762_zpsa477aa27.jpg.html)

[CarlC]

No, but the engine weight would be similar.

[72BBSwinger]

I have Hotchkis rear leafs,front swaybar and have had Bilsteins and now the Fox's. The Fox's are a definite improvement I will vouch for that. The ride is better than the Bilsteins but the biggest difference to me is the overall feel of the car is in control now. Its hard for me to explain. The Fox's "soak" in the sharpness of certain bumps where the Bilsteins just resisted them.