Viking Peformance Coilover Install- 66 Chevelle

[Typhoon1015]

I just finished up a install of Viking Performance Double Adjustable Coil-over's on my 66 Chevelle and since they are relatively new to the business I figured I would highlight the install and impressions of the shocks. Here's their website: www.vi-king.com


I currently had QA1 Single Adjustable Shocks on all fours, which worked great, but with the added interest in auto-crossing and road course interest, I felt a need to upgrade to a Double Adjustable shock and a coil-over for the rear.


I contacted Viking Performance about their shocks and they were very helpful in matching me up with spring rates and part numbers for my application. I am somewhat local to them and like to work with shops face to face if I can.


I purchased their front coil-over kit for A bodies with 550lb springs. PN A205-550TK
The rear's I chose after measuring my clearances (large 3" exhaust/ fuel pump in the way) and selecting a shock and spring package. I wanted to go with the longest shock I could fit and settled on the C213 Shocks with 14 inch 200lb springs to match.
I also added the thrust bearing kit and spanner wrenches needed.


They shipped super fast:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_2879_zps00d9bb1a-1.jpg

Here are some detailed pictures of the shocks,
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3020_zps409ca7f9-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3020_zps409ca7f9.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3021_zps42f9d78c-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3021_zps42f9d78c.jpg.html)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3026_zps7b1cc3be-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3026_zps7b1cc3be.jpg.html)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3025_zps441e85ee-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3025_zps441e85ee.jpg.html)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3028_zpsc49d4939-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3028_zpsc49d4939.jpg.html)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3030_zps2b87b3ea-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3030_zps2b87b3ea.jpg.html)


A week or so after getting the shocks in I started on the install.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_2908_zps09eba417-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_2908_zps09eba417.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_2910_zps6a55ba3a-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_2910_zps6a55ba3a.jpg.html)

Out with the old QA1's and stock rear springs

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_2904_zps7f479fe8-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_2904_zps7f479fe8.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_2911_zpse8d8b328-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_2911_zpse8d8b328.jpg.html)



We also pulled the rear end out for a gear swap and new axle shafts- I will highlight that on the car's build thread.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3007_zps614f4e7a-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3007_zps614f4e7a.jpg.html)


Rear Install:

I decided to tackle the rear shocks since they would take the longest and more fab work (the fronts are a pretty easy install).


Upper Brackets: I fabricated up the upper brackets that bolt the rod end shock eye in double shear. I ran mounts down the side of the shock tower gusset as well.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3019_zpsb423a2bd-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3019_zpsb423a2bd.jpg.html)

Lower Brackets: These were based off other kit's designs and are similar in mounting to others. I made these myself to fit the longer shock than normal and my custom application.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3051_zps0076f330-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3051_zps0076f330.jpg.html)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3052_zps10c841ce-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3052_zps10c841ce.jpg.html)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3053_zpsb67ddc97-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3053_zpsb67ddc97.jpg.html)

[Typhoon1015]

Updated below...

[Ron Sutton]

The photos didn't post. Can you re-post them?

[Typhoon1015]

Installed

I had to have a friend make some spacers to move the lower mount out a bit so the adjusters wouldn't hit the axle bracket.

Here are the final install pics. I have been pretty happy with how it turned out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3063_zps92184310-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3063_zps92184310.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3056_zps72047d26-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3056_zps72047d26.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3069_zpsb9f033d0-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3069_zpsb9f033d0.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3070_zps02ae7356-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3070_zps02ae7356.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3072_zpseb721782-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3072_zpseb721782.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3073_zps1fa20e18-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3073_zps1fa20e18.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3078_zpse1acb270-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3078_zpse1acb270.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3076_zps19b619e7-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3076_zps19b619e7.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3083_zps6e4a985f-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3083_zps6e4a985f.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3085_zpsbade115d-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3085_zpsbade115d.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3090_zps5067d084-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3090_zps5067d084.jpg.html)

Front Install:


I already have tubular arms, and taller upper ball joints, but purchased taller lower ball joints to install at the same time. I used Proforged for the lowers to match the proforged uppers.

Out with the old:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3032_zps3aa1e43e-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3032_zps3aa1e43e.jpg.html)


Old Vs New

The shock body on the Viking Shocks has more threads, thus more options for spring lengths. Another thing I noticed was improved Coil Springs over the QA1's. I went from a 450lb spring to a 550lb spring. A person might expect the spring the be thicker with maybe more coils, but the Viking spring is made from a better quality spring steel which results is a lighter spring and less chance of coil-bind. Viking also states their springs have a better warranty and will we closer in spec to one another.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3034_zps5150494e-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3034_zps5150494e.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3035_zps9ffc75d9-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3035_zps9ffc75d9.jpg.html)

[Typhoon1015]

Suspension dropped out and ball joints installed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3036_zpscf40d04e-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3036_zpscf40d04e.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3037_zps39b0d8f0-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3037_zps39b0d8f0.jpg.html)

Installed
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3057_zps6152c9e0-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3057_zps6152c9e0.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3059_zps83ed146a-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3059_zps83ed146a.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3060_zps0eda9d9b-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3060_zps0eda9d9b.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3061_zpse4979245-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3061_zpse4979245.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3062_zps26e2f56a-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3062_zps26e2f56a.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3093_zpsc127ccc6-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3093_zpsc127ccc6.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3092_zpsbc18673e-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3092_zpsbc18673e.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3047_zpsb94ed650-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3047_zpsb94ed650.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/IMG_3046_zps988eaa0c-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/IMG_3046_zps988eaa0c.jpg.html)




One thing to note is to use anti-seize on the threads, this prevents the threads from galling up when under spring tension and makes them easier to adjust.

After these upgrades I went on a 350 miles weekend trip to a large show in Wisconsin Dells this past weekend. The coil-overs worked flawlessly and felt great. The spring rates seem good and I am happy with increasing the spring rates all around. It still rides great on a softer shock setting, but when dialed up, gets very firm. I had the chance to also make some laps at a local autocross/show in MN last Sunday as well and the shocks felt great. I still need a little more seat time to get them dialed in, but they seem to be just what I was looking for.

Current Ride Height
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130511_164341_zps055adad5-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/20130511_164341_zps055adad5.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/20130511_164330_zpsb52f11e1-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/20130511_164330_zpsb52f11e1.jpg.html)


Here's my Seal of Approval:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/941963_864383716007_559032427_n_zps61bd7-1.jpg (http://s300.photobucket.com/user/jcnall/media/Chevelle%202013/941963_864383716007_559032427_n_zps61bd7f7d.jpg.ht ml)

After some more miles/events I hope to update this thread with more info.

[Ron Sutton]

Hi Justin,

I have a multi-part question, a comment & a suggestion.

1. Question: Were you unhappy with the QA1's ... or just wanting to upgrade to double adjustable? If you were unhappy ... can you explain what the issue was? Or otherwise, one might assume you'd simply buy QA1 double adjustables? I'm not looking for dirt, just your experience.

2. Comment: The info about the coil springs being made of better material ... because they achieved a higher rate with the same diameter wire & less coils ... is spot on accurate. A simple, visual, tale tell sign of the quality of coil springs are wire diameter & coil spacing. Less quality springs have bigger wire & less space between coils, therefore more coils to achieve the same rate & spring height. Better quality springs achieve the rate & height with similar or smaller diameter wire, and more space between coils, therefore less coils. There is WAY MORE that affects the quality of racing & performance suspension springs. But those are easy to see.

3. Suggestion: The exhaust is too close to those rear springs, and it will cause you some problems if you don't re-route that exhaust to provide more air in-between the exhaust and the spring. Springs, especially if cycled hard with performance driving, or simply cycled often over time, tend to "fail" ... meaning they lose spring rate or spring height ... not good. Which is why every top racer has a spring rater & checks their springs occasionally (or often). Knowledgeable, winning racers throw away springs that have sagged or "settled", distorted in any way or lost spring rate.

Heat ... getting to the spring from the hot exhaust ... makes this failure happen sooner, rather than later.

Heat is a spring's enemy, so I am suggesting you work at getting these two apart. If you can only move the exhaust a little ... there are other heat barriers you can use to protect the spring. If you need ideas, just ask, as we have had to create solutions from time to time.

P.S. On long drives, long track runs, the heat getting to the spring very well may heat up the shock oil too. Not good.

Best wishes.

[Typhoon1015]

Thanks for the reply, I'll address your questions below


Hi Justin,

I have a multi-part question, a comment & a suggestion.

1. Question: Were you unhappy with the QA1's ... or just wanting to upgrade to double adjustable? If you were unhappy ... can you explain what the issue was? Or otherwise, one might assume you'd simply buy QA1 double adjustables? I'm not looking for dirt, just your experience.

Nothing wrong with them at all, I just wanted the added adjustability with a double adjustable shock and I liked the price point of the DA's from Viking along with the little bits of improvements I noted over the QA1's.


2. Comment: The info about the coil springs being made of better material ... because they achieved a higher rate with the same diameter wire & less coils ... is spot on accurate. A simple, visual, tale tell sign of the quality of coil springs are wire diameter & coil spacing. Less quality springs have bigger wire & less space between coils, therefore more coils to achieve the same rate & spring height. Better quality springs achieve the rate & height with similar or smaller diameter wire, and more space between coils, therefore less coils. There is WAY MORE that affects the quality of racing & performance suspension springs. But those are easy to see.

Yes I was impressed with the springs as well, they have decent prices on them if they really spring rate the way they say they do.


3. Suggestion: The exhaust is too close to those rear springs, and it will cause you some problems if you don't re-route that exhaust to provide more air in-between the exhaust and the spring. Springs, especially if cycled hard with performance driving, or simply cycled often over time, tend to "fail" ... meaning they lose spring rate or spring height ... not good. Which is why every top racer has a spring rater & checks their springs occasionally (or often). Knowledgeable, winning racers throw away springs that have sagged or "settled", distorted in any way or lost spring rate.

Heat ... getting to the spring from the hot exhaust ... makes this failure happen sooner, rather than later.

Thanks for the heads up. I understand about the heat and the springs. They are close at full droop, but at ride height and compression they have a bit of room. I am monitoring the condition of them and may adjust the mounting points down the road according to how they work. I am monitoring shock as well for any issues. I may be able to wrap that part of the pipe if needed as well.

Heat is a spring's enemy, so I am suggesting you work at getting these two apart. If you can only move the exhaust a little ... there are other heat barriers you can use to protect the spring. If you need ideas, just ask, as we have had to instal solutions from time to time.

P.S. On long drives, long track runs, the heat getting to the spring very well may heat up the shock oil too. Not good.

Best wishes.

[Rod]

I like it, they look great and the car has a great stance

[LS1NOVA]

Nice work Justin, just installed mine as well and was very satisified with Viking products thus far.

[MCB Matt]

Very nice write up! We are proud to be a viking dealer...they know how to build a great shock.

Your brackets look great, maybe you can talk to Viking about the lower brackets for those who really want that stance.

I am planning on getting kim a 66 drop, its our fav year!

I LOVE the stance of your car, great choice!

Matt

[slip60]

installed same on my 71 and love them..the best upgrade second only to my ls3 engine..the ride height and quality is amazing. car now rides like a 90's model,not 70's..i am however in the process of trying to add rear exhaust pipes which now need to be modified because of shock placement..not much room to work with but i dont see it as being impossible. i was going to look at remounting the shocks to the front of the axle if that would give more room for exhaust..options?

[CFster]

So why so long on the rear shocks/springs?