Bilsteins for TVS system.

[rohrt]

I read in the archives that the Bilstein shocks for the Hotchkis TVS suspension is valved different. Is this the correct shock?


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hss-70010001

[rohrt]

Never mind.

I found this on their website

Q) Why should I use the HPS 1000 shocks over the “off the shelf” BilsteinTM?
Answer: Shocks need to be tuned with spring rates and vehicle weights in mind, that’s why one valve fits all or universal shocks just don’t optimize performance and often sacrifice ride comfort for performance. Tuned in house and manufactured by BilsteinTM, this shock offers a seamless transition between comfort and control. Each shock is specifically engineered and tuned to offer the ultimate performance ride.

For my 68 bird it looks like
Hotchkis 71010012 HPS 1000 Rear
Hotchkis 70010012 HPS 1000 Front

Looks like $440 from Amazon.

I assume these never go on sale?

[rohrt]

Just noticed there is a HOTCHKIS TUNED 1.5 STREET PERFORMANCE SERIES FRONT SHOCK GM A G F BODY

For a weekend cruiser that mostly is used on the street is there any compelling reason to upgrade to these over the Bilsteins?

[rohrt]

Soooo.... I called Hotchikis

What I was told was they teamed up with FOX on these shocks because for whatever reason they were not able to have full valve control they wanted with the bilstiens. The tech on the phone Did not know if it was a limitation with the shock or the something else but claimed it left the shock a bit on the harsh side. The fox shock according to him gives you a better ride and less harsh then the bilstiens. This is what I was aiming form but now will cost me $60 more but it does sound like its worth it.

He was a 69 camaro owner and uses the products. Glad I called.

[David Pozzi]

It sounds like you spoke to Drew, he has a nice 69 Camaro. The Bilsteins are good, we had them on Mary's 73 Camaro to start with. For autocrossing a lot, we needed a bit more shock but for most guys who do street and a couple of autocrosses a year they would be fine. I haven't tried their new Fox shocks but I do know Hotchkis put a lot of effort into them and I'm sure they are great. I would trust Drew's recommendation.

[rohrt]

Thanks for the name drop David. I wasn't sure who I talked to and regretted not getting his name. I forgot to ask him about sway bars. I have a 1 1/4 Addco bar in the front now. I wanted to ask him about the difference with a Hotchkis bar.

Its doubtful I will ever do any autocross events since there are not any around here and its mostly just a cruiser I have fun with. If they ever did then yeah maybe. So for now ride quality is more important to me and from what Drew said the Fox shock is what I want to go with to compliment their springs. He had mentioned when the Bilstien shocks were developed they were only allowed to adjust the dampening rate and not the rebound. Don't quote me on that in case I have that backwards. He also talked about how Fox worked with them and they were not limited with what they could do and how they were able to do a shaker test on a A-body car. It was great talking to him.

I hadn't see this when I called but Hotchkis has two different Fox shocks. They have their Street performance series and just the Performance Series that $300 more.

I'm very anxious to see what the change will be replacing the KYB. The ride is so harsh right now. But it is corners like its on rails

[vintageracer]

Ah a set of KYB's!

One of the worlds WORST cheap gas shocks!

No wonder you car rides like CRAP!

[rohrt]

Ah a set of KYB's!

One of the worlds WORST cheap gas shocks!

No wonder you car rides like CRAP!

LOL

Yes before I knew better and/or could afford better.

[72BBSwinger]

I have ran the Bilstein RCD and the Hotchkis Fox non adjustables on the same car with the same spring rates and can say without a doubt the Fox's are at least 50% smoother yet have more rebound control and the car stays flatter and sharp edge bumps feel like a new car does.

[67rally]

I have the HPS 1000 tuned Bilstein's on my '67 and they are fairly stiff on the street, especially at speed on the highway if you go over an overpass or hit a section of concrete highway with the cut lines running across the road. I will probably switch to the adjustable Fox ones when it's time for a replacement.