While I was trying to achieve more of a pro touring stance it just went too low. I installed hotchkis front springs the 2" drop (small block). My battery is relocated to the trunk and have alum. Intake so abut 50 lbs less up front. Once on the ground the front end is down about 2 an 3/4 inch. This puts the tires too close to the fender for comfort. The outer edge of tire is about 1/4 inch off fender outer lip, they don't touch but boy it's close. The springs are stiff as hell so there is minimal flex. I've driven it about 50 miles and no contact yet. Trying to find out if anyone else has had this issue (too much drop) with hotchkis springs or know if any company makes spring isolator pads for stock control arms to give it a little bump.
Nice lookin car there goose! Be careful as once you start changing things from stock to custom you expect some headaches.
1st gen's were designed as straight line dragsters. If your wanting better performance you might be better to look at new technology full chassis solutions.
Don't remind me about the headaches!!! I've darn near replace every bit of suspension. Now that it's done I wish I did a different front coil spring or at least different rate. Live and learn. That being said I'm not giving up my search for a coil spring isolator pad that fits. I know there's one out there
Nice try but checked them already. It's for a 5 and 3/8 spring the FGF has a 5". So knowing that someone has had this issue before I did another search under first gen camaro (no comments please). FGF owners have gotten the bait and switch several times before from camaro sites but this one should work....
Global west has them!!! the same guys who I've bought a ton of my front end parts from. I not exactly happy about camaro parts on my car but you got to do what you got to do. I was however amazed that energy suspension did not offer a 5" listing. There on their way, we shall see but they say it's a prefect match.
I saw those classic industries ones before. It's impossible for them to fit! In 1970 the spring went to a 5 3/8" width. Thinking that I was wrong I checked Ames and they had the same listing. Called them up to verify and had them take a tape measure to the pad. It was 5 3/8" . I also had them check the spring and although he did not pull one off the shelf he agreed it was a 5" width (outer diameter)
Oh, I gotchya man.... the 5 3/8 is what screwed me up...lol Glad you got some but what a PITA!!! I had a hard enough time with my springs that I wouldnt want to go through that, but like you said before it might be a little easier on you since you have 2 inch shorter springs and mine are stock size. Good luck Justin. Still like to see some up close pic's of the wheels.
Tell me about it! Although I do love the ride quality of springs vs adjustable coil overs This is a lesson well learned. I'll post an update once I get them installed.
Goose, It also depends on the size Tire you are running. I have the Full Hotchkis setup on my 67 400. The front I habve BIG BLOCK drop springs as that's what they recommend. Along with the New Fox Racing Shocks that come with the new package instead of Bilstien.
My Tire are 225/35/r17. Front and 245/45 rear
On Hard dips It will scrape a bit on the front and will rub on full right hand lock. I think the problem is you got the Small black springs. I have an alum radiator and battery still in front.
Thanks for the reference photo!!! I'm rocking 245/45r17 on all 4. The big block springs would have been a better choice as I see your ride height is on the money. I am interested in knowing about your front shocks. Currently I'm using the kyb just-a-gas. I am worried that they are under too much load as the shock strut is almost fully compressed in the shock tube. Are the hotchkis (fox) shock tubes shorter than stock? And how is the ride quaility is it worth the change over.
Hotchkis says they design it as a kit... Who knows, but the ride is firmer than the 47 year old soinds and at least 20 year old Monroe shocks they replaced. I don't find it harsh or jarring at all. Those fox shocks are money though!!!! The handling is firmer than say a stock 4th gen, but also feels much more planted with less lean in the corners. I'm not (yet) going full pro touring so sticking with stock arms at the moment.
My only complaint is I don't have any traction bars so the rear is kinda clunky
A quick update for all that have checked out the thread.... Global west spacers to the rescue!!! The 3/8th spacers raised it 5/8 on the mark. It gave just enough room to put me at ease and the car didn't loose the aggressive rake I wanted.
This leads me to a good forum question. While searching for a solution a lot of people asked if I wish I went with a coilover setup. I did feel that possibly it would have been a better idea to go with a coilover shock/spring. A few other people said the ride quality suffers too much and there is no comparison to quality shocks and springs. I've not done enough driving with coilovers to make a firm determination. After a few miles with my new hotchkis fox shocks and springs there is no comparison to stock. Amazing!!!
Has anybody driven both types and have opinions???
