In the market for new shocks just wondering if any of you guys have experience with these two shocks and tour impressions, thanks

67 camaro conv 350 w supercharger

What timing! I'm getting ready to install the hal coilovers and the hotchkis 1.125" hollow front swaybar this afternoon on my 69RS. I'll followup in a few days with the results.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by David R:
In the market for new shocks just wondering if any of you guys have experience with these two shocks and tour impressions, thanks

67 camaro conv 350 w supercharger<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Bilsteins are a real good shock. They are expensive. JayWeb has these on his car and loves them. Hotchkis also recommends these over others, but that could be a marketing thing.

Also in stock car racing,Bilstein is widely used by NASCAR teams.

I personally are using KYB and do fine for street.

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Jay
69 SS-350 4-speed
Hotchkis suspension

I have bilsteins on my 68 rs. They feel like generic 20$ shocks.They are not stiff like a kyb.I only have them because they were free. Personally,I would'nt spend the money on them.Not saying that they are bad,just,big deal,I drive it every day,not racing it.Maybe if I used the shocks as they were intended(racing)I may be impressed.I really could'nt feel the difference between the generic shocks that I bought the car with and the bilsteins.I do like that they have a good ride quality,though.

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68 z28 ,68 rs 327 ,73 454 vette, 2 goofy kids

I've got the hal coilovers and the hotchkis 1-1/8" bar installed on my '69. The "stock" type shocks I removed were equal to the #2 (weakest) setting on the hal shocks. I've got the hal's set at #5 of #12 positions and the front end will hardly move when you try to compress the front end. Haven't driven it yet still need to bleed the front brakes. Right now the ride height is set at 1'-11' from the ground to the lowest edge of the wheel opening located in the center of the fender.

Can you tell me what sort of modifications are required to install coilovers on a 69 and can they be adjusted without disassembly or removal. I'm going to do a disc brake conversion and rebuild the front suspension and I thought I would use non coil adjustable koni shocks but I like to check out all the options. thanks

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Black 69 camaro

The coilovers are a direct bolt in. You must drop the upper or lower ball joint connection and remove the coil spring. Install the new shock/spring assembly and re-attach the ball joint to the a-arm. After that it's just a matter of adjusting the spring for the proper ride height.

check out the racing SS series pro shock at www,proshock.com they are $67 they are 3 ways (soft Firm and Hard)
pro shock builds Nascar shocks so it is a good company

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wIll trade my girl friend for a Big Block

I finished installing the hal coilovers and the hollow 1.125" sway bar on my '69. All I can say is WOW! The ride height is set at 1'-11" (floor to center of fender wheel opening), the shocks are set to the #6 position. It's like a new car, the ride is not too harsh and the car goes where you want it RIGHT NOW, with no slop or hesitation. Later this month I plan on replacing the rear shocks with the adj. hal's. Right now the rear suspension is the stock 12bolt with multi leaf springs and air shocks. I can't wait to dump the air shocks and install the hal's. Anyone considering the hal coilovers all I can say is that I'm more than happy with the shock/spring combo. The hotchkis hollow bar contributed to the improved performance as well - together the parts work very well.

jbalch,
I've been concerned with the size and load put on the lower ball joint of the coil over shock.
How does it look? Do you think it will wear out quickly? or is it beefy?
With the weight of the front end on it, and multiplied by the leverage of the lower A frame, I'd expect the lower mount to carry about 1600 lbs each!
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

David,

I'm not sure if I follow you......when you say "lower ball joint of the coil over" are you referring to the lower shock mtg. point?
If so, then yes it looks strong. The photo of the coilover on hal's website is not correct. There is no circular mtg. plate that attaches to the end of the shock. It's a 't-style' mount that bolts directly to the lower a-arm shock mount. I'd say it's about 11/16" thick bar stock that the T mount is made from. The shock is definetly a beefy unit. I'll take some pictures of the final installation so you can see what things look like.

Yes the lower end of the shock.
I figured it's either a spherical bearing or some kind of bushing.
I know there is a lot of load there and even more than if the shock were mounted closer to the lower ball joint.
David

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Check my web page for First Gen Camaro suspension info:
David's Motorsports page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/)
First Gen Suspension Page (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/David_Pozzi/first_gen_suspension.htm)
67 RS 327
69 Camaro Vintage Racer
65 Lola T-70 Can Am Vintage Racer

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Bilstein is coming out with adjustable shocks.

I'll leak more later.................