i have been following the afco/hyperco posts here lately. i want to do the same with my second gen but would like some direction on what springs to buy. i probably alread made a mistake in purchasing my hellwig sway bars ... i did this 4 years ago when i first started this project before i knew better, but they are not going back and must be used. i have a 1 1/4" solid front bar and a 1" solid rear bar. all polygraphite bushings in the car with subframe connectors and a 6 point roll bar installed.

my car is a 73 camaro with a transplanted 94 LT1 4 th gen camaro motor with 6 speed manual trans. the car has alum heads, ac, full interior, power doors and locks, and is likely on the heavy side (so is the driver http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif) i will be running 17x9 wheels at all 4 corners with 275 40 17 tires. CBB 1LE front brakes and second gen trans am rear discs.

the plan for the car is some street use, but i have been bitten by the club racing bug. i live 5 miles from Pocono Raceway and there are always high speed driving events ... and i want to join in!!! .. so handling will take a front seat to ride quality. but i do not want the wife and kids to refuse to ride in the car either.

I am looking for a recomendation on f spring rates (550 - 700#) and what rear springs would be right for what i have now. i will get the hyperco f springs with afco adjuster, but have no idea who to deal with for the rear springs. i am getting tired of buying the wrong thing first, so i figured i would throw this out to this board.

I have to say this is by far the best board i have ever visited for technical assistance. the people here are very informative and happy to share info.

Thanks

Brad Steckel

Brad,
Your sway bars are made for stock springs, so they might be a bit stiff when used with springs like Hotchkis or others would supply.

The front bar arms are longer than a first gen so the rate of the 1 1/4" bar is probably close to a 1" or 1 1/8" first-gen bar, I'd have to look it up to be sure.

I rated the Hotchkis front coils my wife got for her 73 RS, they are 600 lbs. don't have the car running yet, so can't comment on the ride, but it should not be too bad on good roads.

I feel the rear springs are very important for traction and handling, especially coming out of a corner. The first gen and second gen springs from Hotchkis seem to be the same spring, as far as I can tell, I have both here...

I like the looks of the Hotchkis rear spring and have a pair for my 67, but they may turn out to be too soft for the horsepower and traction of the tires I will use.
I have heard good reports of these rear springs and figure they will be a good place for me to start.

I believe the rear should squat just slightly and still be able to deflect over slight bumps while accelerating to maintain forward bite.

Too solid a link like with traction bars, will allow the tires to break loose, and unload the rear suspension.

So, something like 600 front, and 175 rear is where Hotchkis is at with their package, and I'd shoot for that. I think Guldstrand and Global West are pretty close to that too.
David


------------------
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 original owner. 69 Camaro Vintage Racer, 65 Lola T-70 Chev SB Can-Am Vintage Racer

[This message has been edited by davidpozzi (edited 09-10-2002).]

David ...

thanks as always for the reply ... since my bars are on the large side, should i shoot for something less than 600# hyperco / afco setup to give similar results. the larger the bar, less spring rate is needed?

the hotchkiss spring sounds like a good idea .. any thoughts on a similar rate spring from eaton, etc.. i have been told they can supply a desired rate with lowering the car as well to a desired height. not sure how they compare cost wise.

brad

I'm not sure the Eaton springs would be of the correct construction for best handling and weight transfer.
The Hotchkis springs are three leaf, two leafs real long, the third acts like a traction bar or like truck "overload" springs, adding rate and stability to the spring.

Guldstrand uses a spring that is similar.

Eaton can make almost anything, but you would need specs to tell them what to build.
I think they are real good at building stock type springs and adjusting for whatever ride height you would like.
David

------------------
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 original owner. 69 Camaro Vintage Racer, 65 Lola T-70 Chev SB Can-Am Vintage Racer