Coil Overs - Pros & Cons (Page 1/1)
Cajun AUG 02, 09:28 AM
Since I am building a new-rebuilt suspension for my 86GT I have a few questions. The suspension system, rear is out of a 87GT. I am rebuilding the rear suspension to got along with a new(rebuilt) 2010 Chevy 3500 Flexfuel engine and 4T64E transmission. My Gt currently has a 4T60 transmission. I am doing this separately from the 86Gt so when complete it will be, hopefully, a plug and play affair. I am considering coilovers!

I my question for those who have done a coil over, is it worth the effort and expense? What are the pro's & con's? How did the ride improve? Giving the chance would you do it again?

Thanks in advance for your comments and response.


Cajun
olejoedad AUG 02, 12:19 PM
Do you need coilovers?

Do you need to provide tire/wheel clearance or adjust ride height?
ltlfrari AUG 02, 02:13 PM
I put them on mine so that I could adjust the rear ride height to match the lowered front (using Rodney's lowering ball joints).

Pros:
Adjustable height.
Select own spring rate to match how it rides and whatever motor/trans you have.
More clearance for wider wheels (stock on mine so not an issue)

Cons:
Springs often shorter than extended strut resulting in drop/off center springs if yo lift it and let the wheels just hang. Easy fix, just add helper springs, add $150 to total cost LOL!
Some fabrication reqd unless you buy a kit from folks on here.
More expensive than just replacing stock shocks. Shocks/springs/hardware = $$

Personally, like the ones I built but do I really notice the difference (stock engine etc)? No, not really but at least it is all new now. The original shocks were toast when I did the swap.

Details of how I built mine on my web page.

------------------
Anything I might say is probably worth what you paid for it, so treat it accordingly!

Dave

www.ltlfrari.com

Cajun AUG 03, 09:34 AM
I just thought that while I was updating the rear suspension system from a 87GT for my 86GT I would consider doing coilovers if there would be an advantage. Perhaps later I would consider doing larger rear tires. But, for the time being I want the same ride feel and height.
Australian AUG 03, 10:25 AM
I built down lowered the car with body kit. I have modern parts kyb ieback springs which are lower but going to go back to stock height in rear add even more rubber over time.
olejoedad AUG 05, 10:25 AM
86 to 87 is not an upgrade, the systems are the same.
Cajun AUG 07, 09:43 PM
I realize 87 to 86 is not an upgrade per say! But I think redoing the bushings to Teflon and the Culvers could be considered an upgrade?
olejoedad AUG 09, 08:53 AM

quote
Originally posted by Cajun:

I realize 87 to 86 is not an upgrade per say! But I think redoing the bushings to Teflon and the Culvers could be considered an upgrade?



The bushings and coilovers would be an upgrade.