This is something I have been pondering for a while. Is there a system/kit available to allow the use of "coilovers" on the rear of GM A-bodies without having to do alot of modification?? I know the angle of the shocks isn't exactly ideal, but it seems this location has some potential for mounting "coilovers"....just thinking out loud. ....kinda... :Comp: What do you think? Am I an idiot for even thinking such a thing? I am planning (someday) to get the "coilover conversion" for the front, and would like to do likewise for the rear. Just a thought..??.. o No:
Been there done that, they are worthless... You could try and weld the clamps to the shock body, otherwise don't bother. Dan
I have used them for years with no problem. I have them on both my cars right now. Firebird n Buick wagon Trick is to bottom the sucker out at the top and only use the bottom clamp. I also like them install unloaded. The car on the ground. I almost live by em.
They will work but I don't think they are rugged enough. Perhaps your kit had a better clamping system than the kit that I had. Also, these are helper springs, I think Birdog wants to do a full coilover suspension where the coilovers do all the work of suspending the car... Dan
There is 1500lb rates blue and 3000lb rate red. They are also cheap, my middle name. But they last n work well. 3s on the wagon 15s on the Bird. Though maybe you kept installing them loaded, n why the slipped? I like them unloaded so they work with the stock system. and remove any sag. Provide a good firm ride and feel but not bone jarring.
Jegs and Summit both offer a nice coil over conversion kit from HAL, welding required, pretty sure it has everything you'd need for about $450. Gary G.
I was hoping for a pure bolt on. Like a Q-A1 kit. I was just thinking that a person could use an appropriate coil-over in place of a stock shock. And yes, my desire is for this to be a standalone spring. Summit shows my Skylark to need a shock with dimensions of: 21" extended, and 13.5" compressed. Some of the coil-overs I've seen are fairly close to those dimensions. Just curios if anyone has tried (or considered) this with a Q-A1, Koni or other type of high quality coil-over setup. I have also considered the weld in conversion kits, but would rather not have to "modify" the stock-type suspension.
Is this a drag car, a street car, or do you plan to turn some corners??? What are your reasons for wanting rear coilovers? I have seen stock bodied GS's go 1.35 60 foots, 9" slicks and footbrake only at 3800 lbs, with totally stock front and rear suspension other than adjustable shocks front and rear. Would these cars benefit from coilovers, front or rear? No, other than maybe some adjustability to compensate for track conditions. However, I would go with coilovers on the front before the rear. The front is more sensitive to adjustments and will have more impact on weight transfer, and with the coilovers you can adjust front ride height. On the typical stock bodied, heavy, small tire, stock suspensioned Buick for drag race purposes a good 50/50 rear shock with air bags in the springs is hard to beat, along with a good 90/10 front shock. Front coilovers ARE nice for adjustability purposes at the drag strip, and for adjusting ride height, but are pricey. If you are setting up your car for pure street or road course, then forget everything I have written, and carry on. :error:
