rear race shocks for 70 Skylark

Discussion in 'Race car chassis tech' started by bignastyGS, Jan 14, 2006.

  1. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    I am considering adding some rear adjustable shocks on my 70 Skylark car. I currently have tubular non adjustable lower control arms and as soon as they arrive a set of rear airbags for the springs.Otherwise its stock.I was looking in Summit and Jegs's catalogs and thought maybe I might add a set of adjustable shocks as well. Question is,do I need them or will they actually help me? What setting is suggested. I am considering the cheaper ones,not the Koni's or such.Trying to keep in the budget(aka cheap) but get necessary things to go faster. Any suggestions???
    Thanks,Pat
     
  2. Jeff Kitchen

    Jeff Kitchen Well-Known Member

    QA-1 12-way are definitely the hot ticket. A little pricey, but well worth it. In a pinch, the Competition Engineering 3-way shocks aren't bad, but nowhere near the worth of QA-1's.

    Have fun.
     
  3. GS Kubisch

    GS Kubisch THE "CUT-UP" BUICK

    Pat
    I went low ten's with a "K-mart" gas shock.......I remember reading your goal of a twelve second car,Don't waste your money on race shocks,For that ET you just don't need to.
     
  4. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    Gary,
    thats what I was thinking as well.I have a buddy that is the mechanic on a dirt track car that uses QA-1 coilover shocks. They get several rated sizes and use them in a race or two then replace them. He told me he'd sell me the used ones dirt cheap but I should know the pound rate first. We went to a dirt track flea market and there were several QA-1 shocks almost new for 15 bucks a shot. I thought for the price and if they would help,I'd maybe try a set. As of now I have a set of Napa Gas shocks I had for another car on it now. I kinda like the lower sitting look a bit with the 295/50/15 tires and15x10 dog dish wheels. Maybe I'll use the dough for something better needed.
    Thanks,Pat
     
  5. GS Spoken Here

    GS Spoken Here Well-Known Member

    Pat I was told or read somewhere that a non gas is better than a gas shock for the rear if you are using regular ones. I had gas ones on the rear of my 70 for years and a year or two ago I changed to a set of non gas and I am not sure I can tell the difference in the 60 foot times. My car is a 12.0 street car that does not get very good 60 foot times. If I can get a 60 in the 1.6 range I can run in the high 11's but most of the time I am in the 1.7/8 range. I need more stall but like the old SW trans with a small v8 converter. Thanks Bill Sangster.
     
  6. stg1dom

    stg1dom Well-Known Member

    Pat, I am selling a used set of Comp. Engineering 3-way adjustable shocks if you're interested. Give me $20 plus shipping and their yours. They worked well when I was running in the 11's and twelves. I just upgraded to the QA-1's and I'm curious to see the improvements.
     
  7. Dana/Beth Andrews

    Dana/Beth Andrews Huc accedit zambonis!

    Dang Dominic :eek2:

    If Pat doesnt jump on those, we'll take em for the wagon :Brow:

    Just thought I'd insert myself here :Dou:

    D.
     
  8. bignastyGS

    bignastyGS Maggot pilot

    This is too good of a deal to pass up...Sorry Dana...Dom,give me a total shipped to 17747 zip code. I can either send a Postal Money order or perhaps have Dustin Paypal you. There is no immediate hurry. I have a little time before racing season is here.
    Pat
     
  9. Dana/Beth Andrews

    Dana/Beth Andrews Huc accedit zambonis!

    dont be sorry Pat, I mearly posted up so that you would get off the fence & snag em :moonu:

    good deal for sure Dom :TU:

    D.
     
  10. stg1dom

    stg1dom Well-Known Member

    Pat, I PM'd you. They are probably about 8 years old because i bought them when I first got the car. So, instead of having them sit on the self collecting dust I figured I'd help out a fellow Buick brother :) .
    (If you had a Chevelle or GTO it'd be triple :Brow: :Brow: ).
     

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