It’s time for shocks all around on my 1970 Chevelle. Maybe I am asking too much however, I would ultimately like to maintain that smooth soft ride and upgrade the suspension at the same time. So, I have two questions.

(1) Any recommendations on front and rear shocks, i.e. make and model?

(2) My Chevelle originally had a small block up until a year ago when I put together a 402 and made the swap. The extra weight didn’t seem to affect the ride height however, I thought I would replace the coil springs when I change the shocks. Looking at the books I find different numbers for front coil springs for a Chevelle with a small block as apposed to a big block. You guys have any recommendations regarding the front coil springs?

Thanks

For the shock absorbers, I would recommend that you go with a good set of Heavy Duty Gas Shocks. Both,Monroe (http://www.monroe.com/) and Gabriel (http://www.gabriel.com/) make good shocks that will work fine, but If you are looking to get a little more out of your suspension or would just like to have your car handle just a little better and even through the turns, then I would suggest stepping up to a set of KYB Gas-A-Just (http://www.kyb.com/) . Lots of guys on this site are running them and really enjoy the performance they offer, especially for the price. They are very reasonable (around $30 each) and provide some nice performance characteristics. Summit Racing as well as most other auto parts companies carry/can get them. Other good shock manufacturers include Tokico (http://www.tokicogasshocks.com/), Koni (http://www.koni-na.com/), Bilstein (http://www.bilstein.com/), Edelbrock (http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/iasshock_index.html) to name a few. The later four companies that I mentioned all produce very nice shocks and very good shocks, but the prices are also higher. Ultimately, it's up to you and what you want out of the car … good Sunday cruiser, something that will take some corners, street/strip, strip only, etc. I haven’t even gotten into the all out drag shocks.

I can't help much on the coil springs as I do not have much experience in selecting proper coils for the front of vehicles.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my post Bryan

Brad Hwoard

I have Edelbrock shocks in my '71 and like them pretty well. I'm still not sure about the Hotchkis springs after a year. They make a "Sproinnnng" every now and then and I can't track it down. The car handles well and I'm happy with the setup but for the money, you might be able to do as well.

Jeff

Hey thanks Jeff. I love cruising in the Chevelle so I am really trying to get as much advice from the guys that have replaced thier shocks and springs before I make the purchase.

The last thing I want is a stiff ride from installing the wrong shocks and springs.

Brad Howard

As a comparison, I used to have a '96 Audi A4 and the ride was about even. The Audi was a slot car but the rides about the same.

Jeff

Brad,
I did the SB to BB conversion last year on my 69 velle and got the front coils and many other parts from advanced auto.
They had a chart with all kinds of different engine size years and everything for the chevelle. They didn't have them in stock BUT I paid in advance and they were there for pick up the very next day.
They installed easily and kept the stock height and profile I was looking for.

I can't remember off the top of my head but I would guess they ran about 50-60 for the pair.
As for the shocks I went with the monroe.

Hope this helps and good luck

I installed Suspension Techniques (or something) 1" lowering springs and KYB Gas-A-Just shocks om my '68 Chevelle and I like them. They are definately better than stock in handling and the ride is not firm at all.

Theo.

went with kyb shocks and hotchkis 1" lower front rear springs...bought from summitt...