It's time to buy suspension parts for the '65 wagon project soon. I will be running stock-style '69 disc brake spindles up front if it matters.

I plan to lower the car 1-2 inches via the springs, not drop spindles. While I want the car to handle, the job will include big sway bars, good shocks and large tires, I also want it to ride decent. Hotchkiss says their springs will lower it about 1 inch and that they are not intended for drag racing because they provide little to no meaningful weight transfer. That makes them sound pretty stiff.

My other spring choice are stock style springs that simply lower the car 1-2 inches. By comparison, my '65 coupe has all stock components in the suspension, but when I add my big sway bars, Carrera shocks and wide Eagle GT's it rides nice and handles pretty decent for what it is. I wouldn't mind a bit if the wagon could do better in the handling department, but I don't want a truck like ride.

Ultimately my question is: how stiff riding are the Hotchkiss springs compared to stock style lowering springs?

Other upgrades to the wagon will be all poly suspension bushings and quick ratio steering. Sway bars will be 1.25 up front and 1 or 1.125 in back on boxed lower arms. Carrera shocks and 4-wheel disc brakes will round out the package along with the biggest 60-series rubber I can fit under the fenders. I'm hoping to lower it 1-2 inches and I certainly don't want a mush/slushy ride. I drive a sports car daily in the summer and I really like that firm connected feeling.

I've had the Hotchkis springs for about 2-3 years and I would say the ride is comparable to my Audi A4. The extra wheelbase of the wagon may smooth it out some.

Jeff

Originally posted by jpete:
I've had the Hotchkis springs for about 2-3 years and I would say the ride is comparable to my Audi A4. The extra wheelbase of the wagon may smooth it out some.

Jeff That doesn't sound so bad. One side effect of overly stiff springs is that it is detrimental to handling on less-than-perfect streets since the springs don't allow the wheel to follow the bump and the tires can lose contact with the pavement. Sounds perhaps as if the Hotchkiss springs could be a good choice.

Are there any other brands folks can recommend? My '85 MR2 has the best combination of a taut, firm ride that handles like it's on rails without jarring your fillings out with every bump in the road. I'd love to duplicate that feeling in the wagon.

Rich
I have a very similar set up as you are proposing with the following exceptions...KYB gas shocks all around, drum brakes in back, 1" rear bar and rear springs are "cargo coil". I am very happy with the feel of the Hotchkiss springs up front. I used the station wagon cargo coil springs in back only because I wanted it to be firmer but did not want it dropped due to the closeness of the rear tires to the fenders. The "drop" in front was almost the same as the previously cut and spent stock springs that were on there. You can see the stance in the photos at the link in my sig.

ooops heres a post with my sig

I am also running the Hotchkis lowering springs on front of my 66 and I love the ride and handling.

I think my 69 rides pretty smooth with the Hotchkis springs, but keep in mind my daily driver is a Camaro. My setup is on my webpage, and I'm pretty satisfied with it. They give a smooth ride, but the car stays flat in the corners.

Rich,talk to Coil Spring Specialties. They can build something to suit your needs.
http://www.coilsprings.com/