I have a 69 camaro , front suspension has a coil spring with a shock in the center, should i just replace the shock or switch to a coil over? Second question, rear suspension, it has a single leaf , whats the best shock for that ? Any help / advice would be greatly appreciated

 

There is no way to answer this. We do not know the condition of the car or what you want to improve. What are you going to want out of the car and what the budget?

Drag racing?
Street racing?
Classic period correct Street drag, light to light?
Rally / parking lot racing.
Stock like just a little better?

GM did not put the single leaf with the more powerful car because it would allow wheel hop. The stock front geometry is poor. The second gen sub frame conversion was a nice upgrade. But the 3rd gens out handled the second gens and the 4th gens out handled the 3rd.

 

My bad , car is getting 100%restoration , no rust at all , just painted, as far as what i want is just a nice ride , not gonna race it , just go to car shows with it , im just looking for a nice smooth ride, and as far as budget , i don’t really have one lol




QUOTE=Gorn;749505]There is no way to answer this. We do not know the condition of the car or what you want to improve. What are you going to want out of the car and what the budget?

Drag racing?
Street racing?
Classic period correct Street drag, light to light?
Rally / parking lot racing.
Stock like just a little better?

GM did not put the single leaf with the more powerful car because it would allow wheel hop. The stock front geometry is poor. The second gen sub frame conversion was a nice upgrade. But the 3rd gens out handled the second gens and the 4th gens out handled the 3rd.[/QUOTE]

 

In that case I would suggest just replacing the shocks with something quality like Koni, no need for coil overs.

 

Many people are surprised how nice my 67 rides. I have been told it feels like a new car. The only thing not stock is the Kyb gas charged shocks I put on it in the 90's. IMO the key is to make sure you use the stock type body mounts. and control arm bushings and that there is no clearance in any of the suspension parts. I use Moog suspension parts. After that a good alignment and make sure nothing is rattling. Do not fall into the trap of putting high end racing parts on a car that is not going to race. Most racing parts make you give up some ride quality to get better corning. Some "race" apart are good like the above mentioned shocks because they are adjustable. But 99% of the people out there can not tell the different between a Koni that is adjusted for comfort and a KYB that is a stock replacement.

I was a GM tech in the 80's so chasing down the smallest rattle or vibration is second nature to me when it comes to that car. My daily does not get that level maintenance

 

Thank you Gorn And everyone else who has been helping me , I appreciate all the info , this is exactly what i need ,Great stuff , this car is just gonna be a cruiser with a lil extra pep in her step, most things are gonna be stock or close to it , my goal is finish by springtime (hopefully)