Coilover shocks

James Neal · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2003, 06:40 AM

What are the sizes of the front and rear shocks fully extended,Travel and suggested spring length.Also the installed length.Will the Koni double adj. fit a shell Valley

ACC427US · #2 (**permalink**) 09-06-2003, 08:32 PM

Jim,

You ever get a reply. I've got to repalce my Coil overs. The oil pan it way too low to the ground and the tires are way too close to the fender flares.

James Neal · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 09:22 AM

No reply yet, but I'm not in a big hurry I have a long ways to go. I haven't even ordered the kit yet, been buying tools and parts. Just ordered the Wilwood Brakes should be here any day, the next thing is the shocks I don't want to use the Aldens. I am going to go with the Koni double adjustable with the Hypercoil springs. I just need the shock lengths so I get the correct shocks, what length our yours and what is your front and rear coil weights? What size wheels and tires? What type a pan did you go with? At this stage I'm probably going with a Dry sump because I have a buddy who has one for me. I'm at least a year from dropping a motor in the rails so I could change my mind. I'm trying to eliminate as many problems initially to save money in the long run.

Jim

ACC427US · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 10:31 AM

I bought a used kit that was never assenbled. I've taken 2.5 years working on it, primarilly through a "custom rod" shop. I'm barely drivable at this point. My Coil overs are about 13" bolt to bolt. I got them from Shell Valley. SV doesn't give you any detail on the coil weights. However, I can tell you I'm way, way too low to the ground at the oil pan, flywheel, and differential. I'm like 2" off the ground at the oil pan. That's a big reason why I'm still looking at the suspension.

Wheels are Trico-like. Tires are Eagle GTIIs. Front are 235/60R15 and the rear is 295/50R15

I'm running a 427Side Olier with a wet sump with a Tremec TKO 5-speed.

James Neal · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 05:52 PM

I believe I read on some earlier posts this year that they ran 650lb. coils in front and 450lb. coils in rear, but racers say other way around for better performance. I haven't pursued the issue as of yet but I will be soon cause I'm gonna buy them,75% street 25% autocross and vintage if possible.Most the cobra guys I talk to are any where from 3.5"-4.5" off the ground. the low ones have a few scrapes on the pan.Spring weight and length are important for cobras.

ACC427US · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2003, 08:59 PM

I'm going to a suspension mechanic Thursday so hopefully I'll be able to tell you what changes I made to raise the car. I'm currently considering your idea of the Koni's.

Shell Valley · #7 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 06:15 AM

Our coilovers measure 10.25" compressed and 13.25" extended. As far asspring weights, for a small block car we normally use 350# fronts and 250# rears. On big block cars, we normally use 450# fronts and 250# or 300# rears.
Hope this helps!

Dana