[elky] Re: Rear Shocks
- From: Robert Adams <elcam84@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: elky@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:18:20 -0500
Good choice. They are a really good all around product. The
sensatracs are cheap... I used to have them on the elky and I was swapping
them out at least once a year at my supplier in Dallas. They were nice when
new and working right though.
Robert Adams
On Thu, Oct 27, 2011 at 11:40 AM, Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:
> I pulled the trigger on the regular Bilsteins HDs. For 99% of the driving
> I do they will be great, and if I get serious about drag racing I can buy a
> pair of drag shocks for track days (along with slicks, etc.). I will
> install the cargo coil springs (thanks Jared!), the combination of softer
> rate coils and firmer coils may help with launch.
>
> Thanks for everyone's input.
>
>
> On Thu, Oct 27, 2011 at 10:37 AM, Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:
>
>> The 4 wheel drive guys swear by the Bilsteins, which are a mono tube
>> design, and the Ranchos aren't as good because they are a twin tube design.
>>
>> When I replaced the shocks & struts on the Volvo I chose Bilstein without
>> hesitation and it handles great. I did replace the cargo coils with
>> standard wagon springs, the cargo coils seemed to make the ride harsh.
>>
>> The only reason I'm considering other shocks is I would think a firm
>> Bilstein shock would not allow weight transfer like a soft shock would.
>> That said if I were to try a pair of 15" wheels and slicks that would
>> probably help traction more than suspension changes. From what I'm reading
>> on the Chevelle forums if you race with a manual it is best to use a bias
>> ply slick tire, the drag radials aren't sticky enough.
>>
>> One great reason to race an El Camino: you can carry your spare parts in
>> the bed!
>>
>> This is interesting, evidently Hotchkis puts their own valving in
>> Bilsteins: "Tuned in house and manufactured by Bilstein TM this shock
>> offers a seamless transition between comfort and control."
>> http://www.hotchkis.net/rear_hps_1000_shockm_gm_agb_body.html
>>
>> On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 5:40 PM, John Christensen <johncgg@xxxxxxxxx>wrote:
>>
>>> I have said it before, and I'll say it again ... Nothing is better than
>>> Billsteins and air bags in the back of an Elky. I have tried 4 different set
>>> ups.
>>>
>>> If you go adjustable, the rancho sounds like a better deal. You may use
>>> the adjustability. The Billsteins are dynamically adjusting (according to
>>> what I have read). I don't know how they know howe to work just right, but
>>> they do.
>>>
>>> JC
>>>
>>> On Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 4:24 PM, Chris Lindh <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>wrote:
>>>
>>>> The drag strip adventure highlighted the need to replace the air shocks
>>>> on my '80. All along I had planned to install Bilstein HDs (~$60 each) as
>>>> I
>>>> have in the front, but I'm wondering if that is a good choice if I decide
>>>> to
>>>> continue drag racing.
>>>>
>>>> I've researched shocks... there are a lot of options since GM used the
>>>> same basic shock in most rear wheel drive cars:
>>>>
>>>> Standard replacement shocks are available as low as $18 each... the
>>>> Chevelle forum folks like the Monroe Sensa Tracs for a budget shock. The
>>>> thought behind using a budget shock is I can inflate the air bags to
>>>> stiffen
>>>> the suspension if necessary. I plan to install the bags plumbed
>>>> independently so I can add more air to the right rear for traction. For
>>>> some reason Monroe does not list a Sensa Trac for the El Camino, but they
>>>> do
>>>> for a Malibu (I believe the Malibu wagon has the same frame as an El
>>>> Camino). AC Delco shocks are also available for $18.
>>>>
>>>> Drag shocks that can be installed with 70/30, 60/40 or 50/50 valving are
>>>> around $40 each, the downside is you have to disconnect one end of the
>>>> shock
>>>> and rotate the shock body to change the setting. Also drag shocks will not
>>>> be good for handling, although the air bags could compensate.
>>>>
>>>> Single adjustable shocks that can be converted to coil overs seem to run
>>>> $150+, double adjustable are up to $300... each! Single adjust able means
>>>> you change the compression and rebound simultaneously from soft to firm,
>>>> double means you can adjust each independently.
>>>>
>>>> Lastly I have found some racers are using Rancho adjustable shocks
>>>> (Rancho is a truck shock company). Although there is no stated application
>>>> for passenger cars evidently it is as simple as removing the steel sleeve
>>>> from the bottom of the shock and it bolts right up (application from a '90
>>>> 4WD S10 for example). These are 9 way single adjustable and I can source
>>>> them for not much more than Bilsteins.
>>>>
>>>> I'm debating between the standard replacement shocks and the Ranchos...
>>>> I may need to make a chart...
>>>>
>>>> Your thoughts?
>>>> Chris
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>
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