Lowering springs

[enzia35]

Deciding between Strano springs and the Hotchkis kit. From what I've heard, Strano is the de facto f-body suspension guy. Is his springs better than Hotchkis? Plan for my car is just a daily driver, exceptionally fine tuned.

[TheGr8Schlotzky]

Re: Lowering springs

Both are great springs, I believe the main difference is that the Hotchkis are progressive rate springs and Strano's springs are linear. So in a nutshell, the Hotchkis will theoretically give you a better ride vs. the Strano springs, which will handle more like a track car. Even Strano himself agrees the Hotchkis springs are nice, though his are better for handling. I only have experience with the Hotchkis, and can tell you that my ride quality improved vs. my 14 year old 130k mile stock springs, and handling was no comparison, but can't personally compare them to Strano springs.

[enzia35]

Re: Lowering springs

Mine are about 108k, so they're running a bit old themselves. I was leaning towards Hotchkis myself, and they are about 35 dollars cheaper than the Strano springs. I've got over a thousand dollars of other suspension junk in my room and need springs and shocks to complete the package.

[pace2006]

Re: Lowering springs

For a car that'll be used primarily on street and in-town driving, Hotchkis are more comfortable and provide a nice 1" drop. Strano springs might be a little harsher in town, but will make a noticeable difference in corners if you're more into autocross or road racing. They also cause the car to sit a little lower with a 1.25" drop. Either one will be better than older sagging stock springs, but choosing between the two can also matter when it comes to the car's use.

[bwkmaro]

Re: Lowering springs

y not just get front qa1 coil overs for 500 and do it once then get a good set of shocks for the back with sum o.e z28 springs. its a good set up

[enzia35]

Re: Lowering springs

I don't really think I'll be doing much autocross or racing the car. So Hotchkis it is, along with some KYB AGX shocks to complete the package.

[pace2006]

Re: Lowering springs

y not just get front qa1 coil overs for 500 and do it once then get a good set of shocks for the back with sum o.e z28 springs. its a good set up

QA1 coilovers are made primarily for drag. While fine for street use and corners, there are definitely better (and more comfortable) options out there. If you're wanting a good package with flexibility, Edelbrock makes a decent coilover package for our cars. But I'd still take a quality traditional shock/spring setup for a street car.