So I finished my Bilstein/Hotchkis install
05-03-2009, 10:48 PM
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So I finished my Bilstein/Hotchkis install and the rear drops by 2"...
WTF?.
But first let me say that I'm extremely pleased with the ride. It's what I was looking for. It's not very hard or ruff, it's smooth, comfortable and with much better control. The difference was very noticeable over a section of road where my stock suspension would either have me braking or throwing the car all over the place. Now it's way more in control and feels much more planted and flatter in the turns. BTW I used SLP Bilsteins
I also upgraded the front SB with an OEM 32mm and poly bushings, added poly bushings to the rear SB and an adj. PHB. Which is helping with the flatter in the turns part.
The only thing is the rear dropping by 2".
Before: Front 28" Rear 28.5
After: Front 27" Rear 26.5"
From side to side it's even both front and back with maybe a diff of 1/8" in rear D side being higher. I clocked the rear springs to the tightest position (lower pigtail in the forward position).
At this point it doesn't really bother me. It's not that noticeable and I think the smaller rear wheel well opening makes it seem worse. But I did want the rear to be higher so I might use a set of those Mr. Gasket spacers to raise it a bit.
Would adding Poly Bushings to the rear S/B have something to do with it? and how long would it normally take for the front to settle?
Overall I'm very pleased with it. Nice comfortable/controlled ride with some performance when you need it.
WTF?. But first let me say that I'm extremely pleased with the ride. It's what I was looking for. It's not very hard or ruff, it's smooth, comfortable and with much better control. The difference was very noticeable over a section of road where my stock suspension would either have me braking or throwing the car all over the place. Now it's way more in control and feels much more planted and flatter in the turns. BTW I used SLP Bilsteins
I also upgraded the front SB with an OEM 32mm and poly bushings, added poly bushings to the rear SB and an adj. PHB. Which is helping with the flatter in the turns part.
The only thing is the rear dropping by 2".
Before: Front 28" Rear 28.5
After: Front 27" Rear 26.5"
From side to side it's even both front and back with maybe a diff of 1/8" in rear D side being higher. I clocked the rear springs to the tightest position (lower pigtail in the forward position).
At this point it doesn't really bother me. It's not that noticeable and I think the smaller rear wheel well opening makes it seem worse. But I did want the rear to be higher so I might use a set of those Mr. Gasket spacers to raise it a bit.
Would adding Poly Bushings to the rear S/B have something to do with it? and how long would it normally take for the front to settle?
Overall I'm very pleased with it. Nice comfortable/controlled ride with some performance when you need it.
Last edited by Alex212; 05-03-2009 at 10:56 PM.
05-04-2009, 03:36 AM
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Did you keep the rear isolators?
Could you give a little more of a review on the Bilsteins with those spring rates?
Hows the compression and rebound dampening on differing road conditions?
Hows the compression and rebound dampening on differing road conditions?
Last edited by Alex212; 05-04-2009 at 04:38 AM.
05-04-2009, 03:42 AM
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Since you have the spring pigtails point forward, which is correct.
Before the rear was a 1/2" higher - now it's a 1/2" lower than the front...I'm thinking may be the front has some settling to do which will even it up all around.
Last edited by Alex212; 05-04-2009 at 03:50 AM.
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05-04-2009, 04:19 AM
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Try pointing the ends of the pig tails forward. In my GM service manual they clearly state that it's important that the ends of the pigtails are pointed forward.
05-08-2009, 10:52 AM
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Try pointing the ends of the pig tails forward. In my GM service manual they clearly state that it's important that the ends of the pigtails are pointed forward.
I put a call into Hotchkis but they are still researching, supposedly checking spring rates of their stock and such, I may get them to send me another pair see if that helps.
In the mean time I ordered a set of Mr. Gasket 1287 spring spacers and I don't mind using them but when you spend $220 on new springs that advertise a certain drop you shouldn't have to use spacers.
Any other ideas?
05-08-2009, 11:08 AM
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you should have had them send you some new rear springs before you ordered the spacers.
Last edited by Alex212; 05-08-2009 at 04:11 PM.
06-02-2009, 10:54 PM
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I actually added heater hose to the top and bottom pigtails along with a 1/4 inch spacer on top of the isolator which gained me a total of 1/2" rise. This has my car sitting exactly 27" all the way around with a full tank of gas. To me this is a perfect stance. Like I said, I love how it handles and rides with the SLP Bilstein/Hotchkis package, I just wish it did'nt drop as much in the back.
I'm still working with Hotchkis to get this resolved. I felt the drop in the rear was way too much, more than the advertised 1". I'll let you know if they respond but I'm not holding my breath.
Next up ---> 17 x 9.5 Polished ZR1 wheels and a 3.73 rear.
I'm still working with Hotchkis to get this resolved. I felt the drop in the rear was way too much, more than the advertised 1". I'll let you know if they respond but I'm not holding my breath.
Next up ---> 17 x 9.5 Polished ZR1 wheels and a 3.73 rear.
Last edited by Alex212; 06-02-2009 at 11:03 PM.
06-03-2009, 01:47 PM
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I was told on here the pigtail is to point to the passenger side.
Try pointing the ends of the pig tails forward. In my GM service manual they clearly state that it's important that the ends of the pigtails are pointed forward.
I would think your car is also not going to have the optimal ride/handling that it could have if your rear ride height was correct.
06-04-2009, 01:40 PM
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Thanks... and If your not looking for super stiff handling but handling that is more geared toward comfort with some pretty decent cornering capability..I think you will be very satisfied.
BTW - Hotchkis is sending me new rear springs to try, so we'll see.
BTW - Hotchkis is sending me new rear springs to try, so we'll see.