Ride quality improvements...

[bill1978v8]

I'm finally driving my LS1 powered '78 Monza 2+2 and I gotta say the power is great but the ride stinks. I can feel every thing in the road. Here is my set up:

Front:
225/50-15 Dunlop SP8000's on 15X6 Rims
V8 Monza with A/C springs
Adjustable Summit front shocks set at 60/40
No front sway bar
Stock Bushings through out

Rear:
245/50-15 Dunlop SP8000's on 15X7 Rims
Aftermarket Load handler springs for V8 Monza (very stiff)
Gas Shocks
Stock 3/4" rear sway bar
Stock bushings trough out

My idea is to go with the following

Front:
V6 with out A/C springs
KYB GRII Shocks
1" front sway bar
Stock replacement rubber bushings except for sway bar and end links

Rear:
V6 with out A/C springs
KYB GRII Shocks
1" front sway bar
Stock replacement rubber bushings except on panhard rod

What do you guys think? Will this help?


Thanks,

Bill

[starfire383]

Yes! I'd blame the springs for a cast iron V8 underneath an all aluminum V8, that'll ruin ride in a hurry. But I'd probably take baby steps with stuff like the swaybar. Definitely want to pinpoint what's causing it. Those tiny sidewalls don't help a whole lot either, if you're not running 32 psi, get em down there. Good Luck!

[Kenova]

I don't think your springs are the problem. You would be surprised at how stiff a spring you can get away with in the front. Try some different shock settings, and if the budget allows, some different shocks.
The ultimate solution would be Air Ride's shockwave suspension.
Ken

[bill1978v8]

I thought I'd have to put a chassis under it...

Like this:

[monzaman69]

I thought I'd have to put a chassis under it...

Weld a seat to that and you've got the best go-kart ever!



Later,

Adam

[bill1978v8]

Just kidding about the chassis, I'd use a C5 chassis anyway

There was a chart floating around with the spring part numbers and rates, anyone know where to find this?

Thanks,

Bill

[cjbiagi]

Springs can be a part of it but it's the combination that will determine how it rides. Ride quality is very important to me. I don't like a harsh ride, or any unusual noises etc. I am willing to give up a little handling (not too much!) for a nice ride. I think part of the problem is the 50 series tires, there is not much "give" to such a side wall and the tires provide the first level of cushion to the road surface. Tire pressure will also come into play with such a short sidewall. I also prefer rubber bushings in the control arms along with the rubber spring insualtors on top of the springs. You also want to make sure that your suspension isn't "topping" or "bottoming' out. H bodies do not have a lot of suspension travel, so you must make sure that your shocks are in the middle of their travel range when the car is at rest. My car used to top out with the stock shocks, not sure why, but it did. You will get a very harsh thud when either condition occurs and it is very jarring. Poly bushings are great for the sway bar and a good low pressure gas shock like the KYB GR-2 will help. I feel you are better off with springs that are just stiff enough to give you the ride height you want and then go with some big sway bars to control any lean in the corners, it's the best of both worlds for a street car.

[marco_1978_spyder]

did you use the rubber spring isolators on the top of the springs?

[bill1978v8]

I did use the rubbers on top of the springs. I know that makes a big difference. I'm going to replace the springs with V6 springs and add new bushings in the control arms. Any other suggestions?

Bill