Improved ride, 66' Coronet convertable
#2312373
05/28/17 01:15 PM
05/28/17 01:15 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 984 Tennessee
Hemi ragtop
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 984
Tennessee
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I have driven 5,700 miles in my HEMI convertible. Now I want to improve the ride. It is harsh, especially in the rear. I am thinking about better shocks. Here is what I have: Rear, Cal Track mono springs (Rubber bushings vs. Aluminum) and bars. Super Stock gas shocks from Mancini and a .900" rear sway bar. Front, .970" T bars, 1.25" Firm Feel sway bar and parts store gas shocks. All mounts are urethane. Weights: LF 1,151 lb. RF 1,104 lb.LR 1,057 lb. RR 862 lb. What do you guys suggest?
Last edited by Hemi ragtop; 05/28/17 01:16 PM. Reason: no photo
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Re: Improved ride, 66' Coronet convertable
[Re: Hemi ragtop]
#2312433
05/28/17 03:52 PM
05/28/17 03:52 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889 up yours
Supercuda
About to go away
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About to go away
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 14,889
up yours
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That's a pretty damned big rear bar
They say there are no such thing as a stupid question. They say there is always the exception that proves the rule. Don't be the exception.
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Re: Improved ride, 66' Coronet convertable
[Re: Hemi ragtop]
#2312515
05/28/17 06:32 PM
05/28/17 06:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,548 So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,548
So Cal
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Disconnect the rear sway bar on one end. If ride doesn't change, not the issue.
You are asking for the ride and harshness to improve. High end performance shocks probably aren't going to help. They help control really stiff springs (which you don't have) and control weight transfer. You are trying to make it a little more Cadillac, not make it more Viper.
You are looking to dampen and soften the high speed shock acceleration for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). That quick movement comes from bumps, cracks, roughness in the road.
Low speed dampening is the vehicle weight transfer/transition side to side, front to rear, or both (corner to corner)
I'd look at Bilstien RCD. Maybe an adjustable, But it would be just set on the soft settings.
Last edited by autoxcuda; 05/28/17 06:39 PM.
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Re: Improved ride, 66' Coronet convertable
[Re: BigBlockMopar]
#2312522
05/28/17 06:45 PM
05/28/17 06:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,548 So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,548
So Cal
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I think 'autoxcuda' thinks you're running CalTrack traction bars.
Yes. He said Cal Trac and bars.
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Re: Improved ride, 66' Coronet convertable
[Re: Hemi ragtop]
#2318316
06/09/17 01:20 AM
06/09/17 01:20 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,548 Albany, NY
67SATisfaction
The member whose name is actually Art
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The member whose name is actually Art
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,548
Albany, NY
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Thanks for the ideas, so Bilstein adjustable set on the softest setting? Front and back? Good place to start softening the ride - and I'll throw in my $.02 and suggest you use rubber bushings (which you mention in your OP)... rubber bushings at the shocks will help relieve the harshness. Best, - Art
Last edited by 67SATisfaction; 06/09/17 01:22 AM.
65 Satellite hardtop 361/4bbl console 727 2.76 67 Satellite convert 383/2bbl column 727 3.23 67 Lancia Fulvia Sport 1.3 Zagato. Alloy body, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 67 Lancia Fulvia Rallye 1.3. Alloy panel, 1.3L V4 DOHC 4-spd 71 Alfa Romeo GT Junior 1300 Zagato, 1.3L 4cyl DOHC hemi 5-spd 82 Alfa Romeo GTV6 2.5L SOHC hemi V6 5-spd transaxle 75 Maserati Bora US spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 77 Maserati Khamsin Euro spec 4.9L DOHC hemi V8 5-spd ZF 07 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L DOHC V12 6spd transaxle
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Re: Improved ride, 66' Coronet convertable
[Re: Hemi ragtop]
#2320180
06/12/17 09:34 PM
06/12/17 09:34 PM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 984 Tennessee
Hemi ragtop
OP
super stock
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OP
super stock
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 984
Tennessee
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OK, thanks for all the imput. I called several "respected" names in the business. Then I thought, "why not Firm Feel"? They provided my steering box, front sway bar and even built the Federal power steering pump for me.
I called, unlike the others, when I mentioned that I had the 4 wheel weights, they said, "let me guess them"!. They were within 100#!
They sold me Bilstiens that were modified to fit the car. After installing them, I just got to say, WHAT A RIDE!.
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Re: Improved ride, 66' Coronet convertable
[Re: Hemi ragtop]
#2320254
06/12/17 11:34 PM
06/12/17 11:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,548 So Cal
autoxcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 27,548
So Cal
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The harshness is gone, the ride is smooth. The car takes the 15 mph curves with no lean and confidence at 30 mph. I love it!
Don't forget our Mopar sponsors, they specialize in our cars and KNOW our cars! So were they bilstien RCD non adjustables? Were they off the shelf or did he have them custom made for you?
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