66 Chevelle, need help picking the right kit, wanna buy tomorrow!

[chevelleman]

First of all, I'd like to say hello to everyone and thank you in advance for your help and suggestions. I've been a big fan of you guys since the first time I played with one of your set ups at the Good Guys auto show in Del Mar, Ca. I've tried calling in to your shop AND to local vendors in San Diego trying to get help on what package to get but haven't been able to get anywhere. I know it's hard over the phone so I'm going to give it a go here and hope that I can get a good idea.

Oh and one last thing before I get into it, I really don't want to have to cut or weld into my girl. I believe that your kit for the 66 and the shockwave would help there?

Ok so I have a 66 2door coupe with the original suspension on it, the only thing that has been upgraded is that I put in a front Hotchkis sway bar.

I would really like to put the same size wheel/tire combo you guys used on your 66 Chevelle, I just absolutely want to make sure that I don't rub my wheels. Same size but I think I'm going to go with the Foose Nitrous II.

I currently have a 350 in it, but would like to someday put in a beefed up 454.

I'm not the most mechanically savvy guy so I don't know how crazy I want to get with the upgrades but imagine I would want to get your A-arms and other things you suggest to make sure I have a solid, dependable kit that delivers a good ride and the freedom to drop the car down when parked, or cruise a little on the low side or even raise the rear and slam the front. That kind of stuff.

Lastly, my budget is around $3000 give or take. What would you suggest? Again, thank you very much for your time and know that I am going to go Air Ride all the way...been waiting for a long time for this!!!
Here's a pic.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2451561130_20a81932a3_b.jpg

EDIT NOTE: I could probably go $4000.00 on my budget if that will make a big difference.

[darren@ridetech.com]

For that price range I think the following parts will best suite your needs.

SKW1038-LUCA Front Single Adjustable Shockwaves w/ taller spindles & StrongArms $1851.94

ARR20800-LUCA Rear Cool Ride w/ Upper & Lower StrongArms $838.95

APOD4100e2 5 gallon AirPod w/o height sensors $2095 (you can always add the height sensors later)

I know....that's about $700 over your budget. You could hold on the rear StrongArms and add those later, that would save you a couple hundred. You could also opt for the regular compressor kit (ARC4100e2) instead of the AirPod, that would save about $400, but I think that the ease of install is well worth the money. Also the taller spindles up front are not absolutely necessary, but it does wonders for the handling of the car, and is difficult to upgrade to later since they require a special length Shockwave.

[darren@ridetech.com]

Oh yea....Nice car! Love the two-tone.

[chevelleman]

Thank you very much Darren! Ok so I sold my '69 Lincoln and will be using all the money I get from that to buy the suspension so I should be able to swing about $4700-$5000.

A couple of questions:

Will I have to do any cutting or welding with what you recommended above?

Is it difficult to add the height sensor later?

Am I in danger of damaging the system if I go too high without it, or will I have to hassle with the system constantly and manually to get and keep a specific ride height?

Does this system you recommended include the console that lets me preset ride heights?

Also, I liked the key fob controls, can those be added later or do they have to be programmed and sent out with everything?

Lastly, is this a good system to have for an enthusiast that likes to cruise and on occasion drive around fast (legally of course:D)? Or should I wait a while and save up to get the set up you guys put on your '66 Chevelle?

Thank you very very much for your help D, I am commited to getting this set up for my Chevelle, I've been waiting a long time and selling the Lincoln just opened that door for me!

[britt@ridetech.com]

Too bad you sold the Lincoln. I have a 66LCC myself.


Answers to electronic control system questions:

"Is it difficult to add the height sensor later?"
No, it's quite easy. All you do is purchase the level sensor kit which includes the harnesses and hardware. You plug in the level sensors and relearn your presets. The system automatically detects that level sensors are attached.

"damaging the system if I go too high without it"
Not at all. The only thing the level sensors do is make the system more accurate.

"Does this system you recommended include the console that lets me preset ride heights?"
Yes. The E2 and the Level Pro are exactly the same control system. It's as simple as the Level Pro is able to be more accurate as the level sensors provide direct data from the suspension so the vehicle knows exactly where it is at all times.

"Also, I liked the key fob controls, can those be added later or do they have to be programmed and sent out with everything?"
The remotes can be added at any time. It's as simple as plugging in the antenna, hitting the ART logo button 3 times and pressing the Preset #1 button on each remote to tell the system which remotes you have. (they work just like high end garage door openers with SAW and rolling code. So when you go to a show the guy next to you won't accidentally raise or lower your car.)

Here's a quick explanation of Air Pressure Only System vs. an Air and Level Sensor System:
Air pressure is not directly relational to suspension travel. When the vehicle remains at the same weight it is very close to the same each time the vehicle is raised and lowered (approx. 0.5-inches accuracy). However, let's say you have a wagon. . .and it normally rides at 100psi when unladen (for easy math). Now you put a cooler, some chairs, a table, and a bunch of other stuff in the back, and a couple of buddies in the rear seats. The weight has dramatically increased.
An Air Pressure Only System will raise the vehicle back to 100psi. But since the car weighs so much more, it will be low in the rear.
An Air and Level System will raise it to the desired air pressure (100psi) but it will also notice the rear end is low so it will increase the air pressure until the level sensors are where they were for the Preset. The air pressure will be quite a bit higher, due to the added mass, but the vehicle ride height will be precisely where you set it (within 1/8th-inch).

[chevelleman]

Britt, thanks for the answers, I'm 100% in now no doubt about it!

I love classsic Lincolns from the 60's I regret to have had to sell it but my Chevelle gets 1st dibs on my attention and pocket book with my '68 Firebird closely behind (Lemme know if you need it to test a kit on that!!). I'm gonna miss my Lincoln though, here is a pic:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2750216997_9a43c5bdc4_b.jpg

LAST QUESTION I promise, I was planning on copying your set up for the 66 Chevelle and have the compressor in the back of the trunk in that smaller area. Does the new AIRPOD system fit in there?

Thanks again guys and I'll make sure to post pictures once I get everything installed!!

[britt@ridetech.com]

Yes, the AirPod will fit under the package tray (that's the exact spot we envisioned when we designed it).

My first priority is my Camaro: www.projectAWDcamaro.com, though I doubt I ever get it finished.
Next is my LCC: http://ridetech.com/my_ridetech/album.php?user=britt&album_id=13935
-Britt-

[chevelleman]

Dang Britt, that's one mean looking LCC! Interesting premise on your Camaro, looks like a TON of work and engineering, hope one day you're able to finish it.

Thanks for the info, I am so relieved that it will fit under my package tray. Otherwise I was going to have to move the speakers and spare.

I'm waiting to get the cash from the sale so as soon as it's in the bank I'll be calling you guys to place the order.

Thanks again!

[darren@ridetech.com]

This system does not require any welding, but there is a little trimming that must be done around the coil spring pocket so the Shockwave does not rub. This can be done with a die grinder and a cutoff wheel.

[chevelleman]

Hi Darren, did you get my email with the pictures of the different spindles and the steering arm?

Thanks
Oscar

[darren@ridetech.com]

Sure did.....

[chevelleman]

Got the picture of your spindle placement on the Chevelle. Gonna try it this weekend. Thanks D!

[chevelleman]

Hey Darren, here is an update:

So far I have installed the rear cool ride and upper and lower control arms as well as run the lines and set up the rear sway bar. I have not been able to move forward on the front installation because the bolts for the spindles are 1/2" and the steering arms I had had a 7/16" hole. I took the arms to a machine shop and they should be ready for pick up today.

This Saturday I expect to put on the shockwaves, spindles, run the electrical and plumb the system. I am really hoping to have this done by Saturday.

I was looking at the carjunkietv.com install on the 65 Chevelle and there they recommend that I take the "specs" air ride gives to the shop when getting the car aligned. Could you tell me what specs they are talking about?

BTW I ended up going with 18's like on your Chevelle.

Thanks for all your help

[darren@ridetech.com]

You just need to have the car aligned at ride height.
You should have about 5" of overall travel, measuring from the fender well to the ground. Ride height should be about 3" from fully compressed and 2" from topped out.

[chevelleman]

Sounds good D, thanks!