Any performance difference between Shockwave and Coolride?

[PT64MALIBU]

Hey
I am considering air suspension for my 64 Malibu and was trying to figure out what system I should go with. Assuming I was to get double adjustable shocks for either system is there any performance differences between the two? I ask because the shockwave kit is quite a bit more expensive than the coolride not only because of the bags but because you have to buy the control arms as well. I already have adjustable UCA's and Delalum bushings in the LCAs. Im looking at this as strictly a performance decision and if there isnt a difference I obviously would be opting for the less expensive option. If anyone can give me some pros or cons regarding this I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[darren@ridetech.com]

If you were to get the Coolride kit and upgrade to the DA shocks, then you would essentially have the same piece of rubber and same shock as the Shockwave. At that point it is just packaging. One down side to the CoolRide kit is having to relocate the shock. This may eliminate some turning radius and restict the tire width a bit.

Also, assuming that performance is what you are after..... you definitely want to use our taller spindle. The factory height spindle causes positive camber gain, which is the opposite of what is needed to keep the tire flat on the pavement. The taller spindle puts the upper control arm at more of angle which induces negative camber gain. But....this spindle can only be used our tubular arms, which correct the ball joint angle. Our arms also add about 3 degree of caster adjustment, which will increase high speed stability and steering wheel returnabilty.

So, even though the CoolRide could have have the same shock and air spring, the Shockwave/StrongArm package opens the door for many other performance upgrades, i.e. wider tires, taller spindle, less flex, poly bushings, more caster.

[PT64MALIBU]

Thanks for the reply, I do have taller upper and lower ball joints and at this point thats about as far as I want to go with that. As far as shock relocation Im also not detered what I do wonder though is if the steering radius is enlarged right off the bat if I have to move the shock. Im running 17x7.5" 4"bs rims in front so its not a really wide front tire but Id prefer not to lose the radius if its excessive. Also other than price the main attractor to the coolride setup is that Im not totally screwed if the bag pops or the shock goes bad since they are seperate I would be able to keep a spare bag and get a temporary replacement shock if I was on the road as opposed to having to ship a shockwave back to you and wait to get it back. So I suppose if you could give me particulars on the turning radius that would be about it and Id go that route if its liveable.

[darren@ridetech.com]

If you do loose some turning radius, it won't be much.

The shock absorber inside the shockwaves is rebuildable and replaceable. As is the bellow. I'm not trying to talk you out of using the CoolRide, just want to give you all the facts before you make your decision. :)

[dontlifttoshift]

I'm curious. Won't the shockwave work better because the shock will dampen more effectively inside the spring than outside of it, much like a factory setup?

[darren@ridetech.com]

Not really. When we relocate the shock, it is typically in the same location (left to right), so the leverage is about the same.