The Oldsmobile Connection

[sean000]

My shocks are pretty much shot also( the back end looks like it's sagging, and it drives way too much like a boat). Also, I am pretty sure the springs are the original 24 year old factory springs. I am looking to buy Eibach Pro-Kit springs and new shocks. The springs will lower the front 1 inch and the back 0.8 inches. My question is: will it be an easy switch of the springs and say new sensa-trac shocks even though they will lower the car slightly.

Also, is there maybe a better shock to go with the springs than the sensa-trac? I am looking for a responsive somewhat sporty but comfortable ride.

Thanks

[88delta88]

sean000 wrote: ...new sensa-trac shocks even though they will lower the car slightly.
Shocks will not lower the car. They only dampen the suspension.

sean000 wrote: Also, is there maybe a better shock to go with the springs than the sensa-trac? I am looking for a responsive somewhat sporty but comfortable ride.

KYB makes performance shocks. Take a look at this: KYB GR2 Shocks
or, an adjustable model for maximum versatility:
KYB AGX Shocks

Maybe one of those will strike your interest.

[Brando]

88delta88 wrote: sean000 wrote: ...new sensa-trac shocks even though they will lower the car slightly.
Shocks will not lower the car. They only dampen the suspension.

sean000 wrote: Also, is there maybe a better shock to go with the springs than the sensa-trac? I am looking for a responsive somewhat sporty but comfortable ride.

KYB makes performance shocks. Take a look at this: KYB GR2 Shocks
or, an adjustable model for maximum versatility:
KYB AGX Shocks

Maybe one of those will strike your interest.

Wouldn't recommend GR2s with lowering springs....definately don't recommend it.

KONI makes some adjustable shocks for your ride (g-body).

KYB does not list AGXs for your car.

I'd read around on those springs...not sure about G-Bodies, but when I was looking to lower my w-body, eibach was to be avoided (harsh ride).

UMI Performance makes some coil-over kits for your car. That would be the best option if you can afford it.

TOC Admin
Brando

[88 Coupe]

sean000 wrote: ........ My question is: will it be an easy switch of the springs and say new sensa-trac shocks even though they will lower the car slightly ........
Looks like you think the springs you are looking at, will lower your car.

The height of the car will have no effect on the operation of any shocks you might choose.

Norm

[sean000]

Thanks for the information on the shocks.

Brando: What Eibach Springs were you looking at for your car. I have been reading about the Eibach "pro kit springs" and from what I have read they offer better performance without compromising ride comfort. There are different levels of Eibach springs however.

and thanks for your post Norm, that is exactly what I was wondering.

[Brando]

It was a "Pro-Kit", any manufacturer is going to tell you that their product is the best. Now if you're reading personal experience from other G-Body owners that have used those springs....that's a different story.

TOC Admin
Brando

[sean000]

What are coil over springs?

I have been trying to find some more info on the Eibachs...definatly don't want a harsh ride. I would like it to be responsive but still be a nice comfortable ride. I will eventually be putting 15-17" rims so not sure if the 1" lowering springs will get in the way of the bigger wheels?

[88 Coupe]

sean000 wrote: What are coil over springs? ........
Coil overs = Coil springs over shock absorbers.

A spring/shock combo in one unit designed for a specific application. Not yours.

Quote: ........ I have been trying to find some more info on the Eibachs ........
What do you want to know?

Quote: ........ not sure if the 1" lowering springs will get in the way of the bigger wheels?
They will not.

However, if they raise the car, you might gain a bit of space in your wheelwells.

Norm

[88 Coupe]

Brando wrote: ........ UMI Performance makes some coil-over kits for your car.
Do they make them? Looks more like they sell them.

Quote: ........ That would be the best option if you can afford it.
Aside from the $700 USD+ per corner cost, how would pure racing components be his best option?

Norm

[sean000]

Okay, good to hear they won't conflict with bigger wheels.

Quote: I'd read around on those springs...not sure about G-Bodies, but when I was looking to lower my w-body, eibach was to be avoided (harsh ride).

I have always heard good things about Eibach springs. Their pro-kit is suited for my car, and is affordable (about $250us for the set). I would just like to know if they will provide a harsh ride because as I said before I would like a responsive ride, but also be able to absorb a pothole when I hit one.

(or should I be looking for a better quality, performance shock and just get the springs replaced with new factory ones?)

[88 Coupe]

sean000 wrote: I would just like to know if they will provide a harsh ride ........
Less distance to the "bottom" requires lowering springs to be stiffer in order to compensate.

Quote: ........ I would like a responsive ride ........
As in response during evasive maneuvers/quick corners?

Quote: ........ but also be able to absorb a pothole when I hit one ........
That should be a given, when contemplating any mod.

Quote: ........ should I be looking for a better quality, performance shock and just get the springs replaced with new factory ones?
Do you need to replace your springs?

Can you post a pic showing the "stance" we are talking about?

Norm

[Brando]

Yea...don't know what I was thinking on the coilover setup recommendation...not like he's gonna go running the track with that 3.8 and certainly won't provide the ride he seems to be looking for.
And yes, UMI just sells them, QA1 is the manufacturer...another mistake.

To sean, I think you'd be best off just getting some Monroe Sensatracs and if necessary, some new factory aftermarket springs. My 87 delta needed new coil springs, so if your springs have never been replaced (hard to know if you aren't the original owner)...I'd imagine your springs are a little decompressed as mine were. Couldn't even put em back in the compressor. The intrigue was a different story :wink:

TOC Admin
Brando

[sean000]

There is a link below with about the only picture I have right now showing the stance. I know the original owner and I am almost certain they are the original springs from 83.

I found a link at tirerack.com with reviews on the pro-kit as well as some KYB shocks. I'd say 90% of the reviews are extremely positive regarding the Eibachs. Some say the ride is a little harsh others say it is still comfortable. But mostly they say it is an excellent handling upgrade. I guess it comes down to personal preference.

[88 Coupe]

sean000,

Thanks for pointing me to your pics. They help to illustrate the difference in our perceptions when the word "sagging" is used.

sean000 wrote: ........ the only picture I have right now showing the stance ........


A little higher up front, than it needs to be. Just the way it looked when it left the factory. Probably, less than an inch lower than when it came off the line.

Quote: ........ I know the original owner and I am almost certain they are the original springs from 83 ........
Unless one was replaced because it had broken, there would have been no reason to replace them.

Looking at your pic, I say there is still no reason to do so.

Quote: ........ I guess it comes down to personal preference.
Exactly.

Having said that: How many of those "reviewers" have a clue what they are talking about?

If one of them happens to be an expert, what are the odds that his/her definitions of the words/phrases used, are the same as yours? If they are different, you are speaking different languages.

Have you wondered why I ask so many questions, and seldom commit to giving advice on these subjects?

Norm