Hotchkis lower A arm strong enough for coilovers?

[kimosabi]

Thinking about upgrading to coilovers. Have Hotchkis uppers and lowers. 70 Camaro. Shock mount strong enough?

What coilovers are considered good bang for buck?

[David Pozzi]

My wife's 73 Camaro ran Hotchkis A arms and Ride Tech shocks for several years with no problems. We used the triple adjust shocks and you need to take care with the hose routing so it does not get damaged or yanked on. The single adjust Ride Tech shocks are a good option too.

[kimosabi]

Thank you! If several years of autocrossing won't break them nothing will I guess. Looking into Ridetech's offerings right now.

[BMR Sales]

Kim, I'm sure the Hotchkis Arms can handle Coilovers. I sell ViKings and am putting them on my '73.

[David Pozzi]

If you are going to do a lot of tweaking of spring rates, etc, a dedicated coil over type lower A arm is better. Any lower A arm with a spring bucket will limit access to the lower shock mount, you have to use a stock type trunion bar with two 5/16" bolts, so it's difficult to get the shock lower bolted up.

Access to the spring seat adjusters isn't too bad but it's a breeze with a Ride Tech or other lower A arm that has just a coil over mount with 1/2" cross bolt through the shock eye..

[kimosabi]

Gonna have to think about this and make my priorities straight. Do want coilovers but not a competitive racer so not really keen on replacing the Hotchkis arms. Thanks again.

[UMI Tech]

UMI is building a 71 for GG, Optima, Orange Cone, etc for next season.

We have coilover front lowers for 2nd Gen on the development jig right now.

Our standard version arms (for all platforms) accept coilovers with excellent strength and reliability. The c/o specific units will be lighter and have some additional features (more caster, less weight, etc).

ramey