Shock options?

[Nmbr1GMfan]

'76 nova with Lakewood 90/10 fronts and Calvert rear shocks. Santuff's are on the bottom of the list, just too much $$ for a cheap car. What are some options that are better than what I have? Thanks in advance.

[Hacksaw]

I would suggest you stay with the rear Calverts and upgrade the fronts. Look for a double adjustable. You will want it soft on the rebound but very stiff on compression to control bounce from launch and gear changes. Consider Afco, they use a single knob on bottom for compression and you adjust rebound through upper shaft with allen wrench. Remember you must modify lower control arm to suit for clearance and or mounting.

[Tom Broome]

I don't have any Cal Trac experience, but I second the recommendation to upgrade the front shocks. Afco's are a good choice, but they might still need some tuning.
Unless you have a deal on a specific brand like Afco. You might be better served by buying direct from one of the shock specialists with Stock and Super Stock experience. They can probably get you in the ballpark quicker.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Hacksaw

I would suggest you stay with the rear Calverts and upgrade the fronts. Look for a double adjustable. You will want it soft on the rebound but very stiff on compression to control bounce from launch and gear changes. Consider Afco, they use a single knob on bottom for compression and you adjust rebound through upper shaft with allen wrench. Remember you must modify lower control arm to suit for clearance and or mounting.

Thanks, looks like Afco has some that even have factory mounting options.

[HandOverFist]

What Hacksaw was saying is you will likely need to clearance the holes in the lower control arms...the body of the shocks are a bit fatter than factory units.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

What Hacksaw was saying is you will likely need to clearance the holes in the lower control arms...the body of the shocks are a bit fatter than factory units.

Thank you Rich.

[Alan Nyhus]

The QA1 TD505 would be another one to consider for the front.

Supposedly, Calvert was working on an adjustable front but I haven't heard anything more on these.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by Alan Nyhus

The QA1 TD505 would be another one to consider for the front.

Supposedly, Calvert was working on an adjustable front but I haven't heard anything more on these.

Seems reasonably priced and looks like they'll fit with no cutting so I could press on getting the lower arms painted without the shocks being here. And I just put a set of QA1 shocks on another car and I liked them.

[HandOverFist]

I'm using Calvert's 90/10 shocks on the front now in lieu of the Lakewoods...they work fine for now but time will tell if they last any longer.

I believe my front shock problem stems from the trailer miles rather than track use. Lots of jouncing on a trailer equates to heat and a shortened lifespan. I really need to stabilize the chassis when transporting...X2 if considering buying some of the upper end shocks for sure.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Originally Posted by HandOverFist

I'm using Calvert's 90/10 shocks on the front now in lieu of the Lakewoods...they work fine for now but time will tell if they last any longer.

I believe my front shock problem stems from the trailer miles rather than track use. Lots of jouncing on a trailer equates to heat and a shortened lifespan. I really need to stabilize the chassis when transporting...X2 if considering buying some of the upper end shocks for sure.

I have read people like the Calvert fronts better. Yes, trailer miles are tough on shocks for sure. I would buy the Santhuffs but I just don't know if we'll keep this car so I really don't want to cut the lower arm up so I can't reinstall the Lakewoods to resell the car. I know I will NEVER get my money back from high dollar parts.