Front Coilover vs. Standard shock in spring

[BIGG18c]

Hello, I have been a long time lurker of this site but finally created an account. I am looking for advice on some new front suspension for my 1973 Nova. The car currently is just a footbrake bracket car that runs low 11's, and has factory control arms with v6 springs and calverts cf 90/10 shocks. I am ready this winter to install tubular control arms, new shocks, springs and disc brakes. I want the car to leave like a Nova stocker. I understand i am down in the power department to get them up high but want to get the suspension right before I build a new bigger engine. The advice I would like from this group is should I do coilovers or standard spring with shock, what brands and why. Over the years I have developed the attitude of buy once cry once so price is not a huge issue. Thank you very much for your time and welcoming me to this amazing forum!

[Jeff Stout]

Everything you want to buy really is not needed. Good weight transfer, rear suspension set up, starting line ratio, torque converter optimized and you can leave like a stocker on lower hp. Disc brakes is a good idea.

[BIGG18c]

Thank you for the quick reply. I guess I was under the assumption that the tubular control arms moved more freely and weighed less to help with weight transfer. Yes, disc brakes is a for sure project this winter. With the current motor one of the tracks I frequent I have to really lean on the factory drums. I was thinking aerospace brakes on all four corners? Also what is starting line ratio? Thanks again!

[Dean Feiock]

Originally Posted by BIGG18c

Thank you for the quick reply. I guess I was under the assumption that the tubular control arms moved more freely and weighed less to help with weight transfer. Yes, disc brakes is a for sure project this winter. With the current motor one of the tracks I frequent I have to really lean on the factory drums. I was thinking aerospace brakes on all four corners? Also what is starting line ratio? Thanks again!

There are low resistance control arm bushings and low friction ball joints.

Tubular control arms are not needed to have a free moving front suspension.

Most aftermarket tubular control arms do weird things to camber and toe.

Camber, castor, and toe change from full compression to full extension of front suspension should be an area of focus and effort.

Starting line ratio = first gear ratio & rear axle ratio

How the converter hits the rear tire is a big factor.

[Hacksaw]

Rework your stock a arms and make provisions for a good quality double adjustable shock. That way it's that much easier to jump into Stock elim. when your ready.

[Lenny5160]

As a guy who put tubular control arms and coilovers on my '70 Nova, I'd recommend putting good bushings in your stock control arms along with a quality spring/shock combo. My car works well but I definitely lost some front end travel in the switch.

[BIGG18c]

Thank you all for your suggestions and information. I will be on the hunt for good aftermarket bushings, springs and shocks. Would polyurethane from energy suspension do the trick? Then just moroso trick springs and a good double adjustable shock?

[L78 Nova]

Santhuff front coils made a big difference in my 72 Nova. I also had 6 cyl coils in previously.

[Henrys Toy]

Originally Posted by Dean Feiock

There are low resistance control arm bushings and low friction ball joints.

Tubular control arms are not needed to have a free moving front suspension.

Most aftermarket tubular control arms do weird things to camber and toe.

Camber, castor, and toe change from full compression to full extension of front suspension should be an area of focus and effort.

Starting line ratio = first gear ratio & rear axle ratio

How the converter hits the rear tire is a big factor.

Good morning ,
I would read and re-read the above statement. This hits most of all the nails on all the heads. I have a 1969 Chevy Nova with all pretty standard stuff, The Moroso Upper control arm bushings or the Energy Suspension stuff is good. I believe the Global West control arm bushings are better.
Make sure all your front end components are in good shape and a Quality Alignment are a must. I have Four Wheel Drum brake car and I can lean on the brakes pretty hard , and anyone that has seen my Stocker will tell you. The above information should get you very close. Stockers don't have coil over shocks but work very well for there intended purpose. A higher Horsepower car might require different front components, a good front end guy will be able to guide you correctly. They should be versed in the vehicle dynamics of a drag car.

Respectfully,
Henry Kunz 1534 H/SA

[Marty Rinehart Jr]

If you need any front suspension ideas for your car, feel free to call us and we will be glad to get you the right parts for your project.
Rineharts Performance Race Cars 717-793-6819