Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech

Author Topic: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech  (Read 4532 times)

Offline vilzrod

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Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« on: March 31, 2013 - 12:25:28 PM »
Guys I did the search and cannot find real answers to which would best suit my needs and wants... I just want a more modern ride which from what I've read they BOTH do that well. Im juyst trying to weigh the install and the unknown "stuff" the manufacture forget to mention.... well you need to change this or that........I know the Ridetech cost more but you do get the shocks but not the sway bars... I have a 70 Cuda with a 496 Stroker and Keisler 5 speed Street car only thaat I take out every now and then but I hate the way it drives

 Can any members who have installed either of these pipe in as these are the ones I have decided on??... :bricks1:




Offline thedodgeboys

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2013 - 12:58:16 PM »
The Hotchkis guys are MOPAR people and can help you a lot with other stuff if you need it besides shocks.

I would call them before you order anything and tell them what you want and have.
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Offline brads70

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2013 - 02:29:59 PM »
I have Hotchkis upper control arms and sway bars. Great products!
I'm using Firm Feel 1.120" torsion bars, greasable pins, and stage 3 power steering box, fast ratio idler and pitman arms,  and 225# rate Hyperco composite leaf springs, Bilstein RCD shocks
The ride is NOT rough or harsh in any way IMO To compare our family 2007 Suburban rides rougher?

When funds permit I plan on getting the adjustable Fox Shocks from Ridetech.
If your car is aligned using the old book specs for biaply tires it will be horrible too!
IMO biggest handling issues with Mopars is bumpsteer and spring rates too soft.
If your interested I have posts about my handling endeavours in the links below my cars picture?
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline vilzrod

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2013 - 11:07:21 PM »
i want to rid my rear valence of its bumps and just realized I have to lose the leaf springs as the bumps are for the shackle brackets well I guess ridetech it is I wish I could find more members using the level 2 kit

Offline HP2

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2013 - 10:18:39 AM »
Please define what a modern ride feels like and how your E body is lacking it. Understanding this helps define what you need to change to achieve it. In many cases, firming up the steering and changing the alignment achieves a vast majority of what people percieve as "modern." However, if you are determined to get rid of the rear valance bulges, then that does mean eliminating the leaf springs. However, there are other ways to achieve this than using Ridetech, although they do have a very good product.

Offline vilzrod

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2013 - 10:27:51 AM »
Please define what a modern ride feels like and how your E body is lacking it. Understanding this helps define what you need to change to achieve it. In many cases, firming up the steering and changing the alignment achieves a vast majority of what people percieve as "modern." However, if you are determined to get rid of the rear valance bulges, then that does mean eliminating the leaf springs. However, there are other ways to achieve this than using Ridetech, although they do have a very good product.


Your proabably right the steering box would do wonders..  tighter softer right if that makes sense.. the steering box was brand new when i got the car but it is loosey goosey so that forsure has to go ... i know many claim these cars were designed to keep the leaf torsion set up as the chassis was not designed to handle coilovers and maybe there right.

But my thought was with ridetech it keeps the torsion bar setup up front and rids the leafs ,  what other ways are you suggesting?

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2013 - 07:52:31 PM »
If the steering is power & stock & has a stock wheel alignment you will have zero feel .
 Using offset upper bushings in the control arms , re-setting the front alignment to 3* or better caster , -1* camber & 1/16" toe in & changing to a firm feel stage 2 or 3 steering box assuming you have radial tires will make a huge difference in the handling & feel so that is where I would start . Rear leafs are a very good system , it is very hard to deflect a flat steel bar sideways & it provides great traction . Add some stiffer T bars , lightweight hollow sway bars & great shocks & it will be a different car .

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline HP2

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2013 - 09:40:33 AM »
I would 2nd CP's recommendations and add that the firmer steering feel and more aggressive alignment specs that he provided is where a lot of the "feel" of a modern car accels over a classic, which has specifications that are built around skinny, hard, bias ply tires. Radials will allow a broader range of adjustment without unusual wear. Total cost for  CP's suggested changes; around $575 for the box without exchange and with shipping, $60 for the offset bushings, maybe $300 for install if you don't do it yourself, and $100 for an alignment. That puts you a hair over a grand for the most radical change your car will ever feel. If you step it up to the next stage, $300 for bigger t-bars, $500 for tubular sway bars, and $400 for high end shocks,  you will transform your car for around $2500 or about half of what it costs to buy a Shockwave system without the additional headaches of air plumbing and compressors.

Now, if you are one of those guys who like to do multiple things with your car, like cruise, park, autocross, road race, drag race,m etc... than the Shockwave may prove more valuable as you can tune its settings from the drivers seat as you drive or put it into any number of pre-set selections. Don't construe the info above that I am anti Ridetech. They have great products, as do SAlterkation, Hotchkis, Helwig, Firm Feel, et al, but Ridetech is an expensive solution to a problem most owners don't have.

Offline vilzrod

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Re: Hotchkis avs vs Ridetech
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2013 - 10:43:22 AM »
thanks guys I will upgrade what i have  I do what to stiffen the frame as well...  I was thinking this:  UScartool front fender braces  hotchkis rear subframe connectors with the above suggestions should make a world of difference :working: