Author Topic: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?  (Read 1192 times)

Offline dave73chally

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1304
Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« on: December 06, 2014 - 01:26:32 PM »
My car has 1.5" over stock espo springs with only about 100 miles on them. I've decided to go for the hotchkis suspension setup and was wondering if I could use lowering blocks to keep my existing springs. Or would I be better off trying to sell my espos and use the hotckis rear springs? If I can use my espos I'd rather as the hotchkis springs are 600+
73 Challenger
512 / 4spd / Hotchkis & QA1 Suspension




Offline HP2

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 4478
Re: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2014 - 01:44:52 PM »
It certainly isn't ideal, but yes, you can do that. However, I'd recommend against doing any drag launches on a prepared track with sticky tires. The additional leverage of the blocks can produce wheel hop in high traction situations without additional front segment support.

Another option would be  to pick up some standard MP XHD leafs for a couple hundred and sell the +1.5 Espos to someone wanting a lift. Or for that matter, a set of -1 Espos would also be functional.

Offline dave73chally

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1304
Re: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2014 - 02:58:14 PM »
Afraid of that, maybe I'll post them for sale then. A darn shame considering they are brand new
73 Challenger
512 / 4spd / Hotchkis & QA1 Suspension

Offline dave73chally

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1304
Re: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2014 - 02:59:11 PM »
Afraid of that, maybe I'll post them for sale then. A darn shame considering they are brand new

If I did go lowering blocks, what's the max size and material would you recommend?

73 Challenger
512 / 4spd / Hotchkis & QA1 Suspension

Offline HP2

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 4478
Re: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2014 - 04:36:45 PM »
 I've used up to 3" blocks in the past. With proper spring prep, I didn't have any wrap issues, but I also had a pretty stout front segment to offset the additional leverage. There are some guys who are ademantly opposed to any height spacer. If you have a +1.5 spring pack, that might be your starting point.

If you were to try them. I'd recommend extruded or billet aluminum units. Speedway Motors is where I got my extruded units from. I did grind a slight angle in them to set pinion  angles where I wanted. Avoid cast aluminum that you might find in the local parts store. Some have also used steel tube without deforming it.

Offline dfrazz

  • 1970 Cuda - 1968 Charger
  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 4070
Re: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2014 - 04:59:27 PM »
Do you have a pic of your Chally showing the ride height with the +1.5" springs?  I am ordering +1" Espo springs within the next month, so I might be interested if you are going to sell them.

Offline dave73chally

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1304
Re: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2014 - 07:18:19 PM »
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=96817.msg974042#msg974042

Pictures in there. Not sure how much shipping would be if I decided to sell, I'm in NJ.
73 Challenger
512 / 4spd / Hotchkis & QA1 Suspension

Offline dfrazz

  • 1970 Cuda - 1968 Charger
  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 4070
Re: Hotchkis with ESPO rear springs?
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2014 - 07:27:56 PM »
Shipping from NJ to CO might be the same as the price of the springs.  Car looks great BTW!