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Weight jacks VS coilovers, what are the pros and cons of each

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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 04:40 PM
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kowalzekc's Avatar
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Weight jacks VS coilovers, what are the pros and cons of each

So I am building a track days/street car and I am at the big debat on suspesion options. I know a lot of people who run the eibach pro kit and a decent set of shocks/struts. I thought about going that rout but would rather get something with adjustability. I was looking into coilovers but I have heard that there are no really great sets for the thridgens and they are really hard on the mounting points. I have done some research on weight jacks and I am thinking about going with them instead, however I just do not know very much about them. If I could possibly get some feedback from people who run coilovers or weight jacks on the street and on the track, that would be great. Also, if anyone knows what ones provide better performance, that would be helpfull.
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 07:01 PM
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Car: 86 Trans Am
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Re: Weight jacks VS coilovers, what are the pros and cons of each

coil-overs will limit front tire size, you can run a 275, which is plenty for most people, but its nice to be able to tuck the wheel a little more.

Coil-overs are a bit lighter, and if you couple them with a-arms made for use with coil-overs, ie no spring perch, you can save some more weight.

Adjusting them requires removing the wheel

coil-overs have longer springs that the weight jacks do, so they can store more energy, which can help a drag car launch. Weight jack springs are really short, not the best setup for a can that sees a lot of drag use.

*************

weight jacks, the ground control ones i assume you are looking at, fit in the stock location, do not affect tire size

probably weight a little more than a conventional spring, but not much

you can adjust them without removing the wheel, if you are good, you dont even need to jack up the car


I have had both, i like the weight jacks more, but the coil-overs served me well.

Adjust-ability is great, adjustable parts allow you to tune to much greater detail than non adjustable parts do, and the height adjustment lets you put the car where you want it without messing around with cutting lowering springs, or swapping in several sets before you find something that you like.
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 08:41 PM
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Car: 1984 LG4 Camaro
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Re: Weight jacks VS coilovers, what are the pros and cons of each

As stated above, weight jacks fit into the stock front spring locations, but are adjustable - something stock type springs cannot do. Probably the same weight as stock; same problems.

Coil overs move the spring from the A-arm spring pocket to sit over the front struts - very similar to the Porsche boxster setup. You can run a lower spring rate with coil overs and achieve the same roll stiffness as a stock inboard spring. You also save about 15 to 18lbs on a coilover setup as the spring is smaller and lighter. The main disadvantage is the inability to run a 275 tire that a weight jack can with stock bodywork. Typically adjustable for ride height.
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 09:24 PM
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Re: Weight jacks VS coilovers, what are the pros and cons of each

removed. I answered my own question.

Last edited by AM91Camaro_RS; Sep 21, 2009 at 09:34 PM.
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 09:35 PM
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Re: Weight jacks VS coilovers, what are the pros and cons of each

Your gonna have to call. They picture son the site are all 4thgen. Last time I called a kit was $460
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Old Sep 21, 2009 | 09:49 PM
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Car: 1989 RS Camaro
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Re: Weight jacks VS coilovers, what are the pros and cons of each

AM91Camaro_RS
Here's a link to the Ground Control Springs. http://www.ground-control-store.com/...tion.php/II=20
This might be the page you were on already but its says in the description box that the front springs are in the stock location, so i think these are the ones your looking for.

Also does anybody know how much harsher the ride quality is with a coil-over or Ground Control set up versus a milder set up such as Hotchkis or Eibach springs, could the car still be a comfortable daily driver?
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