Hotchkis 80002 TVS System, Sport, 64-66, GM A-Body, Small Block - Manual (Page 29)

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Please read the following special note regarding your new Hotchkis Coil Springs before
attempting this install.
Although our coils were designed to drop a typical stock GM A-Body by 1”, we have observed that this ride
height drop is not 100% consistent due to variations of engine modification (e.g. Aluminum heads) and other
different components that affect the vehicles weight.
Our coils generally sit either perfect or higher than desired. So, our springs will never be too low straight from
the box. This will leave room for the installer to play with the ride height by cutting the bottom end of the spring
if the ride height is too high for your application. We recommend that you do not exceed cutting more
than 1 full coil off.
Reducing the amounting of coils will slightly increase the spring rate, but the spring will
perform just the same. You do not have to worry about weakening or over-stressing the spring after cutting.
Notes for Cutting the Spring:
- First check to see if the coil spring drops your car at a desired ride height straight from the box. If so, you do
not have to cut them.
- Measure the fender to ground distance and estimate how much more you would like to drop it.
- Once the coil is removed, measure the free length of the coil before you cut anything.
- Do Not cut more than 1 full coil.
- The spring/A-arm motion ratio is approximately 2:1, so for every 1 inch of Free-Length you cut off the spring
the car will lower 2”. This is only an approximation. We suggest you cut the spring conservatively. So for
example, if you want to lower the car more by 1”, you may want to cut the spring’s Free-Length by 3/8” or
7/16”. If you need to cut more, than cut more. What you don’t want to do is cut too much and have the car
sit too low. Please see the picture on the next page for descriptions on what end to cut and what we specify
as the Free-Length of the spring. Warning: Springs can not be returned once they are cut, so please take
your time and cut in small increments.
- You will have to re-install the spring each time to verify the new ride height.
- Make sure when installing the springs that the top of the coil is seated properly and the lower end is indexed
in the lower control arm bucket. Failure to do so may result in inaccurate ride heights and will appear to be
too high.
- Always use safety glasses to protect your eyes when cutting the coils.
- This is a trial and error procedure, so please be patient.
- Do not damage any other coils during cutting.
- Please see the following page for more detail.
1901F
1964-1972 GM A-Body
Small Block Front Coils
Special Note