I want to share my experience ordering CE Drag Shocks so that others don't have the same problem.

I ordered the CE2700 rear adjustable drag shock a few days ago. When it came in the mail I realized that it was not the correct design for a '72 A-body. It was the shock used in the big cars.

I looked in the Comp. Engineering webalogue and it show's the CE2700 for '68-? Cutlass. I compared that to the Summit website and it was the same. However, when I searched for a Chevelle it shows CE2720. I called Summit and informed them of the application list error and they are fixing on their website. They also sent out the CE2720 replacements and have arranged for UPS to pick up the others.

As a side note, I also got Summit to correct their website to consolidate all 442 / Cutlass parts so you can search either and all of the options will come up. Their QA1 line is one that you had to search 442. If you searched Cutlass you would only get one shock choice, the bottom of the line $67 shock. However, if you searched 442 you got all of the options for adjustable etc.

So, for those that don't like to read...for '68-? A-body cars order the CE2720 REAR Drag shocks if you go with Competition Engineering.

 

Thanks ah64 pilot!

 

I've got a pair of CE2720 shocks new in box. $75. And will deliver to you. If you are interested. Since I'm just down the road from ya.

 

That is good to know as I'm getting ready to order new rear shocks for my 72 Cutlass.

I just purchased the CF Series Front 90-10 Shocks CF43093 shocks from Calvert, so hopefully they will work out without any problems. The part # for the front was the same for the 72 Cutlass and Chevelle.

Why summits rear part # would be different between the two is beyond me. I always order parts based on a 72 chevelle.

Oldsmorat will you take $50 for the shocks?

 

The reason the Summit part number is wrong is because Competition Engineering has the part number wrong on their own website. They will be correcting it on the Summit website.

The correct Competition Engineering 90/10 adjustable front shock is the CE2600.

 

I just usually look under chevelle for suspension part's. but thats awesome you got them to fix their issues that stuff pisses me off sometimes.

 

Well, it hasn't taken effect yet but hopefully it will soon. We'll see. I also got them to take note that header manufacturers state "does not fit Cutlass Supreme" and that it is a completely bogus restriction. I told him that a Supreme is an S is a 442 is a W-30...they're all the same.

 

Ok, question: If I set the CE2720's to the 50/50 setting the extend and compression should be the same right?

Problem: When I adjust the shock to the different settings the only thing that really changes is how easily the shock EXTENDS. This is supposed to be a rear shock, why is it acting like a front 90/10? It seems to me like a rear shock should be easier to COMPRESS when the settings are changed...

Has anyone else had problems with the CE shocks? As it is right now I'm thinking I might return all 4 and spend the money on QA1's...what am I doing wrong? Or what is wrong with the shocks?

 

Steve,
I complained about that when I first got mine years back. I was told you can't go by that, they have to be on the car to work properly.

 

I allways run Santhuffs on the rear and Afcos on the front. Spend your money one time, get the right parts.

 

Where do you buy the Afcos?

 

If you know the part number Speedway, Summit, Jegs all carry them. I think Speedway even has some on clearance, open box returns and such. You can look for local dealers on their site too via zip.

 

Ive seen them on Summits web site before, I bought mine direct from Afco, custom valved. Im no shock expert, but most people who run fast use either of these shocks.

 

Good thing I'm not running fast lol! I'm sticking with the Competition Engineering shocks...$350 for a pair of shocks is WAY out of my budget! Holy hand grenades!

 

Bolt 'em on ...you'll be fine...50/50

The pic of Big Red in my Sig line...those exact shocks at 50/50. All that car has ever run with.


Danny

 

Got them installed. Wow, what a difference! I guess my 20 year old air shocks were a little worn out lol! The car feels really stiff in the rear end now, I hope that's what I'm looking for.

 

I tried the adjustable Competition Engineering shocks and was thoroughly disappointed with them. I went with the Lakewood 90/10 and 50/50 and the results speak for themselves. Watch my video and see for yourself.

 

I've had the C&Es on my car since 2000 and havent had an issue.
I'm guessing I'm fast enough with 1.55 sixty foots on a footbrake launch with 3.42 gears?
Thimking of changing the rears only to have more adjustment.
Maybe QA1s or Calverts?

 

QA-1s are a good choice.

 

Guy's kinda off topic., but a friend of mine gave me a set of old lakewood traction action bars they bolt on are adjustable and are more or less slapper bars for coil spring cars. I was looking on team chevelle and some guys run em well into the 11's. Now i want to run lake wood 50/50's in the rear with air bags inside a set of vert coil springs with the bars. Now im not running insane numbers probably high 12's with the new engine. the front im completely rebuilding using new ball joints polygraphite bushings or whatever it is and 90/10 shocks with inline 6 chevelle springs . Any input on this. sorry steve not trying to hijack but since we are on the subject i might as wells ask.

 

When installing poly bushings don't forget to grind off the serrations from the upper bushings. If u don't u r wasting your time with 90/10s and light wgt front springs.

 

Southside Machine Lift Bars are better imo. Those slapper bars dont make any sense to me on a coil spring car.

 

Thanks. Probably wind up with these.

 

I could just buy the relocation brackets since my control arms are boxed with 1/4 inch plate . But i like to spend as little as possible and make do with what i got. I got the vert springs and air bags all i need is 50/50 shocks. Oh and all the front end stuff but im batering for that so it's a wash.

 

Copper, I have the CE shocks all the way around now and I like them. My car launched pretty well on Friday but the track was slick around the 330' so I would spin after the 60'. For the money, they seem to work fine. I'll know more in a couple of weeks.

 

I hate adjusting stuff so the 90/10 and 50/50 combo woudl work for me. I drove my buddies el camino with the same shocks and trick springs in the front the car drove good.

 

I am using Moroso trick frt springs (240 # s) and the lower control arm rubber bumper is the only thing keeping the springs from coil binding, but these lower rate (small block weight rated) stores a lot more energy than the big block ones. Using 3 way adj. CE s frt. shocks. Rear springs are stock with air bags set at 5 #s left, 15 #s right, DMR complete kit with upper adj. control arms, with upper re-location arms, tubular solid lowers, and frame braces. Best of all are the Hal QA 1 12 position rebound rear shocks.

60' is 1:57-59, 3550 #s with driver, tight converter (3,400 stall), 4:10 gear with 29.5" tall tire. Motor makes approxm. 525 hp and 550 t. q.

 

You are correct. I used regular rubber bushings but trimmed all contact material between the A arm and frame. Replaced that with plastic washers so zero friction. We can control the lift of the front with the different shock settings. My car likes the weight transfer.

 

Btw thats really good info to know guys.

 

Like Jims2000 I have used the CE's and worked fine on my car and I was running 11.70's with my 69 with full interior and WZ manifolds and a 4.33 gear. I have the Pontiac springs in the front and Buick springs in the back and later I installed air bags. Got a fair hole shot. I thought for the money they were ok.

 

Has anyone used their model year 6 cylinder front springs with good results?

 

You can get decent results from mediocre parts, but you have to consider your time, Santuff springs, Santuff shocks or Afcos and several brands of anti rolls have added up 1.2 60 foot times on 3600 plus pound A bodies with 9 inch tires, use the best parts you can afford, it makes a difference. Its seems your a body man, figuring a way to get a 30x9 radial slick on that thing should be priority one, I have run as much as 26 PSI with those tires. To answer your question, I have used 6 cylinder springs before, 1.3s 60 foot, but 1.2s take finesse, and good shocks and springs, and the right tires, along with the right driveline.

 

I've had CE shocks on the 72 for about a decade.50/50 & 90/10. I have never had any traction or launching issues.I also have Moroso Trick springs in the front with the HD stock style springs in the back.I run drag radials with no less than 18psi,and 10psi in the right airbag.

I will be changing the front set-up to QA1 coilovers,so I can adjust the front end height.I just hope I can get the same effect at the track.I'm sure I can,but I just hate to mess with something that works great.
I also have a set of Stocker Stars for the rear,if I want to play with that again.

 

Call Detroit Spring and order part number GM # 400870 both sides (use 1/2" spacer under LH spring with BBO), SBO, LH GM # 400870 and RH # 400868. These are Pontiac part numbers. SBO are Pontiac #s for a 68/69' 6 cylinder Firebird with A/C.

You can also use "Moroso frt. trick spring". Summit has best price and shipping cost. I use ones that are one step down in spring rate, IE BBO would be recommended @ 250 # s, I used 242 #s both sides with LH spacer, same #s for SBO, but without 1/2 spacer. I left the lower control arm rubber bumper in place to stop any coil bind.....

 

507OLDS:

I like the HAL QA1 s I have on the rear for damping "bounce" or "rebound". They are set @ #6 (half way of the 12 settings).