Next Level Performance
September 29, 2026 • 11 min read
Winter is off-season build season, and for a 1970–1981 (second-generation) Chevrolet Camaro, nothing transforms the car more than a modern coilover suspension. A 1970–1981 Camaro coilover kit trades the soft factory coil-spring front end and leaf-spring rear for height-, spring-, and damping-adjustable shocks that sharpen turn-in, kill body roll, and let you set the stance exactly where you want it. In this comparison we put the two brands our Tampa shop sells most — Ridetech and QA1 — head to head across four kits, from a front-coilover handling package around $1,700 to a full front-and-rear conversion with a bolt-on 4-link near $7,600.
Our Verdict
The Ridetech 70-81 F-Body TQ Coil-Over System is our top pick for a no-compromise pro-touring build.
It converts both ends to coilovers, adds tubular front StrongArms and a bolt-on rear 4-link, and rides on triple-adjustable monotube shocks (24-position rebound plus independent high- and low-speed compression). If your budget is tighter or you only want to sharpen the front end, the QA1 Level 1 and Level 2 handling kits deliver most of the daily-driving gain for a fraction of the cost — we break down exactly who each kit is for below.
Shop Our Top Pick →Why Upgrade Your 1970–1981 Camaro Suspension This Off-Season?
The off-season is the best time to install Camaro coilovers because the car is already parked for weeks — giving you time to set ride height, corner-balance the chassis, and get an alignment before the first warm-weather cruise or autocross. Rushing a full suspension swap the week of a show almost never ends well.
The second-generation Camaro (1970–1981), shared with the Pontiac Firebird as the GM F-body, weighs roughly 3,400–3,750 lb depending on drivetrain. From the factory it rides on a bolt-in front subframe with coil springs seated on the lower control arms and a live rear axle on multi-leaf springs. That layout was fine for 1970, but the soft spring rates, tall ride height, and leaf-sprung rear produce the classic muscle-car traits: heavy body roll in corners, vague on-center steering, nose-dive under braking, and axle wheel-hop on hard launches.
A coilover conversion attacks all of that at once. Combining the spring and shock into one adjustable unit lets you lower the car, run a stiffer and better-matched spring rate, and tune damping to the road. Paired with tubular control arms that correct the front geometry (more caster and a better roll center) and a stiffer sway bar, a modern kit turns a floaty 50-year-old cruiser into a car that actually changes direction. It is the single highest-impact upgrade you can make to a second-gen F-body, which is why it belongs at the top of any winter build list.
Ridetech monotube coilover — adjustable spring, ride height, and damping in one unit.
Ridetech vs QA1: How the Four F-Body Kits Compare
The two brands take different approaches. Ridetech builds a complete front-and-rear coilover conversion: its systems delete the rear leaf springs entirely and replace them with a bolt-on 4-link and rear coilovers, plus tubular StrongArms and coilovers up front. QA1’s Handling Kits convert the front to a coil-over and add matched adjustable performance shocks at all four corners while retaining the factory-style leaf-spring rear. Neither is “wrong” — they target different budgets and goals, and the right pick depends on how far you want to take the car.
The other decision is shock adjustability. Single-adjustable shocks tune compression and rebound together from one knob; double-adjustable shocks split those into two knobs for a wider tuning window; and Ridetech’s triple-adjustable TQ adds independent high- and low-speed compression on top of 24-position rebound. More adjustment is more capability, but also more to learn — a street car rarely needs triple adjustment, while a dedicated autocross car benefits from every click.
| Kit | Rear Setup | Shock Adjustability | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridetech F-Body TQ Coil-Over SystemTop Pick | Coilover + bolt-on 4-link | Triple-adjustable | Track / autocross | $7,630.00 |
| Ridetech F-Body HQ Coil-Over System | Coilover + bolt-on 4-link | Single-adjustable | Street pro-touring | $5,370.00 |
| QA1 Level 2 Handling Kit 2.0 | Front coilover, leaf rear | Double-adjustable | Handling upgrade | $3,609.95 |
| QA1 Level 1 Handling Kit 2.0 | Front coilover, leaf rear | Single-adjustable | Budget refresh | $1,703.95 |
One detail worth flagging: the QA1 Level 2 uses double-adjustable shocks yet lists for less than the single-adjustable Ridetech HQ. If shock tuning is your priority and you are happy keeping the leaf-spring rear, QA1 gives you more adjustability per dollar. If a modern independent-feeling rear and the cleanest geometry matter more, the Ridetech full conversion is worth the premium.
QA1 pairs a front coil-over with tubular Street Performance control arms in the Level 2 kit.
Ridetech 70-81 F-Body TQ Coil-Over System — Our Top Pick
The Ridetech TQ system is the most complete second-gen Camaro coilover kit we sell. It is a full front-and-rear conversion: TQ Series triple-adjustable monotube coilovers front and rear, tubular upper and lower StrongArms up front, a bolt-on rear 4-link with double-adjustable bars and R-Joints (no welding, no cutting the frame), a front MuscleBar sway bar, and a spanner wrench to set ride height. The TQ shock offers 24 positions of rebound plus separate high- and low-speed compression, so you can run a plush street setting on the highway and firm it up for a track day without changing parts.
Key Specifications
What We Like
- + Complete front and rear coilover conversion with tubular StrongArms and a bolt-on 4-link
- + Triple-adjustable monotube shocks (24-position rebound plus high/low-speed compression) tune from street to track
- + Deletes the dated leaf-spring rear for a modern, planted feel and better traction
Things to Consider
- – Highest price in this comparison — overkill for a mild street cruiser
- – Triple adjustability has a learning curve; most street drivers will not use its full range
Ridetech 70-81 F-Body HQ Coil-Over System — Best Full-Conversion Value
The HQ system is the same complete architecture as the TQ — front and rear coilovers, tubular StrongArms, bolt-on 4-link, and MuscleBar — but with Ridetech’s single-adjustable HQ Series monotube shocks instead of the triple-adjustable TQ. You still get the full leaf-spring-delete rear conversion and the modern geometry; you give up the separate compression tuning. For a street-driven pro-touring second-gen Camaro that will see the occasional canyon road or track day, the HQ delivers roughly 90% of the TQ experience and saves a meaningful chunk of money.
What We Like
- + Same full front & rear coilover conversion, StrongArms and bolt-on 4-link as the TQ
- + Single-adjustable monotube shocks are easy to set and ideal for street and light track use
- + Best value if you want the complete Ridetech conversion without triple-adjustable pricing
Things to Consider
- – Single-adjustable shocks lack independent compression tuning for serious competition
- – Still a premium, install-intensive full conversion — more than a front-only handling kit
Ridetech tubular StrongArms correct front geometry and add caster for sharper steering.
QA1 Level 2 Handling Kit 2.0 — Best Front-Coilover Handling Package
QA1’s Level 2 Handling Kit is a front coilover conversion built around the GM Pro double-adjustable coil-over system (10-inch, 450 lb/in front springs) with tubular Street Performance upper and lower control arms, a 1-3/8-inch front sway bar, tie-rod sleeves, and double-adjustable Stocker Star rear shocks on the factory-style rear. It keeps the leaf-spring rear but firms up all four corners with independent compression and rebound tuning, making it our pick for owners who want a big handling gain and shock adjustability without the cost or complexity of a full 4-link.
What We Like
- + Double-adjustable shocks at all four corners — more tuning than the pricier Ridetech HQ
- + Includes tubular front control arms and a 1-3/8-inch sway bar for corrected geometry and less roll
- + Strong value for a street/handling build that keeps the simple leaf-spring rear
Things to Consider
- – Front-only coilover conversion; the rear keeps leaf springs rather than a coilover 4-link
- – Fewer bolt-on rear traction gains than the Ridetech full conversion for hard launches
QA1 Level 1 Handling Kit 2.0 — Best Budget Entry
The Level 1 kit is the most affordable way into a real coilover front end for a second-gen Camaro. It centers on the GM Pro single-adjustable coil-over (10-inch, 400 lb/in front springs), adds a 1-3/8-inch front sway bar, tie-rod sleeves, and single-adjustable Stocker Star shocks at all four corners. Unlike the Level 2, it reuses your factory control arms, which keeps the price near $1,700. It will not corner like a full pro-touring build, but it lowers the nose, cuts body roll, and gives you a firmer, more controlled ride — a big improvement over tired 50-year-old springs for the money.
What We Like
- + Lowest-cost path to a front coil-over conversion and four adjustable shocks
- + Adds a front sway bar and single-adjustable damping for noticeably less body roll
- + Great winter refresh for a driver-grade second-gen Camaro on a budget
Things to Consider
- – Reuses the factory front control arms, so front geometry is not corrected like the Level 2
- – Single-adjustable shocks and a leaf rear limit outright track capability
How Do You Choose the Right F-Body Coilover Kit?
Start with how you use the car. For a show-and-cruise or daily-driven second-gen Camaro, the QA1 Level 1 (around $1,700) or Level 2 (around $3,600) delivers the stance and body-control improvement most owners are after, and both keep the familiar leaf-spring rear. For a dedicated pro-touring or autocross build where rear traction and geometry matter, step up to a Ridetech full conversion — the HQ (around $5,400) for street-plus-occasional-track, or the TQ (around $7,600) when you want to fine-tune the car corner by corner.
Then weigh adjustability against budget. Single-adjustable shocks are the easiest to live with and are plenty for a street car. Double-adjustable (QA1 Level 2) opens up compression tuning if you like to experiment. Triple-adjustable (Ridetech TQ) is competition-grade and rewards drivers who track the car regularly. Buying more adjustment than you will use rarely makes a street car faster — but under-buying a serious track car will leave performance on the table.
QA1’s GM Pro coil-over with double-adjustable damping anchors the Level 2 handling kit.
What to Expect Installing Coilovers Over the Winter
All four kits are designed as bolt-on installs — the Ridetech bolt-on 4-link mounts to factory locations without welding or frame cutting, and the QA1 handling kits reuse your mounting points. Plan on a weekend in a heated garage with the car safely on stands, spring compressors on hand for the factory front springs, and basic hand tools. It is exactly the kind of project the off-season is made for.
Two steps make or break the result. First, set ride height with the spanner wrench and, ideally, corner-balance the car so weight is even across the tires. Second, get a proper alignment afterward — new control arms and lowered ride height change camber, caster, and toe, and skipping the alignment will eat tires and dull the handling you just paid for. Our Tampa, FL team helps second-gen F-body owners spec ride height and alignment targets to match their goals, whether that is a slammed street stance or a track-ready setup. If you are not comfortable with spring compressors and suspension torque specs, have a shop handle the install.
The QA1 Level 1 kit lays out as a straightforward bolt-on winter garage project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coilover kit for a 1970–1981 Camaro?
For a no-compromise pro-touring or track build, the Ridetech 70-81 F-Body TQ Coil-Over System is the best 1970–1981 Camaro coilover kit — it is a full front-and-rear conversion with triple-adjustable shocks and a bolt-on 4-link. For a street car or tighter budget, the QA1 Level 1 (around $1,700) and Level 2 (around $3,600) handling kits deliver most of the daily-driving gain at a fraction of the price.
Do coilovers replace the leaf springs on a second-gen Camaro?
It depends on the kit. Ridetech systems replace the rear leaf springs with a bolt-on 4-link and rear coilovers for a fully modern rear suspension. QA1 Handling Kits convert only the front to a coil-over and add adjustable shocks to the factory-style leaf-spring rear, so the leaf springs stay in place.
How much do 1970–1981 Camaro coilovers cost?
Second-gen Camaro coilover kits range from about $1,700 for the QA1 Level 1 front-coilover handling kit to roughly $7,600 for the Ridetech TQ full front-and-rear conversion. The QA1 Level 2 sits near $3,600 and the Ridetech HQ near $5,400, so there is a kit for most budgets.
Single, double, or triple adjustable — which shocks do I need?
Single-adjustable shocks (QA1 Level 1, Ridetech HQ) tune compression and rebound together and are ideal for street cars. Double-adjustable shocks (QA1 Level 2) split those into two knobs for a wider tuning window. Triple-adjustable shocks (Ridetech TQ) add independent high- and low-speed compression and are aimed at autocross and track use. Most street builds are happy with single or double adjustment.
Will these kits lower my 1970–1981 Camaro?
Yes. All four kits are ride-height adjustable using a threaded spring seat and spanner wrench, so you can dial in anything from a mild drop to an aggressive street stance. After setting ride height you should corner-balance the car if possible and always get an alignment.
Can I install F-body coilovers myself?
These kits are engineered as bolt-on installs — the Ridetech 4-link requires no welding and the QA1 kits reuse factory mounting points — so a mechanically confident owner can do it over a weekend with stands and spring compressors. Because the job involves compressed springs and a required post-install alignment, many owners have a shop such as NLP Performance in Tampa, FL handle the install.
Build Your Second-Gen Camaro This Off-Season
Shop Ridetech and QA1 coilover systems for the 1970–1981 Camaro and thousands more performance parts at NLP Performance.
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