Camaro Air Suspension - Air Ride Technologies

Instead of the Z28 type bump stop, you need a pair of standard Camaro stops. Cut the bottom off leaving 1-1/2 inches of height. This allows a good body drop and provides the critical bump stop-don't delete this step!

Instead of the Z28 type bump stop, you need a pair of standard Camaro stops. Cut the botto

Another trick innovation that Air Ride Technologies offers is its RidePro solenoid-operated control system. This uses small electric switches triggering individual solenoids for adjusting air pressure. The solenoid units are rated 'Bubble Tight' which is an industry term to describe a very tight and leak-proof unit. The electrical connectors are Weather-Pak OEM-style components that insure dry, clean, and corrosion-free electrical connections. Because these solenoids are not adapted industrial parts but specifically engineered automotive use items, they avoid the pitfalls of the non-automotive pieces not designed for or adequate for most automotive use. The RidePro units are laser-etched with port markings so the job of keeping the plumbing straight is a no-brainer.

You can choose analog gauges in black- or whiteface as well as a digital unit. With the analogs, you will still run air lines to the gauges, but these are 1/8 lines and take up lots less space. If you go digital, the gauge and control unit is purely electrical and no air lines are required at the controls. Instead a bank of pressure senders is mounted near the RidePro solenoid array. Set it up carefully and this system takes on the look and operation characteristics of high-end OEM stuff.

Well, all that's well and good, but it's about time to show you how this installation is done. Rodney Mason popped the Camaro up on the ART lift and performed a successful air suspension transplant. Considering he's the guy that did much of the basic design for the kits, he probably knows the shortest way to get the job done.

The completed rear installation. It's neat, simple, uses most of the OEM parts, and works very well.
The completed rear installation. It's neat, simple, uses most of the OEM parts, and works
Up front this is what you'll start with. This SS car has the HD coilovers, but all Camaros have the same essential setup and the job will be the same.
Up front this is what you'll start with. This SS car has the HD coilovers, but all Camaros
One complete side of the ShockWave front system. Notice the 12-way adjustable feature on the shock. You'll really be pleased at how much difference this adjustable feature can make in your ride and handling.
One complete side of the ShockWave front system. Notice the 12-way adjustable feature on t

The sway bar mounts have to be removed so the A-arm can drop down far enough to remove the coilovers.
The sway bar mounts have to be removed so the A-arm can drop down far enough to remove the
The lower mount bolts on the coilover assembly are next to go. As you can see, when the A-arm is fully dropped and hanging free, there is no tension on the arm.
The lower mount bolts on the coilover assembly are next to go. As you can see, when the A-
These four nuts (arrows) are removed from under the hood to release the upper coilover mount. You will probably want to have someone hang onto the assembly so it doesn't drop on your toes when these nuts are removed.
These four nuts (arrows) are removed from under the hood to release the upper coilover mou

Now you can pull down on the A-arm and rotate the top of the coilover outward to remove it. Watch the paint!
Now you can pull down on the A-arm and rotate the top of the coilover outward to remove it
This is NOT optional. The only safe way to disassemble the coilover is to use the right equipment-a strut/coilover compressor like this one.
This is NOT optional. The only safe way to disassemble the coilover is to use the right eq
This piece of the assembly is reused. It's drilled out to 7/16 to fit the bayonet mount of the ShockWave unit.
This piece of the assembly is reused. It's drilled out to 7/16 to fit the bayonet mount of

The smaller piece fits back inside the outer mount plate and the ShockWave is tightened onto the plates. It's ready to go back in.
The smaller piece fits back inside the outer mount plate and the ShockWave is tightened on
The assembly is slipped back into the fender well and the two lower mount bolts are started to keep the unit from slipping around. Notice the control for the shock rate is rotated to the outside.
The assembly is slipped back into the fender well and the two lower mount bolts are starte
The top end slides right back up into the original location because you are reusing the original mount. Use the jack to lift the A-arm and spring unit up until it rests against the bottom of the spring tower.
The top end slides right back up into the original location because you are reusing the or

Nut the mount back down, tighten the lower mount bolts, and the ShockWave is in. The 3/8 hole (arrow) is drilled in the center of the stamped area that even looks like it was made for a bump stop but just not drilled at the factory.
Nut the mount back down, tighten the lower mount bolts, and the ShockWave is in. The 3/8 h
The bump stop from the bottom. It will contact the top of the upper ball joint/A-arm if you get too low. It is quite important!
The bump stop from the bottom. It will contact the top of the upper ball joint/A-arm if yo
The finished ShockWave installation. Again, the fact that it is so simple and uses the original concepts and geometry, along with most of the OEM parts means this is not only very effective but a simple and elegant installation.
The finished ShockWave installation. Again, the fact that it is so simple and uses the ori