Pontiac Firebird 1970-1981 Ridetech ShockWave Front System

Product Overview

Fits: Pontiac Firebird 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981

HQ Series Part# 11172401 / 11173001

TQ Series Part# 11172411 / 11173011

HQ or TQ Series?

Single-adjustable (HQ Series) shocks control rebound (extension) primarily, while a triple-adjustable(TQ Series) shock sets rebound, high-speed compression, and low-speed compression, truly independently. On a TQ shock, the high-speed adjustment allows tuning for impact harshness... potholes, speedbumps, offroad use and other harsh road irregularities that might induce a high-speed excursion of the piston rod. The low-speed adjustment allows tuning of ride quality, as well as the general cornering characteristics of typical road course and racetrack use. TAs are always better, but you’ll pay $400 more for the luxury of tuning how firmly the shock both comes together and pulls apart. If money is a major concern and you've got a street car, single adjustable shocks are a far preferable choice. But if you find yourself on the autocross of track every other weekend, you'll want to look into the TQ series.

The Shock in ShockWave

Easy access adjuster knob allows a wide range of 26 clicks of rebound adjustment →

Large rubber external bumpstop to prevent harsh bottoming out →

5/8" hardened shaft is precision ground and straightened to a tolerance of .001" for increased durability and performance →

Billet end cap with integrated debris wiper to prevent seal damage →

Oversized rod guide improves piston rod stability →

Integral internal bumpstop eliminates extension crashing →

Monotube design allows large piston for superior oil control, ride quality, and handling →

Hard coat external anodizing ensures years of lasting beauty and performance →

Teflon piston wiper and progressive valving allow consistent piston/bore contact and repeatable performance →

Monotube bore is cathode anodized for years of wear resistance →

Specially contoured composite gas separator cup optimizes dead length and ensures proper nitrogen/oil separation →

One piece IMPACT FORGED body allows efficient manufacture and reliable leak-free operation →

Long lasting Kevlar lined bearings allow wide articulation and low noise →

RQ Series

The Ride Quality ("RQ") series is a great entry level solution. It still retains all the mounting and installation advantages of the other shock series. With fixed shock valving, the RQ series is designed to optimize ride quality, leaving out the guess work.

Features:
• Fixed shock valving designed to optimize ride quality
• Aluminum impact forged construction provides leak free operation
• A great option for increasing ride quality and performance on a budget
• Monotube design

HQ Series

The Handling Quality ("HQ") series features adjustable shock valving. It is housed in a lightweight aluminum impact forged construction that is available in a wide range of stroke lengths, and mounting styles to fit a large variety of applications.

Features:
• Aluminum impact forged construction allows leak free operation
• Single rebound shock valving adjustment
• Monotube design for superior oil control
• Easy & precise valve adjustment with 26 rebound clicks

TQ Series

The Track Quality ("TQ") shock line goes beyond the typical double adjustable units that have been popular; the TA shock has a single rebound adjustment and a DUAL stage [high speed and low speed] compression adjustment.

Features:
• Single rebound adjustment PLUS dual stage high & low speed compression
• Aluminum impact forged shock construction for leak free operation
• Monotube design for superior oil control
• Remote reservoir includes mounting brackets