Birdie2000

iTrader: (15)

Need to pick up a set of stock springs for my 93 Trans-Am. A guy locally has a set from an LS1 car. Are these the same as the LT1 stock springs or should I hold out for a set from an LT1? These will be going on a set of Koni Yellow shocks on the lower perch in the front.

2000Z28M6

iTrader: (13)

Here you go buddy you decide.

OEM GM V6 93-97 223 95.4 0.00"
OEM GM V8 93-97 310 110 0.00"
OEM GM V6 98-02 257 114 0.00"
OEM GM V8 98-02 292 114 0.00"
1LE GM 1LE 360 130-180 0.0

They seem to be softer than LT1 springs due to the lighter weight of the LS1s.

Ironhead

If there is a difference in rate, the more likely explanation is that LS1 springs are taller than LT1s.

Park an LS1 on stock springs next to an LT1 with stock springs and you'll see what I mean.



And before those who weren't even old enough to drive back then come running in here throwing around internet "facts" they've encountered..... I bought my car new and it didn't have many miles on it when the 4x4 LS1 cars came out. There is a big difference in ride heights between the two cars.

Foxxtron

iTrader: (1)

I totally agree as my experience is exactly the same. I owned a 1996 LT1 that I purchased in Dec. 1995, and a friend of mine who purchased a 2000 LS1 in Nov 1999 and parked it next to mine kept "scratching his chin" with concerns to his 4x4 appearance. My "stock" used 1999 also started as a 4x4.

Here's another thing we noticed as well. Both of our Z28's were nearly "identically" equipped, yet when we corner and cross weighted them, they nearly weighed the same (only about 10 lbs. difference with concerns to front end weight).

2000Z28M6

iTrader: (13)

So are you guys telling him there is no difference rate but rather just height? OK then...

It's not my ride anyway...but I would think more weight would require stiffer springs.

Birdie2000

iTrader: (15)

Thanks guys, I'm going to hold out for the LT1 springs. I don't need them any softer, and I certainly don't want to take the chance that they're any taller.

JamRWS6

The rates are different. a 2 foot spring w/ a 550 rate has the same rate as a 1 foot spring w/ a 550 rate.

But I do agree the springs are probably taller on LS1 cars.

Foxxtron

iTrader: (1)

What you have listed is what GM has rated their springs which is correct. What I'm saying at the rates per se don't convey a complete information about the front end's gross weight.

More weight generally does require higher springs rates for an expected performance, however what people don't realise is that the stated weight savings of the LS1 is only relevant to the LS1 itself, not necessarily the whole front end.

Even Sam mentioned something similar to what I've stated, which is pretty much why he criticises Eibach's rationale for their vastly different spring rate designs between LT1 and LS1, whilst he simply sticks to either V8 4th Gen F-bodies for his rates.

ThumperNC24

iTrader: (1)

which is why I also run LT1 pro kit springs on my LS1, much more desirable rates and no rear sag.


also, this is LS1 springs with that "heavy" LT1 in the front. 4x4 for sure.

Ironhead

I worded my post poorly and wasn't very clear.

If there really is a difference in rates, I doubt someone is going to feel that 18 lb / inch difference.

I was trying to say that if the LS1 springs feel softer to someone, it is probably because they are taller and therefore have more travel.

denice25

wow... that's nice....

SlideRight

I hope the difference isnt critical or really noticeably differnt. I got ahold on some dirt cheap springs that were LS1 and they went on my LT1 *shrug*