elle

So i just bought my 02 slp ss Camaro and i am going to do some bracket racing with no other upgrades other than some drag radials. Do i really need suspension upgrades? The car goes mid 12.xx's and doesn't really seem powerful enough to break anything. Thanks for the help in advance!

99SSJarhead

iTrader: (2)

These cars can lean side to side on corners. A Good set of shocks, springs, and sways are really all you need to replace though. If your car came with bilsteins (yellow and blue shock) you can keep those. Otherwise consider moving up to Koni's for the best on these cars.

Strano springs will lower and are stiffer which will help. Strano hollow 35/22 sways will keep the car more stable.

Other than that if you wish too keep the stock stamped parts consider 1LE replacement bearings/bushings.

elle

The car has Koni's. I am more talking about drag racing and braking the 3rd member brace.

99SSJarhead

iTrader: (2)

Different story then. With drag radials your rear will last for a few passes maybe. Luckily 10 bolts come cheap. Well if you can get them locally anyway.

LCA's and a stronger torque arm would be the route I go.

Element

iTrader: (5)

LCA relocation brackets will help with wheelhop, even at stock height. If your car is an auto, it shouldn't be too hard on the suspension, but an M6 is going to beat things up if you're getting good launches. A torque arm and relocation crossmember wouldn't be bad insurance on an M6 car.

elle

Auto and i'm not getting wheel hop. Leaving it in drive and leaving at 1500rpm. No way i'm breaking the rear..i know that much. I just wondered about the brackets and such.

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

Do you???? Although the 10 bolts hold up pretty well on auto's, they're still ticking time bombs if you're going to the strip. It will probably last a long time if you're launching like that, but anything could happen, especially if you add power as you go.


As far as other parts, I think you're pretty safe with all of your suspension parts, although it might be worth looking at your torque arm....those are really the only suspension parts that I hear of breaks occurring on occasion. Getting a full length TA with a relocation bracket might be a good idea, and will only improve your launches, but might not be necessary.

I honestly think the only other thing to look at would be your transmission, not saying that it'll go out on you (like the rear), but the chance is always there, especially if you're stalled w/o a cooler.

elle

The TA is what i thought may be the weak link. There is always a potential for breakage i understand that. My main concern was something that everyone would say" they break for sure" item. Thanks for the input!

bpittman

iTrader: (1)

I think most will say that the "they break for sure" item is the 10 bolt Being auto though, you should be fine for a while.

elle

I guess they don't make 10 bolts like they used to..lol

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

There's a difference between the 7.5" 10 bolt and the 8.5 (I believe) " 10 bolt from years ago....if that's what you mean

elle

I figured as much. Going from classics and drag cars to this f body has def been a learning experience. Tons of info to absorb!

99FormulaM6r

iTrader: (2)

Indeed there is, but this forum is an awesome place to absorb it all (as long as you watch your source....even myself included, lol)

timespayne

Just be prepared for the rear end to break, personal experience from a buddy with the same set up.