z28ss4me

iTrader: (2)

Ok, so I've been trying to find out if there is a difference between the 1999 SS suspension and that of the 1LE package offered for 1999. And if so, what is it? If not, what the thing to do to improve the cars overall handling, springs (what kind?) shocks (what kind?) or sway bars? I'll be moving to Germany in about a month in a half, so I'm trying to get it set up before I leave so shipping won't be as expensive. Thanks.



99 SS M6
1/4 mile: 13.263 @ 106.99
60ft: 2.061

Cal

iTrader: (1)

The 1LE suspension includes stiffer springs, shocks, sway bars, and bushings than the SS suspension. The most important feature of the 1LE package is the Koni shocks. If you do nothing else, get these.
You can order 1LE springs from GM for a good price. I think SLP has the best price on sway bars; get a 21 mm solid for the rear, and a 32 mm solid or 35 mm hollow for the front. Get Koni single adjustable shocks for the front, and Bilstein 3rd gen shocks for the rear. You could also use Koni SA's on the rear. Replace all but the LCA bushings with polyurethane.

It will also help a lot to lower the car and get a performance wheel alignment. Have fun on the Autobahn!

John95Z28

Cal,

Good advice - I agree with everything you said except going hog wild on the polyurethane bushings. True, the binding issue with poly only applies to the LCA bushings, but I think the 1LE "higher durometer" rubber bushings are a better choice than poly, and should be used wherever available, because

1.poly stretches and deforms over time
2.poly squeaks

Just my 2 cents...

z28ss4me

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the advice, I'll start with the Shocks and springs. How much advantage will the 21mm rear and the 32mm front swaybars have over the sway bars that came on the car?

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

You'll be suprised. I once did the math for "roll rate" (think spring rate for sway bars) for a bar that was 30" long with 6" "arms" and a 7/8th diameter and a 1 diameter. As I remember, the change in "rate" was about 30% for a 1/8 diameter change. So, a few mm goes a long way. Stiffness increases much faster than the diameter (exponentially). It will be a nice change.

Have fun!

98_1LE

iTrader: (17)

Actually a '99 SS had most of the 1LE suspension. The shocks and front LCA bushings car the difference. As stated, the Koni shocks are a big deal.

GM no longer stocks 1LE springs. If you order the 1LE part number, they substitute the base spring.

If your car does have the 1LE springs, I would stick with the stock rear bar, and get a 35mm Strano front bar or 36mm Hotchkis front bar, both are hollow.

ZigZagZ

There's a fellow who was advertising 1LE springs on e-bay last week. The part numbers listed were 22077196 & 22132889. Are these the correct part numbers for 1LE springs?

ActionJack

I have the 01 WS6, see sig.
I was wondering how long the Poly bushing are good for before replacing?

Cal

iTrader: (1)

GM parts guy told me poly lasts a lot longer than the black rubber stuff they normally use, and GM is looking into areas that are a good application for polyureathane. As stated above, poly is squeaky though. On my car, I never hear the front swaybar or panhard, but the rear swaybar will emit a speak now and again, especially on a cold day. The bushings usually come with a special teflon grease that helps, but does not totally eliminate the noise.

Cal

iTrader: (1)

Last time I checked with the local GM parts counter (a year ago) they still sell the front 1LE springs, but they are substituting the base spring for the rear. It's quite common to find 1LE springs used for a good price though, because many people replace them with lowering springs. 1LE springs will put the car at the same height as the base stock springs do (4WD look.) I have a solution for that, but I'm not talking about THAT anymore . . .

BillS

iTrader: (13)

The ad on ebay was for a 93 1LE setup, will fit all years. that included Decarbon shocks (revalved), 32mm front bar, 21mm rear bar, stock springs, and stiffer rubber bushings. I spoke to the guy as I was local and the part #'s matched the 93 parts

ZigZagZ

Thank you

dgmiller

iTrader: (1)

My 99 SS came with the 1LE springs, the 1LE front sway bar (32 mm hollow), the rear bar was 19 mm(solid), and DeCarbon shocks. You can check exactally what you have if the part number tags are still on them. Mine were still in place a very legiable. When I got it, it was only 2 years old and had only 12K miles on it.

z28ss4me

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, I'll check it, although mine is now 5 years old and has 90,000 miles on it.