springs/shocks for 2001 Camaro SS Convertible
#1
springs/shocks for 2001 Camaro SS Convertible
I'm looking to change the shocks and springs on my 2001 Camaro Z28 SS (convertible), mostly because it scrapes over any bump (it seems to be scraping the pipe that is just before the catalytic converter) - even if I come to a complete stop on top of a speed bump. I just got the car earlier this year. One of the things that were done to it was lowering it. I've identified the (front) springs as H&R 50732. I'm not sure what shocks are on it yet.
I have been reading many threads on the subject, but after looking up the springs that are currently on the car, I learned that the convertible uses different springs in the very least, because the description says not to use those spring with convertibles. This leads to my first questions:
What are the stock spring rates (and length) for the convertible?
Are the shocks different from the coupe too?
Any other differences I should know about for this job?
I'm leaning towards getting a full set of Koni Str.t shocks (front and rear). I've read a couple people saying that these actually raise the car a little. Is this true? And if so, should I get lowering springs to use with these shocks to get a stock ride height?
If the Koni Str.t shocks don't affect ride height at all, what are my stock ride height spring options?
Are the QA1 springs stock height springs, and can they be used with other shocks at all?
I'm guessing that coilover springs (such as strange hypercoils) are different and not compatible with non-coilover setups...
Sorry about so many questions (I'm sure I'll have more). I just feel its best to just ask (after reading so many articles/posts, then finding out the vert might be different).
Thank you.
I have been reading many threads on the subject, but after looking up the springs that are currently on the car, I learned that the convertible uses different springs in the very least, because the description says not to use those spring with convertibles. This leads to my first questions:
What are the stock spring rates (and length) for the convertible?
Are the shocks different from the coupe too?
Any other differences I should know about for this job?
I'm leaning towards getting a full set of Koni Str.t shocks (front and rear). I've read a couple people saying that these actually raise the car a little. Is this true? And if so, should I get lowering springs to use with these shocks to get a stock ride height?
If the Koni Str.t shocks don't affect ride height at all, what are my stock ride height spring options?
Are the QA1 springs stock height springs, and can they be used with other shocks at all?
I'm guessing that coilover springs (such as strange hypercoils) are different and not compatible with non-coilover setups...
Sorry about so many questions (I'm sure I'll have more). I just feel its best to just ask (after reading so many articles/posts, then finding out the vert might be different).
Thank you.
#2
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (6)
Hey!
I have a 2002 camaro z28 convertible (ss clone) that i did a complete suspension overhaul on. Link:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertib...ld-ragtop.html
Before suspension I had poorly made true duals on car which didn’t scrape at stock height but it did after lowering.
Its not the suspension equipments fault , almost every fbody dual exhaust pipes barely fit after it’s lowered.
I changed my exhaust and it doesn’t scrape anymore.
I went with koni STR.t and bmr 1.25” lowering springs.
Car drives and handled great, but I still don’t like how the front air damn plastics scrape on semi steep driveways so I ll
be switching back to stock springs.
I dont beleive spring rates are different for coupe vs convertible car since the convertible is marginally heavier than a TTop car(depending on options).
I have a 2002 camaro z28 convertible (ss clone) that i did a complete suspension overhaul on. Link:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/convertib...ld-ragtop.html
Before suspension I had poorly made true duals on car which didn’t scrape at stock height but it did after lowering.
Its not the suspension equipments fault , almost every fbody dual exhaust pipes barely fit after it’s lowered.
I changed my exhaust and it doesn’t scrape anymore.
I went with koni STR.t and bmr 1.25” lowering springs.
Car drives and handled great, but I still don’t like how the front air damn plastics scrape on semi steep driveways so I ll
be switching back to stock springs.
I dont beleive spring rates are different for coupe vs convertible car since the convertible is marginally heavier than a TTop car(depending on options).
#3
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (1)
I suggest you contact Sam Strano and he can set you up with what you need. I have Koni Strt's with Strano springs on my 99 z28 vert. Stock exhaust now does scrape on high speed bumps and front airdam does scrape on steep driveways, but I'm cool with that. From what I've read, if you go with stock spring height, Bilstiens are the better choice.
#4
The main reason that I'm considering the Koni Str.t over the SLP Bilstein is the $100 difference in price. Both brands are highly regarded from what I've read across the forums. I'm considering going with the Bilsteins, but my budget is only $500-$600, and I need the springs too. What other parts am I going to need for this job? The Bilstein HD shocks need a number of parts. Do the SLP ones need those parts to, or are they included? It looks like the Konis include some of that stuff. I'll be sure to contact Sam and see what he can tell me. Thank you.
#5
The main reason that I'm considering the Koni Str.t over the SLP Bilstein is the $100 difference in price. Both brands are highly regarded from what I've read across the forums. I'm considering going with the Bilsteins, but my budget is only $500-$600, and I need the springs too. What other parts am I going to need for this job? The Bilstein HD shocks need a number of parts. Do the SLP ones need those parts to, or are they included? It looks like the Konis include some of that stuff. I'll be sure to contact Sam and see what he can tell me. Thank you.
#6
If the Koni Str.t shocks don't affect ride height at all, what are my stock ride height spring options?
Are the QA1 springs stock height springs, and can they be used with other shocks at all?
I'm guessing that coilover springs (such as strange hypercoils) are different and not compatible with non-coilover setups...
Sorry about so many questions (I'm sure I'll have more). I just feel its best to just ask (after reading so many articles/posts, then finding out the vert might be different).
Thank you.
Are the QA1 springs stock height springs, and can they be used with other shocks at all?
I'm guessing that coilover springs (such as strange hypercoils) are different and not compatible with non-coilover setups...
Sorry about so many questions (I'm sure I'll have more). I just feel its best to just ask (after reading so many articles/posts, then finding out the vert might be different).
Thank you.
The main reason that I'm considering the Koni Str.t over the SLP Bilstein is the $100 difference in price. Both brands are highly regarded from what I've read across the forums. I'm considering going with the Bilsteins, but my budget is only $500-$600, and I need the springs too. What other parts am I going to need for this job? The Bilstein HD shocks need a number of parts. Do the SLP ones need those parts to, or are they included? It looks like the Konis include some of that stuff. I'll be sure to contact Sam and see what he can tell me. Thank you.
#7
FormerVendor
The QA1 springs are a barrel shaped spring with a 2 /12" ID on the bottom to allow them to sit on our coil-over hardware on our shocks. These are not a direct replacement for use with the OE front shocks. Our front coil-over kit (shocks and springs) does allow for ride height adjustment.
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#8
Thank you for the responses. Unfortunately coilovers are double what I can afford to spend. I'll likely go with the Koni Str.t shocks. Sam said that they are actually subcontracted by Koni to another company in Argentina, so that does worry me a little bit. The main reason for choosing the Konis (for me) is the price. They are not only cheaper, but come with more components (spring perches, dust boots and bump stops). He also said that he recommends OE springs (even if used) over Moog or TRW, as those 2 brands are taller than stock. I'd rather avoid used stuff, so will probably end up doing some math and finding another option, or usings springs that only lower 0.5" or less. Also, I do currently have staggered wheels on the car (Corvette, 19" in the back, 18" in the front). I will be swapping these out at some point in the future too, because the staggered setup messes with the ABS (probably 17s all around, maybe 18s).
#10
I have them from slp/factory option in 01. Rears are sagging so in too am looking for new upgrade. From what I hear all 01-02 slp cars sag after time