FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

Right now I've got the G2 super springs with stock shocks. While for the first year I had them on they were exactly what I wanted. Now that I've got the LT's I'm BARELY clearing dips and bumps in the road. Also, I'm getting tired of the bumpy/harsh/bouncy ride. When I hit a bump in the road the whole car shudders and it really feels like sh*t.

Which option will lead to the best ride quality?

1) Keep the G2's and just replace the shocks.

2) Switch out the G2's with a lowering spring that only lowers about 1" that has a softer spring rate AND replace the shocks.

I am not looking for extreme performance and handling ability since I do not autoX. I'm keeping it lowered mostly for looks. I would just like to put alil more comfort in the ride since its a daily driver 95% of the time.

** I know these cars are not BMW's or Lexus' and I do not expect that kind of comfort. I also know that some ride quality is given up right away from lowering.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but any input will be greatly appreciated

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

Thats really something only you can decide.

First off, the reason your car has gone to sh*t (to put it in your words <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="gr_images/icons/tongue.gif" /> ) is because the factory shocks have blown out. The stiffer springs overpower the soft valving in the shocks and has caused them to die early. If you put some good shocks on (Bilstein HDs, Konis, etc...) you will get a MUCH better ride than you have.

The G2s are really good springs <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> (I had them before I went to LGs coilovers) and with some good performance shocks they will handle even better. The ride will still be a "little" stiffer than stock, but the performance gains usually outway the negatives. You will still be low however. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

If you are more worried about hitting the headers and want a really smooth/comfortable ride (still won't be a Cadillac), then you probubly should go back to stock springs. You can get Koni single adjustables and set the bottom spring mount on the lower setting. This will put the front of the car 3/4" under the factory ride height. Then try either trimming a half a coil or so off the rear (will make it a little stiffer), or do the compress and heat in an oven methed (do not use a torch!) to make it even with the front. That should give you lowered stance and still be soft.

Decide what is more important to you, performance or ride quality. Sadly, you don't get both <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> . My guess is though, if you go back to a "soft suspention," it won't be long before you miss the performance.

Chris

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

If you use the lower mounting location on the koni shocks, remove the rubber spacer on top of the rear spring and use a piece of rubber hose instead. This will lower the rear somewhat and help the car to sit level. Good luck!

FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

Thanks for the input.

Here are the rates of G2's, Hypercoils, and BMR's.
G2: Front: 548 Rear: 180-230 Drop: 1.50"
Hypercoils: Front: 360-580 Rear: 168-216 Drop: 1.25"
BMR: Front: 310-550 Rear: 145-170 Drop: 1.00"

How much of a softer ride would the Hypercoil/BMR springs with Progressive rates up front be? I guess what i want to know is, assuming i get after market shocks, which spring will offer the most comfortable ride with the new shocks?

John02SS

iTrader: (47)

Just installed BMR's and the ride is really good. I think it rides better over small uneven surfaces. I have LT's also and was worried about clearance issues. The BMR's fit the bill perfect. They got ride of the 4x4 look and still have 3.5 inches of clearance at the lowest part of the Hooker Y pipe. Good luck.

FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

I think i'm leaning towards the BMR's right now. If i were to switch just the springs right away....how bad do u think the shocks would be? going from being dropped 1.5" for a year to only being dropped 1"? Shocks are definitely in the future tho.

FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

bmr's only drop the car about an inch. i think that the level one suspension package by slp drops the car about .75". i think those are the smallest drops.

Darkhalf

iTrader: (1)

It would be so much easier to install springs and shocks all at once. That is what I am doing, I'm just waiting on my Bilsteins to arrive some day <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="gr_sad.gif" />

FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

yea i know it'd be easier... but since i'm pinched for money right now... i'm just trying to see if i can get away with just springs....then when my wallet fattens up again, i'll get the shocks.

uLoSeAgAin

How much would it cost me to get the level one suspension kit put on? Anyone have pics of this kit installed?

uLoSeAgAin

I am also wanting to lower my car but I have seen way too many cars that have that "sag to them. That may be what they are looking for but I want mine to look how they shouldev form the factory (no big drop). I just want to get rid of the HUGe wheel gap I have. When people see my car that have never seen it before I dont want them to be like damn he dropped that thing. So what spring lowers the car the least?

uLoSeAgAin

I am also wanting to lower my car but I have seen way too many cars that have that "sag to them. That may be what they are looking for but I want mine to look how they shouldev form the factory (no big drop). I just want to get rid of the HUGe wheel gap I have. So what spring lowers the car the least?

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by FstBlkz28:
<strong>Also, I'm getting tired of the bumpy/harsh/bouncy ride. When I hit a bump in the road the whole car shudders and it really feels like sh*t.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by FstBlkz28:
<strong>i'm just trying to see if i can get away with just springs....then when my wallet fattens up again, i'll get the shocks. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The clearance issue is springs. You can buy rubber spacers to put on top of the springs to get you about 1/4" of clearance.

The bounce issue is shocks. Replacing springs will not solve this issue ...

FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

ok thanks, softer springs will make the bumps less jarring tho, right? the bouncy ride is not my first concern, however the fact that it feels like my car has nothing to cushion the ride at all does bother me.

trackbird

iTrader: (4)

The shocks control the springs during both compression and rebound and they will have a much greater effect on ride quality than springs do. With no shocks, your car would just bounce down the road (you may find yourself getting seasick), when you add shocks, each bump is controlled and transmitted to the chassis. Remember those big rubber ***** with a handle on them that everyone bounced on as kids.....that is a spring with no shocks.....similar feeling.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

can you get away without shocks.....well yeah.. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> ...you can also get away without a windshield or paint on a car..... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

I had the same setup you have (LG springs/decarbons). Like you, I did it because I was straped for cash at the time.

Once the shocks blow out, they are dead....thats it.....body bag and put them in the ground... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

The big question is, are YOU installing or are you PAYING to have it installed? If your paying someone, your just throwing money away not upgrading the shocks. If you are doing the install, then its just your time.

Chris

FstBlkz28

iTrader: (13)

ok.... do you think the reason my car has such a SHOCK/shudder from cracks,bumps in the road is because the springs/shocks are bottoming out? if thats the case then i guess a set of shocks is all i need. or could the harsh reaction to bumps just be that the springs are stiff and do not absorb as much of the shock.

2001CamaroGuy

iTrader: (6)

its possible...with the shocks not dampening, the tires spring up off the road when you hit crack/bumps.

jyeager

My vote: your troubles are the result of the dead shocks. Forget changing the springs. If you want a little height added, then get cheap rubber spacers, and spend your money on shocks.