chadnol10

iTrader: (41)

hey guys i have a stock trans am what suspension mods do you recommend i do first in what order

HAMRHEAD

iTrader: (8)

Subframe connectors are always nice and they don't cost a lot.

gun5l1ng3r

Uh, I think that most here on the handling forums would agree that a GOOD set of shocks would probably be the best first purchase. Depending on what your goal is, Koni SA's do an awesome job for performance handling.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

shocks...... *NOT* SFC's, at least not first. Look here for details as to why I feel that way: https://ls1tech.com/forums/suspension-brakes/645388-suspension-help.html

02SS#406

iTrader: (1)

Koni SA's...but I'm biased.

ls1mightymouse

SFC is the first suspention mod i always do, but everyone is different

Ericbigmac83

iTrader: (19)

I put on sfc's, lca's, and a panhard all at once. but i prolly wouldve done shocks and springs first if i couldve afforded it. You should do shocks and springs at the same time, just get shocks to match the springs, Sam strano will help ya out with all that good stuff

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Sam Strano also sells SFC's too..... so it's not like I'm saying no because I can't sell you any. I just don't feel they should be first. However, I'm happy to supply you some if you disagree.

subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

I would also say do NOT do SFCs 1st. I did STB 1st, not sure if its needed, but what the hey. Next I did SFCs(SLP bolt ons). I noticed a diff, the ride was harsher. Sadly I started on LS1tech after that decision. Then better tires (275/40/17 Nitto 555s). Next I did Koni SAs w stock springs (lower perch/hose mod), and a rod/rod adjustable UMI PHB. Then a performance alignment (stock one induced understeer). Next some Strano Bars. Then, I took off my SLP bolt on SFCs.

If I had it to do over again I would:
1-Better tires
2-Koni SAs, PHB, and alignment (-1.5 camber, +4.5 caster, 0 toe)
3-Strano Bars
4-Strano Springs (still thinking on this one, stockers really are not bad)
5-Brake fluid/quality high perf brake pads(my next step)
6-Chassis stiffening (STB/SFCs)
Not sure if I would/will put SFCs on again, but if I do it will b UMI 3pt bolt ins.
Don't see these makinf a performance diff....just want to keep the car nicer/tighter longer.

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Not to digress too much, but you track the car, right? You like handling, right? A set of springs that not only lowers the Cg, but also helps control roll and pitch better, *and* gives more negative camber don't seem like bad things....

Maybe you're worried about the ride, and it's firmer to be sure... but not harsh, I'm sure you saw the harshness decrease when you changed to the Koni's. Proof that the harshness is shocks. Firmness are springs. You can have a firm car without it being harsh. You can have a harsh ride while being squishy (like stock). You can even have a firm *AND* harsh ride (not good shocks with higher rate springs). And note that ride includes the way the car handles bumps @ speed, not just cruising @ 65mph.

gun5l1ng3r

Hey Sam, my car seems to have the harsh AND firm ride in the back after I installed the Koni's.

Should I check to make sure that I adjusted the shocks in the correct direction(full soft) in the rear? I am still on the stock springs with 121K miles and !spare tire mod.
Does the less weight in the rear (from no spare) make for a harsher ride?

bad6as

iTrader: (17)

i did sfc and lca,
i have a t/a on the way
then some koni sa from mr. strano

SS LS1

A good set of Shocks!!

Finite1

iTrader: (3)

I did my front/rear sway bushings/endlinks first
then PHR/LCA's/SFC's second

torque arm is going on next week.. i'm excited.

Element

iTrader: (5)

I'm doing adjustable LCAs, LCA relocation brackets, SFCs, and Strano revalved Bilsteins/DMS springs all at once. I'll also be doing an adjustable PHR very soon, and an adjustable torque arm and remount kit later in the spring.

subtlez28

iTrader: (15)

Yes, Sam I do track my car. And yes I do value ride highly. Also, as posted in another thread(and briefly in this one), I have been considering your springs alot. I intend to call you and speak w u about them in (ironically) the SPRING...when my car gets out of its winter detention.

DONAIMIAN

iTrader: (18)

Shocks, as to what shocks, do a search and make an informed decision.

FredoCamaro

iTrader: (18)

As Chip Foose said "lowering springs first"

TARZAN

iTrader: (12)

If you plan on drag racing the car on sticky tires, and you have t-tops...I say SFC's...

If you plan on just enjoying it on the street and/or want it to handle, definitely shocks...

-Will

Sam Strano

iTrader: (41)

Tire pressue shouldn't be over about 30. Less weight than the car came with does effect things, but taking the spare out really isnt' that big a deal. As for "harsh", nobody said Cadillac ride, it's firm, but should be much less harsh than stock. If not, check your shock settings, you wouldn't be the first to get it backwards and be running full stiff instead of full soft.