General Suspension Question!
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Teching In
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: North Carolina
General Suspension Question! I've had numerous "sports" cars over the years, all of which I modified the suspension in. I'm new to the LS1 game, and would like an idea of what my
first steps should be. I've always swapped shocks/struts/springs then gone to
installing chassis upgrades(SFC's, roll bar/cage)... is this the right way to go on these cars? I want to have a well-rounded car; one that I can take to the strip or Auto-X track and have decent results at both.
1. Coilover or conventional shock/spring?
2. To do or not to do: SFC's?
3. Best weight-saving suspension swap?
Thanks in advance for all you guys' help!
first steps should be. I've always swapped shocks/struts/springs then gone to
installing chassis upgrades(SFC's, roll bar/cage)... is this the right way to go on these cars? I want to have a well-rounded car; one that I can take to the strip or Auto-X track and have decent results at both.
1. Coilover or conventional shock/spring?
2. To do or not to do: SFC's?
3. Best weight-saving suspension swap?
Thanks in advance for all you guys' help!
Sorry 02SilvaZ, I couldn't disagree more...
SFCs are debated on here regularly. Bottom line is there is no proof one way or another on their effects. And 4th gens do not have struts, so strengthening the "strut tower" is less of an issue than on say 3rd gens or mustangs (that said I do have a STB on, but don't think it is anywere near most important).
1. Most the experienced racers on here will tell you STOCK SHOCKS SUCK. They are the first thing to swap. Spend the $ for Koni SAs, you will B happy you did! It drastically improved my car both on the street and road course!
2. Next an adjustable rod ended PHB will make the car much more predictable, and solve that annoying side hop these cars do over bumps.
3. Stepping up to hallow 35 mm and 22mm Strano Sway bars will also net a noticable gain in stability.
4. Higher rate springs such as Strano's, will also increase your cars cornering ability (these are my next planned mod). Plus the lowering looks cool. But don't make the mistake of lowering just 4 looks, too much drop or improper rates will make you dred driving your car.
SFCs are debated on here regularly. Bottom line is there is no proof one way or another on their effects. And 4th gens do not have struts, so strengthening the "strut tower" is less of an issue than on say 3rd gens or mustangs (that said I do have a STB on, but don't think it is anywere near most important).
1. Most the experienced racers on here will tell you STOCK SHOCKS SUCK. They are the first thing to swap. Spend the $ for Koni SAs, you will B happy you did! It drastically improved my car both on the street and road course!
2. Next an adjustable rod ended PHB will make the car much more predictable, and solve that annoying side hop these cars do over bumps.
3. Stepping up to hallow 35 mm and 22mm Strano Sway bars will also net a noticable gain in stability.
4. Higher rate springs such as Strano's, will also increase your cars cornering ability (these are my next planned mod). Plus the lowering looks cool. But don't make the mistake of lowering just 4 looks, too much drop or improper rates will make you dred driving your car.
Originally Posted by subtlez28
Sorry 02SilvaZ, I couldn't disagree more...
SFCs are debated on here regularly. Bottom line is there is no proof one way or another on their effects. And 4th gens do not have struts, so strengthening the "strut tower" is less of an issue than on say 3rd gens or mustangs (that said I do have a STB on, but don't think it is anywere near most important).
SFCs are debated on here regularly. Bottom line is there is no proof one way or another on their effects. And 4th gens do not have struts, so strengthening the "strut tower" is less of an issue than on say 3rd gens or mustangs (that said I do have a STB on, but don't think it is anywere near most important).
Components like SFCs and STBs are a hold-over from the 3rd gen days when they actually served a purpose. 3rd gen chassis design and material usage was less than optimum.
Originally Posted by Slo-Maro_Uncorked
I want to have a well-rounded car; one that I can take to the strip or Auto-X track and have decent results at both.
Originally Posted by subtlez28
Sorry 02SilvaZ, I couldn't disagree more...
SFCs are debated on here regularly. Bottom line is there is no proof one way or another on their effects. And 4th gens do not have struts, so strengthening the "strut tower" is less of an issue than on say 3rd gens or mustangs (that said I do have a STB on, but don't think it is anywere near most important).
1. Most the experienced racers on here will tell you STOCK SHOCKS SUCK. They are the first thing to swap. Spend the $ for Koni SAs, you will B happy you did! It drastically improved my car both on the street and road course!
2. Next an adjustable rod ended PHB will make the car much more predictable, and solve that annoying side hop these cars do over bumps.
3. Stepping up to hallow 35 mm and 22mm Strano Sway bars will also net a noticable gain in stability.
4. Higher rate springs such as Strano's, will also increase your cars cornering ability (these are my next planned mod). Plus the lowering looks cool. But don't make the mistake of lowering just 4 looks, too much drop or improper rates will make you dred driving your car.
SFCs are debated on here regularly. Bottom line is there is no proof one way or another on their effects. And 4th gens do not have struts, so strengthening the "strut tower" is less of an issue than on say 3rd gens or mustangs (that said I do have a STB on, but don't think it is anywere near most important).
1. Most the experienced racers on here will tell you STOCK SHOCKS SUCK. They are the first thing to swap. Spend the $ for Koni SAs, you will B happy you did! It drastically improved my car both on the street and road course!
2. Next an adjustable rod ended PHB will make the car much more predictable, and solve that annoying side hop these cars do over bumps.
3. Stepping up to hallow 35 mm and 22mm Strano Sway bars will also net a noticable gain in stability.
4. Higher rate springs such as Strano's, will also increase your cars cornering ability (these are my next planned mod). Plus the lowering looks cool. But don't make the mistake of lowering just 4 looks, too much drop or improper rates will make you dred driving your car.
i have SFC's and STB and personally they improved rigidity and feel of the car, i was just offering an opinion from my experience as were you, so my idea isnt necessarily a bad one
Originally Posted by 02silvaZ
i have SFC's and STB and personally they improved rigidity and feel of the car, i was just offering an opinion from my experience as were you, so my idea isnt necessarily a bad one
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Originally Posted by 02silvaZ
i have SFC's and STB and personally they improved rigidity and feel of the car, i was just offering an opinion from my experience as were you, so my idea isnt necessarily a bad one
I know alot of guys say they "feel" a big diff w SFCs and STBs. I'm not saying they are wrong, bad, or lying. Its just the 4th gen chassis is strong, and there simply isn't any real facts to back up these feelings. Plus just feeling a diff doesn't equal better.
SFCs and STBs are not evil or anything. But if you cannot proove to me they will cut my lap times or make my car stronger...maybe money is better spent on other upgrades w prooven performance.
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