I currently have Eibach "Pro Line" springs with stock shocks and swaybars and I like the way the car handles. None the less, I want to go back to a stock ride height suspension. What is the best handling combo of springs, shocks, and sway bars with a stock ride height? Ride quality is secondary, though somewhat of a consideration. The most important thing is high speed stability. I don't often drive very fast, but sometimes I do and I don't want any control issues at 150+mph!

Guys: if this has been discussed here before, please don't be too mad at me for asking again. But a search wasn't too revealing. From what I know, the 1LE components may be a good choice. But I have been unable to find out the proper part numbers (I have a '95). A lot of posts on this point to a site that has part numbers, but these are clearly inaccurate as they don't even have the right number of digits to be GM pn#. So if you have the correct numbers, please post them.

BTW: I want to be able to fit a 28" tall drag slick, that's the reason for wanting a higher ride height. But the car is mostly street driven so I don't want a true drag race type setup.

Thanks.

Rich Krause

 

Probably the 1LE or SLP Level 2/3 stuff I would think Rich. Gary has a nice setup on his car that is *near* stock ride height (just slightly lower) consisting of SLP/Bilstein/1LE stuff.

Let me know if you want to unload your 26" ET Streets/stock rims since you are going to the 28s. I would be interested in buying them since I just landed a 12 bolt.

Thanks, Jason

 

Jason: the 1LE seems like a good choice, but I am having trouble finding out the (correct) part numbers. As soon as I make a definite decision I guess my 26" ET Streets will have found a good home! Maybe we can meet 1/2 way and exchange the block and wheels

Rich Krause

 

Rich:

I have p/n 22132887 for the front 1LE spring and p/n 22132889 for the rear. The front spring p/n checks out ok on gmpartsdirect.com but it also says the rear has been replaced by p/n 10305134.

If you need any other 1LE p/n's try this site:

http://tech.firebirdv6.com/1le.html

 

Rich: As Jason said, I have the SLP level 1 kit.......If you want near stock height, this may be the way to go (Lowers car 3/4" over stock) and your car will handle like on rails . You may also want to consider talking to Sam Strano, has good info on what works WWW. Stranoparts.com I am using the level 1 kit with bigger sway bars front and rear, and I am pretty happy with the set up. My $02 Gary

 

Hey guys: thanks! That gives me a place to start.

Rich Krause

 

Depends on how radical or to what extent you want it to "handle better" Also some things that will make handle better may compramise high speed stability. A lot of neg camber for instance.
Lets say you were after the best handling possible without staying within rules of some sort.
Koni SA or revalved Bilsteins. Ground control coil overs with spring rate of your choice. 35mm sway bar. Global West upper control arms.
In the rear GC setup with a rod end PHR and LCA and Bilstein type shocks with a stock or 21mm swaybar.
About the only noticeable disadvantage to having stock ride height is the lack of neg camber. with the GW arms this is not a concern.

 

Hey Jason: thanks, those ARE the right pn's! Is my assumption correct: the 1LE setup is stock ride height?

Rich Krause

 

Hey Rich, yeah the 1LE is *basically* the stock ride height. Within 1/4" if not exactly the stock height.

Sounds good on the ET's...just let me know when you are ready to unload them. Also, if you are going to be at the track this sunday, I will plan on it too since the weather is looking GREAT! High only looking like 60 degrees that do so far! If you trailer your car, I will bring the block.

THanks Rich
Jason

 

Rich: A worthwhile consideration would be using Hal Shocks with some stiff springs. Personally, I would have the shocks valved "harder" than they came, and would run a 5-600# linear spring over the drag springs. You can set your ride height wherever.

I plan on having mine revalved and swapping in a heavier spring sometime.


Ryan

 

I have owned a '98 1LE Z28, and my current 2001 Trans Am has the SLP Level 1 kit. The 1LE is superior at higher speeds, like on a road course. It rides a little stiffer than the SLP, and it is very predictable.

The SLP kit rides better, is lower, and is a little better at lower (<60 mph) quick maneuvering, like autocross. The 1LE rear springs are a little too stiff for autox, and the 1LE fronts could be a little stiffer. The SLP Bilstein shocks are too soft for real serious road racing, but are a good compromise for a street car. Either will satisfy all but the most hardcore track racer.

 

Thanks for all the help guys

Here's what I am going to try. Keep in mind my contradictory goals of combining good performance on the drag strip with good high performance street handling and high speed stability. The rear definitely needs to be softer for strip use. And I want stock ride height back as I am tired of scraping and a lowered car is difficult to load on a trailer.

stock springs
1LE sway bars and bushings front and rear
shocks: adjustable so I can tailor street v. strip use.

Are HAL the best adjustable shock for my purpose?

Rich Krause

 

Rich: I am very happy with my Hals. At the time, I was recommended them by many, but for what its worth Brett @ BMR told me flat out: The Hals are the best shocks out for the 4th gen F-body.

Here's my opinion: Right now I am running the front drag spring/Hal shocks, and stock springs/Hals in the rear. A stock ride setup would setting the Hals at ~7 & ~3 (front/rear), by my butt-o-meter. Since I don't see very much strip duty I wish I had went with a stiffer spring, and had the shocks valved a hair "tighter." I ride with the front set at 12 (max) and the rear @ 5 for daily use. This setup coupled with a STB puts a stock WS6 to shame. (Tested them back to back).

I'm not sure about how many options there are, but I believe there is a brand called Afco that is more tailored to drag racing, but I'm not positive! Besides that, there are the Bilsteins, but I think they are more autox oriented.

Bottom line: If I was in your shoes right now I would buy the HAls again.

HTH,
Ryan

 

I have a buddy with Hals on his Firehawk, and it is very fast on the road course. I don't think you would go wrong with them.

 

You guys came through, as usual

Thanks, I will buy the HAL shocks.

Rich Krause