I will be putting a Pro-Kit on my car soon, and am wondering if having Sam Strano revalve the Bilstein HDs I plan to get is worth it or not. The car is my daily driver, w/ some AutoX use. But I hope to AutoX much more.

Which brings me to my next question(s) about my overall setup. Right now the car is totally stock suspension wise, with the acceptions of a 1LE front sway bar, and a poly bushings/endlinks all the way around. Of course the springs/shocks are next. I have headers on the car, which throws me up to ESP. I'd like to stay ESP for now, so that rules out SFCs and LCAs for now. But I'd still like to make my car as competative as possible. Other than tires and cage, and on a fairly tight budget, what should I look to change?

Should I upgrade my sway bar setup? I'm sure a nice APHR would help, do any of you have experience w/ the BMR "Race Only" units w/ the spherical rod ends (I've driven cars w/ Global West and other rod end bars, and I love the feel and don't mind the ride/noise, I just wondered if BMR is up to the same quality). What else can I do and stay ESP?

-TJ

 

I run in a local club that closely mirrors SCCA so I'm not completely certain about the rules. But I run in GTP which is the same as ESP in SCCA. My mods are legal for ESP as far as I know. This is what I've got in my SS and I'm very happy with it. I had top time of day through the first round this past month. Of course the Z06's roasted me once they ran.

BMR Strut Tower Brace - stiffens front chassis.

DMS springs - progressive rate. Good compromise between stock and all out race springs with linear spring rates. The front dropped 2" and the back 1". It looks awesome but I have bottomed out on a few speed bumps even being careful. No regrets though.

DMS adjustable PHB with rod ends - This helped to reduce slop in the rear end when transitioning from side to side.

Suspension Technologies solid 35mm front sway bar - This is a must have! It transformed the car. No more body roll. Gone.

I still have the stock Decarbon shocks. I wanted revalved Bilsteins but they were on backorder when I put the springs on. From what I have been told the Bilstein HDs are still not up to the task of handling lowered cars with higher spring rates. I recommend getting the Strano revalved shocks. I've never heard a bad word about anything Strano had a hand in.

The only other mods I have are the lid, Predator programming and lots of miles.

 

You have to revalve them, don't bother putting them on unless you do. That's just my opinion based on insight i've gotten from our local members. The "Autocross and Road Racing" section is very slow and get's very little hit's. So take my advice.

 

But what suspension info you get here will be good advice. Most of the guys that post here really know their stuff and won't BS you.

 

I bought my setup from Sam Strano after talking about what my goals for the car were. Those goals being that it's my daily driver with an autocross event once a month and the occasional open tack event.

With that in mind he set me up with the Eibach Pro Kit, Koni SA's up front, Third Gen Bilstein HD's out back and a ST 35mm front bar. I installed everything at once to my bone stock car and the difference was nothing less than dramatic.

I agree with 2002Z28SSConv about the ST 35mm bar it make the car handle flat and is a must. I run in the same club as 2002Z28SSConv so I'm not sure if it is legal for ESP but Sam indicated this is his setup so it must be legal.

 

Its legal, actually its one of the few mods that are legal in FS as well.

 

I run ESP so you can take a look at my mods "per" Sam Strano. I've only autocrossed once on this setup but it's a night and day difference over stock.

You won't go wrong with Sam's advice.

 

The only problem with progressive rate springs is that it is a lot more difficult to re-valve shocks with them. Sam will tell you to get a fixed rate spring. I like my Koni Sport SA's and I've set them on full firmness for rebound. With my 500 lb/inch springs you need an extremely good shock. The only thing the shock will do for you is keep your tires on the ground. Without them, you'll bounce around uncontrollably. You've GOT to keep the tires firmly planted on the ground. Get the BEST shock you can afford.