Newbie here.

I got a '93 Z28. Original owner. No mods done yet. Yeah, I know, I'm lame. Anyways, live in a canyon and want to carve the corners with 18" wheels someday and a lowered look. What suspension mods should I get?

Gunner

 

springs
shocks
front sway bar
replace any control arms that have soft rubber bushings. On a car that old it's probably pretty sloppy.

I would consider all of the previous parts maintenance items as they are probably past their prime on a '93.

adjustable panhard bar if you are real serious. It has minimal effects other than centering the rear under the car after lowering.

see my post in the "Bilsteins - to revalve or not" thread for more info.

 

Tires, tires, tires. I know you're looking for suspension mods specifically but you must get a decent tire on the ground first. Tires are the best way to improve handling and grip.

I would then upgrade to the 1LE suspension (somebody more knowledgable will be able to tell you exactly which parts) and see how she handles. I think you'd have a pretty good corner carver at that point.

Then get out to some auto-x's and hone your skills.

 

Thanks for the info guys!!

I will be replacing all of the above. Any personal recommendations on who to buy the goodies from as I live in the sticks?

What kind of treads would you all recommend? I still run those Goodyear Z rated stockers.......

Thanks again,

Gun

 

the best tires i've seen/used are firehawk sz50's...they aren't too badly priced and the grip is phenominal. however they are not all season...if that is needed.

if you need all season look into the goodyear Gforce kdws...great grip and are all season.

look into BMR suspension for high quality, very good price, and choice of color.

and don't forget about some subframe connectors. combine those with the other basic susp. mods listed and you'lll be seriously carving corners...just make sure you stay in the corner and don't end up in the canyon!!!

 

I've set mine up for autocross and I can tell you, it's the right combination of things that will accomplish what you're looking for. And it all depends on exactly what you're looking for, how you drive your car, where you drive your car and whether you're building for a particular class or if it's just for the street.

My car's getting there and you can take a look at all that I've done to mine. Keep in mind, I'm building for a SCCA Solo2 E Street Prepared class so there are certain things I can't do. But I can tell you that mine can corner like stink but the limiting factor are the tires. I just ran an autocross last weekend for the first time in this car but it just wouldn't hook up on my street tires (I've got Hoosiers but my front wheels aren't in yet ). But get it out on the street with everyone else and it can corner with the best of them.

My suggestion is to contact Sam Strano Jr. at http://www.stranoparts.com . Sam will take all the time you need to get you setup with ALL the right parts for what you're going to be doing. He won't steer you wrong. He spent about 45 minutes with me going over everything. Sam is the 2002 Solo2 E Street Prepared and Pro Solo F Stock National Champion. He'll save you the hassle of trying different parts and listening to people that think they know but don't.

Just a comment about mine. Obviously it IS the combination but the shocks were the key that tied it all together. They're the one piece that controls everything else you do. Proper shock control is the key insuing a smooth controlled ride that doesn't pitch around like a wild bull. Smoothness is the key in cornering, especially in the real world where roads are rough. My car rides better now with all my new parts than it ever did before and it's all because of the shocks.

 

Anything is better than what you have now. The best tires that I had by far are the BFGs. The SZ50s are good in the rain but give up some dry handling. The Kumhos 712 are OK for the price but are NOT all season. Plus the tires don't stick when it's cold.

 

I've heard nothing but bad things about the 712s. I use Potenza SO2s on the street but they're kinda pricey. Good grip though.