Well everyone, I'm starting to get that itch for my next modification. I was thinking of building up the suspension.

My plan would be to put a rear suspension package on. This would include LCAs and a panhard rod. Sometime in the future I may change my rims from the OEM 16 in. to 17in rims with 275/40/17 tires of course. With this tire and wheel selection would I need an adjustable panhard rod?

Next would be a new set of springs. I was thinking Hotchkis, lowering about 1 in. Again with the new tire and wheels will I need an adjustable panhard rod?

Finally I thought I would have some sway bars installed. I was also thinking of Hotchkis' 1-7/16" front & 1" rear hollow.

The sequence of installation would be the suspension parts first. Then finally the wheels and tires.

One last thing. I was thinking of going with Hotchkis (if that wasn't obvious already) but I know BMR has some good prices and have heard some good things about them here. I would appreciate any comments on Hotchkis and BMR products (or Hotchkis vs. BMR).

Thats allot in one post. Thanks in advance

Oh, ONE more thing, I wasn't planning on doing SCCA events. This is for superior lane changes and canyon carving. How will these mods affect my ride? Thanks again

SFC and STB already installed

 

Well IMO opinion BMR rocks, it value and quality for your money...I go BMR all the way....the only time you'll need an adj. panhard is when you 315X17 or 18" and higher...if you stick to the 275/40/17 you will not need an adj.

Really the first thing you should do is shocks and springs, that is the base of any trick set-up...maybe Hal's or Bill's...depends how far you wanna take it. Once again it depends on what you wanna do, me, I drag race...therefore I lighten up the front, delete the front sway bar and throw in a k-member plus all tubular...in the rear big *** sway bar and torque arm...suspension is so intense...but on a budget get the basic...shocks, springs, LCA's and relocation brackets.....the stock sway bars are fine as well as the PHB....torque arm down the road

Check out my sig for some trick suspension

 

You will need an adjustable phr if you plan on lowering your car however.

It really depends if you're making a drag car or just a have fun car you know?

Oh, I say go with BMR. I have for most my parts. Good quality, good prices, oh yeah, I live 30 mins from them too.

 

So your being completely objective huh

I do keep hearing good things about BMR. Their prices also appear better than Hotchkis.

Is one superior to the other (Hotchkis vs. BMR)

 

Hotchkis is undoubtly a great brand but very pricey. I use a pair of their subframe connectors and they work great! If I were to do it again I would go with BMR though as they're almost equally as good and much cheaper.

For springs I would recommend the DMS ones. They have a great reputation. Check this thread for some really good comments on them.

A panhard bar is a must if you're lowering your car. I would recommend it for anyone actually but a stock height spring car doesn't need them.

 

I have DMS sfc, lca's, and brackets. I think they are all quality pieces, at a great price. I would get DMS or BMR suspension. I think the other brands are over priced

 

I dont know if one is more superior than the other.But w/ the sway bar Hotchkis offer is more rigid/bigger/lighter than bmr,but can equaled w a Suspension Tech sway bar 35mm for $137 heavy. I like Hotchkis' STB polished @$255 better than BMR no bends.But mine will be G2 3pt.
This is what I'm doing front to rear for suspension/chassis upgrades on my Z28 total cost around $4200

BMR upper & lower A-arms
BMR tubular K-member w/ mounts
Suspension technoligies 35mm front swaybar poly bushed
G2 3pt. STB
Koni SA adjustable shocks
Eibach or G2 springs
BMR adjustable torque arm
G2 SFCs' w/ X-brace
G2 tunnel brace w/ DS hoop
BMR street adj. LCAs' or the Exteme duty LCAs' undec.
BMR reloc brackets
Unbalanced Engineering Adj. PHR w/ 3piece rod ends
Bilstien/Strano valved shocks
Eibach or G2 rear coils
Wolfe racecraft 6pt. roll bar

 

Thanks for all the replys everyone. This is great advice.

I was thinking of installing LCAs with a front sway bar (rear seems to be fine as is). Then following up with 17 in. rims and tires in the fall (big money). Then have springs and shocks later (also big money). I was thinking progressive rate springs with a 1 in. drop and Bilstein shocks with all the parts needed for the install (relocation brackets and adjustable PHR).

#7, wow , that is one extensive build up to your suspension. What do you do with your car? As if I couldn't guess

 

Where can you order:

Suspension tech 35mm front swaybar poly bushed for 137


I am getting prepped for a DE event and would like to add this to my collection before going?

Thanks,