I've been thinking about doing this kit for some time. How well does it work? How's the ride and handling difference? How level did it sit with the new springs in? I have only done springs on one car (an '89 Formula) and they were supposed to be OEM replacements (TRWs). They were put in right, and the front end was thereafter an inch higher than the rear, and to this day (2 years and one owner later) it still sits the same.

Just was curious how this kit rates from those who have it. Thanks for any feedback anyone can give. As you can see from my sig, I sorta like SLP

 

I would like to know the same thing.

 

there is a different way to go if you are interested....

 

I've got it and I like it. Lowers the car a bit but nothing radical. Tightens and stiffens things a good bit. The car certainly feels much more crisp. I'm heading more in the direction of Solo1 Road Race, and for this I might be inclined to to go to a different setup, but for a primarily street driven car, this is a good kit.

 

i have a 97 ss w/level ll suspension.....the front does sit an inch higher that the rear....i dunno y slp did it like that but thats how its made unless u wanna cut the spring......but its up to u...thats just how it is

 

Janny,

How does your car sit? I ordered cars for a Pontiac dealer for 3 years, and had the joy of selling 35 Firebirds in 2002...10 of which were Hawks. All but one had the Bilstein package, which I assume is the same as this level 1 kit (it seems to be). Now, I don't remember any of these cars not being level...

CamaroSS,

How does your car look? I imagine it wouldn't look nearly like my Formula. It was way too high to begin with, the the front was an inch to an inch and a half higher on top of that. At least Level 1 lowers it

I had the chance to drive 1 Hawk about 10 miles, and right away noticed how nice it drove with the Bilstein package. Granted, the car had 9 miles on it when I started driving it, so I didn't push it to see how it felt Any more comments are appreciated...I have been thinking about this kit for some time. I am a big SLP fan, like the look the kit offers with the lowered ride height, and want something streetable with an edge.

 

Mine actually sits a weee bit lower rear than front: A quarter inch, in fact. But this is so small an amount that it is barely discernable. The front dropped about 1/2 to 3/4 and the rear dropped about 1 and 1/2 inch. The overall vehicle stance is quite acceptable I think, although I would prefer if the rear were just a tad higher. I made up some hard rubber spacers for the back, but haven't got around to putting them in yet.

 

My Level II Firehawk (same as SLP's aftermarket Level I kit) sits exactly even front to rear. It is a very nice suspension for street, drag strip, autox and possibly mild road course use. Ride is as good or better than stock and handling ability is WAY better than stock. The only thing I'm doing to mine to for more serious roadcourse use is changing the front shocks out for Koni single adjustables, putting on a 35mm front sway bar, and possibly changing to Bilstein HDs in the rear.

Jason E, the LS1 SS/Firehawks used different upgrade options for the suspensions than the LT1 cars did. The LT1 cars had:
base (same as stock Z28/Formula/TA)
Level II (now sold as Level I kit)
Level III (not sure on the specs on this one)

 

Thanks for all the info from everyone. The final question is, how many hours approximately would it take a shop to install this stuff? You figure 4 shocks, 4 springs, panhard bar, and whatever else comes with it...

I'm a bolt on kinda mechanic More than that, and I'll leave my pride and joy to the pros! My uncle's shop should be able to do it in a quick, proper manner...so any labor estimates are appreciated. Thanks again.

 

Anyone with one eye and half an *** can do the rear of the car. the front of the car is really not difficult either. I think I spent 3 hours on the front of the car and about 1.5 hors on the back.

Grab some wrenches and learn.

It's like cutting firewood. The man who cuts his own is warmed twice.

 

The rear is very easy. Pretty much anyone can do the springs, shocks, panhard and even the sway bar on the rear with no problems. The front is a different story. You could do the front swaybar yourself, but the springs and shocks can be much more difficult. Especially if they have a few miles on them as the bolts will be almost impossible to get off. Personally, I'd let a shop do the front springs/shocks, and then do an alignment when they are done. Should take a competent shop around 3-4 hours to change the front shocks/springs.

 

I never bothered getting mine aligned after doing the springs, since you don't actually mess with anything that has to do with alignment. Two years later I went and got an alignment to improve handling, and found that everything was well within Mfr. spec.

As far as the front goes, I took everything out and brought the new spring/shock assy to a shop to have the spring installed on the shock. After that, it's just nuts and bolts. Nothing complex or fancy.