Hey guys, just looking for a good shocks/springs setup for pretty cheap. I'm looking to spend in the $500 area for both shocks and springs. I'm looking more toward responsive/good handling and not drag racing. I'd like a stiffer ride if the handling is there. I was thinking about the SLP level 1 package, but i dunno if that's a good value or not. Just looking for suggestions - this will be for a street car! Also any other upgrade suggestions would be helpful!

thanks!

 

You could get a set of Bilstein HD's for around $350 and a set of DMS springs for around $160. Most people get the bilsteins revalved for maximum results but you will see an improvement over stock with the HD's. Plus, from what I hear, you can have them rebuilt if they ever wear out.

The only other suggestion I would add would be a Suspension Techniques Solid 35mm front sway bar. It does get a little harsh on bumpy roads but you will pretty much eliminate any body roll you had before. In fact, you could probably just slap the front bar onto your stock setup and be happy. But if your shocks are worn (probably are) you might as well change springs at the same time since they all come out as one unit in the front. Depending on how much you lower the car you might need an adjustable pan hard bar to recenter the axle housing under the back of the car.

For all the above, expect around $750 or so. But you won't believe the improvement. I stayed with the stock Decarbon shocks in mine and the difference was still night and day.

***edit*** I see now that you already have sway bars. So expect around $600 if you do all the work yourself.

 

The labor is pretty intensive on the front
so if you buy cheap and have to replace often
are you really saving money?
If your not doing yourself expect about 700
in labor alone

 

$700 for labor for changing the front springs/shocks!!?!?! You are joking, right? It shouldn't cost more than a couple hundred at the most for any competent shop to do the swap. The rears can be done by anyone with a socket set, jack and jackstands in less than an hour (although air tools makes it a lot easier/quicker).

As to what to get, the SLP Level I kit is ok, but I'd go with something other than their shocks. Either get the revalved Biltsteins from Sam, or the regular HD Bilsteins. If you want a stiffer ride, skip the SLP setup altogether and go with straight rate springs (LS1 Eibachs are one option). The SLP kit comes with custom Eibachs that are progressive and will actually ride better than stock while also dropping the car about 1". Personally though, I like the SLP Eibachs as they handle pretty good and still give a good ride. The only change I plan on making to my car (SLP Level II factory option = Level I aftermarket kit) is to add Koni SAs.

 

I was talking total labor. You'll need
an alignment as well. I've called several places
as this is what is holding me back from doing
this mod. Around 700 is what I've keep hearing.
I want bilsteins and eibachs but with the quotes
I'm getting its parts/labor ballpark 1300

 

The quotes you've been receiving are way high.

I've had the suspension swap done on two cars. Springs, shocks, ASB (x2) PHR and Rear Lower control Arms. Around $325. That was at a Pontiac dealer. The second install (same) was at a local shop. Around $275. Throw in an alignment for $40-50 and you can see its not too big a deal.

Steve

 

Trust me I'd love to be wrong.
I'm goin to the dealer today I'll their rate.

 

DON'T go to the dealer. Find a good local tire/mechanic shop to do the work. I've got a local shop that I deal with on everything and they only charge $40/hour. That's way less than what a dealer will charge you.

 

The speed shop I've been using is ridiculus.
I just paid them 140 to install LCA/PHR
230 for sfcs/pro5.0

The wanted 140 for alignment.
GMHTP has used them so I guess they
figure they can be super high.

My dealer is cool and it would be cheaper.
I just don't trust people so I pay more money.

 

I'm only paying $125 to have my hypercoil springs, slp beilstein shocks and reinforced panhard bar installed. That's at a local performance shop near my house (www.gwmotorsports.com). I only need to get an allignment after that. $700?!

 

If you are just worried about handling why don't you just start with shocks and leave the springs stock? I may be wrong, but I would think that good shocks on stock springs would perform better than ok shocks and ok springs. Especially if you have swaybars already.