I have just purchased a 1984 Z28. I'm replacing the 305 with a new 350 and the original 700R4 trans. w/one from a 1987 (rebuilt & "reprogrammed" w/a Trans-Go kit). The car is going to be an everyday driver, but with some kick to it. I'm not a suspension expert by any means and would like some advice on the front end suspension parts as far as inspection requriements and changes (as needed). Any help is most appreciated. Thanks.

 

not sure what you're asking?

better parts? stock replacements?

what do you want out of the car? drag or handling?

new springs and shocks are probably a VERY good idea due to age and sag, and wouldn't be a bad idea to swap out all the bushings for the same reason. you'll see one hell of a difference.

beyond that you're looking at aftermarket hi perf parts like tubular Kmembers and Aarms.

 

I'm basically making the car into a better running mild street machine. What I'm trying to accomplish is make an everyday driver-type with some a$$, on a budget of not more than $10,000. I'm not really looking for "high" performance parts, just good quality better performing parts.

When I purchased th car, I was told the front end parts were new in 1997, prior to being parked (for the next (10) years). I think after sitting this long, it would be wise to upgrade the front end suspension as well as the rear shock/springs. I'm going to have the motor/trans. out over Christmas anyway.

I've been looking through magazines like Jegs and Summit as well as various internet sites. Summit seems to have a pretty good selection of "better-than-OEM" parts that should be more than adequate for my application.

I'm good with the motor/transmission stuff, but have never worked on suspensions. Just trying to make sure this is the best way to approach the situation.

Thanks for the assistance.

 

i would just get the full poly bushing kit from Energy Susp. and replace all the bushings in the front. and then replace the obvious ball joints, tie rods etc... probably would be good to get the machined tie rod sleeves from hotchkis while its all apart.

then shop around for some good aftermarket springs, or maybe see what you can find for used 1LE, WS6 or IROC springs, which will be near stock ride height and stiffer than what came on it.

and then a pair of matching shocks. if you keep it stock height...Bilstein HDs should work decent. or step up to the Koni SA shocks for about 2x the cost, but you get a much better shock.

if you're just looking for a street car there really isn't a need for things like Kmembers, A-arms and things like that.

OH...and don't forget the subframe connectors...tighten up the unibody

 

Thanks for the assistance. This really helps. It's my first "build" and I'm really excited about what's planned for it.