The suspension on my car wasn't in real great shape when I bought it in 2002. Then it sat in a field in Maine for 3 years while I was in Japan up untill 2006, that just helped it go from bad to worse. It rides about like a medium sized fork lift. I dodge bumps and pot holes on the road where the speed limit is over 35mph because the jars the hole car.
Now that I am over in the middle east making a little extra money for the first time in a long time I figured I should put it where it is most needed (since I paid off all my debts the start of this year).
I bought a set new of Eibach 1'' drop springs, I figured a new set of 1'' drop springs will be close to where 22 year old worn out factory springs or maybe even a little higher. I like my cars ride hight.
And I got a set of slightly used Bilstien struts and shocks off ebay.
What should I expect from the addition of these like new parts?
Do I have a shot at now having a car with a like new suspension feel?
I have heard people talk about bilsteins as if they were gods gift to man, are they right? At $700 for a new set they should be.
Total for the 2 sets is about $560.
It is all for my 1985 IROC Z28.

 

I had a buddy with an 93 Camaro with a pretty thrashed suspension. I suggested the lesser expensive KYB shocks for him, and gave him a set of low mileage stock springs I had when I upgraded to the SLP kit. It was a night and day difference for him. He did gain some ride height out of it (cause his were sagging), but he was blown away.

I think that the Eibach springs will make the biggest difference though. I rocked some sportlines, and they made my car handle like it was on rails (at least from my previous experience with a 91 Firebird). My setup now includes Bilstein shocks, and to be honest, it handles really well and doesn't jar my fillings loose. The springs that came in the package are .5 inch lowering springs too..

I am not sure how the 1" drop springs will act as far as ride quality goes, though. From what I remember, the pro-kit was a nice compromise between handling and performance.

I must say though, it has been a few years since I was really into this stuff. I only recently started hanging out somewhere other than the lounge when I got the itch to upgrade again..


PS: I see you are local, there is a local fbody message board you should check out when you get back. They have meets at Kelly's every once in a while. Other places too. Link

be safe in the sand.

 

Glad to hear your suspension is getting fixed. I was at a shop yesterday getting some brake work done and saw that shocks and struts are recommended to be changed at about 50k miles. It looks like I will have to start saving for those aswell.