I recently swapped out my shorty headers/stock y-pipe for a Pacesetter LT’s and a 3” ORY. Now my ground clearance is pretty much non existent. I figured it would be so that’s fine.

My suspension modifications can be found on my fQuick (link in sig) but basically… sportlines in the front, stock slp level 2 in the rear, and stock bilstein shocks, lower control arms, relocation brackets, adj. panhard bar.

Here’s what I’m looking for.

• The car should handle good. The car will be a cruiser, but I’d like to road race it or auto-x it. It will see the drag strip, some, but traction should be considered 2nd to handling.
• Ride height should be around stock SS height (-.75”) to pro kit/strano height (-1.25”)
• Cost is an issue, I’d like shocks/springs for sub $750 if possible.
• Adjustable shocks would be a plus, I’d love koni 4/3’s and strano springs but I think it may be out of my price range. Can I build a pretty adequate suspension cheaper?

Car is a ’97 SS M6 with the optional bilstein level II suspension and ~ 152,000 miles on the odometer.

Thanks!

 

Current ground clearance


I'm kind of leaning towards getting a set of stock SS springs. Would I be better off getting the bilstein through them, a set of revalved bilstein's from sam strano, KYB AGX Adjustable Gas Shocks (adjustable dampening on car) or am I regret getting anything less than Koni 4/3's?

 

man up eric, QA1's.

 

If I was looking for a drag suspension with adjustable shocks, they'd be a very viable option. But I'm not. From what I've heard they handle/perform about as good as stock z28 springs.

 

depends which ones you get. If you get the 12 ways they have adjustable rebound, etc. Also look into tokico shocks.

 

The highest spring rate QA1 offers is 300#, I'm looking at springs in the 400-600# range.

 

Do you still have the original 1LE front springs ? If so just swap them back on with a new set of Koni's and I think you would be happy. Although the shocks alone will eat up your $750 budget.

I have the Strano/Koni setup w/Sam's Swaybars and love it, but if your looking to stick within your budget and get all new parts maybe a set of Strano's with new Bilstiens would be best. JMO

 

I have the original SLP Level II springs in the rear, the original front springs and sportlines for the rear got "lost" between transition between owners.

the SLP Level II springs are not the same as 1LE springs.

 

I see, Interesting as I was unaware of the differences in Level II springs, If the're the same ones used on the later `98 -up Bilstein equipped SS's then aren't they Eibachs ?

Either way you need a stiffer rate for the front, I still vote for Strano's.

 

I looked forever to find something that would work for me, and Strano's name kept popping up. I was determined to find something on my own, but he seemed to be the best source of information. He is a VERY busy guy, but he will help you out. I didn't want to spend the money, and I knew that Koni's were the best option. After speaking with him on this, I bit the bullet and went with the Konis (the fronts have the adjustable spring perch too for approx. 3/4" of drop). They are still on sale, and you can get the 4/3 set for $750 and free shipping. When I ordered mine, the rears were on back order and he was getting short on the fronts.
If I were you, I'd save the hassle, and do what everyone else winds up doing and go with the Konis. At $100 off the normal price and free shipping, you can't go wrong!