Whats the best spring?

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Oct 15, 2009 | 03:59 PM

#21

transwiz

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I agree with wicknewman .That's a really good post man.

Oct 15, 2009 | 05:01 PM

#22

Sam Strano

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From: Brookville, PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by wicknewman

Since you mentioned you are not interested in lowering your car I thought I would give my input. I have stock springs, Koni SA's 4/4 and Sam's hollow sway bars. This setup makes the car feel so much more composed in all driving environments. The car is much easier to handle and predict its behavior. I have had this setup on about 18 months with stock springs and do not have one complaint or issue with it. I am picky and don’t just jump on the bandwagon with others when it comes to “great” mods.

The Konis will make the car more comfortable and composed just driving down the road, during lane changes, and normal daily maneuvers in general. I say more comfortable because it handles bumps with a much smoother and precise feel. In emergency braking situations and swerving (when people cut you off, pull out in front of you etc.) you will notice the Konis. When it comes to cornering and handling there is no comparison in my mind. The car is superior in feel, composure, handling, everything.

I did the Konis first then added the sways later....I just wanted to see the difference even though I bought them at the same time. Sam's hollow sway bars really can be noticed when you push the car. Roll stiffness is much greater and understeer is reduced as well as more controllable and predictable when you reach it.

I am far from an expert driver but am very pleased with this setup with stock springs. It is a great street/daily driver combination and I would recommend it to anyone.

I should add I had the stock Decarbons and sway bars on my 02 SS before I switched to new suspension. The car had right around 10,000 easy miles on it before I changed everything out. So I am not comparing the Konis/sways to a worn out suspension that needed replaced due to wear and tear.

Whatever you buy go through Sam he will get you the parts YOU NEED and make sure you know everything you need to know including details on installing and adjustments. Sam gives great support before, during, and after the sell. He is a stand-up guy to work with and offers immense knowledge with great products. Can't go wrong.

Just wanted to say thank you for taking the time (and it appears a fair bit of it) to put your thoughts and findings down for others to read. It's a great review of stock vs. what I've helped with that covers things like the fact your old stuff wasn't all beat to hell and back, which makes the change even more impressive.

Thank you.

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Oct 16, 2009 | 01:02 AM

#23

SSpeedracer

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From: In my garage

Sam, please provide input. I've got a slight lean with the '00 camaro. I drive my car daily now and the front driver side occasionally bottoms out over bumps. The rear bump stops sometimes contact the axle.

Front Setup:
Koni set to soft, Stock Springs, can't remember perch setting but they are equal, Big *** ST sway bar, global west upper a arms

Rear Setup:
Moser 12 bolt axle, removed aluminum bump stop spacer, stock springs, removed rubber isolator, 18mm sway bar,

Ride height:
LF: 26"
RF: 26.75"
LR: 26.5"
RR: 27"

Could you suggest how I could get the front level? I've got an extra set of 1LE springs available.
Is it wise to shorten the rear bump stops, or just live with the occasional contact?

Oct 16, 2009 | 10:55 AM

#24

Sam Strano

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From: Brookville, PA

Sounds to me like the LF spring is weak, 26" is about where a set of my lowering springs sit, and 27" is about stock. Your RF @ 26.75" is more normal. Also, the GW arms will contact the body @ full compression, so much of what you are feeling could be that as well.

The fact the car touches the rear bumpstops is fine. You have a 18mm rear bar? That's an oddball size, but it did exist. I'm just wondering why. In fact with a solid 35mm front I'd want to up the rear to a 22.

Oct 16, 2009 | 12:47 PM

#25

SSpeedracer

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From: In my garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Strano

. Also, the GW arms will contact the body @ full compression
You have a 18mm rear bar?In fact with a solid 35mm front I'd want to up the rear to a 22.

You are probably right about the arm hitting the inner fender. I thought that before, but couldn't find any contact marks when I looked last time.

I'll likely swap the front 1LE springs back in. Less nose dive, but a little rougher ride around town. I can't recall if 1LE compress the same as regular springs, should I use the same perch height?

I mistyped the rear bar size. I've got the 19mm on now and have a 1LE sitting in the attic. I prefer the smaller bar for autox and the larger bar for RR. I went with the small bar for daily driving because its more forgiving and a little softer over bumps. I tend to kick the back end out around corners.

Oct 18, 2009 | 05:50 PM

#26

crw3673

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From: Brooklyn New York

sam, i am also looking to upgrade my suspension performance, but not looking to lower the car. will be adding speaker box in rear of vehicle. what would you recommend?

Oct 19, 2009 | 12:22 PM

#27

Sam Strano

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From: Brookville, PA

The speaker box is not that relevant unless it's super heavy. It's additional sprung weight, which makes good rebound damping even more critical than in a car without that additional weight.

I can't recommend a whole list right here because I don't know what you mean by upgraded your suspension. Basically different people are looking for certain things, and I work based of what they most want to change about how their particular car works for their needs.