Hi all convertible owners,

A month or so ago I trolled for opinions on what to do for my flagging suspension. My car is a 1992 Firebird convertible, 305 tbi, automatic, 2.73 rear (open), very stock. The suspension was bottoming out easily on minor road bumps and was skittish on even remotely bumpy roads. The car is used as my summer daily driver, so I needed it comfortable to drive.

After synthesizing all the information, elected to install KYB GR-2 shocks and struts, front and rear. The old ones were, well, old. I decided SFC's would be overkill for my use of the car, and elected to keep the factory sway bars. I did, however, install an Edelbrock strut tower brace - designed expressly for use in TBI third gen f-bodies, and an easy bolt-in. I used neoprene bushings, not poly to hold the squeaking to a minimum.

I am very pleased with the result. There has been almost no loss in ride comfort, but the handling is far better. The car tracks very well now through the bumpy twisties, and the convertible cowl shake is not evident.

This was a relatively inexpensive "upgrade." It isn't really much of an upgrade at all, since the shocks and struts needed replacement due to wear anyway - the only true upgrade was installing the strut tower brace.

If you're looking for significant performance at the edge, what I did probably isn't enough for you ('course if you're looking for performance at the edge, you wasted your money on a convertible with TBI to begin with...). If you want to gain some control in handling without sacrificing comfort, however, this is a good start.

Hope this helps someone....

Dan
1992 Firebird Convertible
1967 Firebird Convertible

 

Thanks Dan! Sounds like you did a good job on your car. I want to get that strut tower brace you are talking about. Sounds like it works good. Good luck with your car man.
Later
Mike

------------------
Check out My Car Pics http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/Albu...667&a=13599419

Gran Turismo Americano "The Ultimate Firebird"
Smokin 1989 GTA- Bone stock except for exhaust. (no catalytic-stainless pipe into Flowmaster 2 chamber) & AC Delco Rapid Fire Plugs

 

Sounds good Dan But you might want to give the SFCs some more thought. Not for performance but for longevity of the car these cars flex badly and every time they do it weakens the metal a little more. Over the years this metal fatigue will catch up with you As neat as our converts are , the sad truth is they are a hatchet job from ASC and need help.

------------------
1989 rs ragtop LO3 KB subframes & edelbrock towerbrace to hold it together. edelbrock 3" cat back system.

 

Agreed on the SFC rethink. It is the first mod any 'vert or t-top owner should do. If you are pleased with what you've done so far, do the SFC and you'll REALLY be happy. Good luck, Lon

------------------
90 RS Convertible
Owner: Top-Down Solutions
http://www.sc3gfb.org/members/lonsal.html
http://www.taskerinc.com/gs3/profiles/Lon_profile.htm

 

Disagree with SFC's. They're really unnecessary on a convertible in my opinion. At least on my 91 ASC installed braces that run the entire length of the rocker panels. SFC's would just be overkill. Also my RS doesn't have anywhere near the flex that my TTop Iroc had. Waste of time and money.

 

I agree with getting the SFC. There was a very noticable improvement in the amount of body flex after the install. I have the tubular connecters in addition to the GM pieces. For daily driving and speed bumps, I would opt for them. The KYB's do sound nice, the adjustable struts would work nice for me.
Keeper in one piece, there are less of these cars out there everyday.
Jeremy

------------------
WE WILL MISS YOU #3
92 Z conv
5-spd B&M shifter
home-made ram air, air foil, headers, no cat, TB bypass, kevlar pads, slotted rotors, BMR panhard, alston SFC, 3.42's, Edelbrock STB, 350 in the works

 

Drew, the formed sheet metal chassis reinforcements ASC rivets in place behind the gfx in addition to the door sil reinforcement they welded in are their attempt to add rigidity back to the body of the 'verts. But it isn't enough IMO. But if you are happy with it riding like a flexible flyer that's OK. The SFC is the first thing a 'vert or t-top owner should consider adding to their car. Especially before they upgrade the suspension or hp. My 90 'vert is quieter and flexes less than a lot of the coupes I've ridden in. The $167 for the SFC plus $50 for installation is a cheap investment IMO and well worth it. 8^)

------------------
90 RS Convertible
Owner: Top-Down Solutions
http://www.sc3gfb.org/members/lonsal.html
http://www.taskerinc.com/gs3/profiles/Lon_profile.htm

 

My 89 RS used to flex like Hot Wheels track pulling out of steep driveways. You could see the dash separate from the doors! After the Alston SFC, no more flex. ...and my 89 has the boxes along the entire length of the rockers. My 92 is much more solid, GM did some added strengthening in 92 but she may get SFC one day. SHe only has 40K on the clock so it's still like new
Pluse the SFC help at the track and I tow a small trailer with my 89 RS (Hurricane evacuation trailer done here in the Keys).

------------------
Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI Edelbrock Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake 1 5/8" Headers Semi-Siamesed Runners, IROC
suspension, alum shaft. Numerous mods.
92Z28convt5spd (stock)
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Steve Spohn is building SFCs for convertibles real soon. You may want to hold out until then. But I think they are a necessity on a convertible car as if they are like mine they flex and bend over everything. Thats good for offroading but not for handling.

I still have to buy a top for my car so they have to wait.

------------------
Member of the Tri-State F-body Association

1989 Camaro Convertible RS
Gunmetal gray w/black top
305tbi, auto, 3.73 posi
SLP exhaust, 16x8 black GTA Crosslace Rims
For pics of my cars click here