I have an '85 Trans am, and it is equiped with the performance suspension package, and i was just wondering if anyone else has this? I'm trying to figure out, performance for what, turning, sure it does great, but as far as a straight launch, i dont see how it could be any good. The springs are so d**n hard that i think i may rattle my entire car to pieces before i put another thousand miles on it. Literally, if i sit on the back of my car, or the front for that matter, (and im a big boy), the car doesnt move.
Also, i recently had the end of a sway bar, actually what conects the swaybar to the A-arms, break in two, could this be atributed to the ultra stiff ride?
Thanx in advance.

 

The performance package is a handeling package. It will be stiff in the car, but that is what it was made for. Some of the 85-92 F-bdy cars have actually pulled .90g on the skidpad. That is amazing.

 

I have mags showing .92g's with a 100% stock, 1991 non-1LE Trans Am...

 

i know it was a performance upgrade, but what im wondering is if that stiffness could indeed be rattling my car to bits. i live in a mostly brick, or otherwise worthlessly paved town, and the ride isnt to fun. Im thinking about tryin to soften up the ride a bit. What would u suggest?

 

You could down-grade to the stock firebird springs. You at least need the ones out of a V8, which ever one that you want to use.

 

i have that package too. and my streets are half brick and half pavement. mine doesnt rattle all that much, cept when i go over really bad brick roads. i love how it handles though. the stiff ride is kinda cool.

 

You might not have to 'downgrade' anything. How many miles are on the current parts? Do you still have the OEM stuff? It is possible for springs/shocks/struts/bushings to wear out. And considering how old our cars are its very possible. Worn out parts can make your ride very uncomfortable. There is a difference between a 'dead' stiff ride and a 'good' stiff ride. Also, do you have SFC's? If you dont the body flex could be making the rattles alot louder and noticable. I think you should make sure what you have isn't worn out. I also think you should install SFC's if you haven't. The stock suspension in good shape and a set of SFC's will make the car feel alot better. Having the sway bar ending break wont greatly affect your ride comfort, it could make your front end unstable on high speed turns and might cause alot of body roll during the turns. If you like to take turns fast you should fix it.

 

Good point. Since you are asking this question, I'm guessing that you still have the stock.

 

i too have am 85 trans am with the performace handling package, its a hard ride ( i thought i hit someone when i ran over an extension cord at the track lol ) but it handles AWESOME especially on the full circle off-ramps

 

I have an 86 firebird an a 86 IROC.
The IROC is well worn but he firebird is very nice,just the motor is worn out(240,000mi)but runns well an smokes little,hell it will still lite the tires some.
I really dont care for the camaro though even though its loaded with options.
How much of the suspension parts can I swap over to the firebird? The firebird has drum rear an the camaro has 4 wheel disc,,if I pull the whole rear an swap will this work??will i need to swap the master cyl an porp. valve?
I like how low the camaro sits an how it handles I just want the firebird to do this is all,I plan on swaping the motor also.
As for the trans the firebird has a turbo350 an the camaro has the R-14(but needs rebuilt,it slips 2-3rd) which would be the better of the two??
Thanks for replies,parts off this car will be for sale,is there a site that will buy good used parts?

 

handling is where its at, who needs comfort.

 

yea, you want comfort...buy a caddy.

 

The hard ride is common to these cars. And before spending a ton of money on new parts, I suggest SFC's to get rid of some the body noise & rattles. Also your end link breaking is not a supension problem just old age and rust on these parts.