Hey guys,

I have an 86 Camaro that Ive been planning to build up for about three years, however I was in a really bad car accident which made it pretty much impossible to do. I am starting with the suspension on the car so any tips would be awesome. I just wanted to make sure Im not missing anything here.
I'm hoping I dont have to spend a TON of money on suspension, so if anyone could give me a general price or anything I forgot that would be awesome [I live in Canada.]


Suspension:
New Springs [Eibach Pro-Kit?]
Shocks/Struts {No Idea} Recomendations?
Thicker Sway Bars {I was thinking off an Iroc, or should I go aftermarket}
Sub-Frame Connecters {UMI?}
Panhard Bar [UMI?]
Wonderbar
Lower Control Arms


I was actually thinking it might be a lot cheaper to drive to the USA for the day and buy a lot of this stuff.

 

Also I want to put a quick ratio steering box in. Is there anywhere that I can find a new/rebult one?

 

Spohn, a board sponsor, carries everything you're looking for. You might drop into his site for pricing.

JamesC

 

Am I missing anything I would need?

 

Many members will say that "how you drive it" will determine what pieces you purchase. Regardless, I'd recommend springs/struts/shocks first, then SFC's (and to protect the steering box area, a Wonderbar). After those pieces or perhaps along with them, tires. You might check my car's details below (it's a toy and many of the suspension pieces are probably overkill) for ideas.

JamesC

 

Well it will be driven on the street, maybe taken to the track once in a while.

 

My opinion is this: Spend as much as you can budget on shocks and tires. Then move on to the rest of the stuff. SFCs and a wonder bar are also important for the rigidity of the car, which helps in everything from daily driving, to whatever kind of racing you may like.

If you are looking for a good handling car, I really reccomend KONIs. They are pricey ($750) but well worth it. You will see huge gains with KONIs, GOOD tires, and SFCs. Everything else will just serve to compliment/enhance those mods.

For springs, it has alot to do with personal preference, but you need to make sure that if you go low, you go stiff enough not to be riding on the bumpstops and dragging parts of your car. This will require some research on your part. I reccomend getting a set of springs that you select the ride height and spring rate. I'm going with a set of Ground Control Weight Jacks because it will allow me to choose where I want to have the car set. I'm getting 8 or 9" uncompressed 750 in/lbs front springs and 10" uncompressed 150in/lbs rear springs. Not telling you what to get, just what I'm going with.

As for sway bars: they are like springs, alot of it has to do with personal preference. But, it is very important they match the shocks/springs on the car can are balanced (ie, too much rear bar has been known to make cars over-steer under throttle in tight turns at lower speeds - as mine does with the 25.4 Spohn bar I have). My advice is to get as many GM bars as you can and see what you like. I have a 34 and 36mm front, 19, 21, 24, and 25.4mm rear.

Control arms, LCA relocation brackets, PHB, torque arm, etc will help out alot too. The LCAs, PHB, LCA brakets, and Torque arm will really help you launching the car in drag racing and really improve your 60 foot times.
I made my own LCAs and would have done with the PHB if I already didn't have a Spohn piece. I've got about $200 in my LCAs and they are adjustable on the car, lighter than stock (or most aftermarket) rod end on the axle and heavy duty rubber on the body to avoid binding (poly pieces will bind when cornering hard). The ride is nice. I describe as it 'firm without being rough'. They are quiet as well.

Hope something I've said helps you.

 

I have done pretty much everything to my car that you have listed. I have Eibach Pro Kit springs and Spohn everything else, except for Hotchkis LCA's. I am very happy with the quality and functionality of their parts. I defintiely recommend them. 91 TPI is right though, get your tires and shocks out of the way first, then you'll have a good foundation to add the rest of your parts to, and you'll be able to realize the full potential of your car. Not much good in having a top notch suspension with junk shock and tires.