Suspension? Newbie question
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From: I live in Norfok, VA
Car: 1986 Camaro Iroc
Engine: 305 TPI
Suspension? Newbie question
I can work on an engine just fine but when it comes to suspension I have not idea where to begin. My 86 Iroc is one of the bumpiest cars I have ever ridden in. Everytime I hit even a small bump I feel like I just drove through the grand canyon what do I need to replace to fix this and give me a better smoother ride?
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From: Manchester, CT + Nashua, NH
Car: 90 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 one wheel peel
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
Mine does the same exact thing. There is this one road that has a bump near my house and I always forget it is there. You can barely see it, but at 15mph it feels like the car wants to snap in half. Scares me shitless sometimes.
I just got used to the horrible ride of these cars. I think it is part of having an old car. My buddy has a 98 Camaro SS that rides like a cadillac compared to my car. And his springs must be stiffer than my 55k mile WS6 springs. So it must be the age of the car.
I just got used to the horrible ride of these cars. I think it is part of having an old car. My buddy has a 98 Camaro SS that rides like a cadillac compared to my car. And his springs must be stiffer than my 55k mile WS6 springs. So it must be the age of the car.
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Car: 87 formula
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: T5
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
What do you mean when you say bumpy, does the car bounce or is it more of a jarring ride when you hit a bump? Either way, a nice set of shocks will help it out, if you want it to handle, everyone will recommend koni's.
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
Start with struts and shocks (yes, Koni are great, but a bit pricey), springs, and perhaps tires.
JamesC
JamesC
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From: Wilmington,NC
Car: 87 trans am
Engine: 305
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Re: Suspension? Newbie question
Subframe connectors can smooth things out too.
The car moves like 2 pieces before them, and after more like a whole.
The car moves like 2 pieces before them, and after more like a whole.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Manchester, CT + Nashua, NH
Car: 90 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 one wheel peel
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
My car doesent bounce at all. It is more of a bone jarring ride. I dont think it is the shocks. My last car had completely blown shocks, and when I replaced them the ride quality got stiffer and went way down.
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Re: Suspension? Newbie question
buy a caddy!!!!!!!
seriously does your car have the ws6 suspension? if so get softer springs. its not imposible to get a softer and more comfy ride in a third gen, but a third gen is not meant for comfort. your suppose to feel the road when you drive one...lol. but if its something abnormal like bouncing then just replacing the stuff for new OEM stuff would help the ride but thats not what seems to be your problem. so i would start with a softer set of springs. but you have to see what springs you have on the car now and then go from there with the different spring rates from moog.
seriously does your car have the ws6 suspension? if so get softer springs. its not imposible to get a softer and more comfy ride in a third gen, but a third gen is not meant for comfort. your suppose to feel the road when you drive one...lol. but if its something abnormal like bouncing then just replacing the stuff for new OEM stuff would help the ride but thats not what seems to be your problem. so i would start with a softer set of springs. but you have to see what springs you have on the car now and then go from there with the different spring rates from moog. Trending Topics
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
JamesC
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Car: 1990 IROC
Engine: l98
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
As someone already mentioned the IROC-Z springs are always going to make the car ride firm unless replaced. If you are ok with a firm ride and want to preserve/improve the handling, but want to “clean up” the feel of the car I would suggest three things: a good set of struts and springs to dampen those IROC-Z springs, a set of weld-in sub-frame connectors, and replacement of all the worn bushings.
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From: East Tennesse
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
It's a old sports car. It will ride like an old sports car. Unless you replace the suspension, then it will ride like a old sports car with a new suspension.
My friend is getting a 92 Firebird with everything stock in the suspension, and beleive me, it rides awesome compared to my car. These cars are just inherently stiffer than a big floaty sedan or luxury car. But, riding in cars like that make me motion sick (honestly). To each his own.
My friend is getting a 92 Firebird with everything stock in the suspension, and beleive me, it rides awesome compared to my car. These cars are just inherently stiffer than a big floaty sedan or luxury car. But, riding in cars like that make me motion sick (honestly). To each his own.
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From: Manchester, CT + Nashua, NH
Car: 90 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 one wheel peel
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
I figured it had something to do with the stiff WS6 Springs. I am not going to trade in the good handling for soft springs just to make it ride like a cadillac. But it seems that there are a lot of cars out there that ride smooth like a caddy and also handle just as good as my car. But those cars are also newer. I used to think my dads blazer rode stiff, but I drove that yeaterday and it was like a dream compared to my car. Except the immense lack of power from the Vortec 4.3 compared to my LO3.
I can deal with the rough ride around town. Its on the highway that I get pissed. I thought it was the tires or driveshaft out of balance at first. Then, I drove over a freshly paved section of highway and my ride smoothed out. So I think that the car is just picking up all the little imperfections in the road that other cars dont feel. Either way I always get the runs on a long trip because the shaking. I have to pull over and take a **** on the side of the freeway and it is embarrasing.
I can deal with the rough ride around town. Its on the highway that I get pissed. I thought it was the tires or driveshaft out of balance at first. Then, I drove over a freshly paved section of highway and my ride smoothed out. So I think that the car is just picking up all the little imperfections in the road that other cars dont feel. Either way I always get the runs on a long trip because the shaking. I have to pull over and take a **** on the side of the freeway and it is embarrasing.
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From: East Tennesse
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
You should drive my car for a week or two, then get back in yours. I think you'll be happy to be back in the 'bird. My car doesn't bother me on the highway. You can tell if you are on a good road or not, but it's just firm without being harsh. Now, you get on some crappy secondary roads and then some people almost loose bowel control. It's horrible on bad roads with the shocks on stiff. But, like you said, I wouldn't trade the handling of my car for a nicer ride.
I'm pretty sure you can get good handling and good ride with these cars, but you'd have to spend on shocks and struts.
I'm pretty sure you can get good handling and good ride with these cars, but you'd have to spend on shocks and struts.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Manchester, CT + Nashua, NH
Car: 90 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 one wheel peel
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From: East Tennesse
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
I wasn't reffering to KONIs when I said good ride and great performance. I was reffering to more expensive systems, usually in the mid 4 digit range.... that's why I said spend. KONIs are a good shock, don't get me wrong, but they aren't the end all be all shock. The reason you are having to replace shocks so often is because you aren't getting ones that were made to last. From what I've read, KYBs are a decent shock, but wear out pretty quick. KONIs don't. Well, at least not as quick. I've had mine on for over 2 years, and they are still great. Might be a little softer than when they were new, but I can't tell any major difference.
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 19,282
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From: Lawrence, KS
Car: Met. Silver 85 IROC/Sold
Engine: 350 HO Deluxe (350ci/330hp)
Transmission: T-5 (Non-WC)
Axle/Gears: Limited Slip 3.23's
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From: Ohio, near columbus
Car: 89 iroc-z
Engine: 305tpi
Transmission: wc-t5
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt 3.08 posi (4 now)
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
true but, you do have to take in to consideration that kyb's are life time and autozone available......
that being said i've owned a set on the last 2 cars and they are a terrible performance shock/strut combo and i won't replace them even for free again due to the mild hassle but, still not every1 drivers like it's an autocross event everywhere they go like me lol.
that being said i've owned a set on the last 2 cars and they are a terrible performance shock/strut combo and i won't replace them even for free again due to the mild hassle but, still not every1 drivers like it's an autocross event everywhere they go like me lol.
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Car: 1990 IROC
Engine: l98
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
If you were running a softer spring I think it would be easier to get away with lower quality shocks and struts. However the IROC-Z and WS6 springs are very stiff and they need a good shock/strut to dampen there motion. If you do not use a shock/strut that is appropriate for those springs the shocks/struts will be overworked and wear-out quickly.
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From: I live in Norfok, VA
Car: 1986 Camaro Iroc
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
Wow when I posted this I was just trying to get a question answered not start a debate. But reading through here I have learned a lot which is good. What I don't understand is how a shock or spring is going to affect handling?
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From: East Tennesse
Car: 1991 RS Camaro
Engine: L03 (want LS1)
Transmission: 700R-4 (and T56)
Axle/Gears: 4th Gen 3.23 posi
Re: Suspension? Newbie question
I've got the perfect explaination for this from another site:
Originally Posted by tracbird@frrax.com
Ok, when you turn the wheel, the tires point a new direction and they start moving, the tires try to "drive out from under" the body, so the body begins to roll as the vehicle changes direction. If we had no shocks and no sway bars on the car, it would just "flop" over to the outside and bounce off of the springs. Once we add shocks to the car, the rebound slows the rate at which the body can "flop" over on the springs and therefore limits how fast the car rolls over. Adding sway bars, we now have something to limit that body roll (total roll). So, as the car rolls, the springs and sway bars limit the total body roll (in degrees per "G" of cornering grip), and the shocks control how fast that roll happens. When the body rolls, one side of the car will rise, that extends the shocks. If the shock has a lot of rebound damping, it can't rise as quickly. So, the car rolls less quickly. In a fast transition, the rebound of the shocks might provide most of the roll resistance because the car may not roll enough to really work the spring/sway bars. Think of a very quick flick of the wheel one way and then the other. It's late and I'm still not explaining this very well. If that doesn't help, maybe someone will come through and try a different angle.
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