I know there is a similar thread along these lines but it didn’t really answer my question that well, basically my IROC-Z has (as far as I know) stock front suspension and it’s rock hard. It crashes and bangs over every little bump and it’s getting really tedious. I know it’s supposed to be firm but from what I’ve read on this forum you can have a firm ride without the ka-BAMing and shaking dashboard stuff.


Assumingly I’m running around on 22yo suspension components I plan to replace the struts and springs, wheel alignment was corrected a few months back and it also has pretty new tie rod ends. Will this help?


Assuming yes, I’ve decided on KYB GR2 struts because they are in my budget range, I can’t afford Koni or Bilstein especially since I’ve got to import them and factor in shipping and duties. What is the best route to take regarding springs? I don’t want to lower the car as I already have problems scraping the top of the steep access ramp to my garage, am I better off with stock IROC springs, or what effect would fitting Z28 springs have?

Cheers, and apologies if these are obvious questions

 

I would think that if you installed some shocks you would soften the ride. When the shocks are worn out, they don't dampen the ride so when you hit bumps you'll get the jarring effect you describe. I think you'd be ok with any of the higher rate stock springs if you are wanting good handling without scraping too much.

 

Thanks for the advice, would KYB shocks be OK? I can't afford Koni or Bilstein and they strike me as more sports handling orientated shocks anyway.

I was just wondering if I was wasting my time since I rang a American specialist in the UK and asked how I could soften the ride and he practically laughed at me and said "Their supposed to be like that".

Anyone know the effect of installing different springs, for instance Moog 5608 which are the stock Z28 springs? This may be a bit of a strange question since I want to install softer springs but you should see the roads round here.

 

as long as you are installing moog springs, and not aftermarket springs, the ride height should be about the same.

get the shocks and struts first, then see how it feels.
also, look into subframe connectors.
they will make the car more solid feeling and you wont feel like its about to fall apart when you hit a bump.
the most likely thing is that the jarring ride you feel is mostly in your head.
the car hits a bump, you hear the car rattle and shake, and assume it must have been a terrible bump, but its really just the noise that is getting to you.
the subframe connectors will get rid of a lot of the noise.

 

I agree with RED_DRAGON. I've noticed the ride in my car seems alot worse when I have the radio off and can hear all the lovely rattles and things. These cars are an older design (plus they're just old lol) so they make alot more noise than the newer cars will. Not really much you can do there other than SFCs and sound deadeners.
On installing the softer sprigns, you'll likely ride a little lower and the will probably tend to have more body roll than with the IROCs. I would just install the new shocks/struts and see where that gets you.

 

Thanks again guys, I'll follow your advice and get the struts first and then see how it feels after. If I still feel it could be better I'll get the springs too, we're not talking megabucks even shipped from the US. I thought it'd make the car ride higher not lower with softer springs but I guess that makes sense when you think about it!

As for the SFC, that's probably something I'll consider later on since that'd cost more money then I can afford to spend on the car for some time. Kits seem to be around $300 and then I got to get it shipped over and pay taxes and THEN pay someone to weld it in for me!

I get what your saying about the noise and I also accept these are old cars with old suspension! I tend to drive around with the radio off so I can hear my flowmasters!

 

Something I'd forgotten- you might want to go around the car and replace any worn bushings with new rubber.
The SFCs are about $200. There may be some cheaper brands. I think the ones that Top Down Solutions sales are, not sure thoguh.

 

OK cool, good call on the bushes. The car recently passed it's MOT (a kind of yearly road worthiness check we have in the UK) and all the suspension was checked for wear so hopefully they are in good shape. I'll take that in account though for sure.

Thanks