Problem: My '90 gta with WS6 performance suspension is beating me and the car to pieces. Need to change to softer springs. Local GM dealerships have been virtually no help. Here's what I have: front code-BZW (548 lb.?), rear code-NNL (204 lb.?). GM dealer said the NNL rear springs are the lowest rate available??? They suggested a BXK spring for the front but could not tell me what the spring rate is. I sure need some advice from someone with knowledge or experience with Trans Am springs. Maybe the best approach is to go to the salvage yard and get the springs out of a non WS6 TA?

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90 Trans Am GTA
5.0 TPI
5 Speed
T-Tops

 

Howdy there, I just sent you a big long e-mail hopefully to help you out with your decision. I didn't want to fill this board up with a pile of words. Take care now.

 

Hey all. Still need help! Surely someone out there has some knowledge about springs or has tried to soften up their WS6 suspension??
Thanks, Jack

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90 Trans Am GTA
5.0 TPI
5 Speed
T-Tops

 

Get new shocks and struts. Yours are worn out. WS6 should ride firm and tight, but should not jar the car to pieces.

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91 Trans Am WS6
Bright White
5.0 TPI auto
Flowmaster 3" 2 chamber catback
Trans Go shiftkit
2000 stall converter

supposed 'peanut cammed' car (yeah, right)

Built on Wednesday

 

To: MrJ
Thanks for the thought but I have new monroe sensa-tracs on all four. Also have new SP5000 Dunlops.
Jack

 

What air pressure are you running in the Dunlops? Are you pumping them up all the way, or not enough? The tag on the inside of the driver's door should give a proper inflation # ... either that or the place that put the tires on might be able to give a recommdation of what would be best.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

Put in springs for a plain jane base model firebird. Then install a front sway bar for a base model firebird. Finally, remove the rear bar. My 82 used to ride like a caddy when it was stock. It had v6 springs, 7/8 front bar and no back bar. The sway bar will make alot of difference. With the v6 springs and aftermarket bars front and rear, it rode harsh. The stiff drop springs made it worse.

 

Something isn't right here... if you go to the springs you mentioned the car is goign to handle like ****. If you want a luxury ride, a thirdgen is not the answer.

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Drew
predatorman@hotmail.com
My Website
87 Iroc
91 Formula 14.3 @ 98mph
91 RS Convertible
92 S10
ICON Motorsports

 

what i'd like to know is:
have you lowered your car any? is it hitting the bump stops or have you removed them to get the car even lower? the jarring could be the car bottoming out on the stops or metal on metal if you took the stops out. are you using stock bushings or polyurethane ones? the poly will always give a harsh ride. but man, will it hang in the turns.

 

To: Live305
The gta has not been lowered...has the original WS6 suspension. The ride is just very stiff, I've seen comments by other WS6 owners also commenting on the harsh ride. As stated before, car has new shocks, struts and tires. I think the ride is probably typical WS6. I'm just looking for a way to soften up the suspension a little so the ride is not so jarring. I think at this point, as a first step, I'm going to replace the front springs with new regular Trans am springs and go from there. I was hoping that maybe someone else had already done this and could give some advice. By the way, I hope Kansas State gets a chance at a rematch with Oklahoma this year. If we do...payback time!!! ;D

 

I suggest getting the regular TA springs and swaybars. Since twisty road handling isnt a priority in Wichita (ive been there) you really dont need the WS6. On the other hand, teh TA suspension will be more stable on the highway on a windy day. The V6 springs with the TA sway bars may be a good compromise for you.