I'm in the planning stages of building up my 91 Firebird. To me, I think it would be good to build from the ground up: suspension, brakes, drivetrain, then exterior mods like custom paint. The thing is I am not familiar with custom suspension and their applications. I do not plan on taking this car to the track regulary. Maybe once every two years or something if that, lol. So I guess I'm looking more into a road handling, g-machine suspension. Maybe occasion racing with my friends First thing's first; SFCs, don't worry I plan on doing these first. Spohn will get my order soon enough. I will get a STB but have to decide on which kind later on because I don't know if I will stick to TBI. I'm trying to decide on springs too. I've heard the V6 springs give a better ride with improved handling compared to the V8 springs. There are also tons of aftermarket springs. I am thinking about going with Eibach but don't want my car sitting too low. I will probably be Bilstein shocks. The only other suspension mods I've heard much about is LCAs and driveshaft loops and things like that but I don't know what their functions are. I do plan on using Energy Suspension for all the little things unless someone could convince me that it's a bad idea. If it helps to know, the cost doesn't really matter to me. Saving money is not a problem. Okay, now everyone, please teach me the ways of suspension, lol. Thanks in advance. Hope the patience of the moderators and members of this board never runs out. This probably falls into the "annoying question" catergory.

 

Um.... nooo. Ride and handling are 2 different things. If you put v6 springs in they will be softer and ride better. They are not designed to handle the higher wieght of a v8. This will make them handle much more slopily than WS6 or IROC springs. If you want to drag race then this is an advantage because the weight will be able to transfer to the rear better because the v6 springs can't support all the transfered weight at launch as well as stiffer v8 springs.

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-Tas
'89 Formula WS-6

305, TBI, auto, 14x3 chrome flat based open element with K&N, Milodon 160* thermo, functional Formula hood, cross-flow Flowmaster, '99z28 rear pipes and tips....

Soon to be installed:
Hooker 1-5/8" 50 state legal headers, Dynomax 3" I pipe (PN 44063 and 43248), Catco 3" cat, and injector spacer.

Super GRK_Taz World
F-Body Dual Exaust
EFI & Intake Options
AOL IM: superGRtaz

 

I also think it would be a better idea to stick with V8 springs. Since money is no object, get a good set of aftermarket springs. They will handle a lot better and the ride really isn't that much worse. I've got Hotchkis on mine and they dropped it about 2 inches. The new LCA's (lower control arms) and new panhard rod would also be a good idea. The stock pieces are cheap looking. Aftermarket ones will plant your rearend better and cause less stress on the rest of your drivetrain. You could probably look into some bigger swaybars too, they'll keep you flat in the corners. You probably won't need a driveshaft loop since you won't be racing much. I have also heard that Bilstein shocks ride really hard.

 

Spring rates are best matched for the car's weight. WS6 and IROC springs have a heavy spring rate. This will keep the springs from compressing when driving aggressivly. The downside is a stiller ride. V6 springs have a lighter spring rate and will give a smoother ride but compress too easily. It's a trade-off. You won't get a suspension that handles like a NASCAR and have the ride comfort of a Caddy.

To my knowledge, the rear springs are the same on V6 and V8 cars. You'll have to measure the thickness of the spring wire to confirm it. I run V6 front springs in my race car and stock IROC springs in the rear. Even with the big block the front still sits too high because of how much weight I've stripped off the car. The best thing to do is install springs that are rated for the weight of the car even if it means buying aftermarket springs.

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Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car

87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block

Best ET on a time slip: 11.242 altitude corrected to 10.89
Best MPH on a time slip: 121.52 altitude corrected to 125.89
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP: 497.9
Best 60 foot: 1.546

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley

 

I think used WS6 spring will handle great and ride great with good shocks. Mine did till my shocks went south.
-Tas

 

Thanks a bunch for clearing up the spring situation. I'll be going after market. Either Hotchkis or Eibach. Tas, I hear what you are saying about used WS6 springs and good shocks but I really wouldn't like used suspension parts. I get leary, but then again, I'll probably install them myself, so that's just as bad.

 

This STB WILL fit on a TBI or a TPI

it's made by MAC Performance Products
i paid $89 for it through my local speed shop

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1991 banditt2 #130 of 600
Project 350 TPI Banditt II
http://www.street-dawg-racing.cityslide.com
http://discussion-board.com/GreaterC...dyAssociation/
http://www.cincyspeed.com/

 

Yeah, I know of the STB's that can be used for both. I'm still gonna wait on that decision. I can probably make a three point one and shine it up or have it chrome dipped. If not, edelbrock will probably get my money.