I understand what these do on a basic level, but it's the only thing I haven't replaced in my suspension as far as main components are concerned (LCA's, relocation brackets, SFC's, and a whole lot more). What performance differences will these offer outside of alignment? Part of what is motivating me to replace them is the fact the front springs and struts are getting replaced and this seems like a no-brainer given the circumstances. Will an Edelbrock TBI tower brace work with this without having to butcher it/drill it out?

 

Not sure about the Edelbrock tower brace but like you said.... since your into the suspension....you should do all you can afford to do. I redid everything except for control arm bushings in the front and rear and mine handles like a new car. I didnt use any real upgrade parts or anything. Just your basic replacement parts. As far as performance.... those parts will also help out in the handling and most likely tighten up the steering . The SFC's are awesome IMO. As far as the relocation brackets....why do you need them? Did you lower the car? Ive never lowered any of my 3rd gens and not once ever needed or used relocation brackets. If its not lowered, I'd imagine it would be a waste of money. Maybe not? Hopefully someone who knows more about the relocation brackets could elaborate on them. Good luck.... Hope your handles like mine does when your finished. Feels like driving a new car off the lot!

 

I've got about $1,200 into my suspension right now. I'm just trying to figure out if these are worth the money before doing the whole front end. My guess is the answer is "might as well while everything else is out" but that's $160 I could put somewhere else.. like a rear end girdle.. or new gears.. or a new windshield since mine is cracked... or new front seats... or new tires.. and the list goes waaaaaay on.

I don't make a whole lot of money, so that's the other part. I work within my means, but I also want something that will really help the driving quality. I'm looking at grabbing a set of these and one of the Spohn adjustable wonderbars to finish things up.

 

i have around 2k in suspension and i still have my stock caster/ camber setup. i will be buying the umi setup because its adjustable and i have mostly umi parts in my car right now.

 

I went with all BMR components, actually through Colorado Speed (Byun Speed).

 

It's a 2 part benefit.

1) Replacing the rubber stock bearing with the steel bearing means you're controlling horizontal and vertical movement in the strut mounts. In other words, it's putting 100% of the movement in the struts themselves, rather than trying to flex the strut mount/hood connection. You'll get better performance out of the struts that way.

2) Allows more aggressive alignment settings compared to the stock strut mounts.

Actually there is a 3rd benefit. It gives a solid foundation for strut tower braces to actually brace the car with. On stock strut mounts, you're connecting one soft side to another soft side. So do the strut mounts first before doing a brace.

 

Yeah what Reid says makes a lot of sense. I might do the same after I can save up some cash to do it. Delta.... even though you need a lot more parts I think youd be better off doing the suspension first and the wonder bar is a great investment. I mean unless your wind shield is really bad. Im a clean window freak. One little bug splat and Im annoyed beyond belief lol. I have a small crack starting right on the drivers side about halfway up. A rock hit right where the window meets the pillar. Im living with it for now though on that car. I decided to do the suspension....literally everything. That way its done and I can move on. Although now Im thinking about the strut mounts lol. BTW, What size tires are you running????

 

275/40/17's (I think.. fairly certain IIRC). 2002 Camaro SS wheels. My windshield split right down the center when I accidentally fishtailed the car in bad weather. It had a small rock chip in it and once I corrected it split all the way down the middle.

I'm just trying to get this done right. I think these cars have a potential to ride like a dream once they've been modified in ways they should've come from the factory. That and I want the most out of my suspension since I've only got a 355 right now. Not a huge amount of displacement, but enough to have a relatively quick ride.

 

If you're all into getting new caster/camber strut mounts, Colorado Speed has a 30% sale on J&M/Hotpart right now. $152 with free shipping.

That's even cheaper than what I paid on Cyber Monday (20% off)

 

I would have bought from them but they don´t ship intl

 

I would replace the windshield first. I doubt you can even get it inspected the way you described it.

 

Did your car have SFC's on it when the windsheild spilt??

 

dont forget they are about 1" taller, which allows more suspension travel on lowered cars. I have these and their quality is great, not to mention their price cant be beat.

 

Car is exempt from inspection in my state.

And no, it did not have SFC's when this happened. Just another 305/T5 hardtop Camaro at the time it did.

Thanks for the heads up Killj0y, I think I'll go ahead and get a set of them. I'm a completionist when it comes to cars anyways, so it was bound to happen sooner or later.

 

Thanks for the tip Reid!! Ordered!!

 

I saw the deal beforehand. Ended up taking the plunge also and ordering a set of J&M's in black. Hopefully Colorado Speed will put everything from Spohn on sale soon so I can pick up a wonderbar for 15% off.