My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
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From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
SOME PARTS WERE INSTALLED YESTERDAY, SCROLL DOWN TO SEE PICTURES. STILL HAVE TO INSTALL THE REST NEXT TUESDAY.
So I bought an 87 earlier this year in great shape from another member on the forums, Banksy. I love the car to death and have done my fair share of reading the advice and stickies. This is what I have come up with so far with a total cost of $1454.60~ $1475.55 w/ shipping. I am open to suggestions. This is a weekend driver, just want to make the car more comfortable and fun to drive. The install won't begin until May when I return from my deployment. The parts should get there a few days before I do, yes! As of right now, I have no intention of lowering the car at all, I don't wanna scrape the bottom or front chin.
I am hoping Ramey will chip in from UMI as he seems to have a ton of knowledge as well as some of the other members.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-STB004R/
Strut Tower Brace $189.95
I like this design better then UMI, the rest are UMI parts.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-30-1265SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Rear $127.40 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-8741-1030SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Front $280.00 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-201520-R/
Rear Control Arm Panhard Bar kit by UMI $189.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2030-R/
UMI Wonderbar $49.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2400-R/
UMI Weld-In SFC $209.95
Added to list as optional, not sure yet if I will buy these at this moment
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
UMI Spherical Caster Camber Plates $217.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2113-R/
UMI Sway Bars $164.95
Full running total for everything $1,837.50
***Note***
Understand this is the money I have been saving all deployment in a special account just for this purpose.
I still have some cash left over, so anything else I should add, chip in please!
Chris
Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of my own yet, but here are some he had taken before I purchased it.
So I bought an 87 earlier this year in great shape from another member on the forums, Banksy. I love the car to death and have done my fair share of reading the advice and stickies. This is what I have come up with so far with a total cost of $1454.60~ $1475.55 w/ shipping. I am open to suggestions. This is a weekend driver, just want to make the car more comfortable and fun to drive. The install won't begin until May when I return from my deployment. The parts should get there a few days before I do, yes! As of right now, I have no intention of lowering the car at all, I don't wanna scrape the bottom or front chin.
I am hoping Ramey will chip in from UMI as he seems to have a ton of knowledge as well as some of the other members.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-STB004R/
Strut Tower Brace $189.95
I like this design better then UMI, the rest are UMI parts.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-30-1265SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Rear $127.40 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-8741-1030SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Front $280.00 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-201520-R/
Rear Control Arm Panhard Bar kit by UMI $189.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2030-R/
UMI Wonderbar $49.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2400-R/
UMI Weld-In SFC $209.95
Added to list as optional, not sure yet if I will buy these at this moment
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
UMI Spherical Caster Camber Plates $217.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2113-R/
UMI Sway Bars $164.95
Full running total for everything $1,837.50
***Note***
Understand this is the money I have been saving all deployment in a special account just for this purpose.
I still have some cash left over, so anything else I should add, chip in please!
Chris
Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of my own yet, but here are some he had taken before I purchased it.
Last edited by LeadFoot88; May 25, 2012 at 11:22 AM. Reason: UPDATED, PARTS INSTALLED
Supreme Member
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 15
From: Houston, TX
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: SuperRam 350
Transmission: Pro Built S/S TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Skip the strut tower brace. These are overrated.... Spend that money on a set of spherical bearing upper strut mounts instead. The strut mounts are the "foundation" that a strut tower brace would connect to. No point in putting a rigid strut mount on top of a soft set of factory strut mounts. The strut mounts also let you get away with a more aggressive alignment setting.
Even with a set of spherical bearing mounts, I don't think strut tower braces do as much as people think they do.
Koni front and back? Yep. These are awesome.
SFC, yep. Money well spent.
For the panhard rod and rear control arms, I'd wait if money is an issue. And I prefer the roto joint series that UMI sells instead of their poly setup.
I agree on not lowering the car. Lowering our cars just makes them ride rougher and more prone to scrapes. Just not fun. Springs don't do nearly as much for performance as struts/shocks do. Those Konis will be a night and day difference.
Even with a set of spherical bearing mounts, I don't think strut tower braces do as much as people think they do.
Koni front and back? Yep. These are awesome.
SFC, yep. Money well spent.
For the panhard rod and rear control arms, I'd wait if money is an issue. And I prefer the roto joint series that UMI sells instead of their poly setup.
I agree on not lowering the car. Lowering our cars just makes them ride rougher and more prone to scrapes. Just not fun. Springs don't do nearly as much for performance as struts/shocks do. Those Konis will be a night and day difference.
Last edited by Reid Fleming; Apr 7, 2012 at 01:27 PM.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 15
From: Houston, TX
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: SuperRam 350
Transmission: Pro Built S/S TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
One more thing. Your car already looks to be lowered by about an inch. (Probably old factory springs) So buying lowering springs wouldn't accomplish much anyways.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Thanks for the reply! I might get the strut tower brace, even if it is overrated, it will dress up my engine bay a little. If I find something that I can get to help the car, then I will get that first.
Is this what you were talking about?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
Is this what you were talking about?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
Likes: 0
From: Rapid City, SD
Car: '83 z/28
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: Stock?
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Also, I would go with an adjustable panhard bar so that you can center the rear axle.
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 10
From: Northern, CA
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
I like the fact you have chosen the UMI sub frame connectors and front searing brace “Wonder Bar” parts because that's what I'm going with . I have the searing brace already ( high quality ). Please document with photos as you progress with the installs. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Thanks, Like originally posted, it will be a little over a month before they arrive and will take me about a week to get around to installing them. But I will start a new thread with results after the full installation with before and after results.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
/Sigh, I was impatient and ordered the whole list earlier....
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
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From: Rapid City, SD
Car: '83 z/28
Engine: 305
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: Stock?
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Haha that's awesome.
And all the braces will definitely help, these uni body cars arent structurally very strong. So adding braces will definitely help.
Did you opt for the adjustable panhard bar?
And all the braces will definitely help, these uni body cars arent structurally very strong. So adding braces will definitely help.
Did you opt for the adjustable panhard bar?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
I think I forgot to change it to the adjustable one.../sigh I just checked. Oh well, that is what I get for being excited the wife said "yes" even after I told her the estimated amount. I also, dropped off the Koni's from Summit and purchased via Tirerack.com They were $180 cheaper for the full set on there due to a sale they are having.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 15
From: Houston, TX
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: SuperRam 350
Transmission: Pro Built S/S TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Thanks for the reply! I might get the strut tower brace, even if it is overrated, it will dress up my engine bay a little. If I find something that I can get to help the car, then I will get that first.
Is this what you were talking about?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
Is this what you were talking about?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 10
From: Northern, CA
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
First let me say what a beautiful car you have .
Some of the install looks like it could be some serious wrenching. Are you going to be working on the car your self ? I have heard the front struts are a difficult task.
Some of the install looks like it could be some serious wrenching. Are you going to be working on the car your self ? I have heard the front struts are a difficult task.
Last edited by Ron U.S.M.C.; Apr 8, 2012 at 06:37 PM.
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 402
Likes: 13
From: Evansville, IN
Car: 1984 Trans Am WS6
Engine: LG4
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 LSD
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Seem like they would be easy enough. I did my ball joints a couple of days ago and removed the bottom bolts of the front struts (which I will be doing again in a few weeks when my Konis finally get in
) and it was very easy, just support the a arm and loosen two bolts (you will need a cheater pipe unless you're pretty strong, they torque to 190 ft-lbs which is almost twice what your wheels torque to). The top and the removal installation can't be that much harder.The majority of those things he listed are just a matter of taking the bolts off and replacing the factory junk and putting it back together. As long as the bolts aren't seized it should be cake.
ALSO TO THE OP- don't waste your cash on aftermarket sway bars. Thirdgens came with a variety of different ones from the factory, so the junkyard would be a better place to search. Unless you want a monster rear bar for drag, you can tune the how the car rotates through the corner with the junkyard pieces just as well for far cheaper. They don't wear out so all you'll need are bushings and maybe spray paint if you want them to look nice. If you collect a variety different thicknesses you can really play with how your car responds and get it perfect, as opposed to guessing and handing over a couple hundred for a bar that might not be optimal.
And btw, sharp car
it does look slightly lowered, I dig the stance. 
Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 745
Likes: 30
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Hey Chris.
First of all, thanks for your service. Secondly, thanks for choosing UMI.
I'm currently in a peanut butter egg coma but have made a note to address your parts list tomorrow.
In short, it looks pretty good.
ramey
First of all, thanks for your service. Secondly, thanks for choosing UMI.
I'm currently in a peanut butter egg coma but have made a note to address your parts list tomorrow.
In short, it looks pretty good.
ramey
So I bought an 87 earlier this year in great shape from another member on the forums, Banksy. I love the car to death and have done my fair share of reading the advice and stickies. This is what I have come up with so far with a total cost of $1454.60~ $1475.55 w/ shipping. I am open to suggestions. This is a weekend driver, just want to make the car more comfortable and fun to drive. The install won't begin until May when I return from my deployment. The parts should get there a few days before I do, yes! As of right now, I have no intention of lowering the car at all, I don't wanna scrape the bottom or front chin.
I am hoping Ramey will chip in from UMI as he seems to have a ton of knowledge as well as some of the other members.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-STB004R/
Strut Tower Brace $189.95
I like this design better then UMI, the rest are UMI parts.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-30-1265SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Rear $127.40 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-8741-1030SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Front $280.00 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-201520-R/
Rear Control Arm Panhard Bar kit by UMI $189.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2030-R/
UMI Wonderbar $49.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2400-R/
UMI Weld-In SFC $209.95
Added to list as optional, not sure yet if I will buy these at this moment
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
UMI Spherical Caster Camber Plates $217.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2113-R/
UMI Sway Bars $164.95
Full running total for everything $1,837.50
***Note***
Understand this is the money I have been saving all deployment in a special account just for this purpose.
I still have some cash left over, so anything else I should add, chip in please!
Chris
Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of my own yet, but here are some he had taken before I purchased it.
I am hoping Ramey will chip in from UMI as he seems to have a ton of knowledge as well as some of the other members.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-STB004R/
Strut Tower Brace $189.95
I like this design better then UMI, the rest are UMI parts.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-30-1265SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Rear $127.40 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-8741-1030SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Front $280.00 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-201520-R/
Rear Control Arm Panhard Bar kit by UMI $189.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2030-R/
UMI Wonderbar $49.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2400-R/
UMI Weld-In SFC $209.95
Added to list as optional, not sure yet if I will buy these at this moment
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
UMI Spherical Caster Camber Plates $217.95
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2113-R/
UMI Sway Bars $164.95
Full running total for everything $1,837.50
***Note***
Understand this is the money I have been saving all deployment in a special account just for this purpose.
I still have some cash left over, so anything else I should add, chip in please!
Chris
Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of my own yet, but here are some he had taken before I purchased it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
https://www.thirdgen.org/change-front-struts
Seem like they would be easy enough. I did my ball joints a couple of days ago and removed the bottom bolts of the front struts (which I will be doing again in a few weeks when my Konis finally get in ) and it was very easy, just support the a arm and loosen two bolts (you will need a cheater pipe unless you're pretty strong, they torque to 190 ft-lbs which is almost twice what your wheels torque to). The top and the removal installation can't be that much harder.
The majority of those things he listed are just a matter of taking the bolts off and replacing the factory junk and putting it back together. As long as the bolts aren't seized it should be cake.
ALSO TO THE OP- don't waste your cash on aftermarket sway bars. Thirdgens came with a variety of different ones from the factory, so the junkyard would be a better place to search. Unless you want a monster rear bar for drag, you can tune the how the car rotates through the corner with the junkyard pieces just as well for far cheaper. They don't wear out so all you'll need are bushings and maybe spray paint if you want them to look nice. If you collect a variety different thicknesses you can really play with how your car responds and get it perfect, as opposed to guessing and handing over a couple hundred for a bar that might not be optimal.
And btw, sharp car it does look slightly lowered, I dig the stance.
Seem like they would be easy enough. I did my ball joints a couple of days ago and removed the bottom bolts of the front struts (which I will be doing again in a few weeks when my Konis finally get in
) and it was very easy, just support the a arm and loosen two bolts (you will need a cheater pipe unless you're pretty strong, they torque to 190 ft-lbs which is almost twice what your wheels torque to). The top and the removal installation can't be that much harder.The majority of those things he listed are just a matter of taking the bolts off and replacing the factory junk and putting it back together. As long as the bolts aren't seized it should be cake.
ALSO TO THE OP- don't waste your cash on aftermarket sway bars. Thirdgens came with a variety of different ones from the factory, so the junkyard would be a better place to search. Unless you want a monster rear bar for drag, you can tune the how the car rotates through the corner with the junkyard pieces just as well for far cheaper. They don't wear out so all you'll need are bushings and maybe spray paint if you want them to look nice. If you collect a variety different thicknesses you can really play with how your car responds and get it perfect, as opposed to guessing and handing over a couple hundred for a bar that might not be optimal.
And btw, sharp car
it does look slightly lowered, I dig the stance.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/album.php?albumid=6227
Link to more pictures of my car if anyone is interested.
Link to more pictures of my car if anyone is interested.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 18
From: Fort Myers, FL
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: 6.0
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
If you car is a factory iroc, it already has a wonderbar on it.
I also recommend a adjustable panhard bar. Money well spent if you decide to mod the suspension further
the SFC's are the most important item on your list honestly....
Thanks for your service to our country and good luck wrenching!
I also recommend a adjustable panhard bar. Money well spent if you decide to mod the suspension further
the SFC's are the most important item on your list honestly....
Thanks for your service to our country and good luck wrenching!
Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 745
Likes: 30
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
See comments below.
So I bought an 87 earlier this year in great shape from another member on the forums, Banksy. I love the car to death and have done my fair share of reading the advice and stickies. This is what I have come up with so far with a total cost of $1454.60~ $1475.55 w/ shipping. I am open to suggestions. This is a weekend driver, just want to make the car more comfortable and fun to drive. The install won't begin until May when I return from my deployment. The parts should get there a few days before I do, yes! As of right now, I have no intention of lowering the car at all, I don't wanna scrape the bottom or front chin.
I am hoping Ramey will chip in from UMI as he seems to have a ton of knowledge as well as some of the other members.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-STB004R/
Strut Tower Brace $189.95
I like this design better then UMI, the rest are UMI parts.
WE ARE FRIENDLY COMPETITORS WITH BMR AND IF YOU LIKE THEIR DESIGN, AWESOME. AS FOR THE NECESSITY, I'LL LEAVE THAT UP TO DEBATE. WE SELL A TON OF THEM AND ITS OFTEN THE FIRST UPGRADE MANY DO TO THEIR CAR. PERSONALLY, I PUT THEM ON EVERYTHING EVEN IF JUST FOR APPEARANCE.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-30-1265SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Rear $127.40 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-8741-1030SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Front $280.00 each
DITCHING THE OLD DAMPERS AND GOING WITH KONI YELLOWS IS PROBABLY THE BEST DECISION YOU'LL MAKE. YOU WILL BE REWARDED WITH YEARS OF AWESOME AND SMOOTH DAMPING. GREAT CHOICE.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-201520-R/
Rear Control Arm Panhard Bar kit by UMI $189.95
REMOVING FLIMSY STOCK STUFF AND REPLACING WITH RIGID, HIGH QUALITY UMI PIECES REALLY HELPS TIGHTEN UP THE BACK OF THE CAR. THESE WILL HELP THE CAR PERFORM CONSISTENTLY AND PREDICTABLY WHEN CORNERING.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2030-R/
UMI Wonderbar $49.95
OUR WONDERBAR IS DESIGNED AROUND THE STOCK GM UNIT WHICH PREVENTS CRACKING NEAR THE STEERING BOX AND OF COURSE IS STRONGER THAN THE GM MODEL. AN ESSENTIAL PIECE FOR THESE CARS.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2400-R/
UMI Weld-In SFC $209.95
THESE ARE CONSIDERED BY MANY TO BE THE INDUSTRY STANDARD. CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL AS WELL. ON OUR '89, ITS FUN TO LIFT THE CAR ANYWHERE AND THE CAR COMES UP EVENLY. ALSO, OUR CONNECTOR PIECE IN THE PASS SIDE FRONT IS OPTIONAL IF YOU'D BE RUNNING GIANT EXHAUST. IT COMES WITH THE KIT. THEY TUCK IN NICELY AND MAKE THE CAR FEEL RESPONSIVE.
Added to list as optional, not sure yet if I will buy these at this moment
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
UMI Spherical Caster Camber Plates $217.95
YOU CAN ADD THESE ANYTIME. THEY INCREASE THE CASTER AND CAMBER AVAILABILITY AND REPLACE THE RUBBER BISCUIT UP TOP WITH A SPHERICAL BEARING. THEY INCREASE STEERING FEEL AND RESPONSE.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2113-R/
UMI Sway Bars $164.95
THE 35 MM BAR IS A NICE UPGRADE AND HELPS THE CAR STAY FLATTER DURING CORNERING. AS MENTIONED THERE'S A LOT OF TUNING THAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE REAR BAR. THE 35 IS A POPULAR UPGRADE AND IF YOU'RE NOT CORNERING AT THE LIMIT ALL THE TIME TENDS TO FEEL GREAT AND NOT UPSET THE BALANCE TOO MUCH (IT WILL MAKE THE CAR SLIDE THE FRONT TIRES AT THE LIMIT).
PS. PLEASE EXCUSE THE CAPS, IT WAS THE BEST METHOD TO ADDRESS YOUR PIECES INDIVIDUALLY.
ALSO, YOU CAN SEE OUR BUILD PROGRESS AT FACEBOOK.COM/UMIPERFORMANCE
Full running total for everything $1,837.50
***Note***
Understand this is the money I have been saving all deployment in a special account just for this purpose.
I still have some cash left over, so anything else I should add, chip in please!
Chris
Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of my own yet, but here are some he had taken before I purchased it.
I am hoping Ramey will chip in from UMI as he seems to have a ton of knowledge as well as some of the other members.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-STB004R/
Strut Tower Brace $189.95
I like this design better then UMI, the rest are UMI parts.
WE ARE FRIENDLY COMPETITORS WITH BMR AND IF YOU LIKE THEIR DESIGN, AWESOME. AS FOR THE NECESSITY, I'LL LEAVE THAT UP TO DEBATE. WE SELL A TON OF THEM AND ITS OFTEN THE FIRST UPGRADE MANY DO TO THEIR CAR. PERSONALLY, I PUT THEM ON EVERYTHING EVEN IF JUST FOR APPEARANCE.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-30-1265SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Rear $127.40 each
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KON-8741-1030SPT/ x2
Koni Yellow Front $280.00 each
DITCHING THE OLD DAMPERS AND GOING WITH KONI YELLOWS IS PROBABLY THE BEST DECISION YOU'LL MAKE. YOU WILL BE REWARDED WITH YEARS OF AWESOME AND SMOOTH DAMPING. GREAT CHOICE.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-201520-R/
Rear Control Arm Panhard Bar kit by UMI $189.95
REMOVING FLIMSY STOCK STUFF AND REPLACING WITH RIGID, HIGH QUALITY UMI PIECES REALLY HELPS TIGHTEN UP THE BACK OF THE CAR. THESE WILL HELP THE CAR PERFORM CONSISTENTLY AND PREDICTABLY WHEN CORNERING.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2030-R/
UMI Wonderbar $49.95
OUR WONDERBAR IS DESIGNED AROUND THE STOCK GM UNIT WHICH PREVENTS CRACKING NEAR THE STEERING BOX AND OF COURSE IS STRONGER THAN THE GM MODEL. AN ESSENTIAL PIECE FOR THESE CARS.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2400-R/
UMI Weld-In SFC $209.95
THESE ARE CONSIDERED BY MANY TO BE THE INDUSTRY STANDARD. CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL AS WELL. ON OUR '89, ITS FUN TO LIFT THE CAR ANYWHERE AND THE CAR COMES UP EVENLY. ALSO, OUR CONNECTOR PIECE IN THE PASS SIDE FRONT IS OPTIONAL IF YOU'D BE RUNNING GIANT EXHAUST. IT COMES WITH THE KIT. THEY TUCK IN NICELY AND MAKE THE CAR FEEL RESPONSIVE.
Added to list as optional, not sure yet if I will buy these at this moment
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2040-B/
UMI Spherical Caster Camber Plates $217.95
YOU CAN ADD THESE ANYTIME. THEY INCREASE THE CASTER AND CAMBER AVAILABILITY AND REPLACE THE RUBBER BISCUIT UP TOP WITH A SPHERICAL BEARING. THEY INCREASE STEERING FEEL AND RESPONSE.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-2113-R/
UMI Sway Bars $164.95
THE 35 MM BAR IS A NICE UPGRADE AND HELPS THE CAR STAY FLATTER DURING CORNERING. AS MENTIONED THERE'S A LOT OF TUNING THAT CAN BE DONE WITH THE REAR BAR. THE 35 IS A POPULAR UPGRADE AND IF YOU'RE NOT CORNERING AT THE LIMIT ALL THE TIME TENDS TO FEEL GREAT AND NOT UPSET THE BALANCE TOO MUCH (IT WILL MAKE THE CAR SLIDE THE FRONT TIRES AT THE LIMIT).
PS. PLEASE EXCUSE THE CAPS, IT WAS THE BEST METHOD TO ADDRESS YOUR PIECES INDIVIDUALLY.
ALSO, YOU CAN SEE OUR BUILD PROGRESS AT FACEBOOK.COM/UMIPERFORMANCE
Full running total for everything $1,837.50
***Note***
Understand this is the money I have been saving all deployment in a special account just for this purpose.
I still have some cash left over, so anything else I should add, chip in please!
Chris
Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of my own yet, but here are some he had taken before I purchased it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Thanks, I am doing everything to prep the car for more power down the road. The 305 motor runs strong as is, so it might be awhile before I get around to doing an LSx/T-56 swap.
I was hoping to get a hold of Summit ahead of time to cancel my order of Koni's with them and order the full set for $180 cheaper from Tirerack as they are having a 20% off sale right now. So if anyone is in the market for them, sale ends in May some time.
I was hoping to get a hold of Summit ahead of time to cancel my order of Koni's with them and order the full set for $180 cheaper from Tirerack as they are having a 20% off sale right now. So if anyone is in the market for them, sale ends in May some time.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Why not http://www.foundersperformance.com/p...d-Rod-Kit.html ? It's cheaper and adjustable.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Yes, but from the reading and as Ramey has mentioned, an after market one is stronger to prevent cracking something around the steering box. Forgot the details on that, but it was one reason I went ahead and ordered it to replace the stock wonderbar.
I am a horrible shopper and an impulse buyer . I don't shop around, summit is my go to place for car parts. Later down the road I will get around to getting the adjustable one probably after I get to Alaska and start my motor swap next year if I feel I really need the adjustable one. Thanks.
Why not http://www.foundersperformance.com/p...d-Rod-Kit.html ? It's cheaper and adjustable.
. I don't shop around, summit is my go to place for car parts. Later down the road I will get around to getting the adjustable one probably after I get to Alaska and start my motor swap next year if I feel I really need the adjustable one. Thanks. Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 1
From: Aloha, Oregon
Car: 1991 Christine Z28
Engine: RV Cam and Intake 350 SBC
Transmission: 5speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08 ls Posi
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
They have non-adjustable too http://www.foundersperformance.com/p...nhard-Bar.html
Edit: Forgot to mention that if you're going with stiffer springs the car will probably lower and you will need adjustable suspension parts.
Edit: Forgot to mention that if you're going with stiffer springs the car will probably lower and you will need adjustable suspension parts.
Last edited by Dakota W.; Apr 10, 2012 at 10:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
So, on post we have this place called Sprocket, $5 an hour for a bay with lift and all the tools you could ever need included. $42.50 later and some stress relieved from deployment I have a few of my items installed. Pictures below. I am missing one caster/chamber plate so waiting on Summit to send me the passenger side one.
As you can see I had to cut these off using a die grinder, it was rusted all together.
My Camera broke somehow so I didn't get any pictures after this, once I finish the rest of the items and get the camera fixed I'll post more. No details on how it felt driving as I only drove a few miles at around 35mph.
As you can see I had to cut these off using a die grinder, it was rusted all together.
My Camera broke somehow so I didn't get any pictures after this, once I finish the rest of the items and get the camera fixed I'll post more. No details on how it felt driving as I only drove a few miles at around 35mph.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Just heard back from Summit and they are sending out my passenger side UMI caster/chamber plate so those will be installed on Tuesday as well. I was very happy that even though all these items were ordered a month ago and my wife had just put all the boxes in storage that when I got home and found something missing, within 24 hours they said they were having another shipped out to me.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 18
From: Fort Myers, FL
Car: 91 Firebird
Engine: 6.0
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Sway bar endlinks are upside down... other than that, nice work
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
I personally think that unless you're drag racing, you're better off with the factory LCA's and rubber bushings than you due to the tendency of polyurethane bushings to bind.
I storngly, strongly suggest going to a roto-ball type joint for the rear LCA's.
I storngly, strongly suggest going to a roto-ball type joint for the rear LCA's.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Would it matter if I am not driving the car hard? I take it pretty easy and only drive it once or twice a week. Just wanted to replace the old with new and try to improve my handling an body roll with everything I am installing.
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,499
Likes: 31
From: Macon, GA
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: Vortec headed 355, xe262
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt 3.70
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
Poly bushings dont allow the rear axle to articulate properly when the car rolls one way or the other. Its up to you how much that matters. Most people don't care.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Killeen, Texas
Car: 87 IROC-Z
Engine: LB9
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: My upgrades...open to suggestions before I purchase
I know pictured is the opposite side, but here is the old vs new UMI parts
Old removed, didn't get a picture of after I cleaned up the area, I forgot to.
Installed
Installed Strut Tower Brace from BMR. This thing was a PITA!
Factory Steering Brace (Wonder Bar)
UMI Steering Brace installed.
All that is left is the Panhard bar to install. I forgot to grab it from the backseat of my truck before I left to the shop
But overall I have noticed a big difference in the stability of the whole system. It was a pleasant drive down to Houston and back this past weekend for the Thirdgen Roundup. Wish I could have had these installed prior to going down there though.
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