Hello everyone-


I just bought an 87' Z-28, 5.7 TPI, Edelbrock headers, flowmaster exhaust, k&N filter, nothing major.. I bought it mainly because the body is excellent, and it's a hobby for me and my old man... he gets to re-live his old hot rod days!

We are going to be swapping out the motor for a 70' 350, not exactly decided on what the exact specs will be after machine work, etc... but I know we want to be running in the area of 475 to 525hp when all said and done.

I need some ideas on what needs to be done to the suspension to handle the upgrade in power/performance..? We will be using either a 4 or 5 speed manual, and probably 4.11 posi rear..

We mainly will use it to cruise around, open her up here and there, and take it to the track a couple times...

Thank you all for your feedback-

much appreciated.

Lou.

 

one of the first things people will recommend is making sure your steering parts and rubber/bushing parts are up to snuff. then some quality shocks/struts, tires (if necessary) from there, it will depend on what you want to do. most will recommend subframe connectors to stiffen up any ride.

 

Thanks for the info! I'm gonna keep researching..

Appreciate the feedback!

Lou

 

Spohn subframe connectors, spohn LCAs, spohn panhard rod, spohn torque arm with the relocation bracket to move it off the transmission, spohn wanderbar and some good shocks.
Different people will have ideas on shocks. Alot of different shocks to choose from. I'm most likely to replace mine with Monroe sensa-shocks.

 

I would recommend shocks, struts, and tires first. They make a huge difference!

Next I would make sure my front end was in good shape, and subframe connectors after that.

 

Do yourself a favor and trust my opinion even if it sounds arrogant- Don;t waste your money on all of that and then put the car on crappy Monroe shocks. Spend as much as you can on shocks and tires first (and only if thats all you can afford) you'll get much better handling results. You NEED shocks to control the chassis weight and wheel motions....period. Monroes are crappy. Buy Koni Yellows would be my recommendation and some good tires like some Michelin Pilot A/S Sports @ tirerack for 177 each. Goodyear DS-G3's have gotten outrageous in price even thought hey are a great tire, the michelin is good enough and alot more pocket book friendly

 

no need of doing suspension mods unless you replace worn bushings...i would replace all bushings and replace them with poly... i have no squeaks whatsoever and its been in there for two years... then i would get a front end rebuild kit from spohns, shocks, pro kit springs, struts then sfcs. then if your really serious i would get tubular suspension parts ( adjustable strut mounts, strut tower brace, panhard bar, torque arm wonder bar etc) you will love the new handling experience....