After waiting several weeks for an opportunity to give my car a serious "handling"evaluation I finally concluded my initial observations yesterday.

Just to recap, I:
1) replaced original shocks with Koni Yellows at the "0" setting (full soft)
2) replaced original springs with Moog 5665's
3) replaced original p/hard bar with a Founders Adjustable p/hard bar
4) replaced original LCA's with Founders LCA's-adjustable
5) replaced bushings and endlinks with Lon's 1LE set-up and kept my original 23MM rear sway bar


Results:
Obviously this is all seat of the pants feel, but the "main theme" that I can best describe the results would be "solid".

The car turns sooooo much better, even with just a new rear setup. It has a sure footed response when the throttle is hammered, especially at launch while turning hard, this thing flys straight and true.

Keep in mind that my car has a standard traction rear WY6 setup so I thought I would still see some "fish tailing" during hard launches... This car will have none of that. Period.

The ride is definitely more firm (gee you think?) but that is what an f body is supposed to feel like. Every crack and indentation ( Illinois roads in late winter...ughhh) can and will be felt.

I feel like I have a new car now... and I didn't even touch the front suspension ...yet.


Chuck

 

Nice review Chuck. I have a Spohn adj. panhard, koni yellows (on soft) and looking at getting the Founders LCA's. This is great to know.

 

Thanks ZZ42Fast!

I would definitely recommend Founders LCA's and the panhard! Since I did all of these modifications all at once, I have no idea how each individual part would respond but installation was relatively easy with an electric impact drill and the Chiltons guide. The parts seem very solid and well made. The welds look uniform and neat, but that is all I know about welding...ask me again in 15 years how these are holding up.

R-
Chuck

 

I just did the opposite of you... I rebuilt the entire front suspension with new OEM pieces from PST, Eibach lowering springs, new steering gearbox, poly buchings for the sway bar, Global West steering brace and Founders Performance strut mount. All I can say is what a difference.
You're really going to notice a difference in your front suspension.

I can't wait to get the rear pieces done.

 

Hey I'm from Illinois too and I'm waiting to do my rear suspension as soon as the weather gets a bit nicer! I will let you know of my results. I'm guessing you're pretty happy with your results. I was planning on going with Koni Yellow's and Eibach Ground Control Weight Jack spring setup.

 

I did something similar about a month ago to my GTA:

Global West Control arms
Global West panhard rod
Koni yellows (at 3/4 turn off soft)
Endlinks and SB bushings
Blasted and painted the rear housing
Blasted and painted the rear brake rotors (rusty parts)

Didn't put the springs in yet - they lower the car and won't be put in until the front is done; TQ arm is a big project and need to get enough motivation and time to install it.

Definitely noticed the rear is more controllable under both power and braking and also has no "float" like it did with the original, dead shocks.

Give yourself 1/2 turn from soft and see how the car reacts (then adjust accordingly) - it won't be 100% until you get the valving correct.

 

Very happy with the results. And quite surprised how important the rear suspension really is. Being a novice, i thought that getting the engine modified was job #1. But not having enough $$$ for the engine i really want, i decided to see how much i can improve the handling of the car.

Actually, the car feels quicker with the modifications to the rear.

Third gen f-body's are arguably, the most maneuverable car for the biggest bang for the buck. These cars appear by testimony on this board as well as others tend to respond very well to suspension modifications. What a great learning experience!

Chuck

 

Thanks, ill try that setting

Chuck