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So I have an 88 Camaro and I am going to be swapping a 5.3 in it soon. I was wondering what I could do to make it handle better and ride smoother.
Also I am planning to put a 6l80e behind the 5.3 and I've read that with the six speed manuals that it causes body flex problems and stuff I don't know how an automatic six speed will be. Also I'd rather not pay a fortune for the mods too so yah there's that too.
Replace all the wore-out, decrepit, sagging, used-up stock stuff: springs, shocks/struts, control arm bushings (in the rear it makes more sense to just replace the entire CA), sway bar end links & bushings, etc.
Not sure how the # of speeds in a transmission would impact body flex; never heard anything of the kind before.
Also not sure about the "fortune" crap... parts cost what they cost, and they don't listen to a bunch of ... that. Granted, you can pay anywhere from like $15 a shock for total crap like Gabriel, to $300 apiece for Koni yellows; the general idea is to get what's appropriate to your goals, without either going overboard or cheeeeeeeeping out. For most people who aren't looking for the last couple of milliseconds on a slalom course or the like, something in-between is usually adequate. Kinda follow the rule that if you can't tell the difference, don't pay the difference; but if the difference matters to you, then shut up about the cost and just buy it.
Handle better, and ride smoother, are not usually two things that go together with these old cars.
If you want middle of the road on both then do like sofa said and replace all the bushings and other suspension goodies with factory replacements. Then you'll have a car that handles well, and rides like it did in 1988(mostly).
If you want better handling you can get stiffer shocks, poly bushings, etc. etc. but its going to ride rough.
Another suggestion is tire size, low-profile tires look cool but they also don't absorb as much, running 15" or 16" rims with good profiles will smooth out the ride.
When I said I didn't want to pay a fortune for the suspension I meant like 2000+$ in the suspension alone, I know the engine is going to be expensive 3000ish for the engine and trans and then Ive got loads small stuff. I mentioned that point because I know there's new k members and stuff you can get out there and they're if I remember right, pretty expensive.
Wasn't meant as a challenge, but if it motivates you - sure. Your dreams/wishes are not supported by reality (5k budget) - pretty common, please don't take offense. Most spend money on power, then have little left for suspension or even brakes. IMO - suspension improvements have the most "fun" effect (how a car handles). Your wishes for motor and trans supports this assessment.
2k is not a lot - new dampahhs and rubbahhs plus stock replacements. That's my advice.
Post pics of the 6L80e install?
Good Luck, I mean that sincerely. You need more $$ for an LS swap and supporting mods.
yah this car is sort of my baby and my first car so for this whole swap and mods to achieve the ultimate level of awesomeness its got like a 15 to 20k budget. and I will definitely post pics when I do it probably a build thread I'm rebuilding a 2.2 for my s10 then I'm going to sell my gmc jimmy that I'm driving now and that should get the ball rolling.
I have done the 5.3 6l80 swap and have put alot of miles on my 1991 camaro convertible
I really like it. I posted pics when I did the swap
Nice work, and a lot of it. Any pics of the exhaust around it?
The OP has wishes and a small budget. I don't want to discourage anyone, rather encourage. Counting the cost before beginning is essential to completion and satisfaction. Most of us, myself included, took a long-term approach and completed in stages.
That is why I believe suspension and brakes are the place to start, gives the best enjoyment/feel/control/SAFETY, and keeps the interest going on the project(s). It maximizes the strength of the platform - handling. It keeps the car on the road and builds excitement every time you are behind the wheel. If one cheaps out here, it's likely they will continue to do so, and maybe not even finish - IMHO. Unsprung weight is not cheap!; but it brings the car alive.
Money limits us all. Resist the desire for more power (at least, for now). Everyone does not have to make the choices that I did, but please re-think your priorities and take a long-term approach that will build pride/satisfaction and help you reach your goals. That's my advice, FWIW. I would like to see you succeed.
Start with shocks and springs, this is probably the upgrade that will give you the "biggest bang for your buck".
Then if your looking for upgraded handling(which will give you a firmer ride) start replacing the factory stamped steel components that have rubber bushings to components with a stiffer bushing or one that will give you articulation.
I have pics of the exaust off the car . It was off while I had the engine back out to put the oil pressure relief valve in the pan. 2.5 thru the bullet cats 3" after
02-16-2017, 06:30 AM
