I have an '89 Firebird Formula 350 that the original owner restored/rebuilt (and made several mod's in the process) about 15 years ago. It's currently on lowering springs (they're Intrax and the model numbers must be old because they don't match any current Intrax parts as far as I can tell). The rear springs are Intrax 17-003 Rear 302. It had Monroe shocks in the rear (haven't looked closely enough at the front yet) that are completely shot.

This was a factory WS6 car and it seems these mod's actually downgraded the suspension. I've bottomed it out a few times on the bump stops just cruising around.

Any recos for good shocks and springs that won't break the bank? I'm not auto-crossing or drag racing the car... just enjoy driving it around town.

Thanks!

 

Koni yellows seem to be what most prefer for the street as far as shocks/struts. Moog 5662/5665 (i think was the numbers-do a quick search) for front and rear coil springs (for street and stock ride height). HOWEVER, the rear springs are no longer attainable, possibly the front too now. No one has suggested a replacement to these from actually running them that I could ever find. Would be interesting if someone chimed in with some updated suggestions.

 

Cool, thanks! The shocks are so completely worn out that I might just start by replacing those and keeping the springs I have. If there are other recos on a good set of springs though, I'd be very interested to hear what's working well for folks... even if I don't replace mine right away it'll probably get done within the year.

 

So many people like to run out and install higher spring rates on these cars, making them so stiff they'll shake the fillings outta your teeth, and then they rave about "how good it handles", on the way to and from the cruise in once a month. Ask me how I know. I did the same thing on my 89. Now on my 88, I've taken a different approach. I went with as light of a spring as I could, while still allowing me to use Ground Control weight jacks, which I like because they allow me to alter ride height. My goal was to start soft, and stiffen up as needed. I'm also running Koni Yellow's btw. The spring rates are 750 and 150, which are stiffer than stock, but....definitely not considered "stiff" by today's standards. Anyhow, the car handles great, and it rides great too! Definitely better than my previous 89, with much stiffer springs. Anyhow, -If the car was just a cruiser, I'd leave it be can call it a day. ....I want a little more and hope to maybe track it a little, and I'm getting ready to lower the panhard bar, so I've got a set of rear 200# springs on order as well as a lighter swaybar, so I'm gonna do a little tuning.

Since you mention just local driving and not tracking/auto xing....I still think the ground control kit is relatively affordable at around $500. The Koni yellows may be a little pricey for just street driving. I had Tokico HP "blues" on my 89 and they were great AND affordable, but aren't available anymore. I've heard good things about KYB and I think Koni also makes a non adjustable damper (yellows are adjustable). I can't speak on either of those though.