Hi All;

Hope everyone enjoyed their Holiday !! I am looking to upgrade the suspension in my 1985 Trans Am. I am looking to Improve the Handling while also improving the ride, if that is all possible. Seems like the Adjustable shock are all the rage these days. I was looking at KYB, KONI and QA1 Struts and Shocks. Also looking at the QA1 Sway Bar Upgrade Kit. I am ruling out the KYB Excel G since my Buddy has them on is 89 TTA and not happy with the ride quality
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Anyone have these Struts and Shocks on their 3rd Gen Firebird or Camaro ?? Any good Feedback on them. Certainly, a big difference in Price between the 2 companies, but willing to go any route on the 85 TA, owned since 1988 and currently has 185K on her

QA1 HS Series Front Struts 1982-1992 GM F-Body - Instructions say that some 3rd Gen F-Body Spindles require Grinding - Really not looking to do that
QA1 Rear Shocks Non-Adjustable & Single Adjustable
QA1 Front & Rear Sway Bar Kit for 1982-92 Camaro/Firebird - SKU: 52812

KONI PONTIAC FIREBIRD SPORT (YELLOW) SHOCK - FRONT-1982-1992
KONI 8741 1030SPORT Adjustable Strut
Rear 30 1265Sport Shocks

I am open to any feedback on KONI or QA 1 and any other brands that will improve the handing and ride quality.

Thank You

 

I'd skip the QA1's and go straight to the Koni's.

And then put some UMI sway bars on it.

 

QA1 is usually spoken of amongst drag racers. It's not a brand that comes up in conversations about autocross.

 

Grinding is common when going to an adjustable shock. It doesn't require much to clearance for the adjuster ***** at the bottom of the shock. You are doing some minor clearancing not cutting a big chunk out.

 

Thanks for the replies, really helps make the right choices on my 1985 Trans Am. I was leaning towards the Koni Sport Adjustable Shocks. As far as the Sway Bars, what's the main difference between the QA1 Sway Bar Kit and the UMI Performance Sway Bar Kit ?

QA 1Front & Rear Sway Bar Kit for 1982-92 Camaro/Firebird - SKU: 52812 - CNC forming ensured precision fitment for a true bolt-on installation

UMI Performance:
1982-1992 GM F-Body Front Sway Bar, 35mm - Item #: 2117
1982-2002 GM F-Body Rear Sway Bar, 22mm, Tubular - Item #: 2113
Fitment: 1982-1992 GM F-Body
Notes: Each kit includes heavy duty relocation brackets that improve clearances around the steering system and strut.

UMI Performance Notes say you have to relocate brackets for them to fit

I am more looking at a Direct Bolt-On, easy on and easy off. The Plan is to do the Koni Shocks, springs and the sway bars at the same time in the spring.

Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

It's hard to say without knowing the spring rates. Seems like,

* Both are 35 mm diameter on front. QA1 has put more attention to detail with a hollow bar on front (weight savings)
* QA1 has a larger 1" bar on back that is likely stiffer. And they're giving you a lot nicer mounting saddle to the axle, similar to Detroit Speed.
* UMI has a smaller 22 mm bar on back that is hollow. They probably have a different philosophy and pair it with stiffer rear springs.

A long forgotten player is Hellwig with an adjustable rear sway bar. Maybe they're forgotten because it's pretty expensive.
Detroit Speed also makes a 2-position adjustable rear sway bar.