Below I'm going to list some suspension parts. I hope you guys can tell me what they do, do I need them, if I will see a massive difference, & how much modification it will take to install.

Steering Brace (aka Wonderbar)

Lower Control Arms & Relocation Brackets

Panhard Bars

Panhard Bars

Torque Arms


What do I need?

I'm not going to be racing, but I want a decent response with my suspension.

 

Here's what I did:

Energy Suspension motor, tranny, secondary crossmember, torque arm, bump stops, and tie-rod boots, Prothane A-arm bushings, Global West steering box brace and subframe connectors, Hotchkis tie-rod sleeves, 1LE sway bars with GM poly end links and Top-Down Solutions greaseable 36mm front and Energy Suspension greaseable 24mm rear bushings, Edelbrock torque arm, Spohn lower control arms and panhard.

I'm sure you'll get differing opinions, but in my view, if you're not going to race, and I don't, perhaps your best bet is SFC's and a steering box brace (aka the Wonderbar). These will help with the structural integrity of the body by eliminating flex. Add to those, new struts and shocks, and you'll probably be well satisfied.

JamesC

 

hey James how did you like your Edelbrock torque arm? I need a new one and cannot decide on a company. How much stronger than stock does it feel?

 

As you can see, it's not stamped steel, so of course, it's be much sturdier.

JamesC

 

I like it, if i may ask where did you make your purchase? And what was the price on that model?

 

I purchased from Summit, EDL-5280 ($169.69). I had this one stripped and powder-coat to match my suspension. FYI, this one won't fit a 9-bolt rear without some modification. It is non-adjustable, if that's important to you. It comes, IIRC, with a poly mount.

JamesC

 

thats a good looking set-up you got there. I just ordered some tubular control arms and a panhard from UMI performance and a Tds wonderbar. I think i am gonna go with the edlebrock TA. Next up i need to find me some better sways.

 

I went with stock GM, hollow 36 mm front and solid 24 mm rear. With powder-coating, I don't think I spent more than $75.

JamesC

 

I just put in some lowering springs, boxed control arms with poly bushings, and lower relocation brackets. Even with crappy tires, the amount of added traction was incredible. Too bad the track closes this week.

 

just ordered the TA from summit, gonna hit up the local Junks to find me some sways. This is all going in my little 2.8 camaro it may be slow but that bish is gonna corner.

 

JamesC, recommends pretty close to what I have.

Here's my set up:

-SPohn weld in sub frames
-TDS wonderbar ( Yes I had the stock Iroc before, and I did notice a difference over stock)
-36mm 1LE swaybar
- BMR two point STB
- prothane poly trans mount
- Baer Sport (1LE) brakes, hawk pads in rear


* 70K worn out (holding on) KYB shocks
* Kuhmo ecsta 712 255-50-16


comments: needs better tires for high speeds, I have RE750's on my other car and they are alot more tire than the Kuhmo's

Slow to medium speed handling is excellent- even with all the other stock parts, even with worn original strut mounts. The

1LE sway made a very noticeable difference, as did the the subs, as does the BMR stb, before I ramble. I would have to say that for the minimum upgrades this is the way to go for a street car. my car has enough hanling to balance the increase in power I have over stock. never feels like its over it's capabilities except when at very high speeds ( over 100) probably due to the tires - and yes it's all relative to what you have experience with - some people think Kuhmos are a high perf. tire - they are not- for the money they are great- but that' it.


same with the KYB's

I like the way my car drives with the mods it has and would strongly recommend them to anyone, especially if you have a higher HP car. The Baer brakes for me made the most dramtic difference , and made the car much safer.


When I have the $ I will finnish with the rest of the suspension, Just my other car already has all the stuff, so it's not the highest priority for me- but try this as a minimum of mods, and you will notice quite a bit of improvement in control over stock.

Oh yeah, and always get some good end links, this is a cheap and effective way to increase suspension feel.

my $.02