I mean with the suspension. I wanted to get a 91-92 Z28 with very little or no rust and they are going for 4-5,000. I want to drop a 350 make about 300hp. Between the cost of the engine and the Z28 I would not have enough money.

I know that the Z's suspension is a little stiffer but what are the spefications of the springs for both Z and RS. How much would it cost to put stiffer springs in the RS to meet or beat a Z in the suspension department.

Also are there any other suspension parts that are different between the Z and the RS. Thanks.

 

i would want to replace the 10 yr old stuff anyways

 

if you aren't going to mess with it and can get one it relatively good shape then looking at the suspension is a good idea, but if your looking at one in that price range it probably has some milage on her and you will need to replace everything anyway.

i replaced my entire suspension for a little over 1200; but that was using the top name brand stuff like eibach, bilstein, moog, gm performance, kenny brown, etc.

made a huge difference over the 70,000 mile worn out stuff.

drive an rs and a z and there is no comparision stock for stock, but if your going to go through all this work then i would look for the cheapest rs with the best body and frame i could find and be ready to replace just about everything under the sun.

where as the z is more expensive to get into, but the improvements are more than just suspension.....find a l98 and you not only get an upgraded engine; but suspension, brakes, rear gear, bushings, sway bars, interior, fuel system, computer, it goes on and on.

if i had to do it again i personally would have went with a cheap rs if i was going to go the route i went. if i were you i would try and find an L98, throw a 75 shot on her and call it a day.

good luck with your choice.

 

91-92 Z28s also got wonderbars from the factory and IMO look a lot better than RSs but ultimately your wallet will decide what you do lol

 

What are the wonderbars?

 

it's a metal brace that ties the front subframe, it bolts right above the front sway bar and makes the front end stiffer. also prevents stress cracks around the steering box in the subframe

 

Oh ok Thanks.

 

I just bought a beefer (or so I've been told) aftermarket one for my RS for like $50. HUGE difference. But like those other guys have said, it just might be better (per your stated goals) to just buy a nice RS and upgrade the suspension your way.

Wonderbar $50
Eibach springs $250
KYB GR-2 struts and shocks $120
Used WS-6/IROC swaybars $75
Spohn Adjustable Lower Control Arms $145
Spohn LCA relocation brackets $65
Spohn Adjustable Panhard Bar $110
Spohn Subframe Connector $185 (pending)

Installation cost: Approx: $250

Total: $1,250

If you want to you could add in a PST Polygraphit Front End Kit for $160

.....plus about $300 for installation for that.

And that means your looking at about $1,710 for a brand new suspension, better looks, pimp *** handling......and I doubt you'll find too many cars on the road that could out handle you. Oh yeah, don't forget about a nice set of z-rated tires.....may I suggest the Kumho Supra 712's in the Z-28 tire size for just $85 a piece. So add $400 dollars to that and your set.

Now of course if you don't want to lower the car, you could save an *** load of money, but I don't have any suggestions on finding a stiff spring that still rides at stock height, but......

-$40 for the standard LCA
-$25 for the standard Panhard Bar
-$250 for the springs ( in my opinion, the RS springs are just fine for my needs, and I can still out handle most cars )

....and now your down to $1,395 for an extremely nice suspension that is totally new (except for the springs; not sure on the cost for Moog Stock Replacements)

*these totals do not include the price of tires*

Hope this helps.

 

wonderbars weren't on the newer z28 models....they were typically an iroc and earlier z part.

if you look into it you should have no problem picking one up at the junk yard, i didn't notice any difference; but it was also one of the last pieces i added. although if you look at the overall structure you can see that it has a purpose. why gm refused to add them on the newer models is beyond me.

gunny highway has a pretty good breakdown of the overall procedure. the only thing i would add or give a different perspective on would be the spohn equipment........they seemed to be highly rated on here and overall look to be well made.

but, you can get the same configuration through lakewood/edelbrock to save money. in other words there are more companies out there everyday making parts for our cars; do some research on the products your interested in and you'll find all your answers.....when it comes to all cars and adding or modifying them the only person you can trust is yourself; question everything and you'll be able to make your own decision.

good luck as i'm sure you'll learn a good majority of these guys really know their stuff and are happy to help.