2012 v6 Suspension Upgrade Help - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Aprojectile · 07-14-2021, 04:49 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm wanting to upgrade my factory suspension of my car, it's starting to show it's age with how it rides and sounds as well (very squeaky). I'm considering the 1le package from GM but I'm having a hard time finding anyone that has the v6 kit in stock, no issues finding the v8 kit.

So since I can't seem to find anyone currently caring the v6 1le kit, what would be some other alternatives? I would like to stick around the same price range of 1.5k.

And as for my cars current setup, I currently have 20x9 ZL1 replica rims and ZL1 front and rear brakes as well, along with the oem strut tower brace.

Thanks!

gtstorey · 07-15-2021, 08:01 AM

If it's on the original shocks, I would start there. I like my Bilstein's, but even going back with stop would likely be a big improvement if the car has a lot of miles.

bkevind · 07-15-2021, 08:24 AM

Cars tend to feel old and squeaky and creaky mostly because of worn out bushings. Anywhere there is some type of rubber material...it breaks down, needs replacing.

Upgrading your shocks may help the ride quality but...there's a lot more to look at.

redrum_maro · 07-15-2021, 05:32 PM

Since all the parts to upgrade the LT to the 1LE suspension are GM parts you may be able to get away with losing up the part numbers and order each component separately. may cost a little more but you may be able to get everything you need.

Similarly like bkevind stated, as the years go by the car's handling will diminish as the rubber components like bushing begin to weaken from use and weather. Replacing your suspension is a good starting point from there, if you are more serious, begin to replace bushings. You could also upgrade to polyurethane bushings for a little extra performance at the trade off go a harsher ride.

Pearlj10 · 07-15-2021, 09:25 PM

If I remember correctly, the only difference between the V8 and V6 1LE kits are the front springs. I’d just buy the V8 kit and use the V8 springs in the kit. The springs are not unique to the 1LE and were installed on all v8s. I don’t think you’ll have a problem with the front riding high, which is why a lot of aftermarket companies don’t make separate springs for the V6 and V8 apps. I had ss front springs on my V6 and ride height was fine.

Aprojectile · 07-20-2021, 09:13 AM

I figured my bushings was going out too and was going to replace them while I was at it. The reason I was considering upgrading my suspension to the 1le as well is since I've taken my car to a few track day events and would like to do more events as well. I also play on windy mountain roads a lot as well. So I am looking for better handling with the car.

I figured I could probably snag a v8 1le kit and it would work just fine. I've also considered just going with a Z28 kit as well but I'm not sure if I want to spend that much.

olblue75 · 07-20-2021, 09:40 AM

You don’t really have a lot of bushing since most of them are a encapsulated monoball I’d do the V8 since you the V8 brakes all around an be done with it. I threw away a lot of my 2010 SS stuff in favor of 1LE parts an then shifted to DSE rear arms.
I have;
JPSS rear bar
PFADT subframe bushings
DSE toe an trailing arms still running the LCAs
1LE shocks
Z28 upper rear control arm bushings

Aprojectile · 07-20-2021, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblue75

You don’t really have a lot of bushing since most of them are a encapsulated monoball I’d do the V8 since you the V8 brakes all around an be done with it. I threw away a lot of my 2010 SS stuff in favor of 1LE parts an then shifted to DSE rear arms.
I have;
JPSS rear bar
PFADT subframe bushings
DSE toe an trailing arms still running the LCAs
1LE shocks
Z28 upper rear control arm bushings

How does the car feel with your current setup compared to when you ran 1le parts?

olblue75 · 07-20-2021, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aprojectile

How does the car feel with your current setup compared to when you ran 1le parts?

I does feel more connected an precise plus adjusting is a lot better.

AlanRubin · 07-21-2021, 01:58 AM

I went all 1LE, and it's a lot tighter on turns. The front sway-bar is better, the
rear won't fit unless you have Brembo calipers, and the 2012+ LCAs. I got a
complete ~5 mille 1LE take off suspension for $200 locally, last year. The car had
over 100,000 on it at the time, so buying was just more of a refresh, but it all
happened to be 1LE stuff. All I have left is the rear sway bar and links, which I
can't use not having Brembo calipers.

Aprojectile · 07-21-2021, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanRubin

I went all 1LE, and it's a lot tighter on turns. The front sway-bar is better, the
rear won't fit unless you have Brembo calipers, and the 2012+ LCAs. I got a
complete ~5 mille 1LE take off suspension for $200 locally, last year. The car had
over 100,000 on it at the time, so buying was just more of a refresh, but it all
happened to be 1LE stuff. All I have left is the rear sway bar and links, which I
can't use not having Brembo calipers.

I have ZL1 brakes all the way around so I'll be covered there. I might just grab a v8 1le kit and maybe try and get the v6 front springs to swap out with. What is the LCA though?

Aprojectile · 07-21-2021, 03:53 PM

I should mention the reason I have been considering 1LE stuff is simply for ease of replacement parts as time goes on. I have no problem going with a full aftermarket or mixed oem and aftermarket setup. Overall though, I'm looking for better setup than stock to help improve handling for track days, while still being street friendly since I daily drive this car.

olblue75 · 07-21-2021, 09:41 PM

Lower control arms

Aprojectile · 07-21-2021, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olblue75

Lower control arms

Ah okay, yeah my car is also a 2012 so I'm good there as well.

07-14-2021, 04:49 PM	#1
Aprojectile Drives: 2012 Camaro LS Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Georgetown, SC Posts: 213	2012 v6 Suspension Upgrade Help Hello everyone, I'm wanting to upgrade my factory suspension of my car, it's starting to show it's age with how it rides and sounds as well (very squeaky). I'm considering the 1le package from GM but I'm having a hard time finding anyone that has the v6 kit in stock, no issues finding the v8 kit. So since I can't seem to find anyone currently caring the v6 1le kit, what would be some other alternatives? I would like to stick around the same price range of 1.5k. And as for my cars current setup, I currently have 20x9 ZL1 replica rims and ZL1 front and rear brakes as well, along with the oem strut tower brace. Thanks!

07-15-2021, 08:24 AM	#3
bkevind Drives: 2013 2SS RS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Austin Posts: 555 View My Garage	Cars tend to feel old and squeaky and creaky mostly because of worn out bushings. Anywhere there is some type of rubber material...it breaks down, needs replacing. Upgrading your shocks may help the ride quality but...there's a lot more to look at. __________________ 468, Mishimoto rad + oil cooler, TSP LTH MCS 2WNR CTSV/ZL1 front calipers/rotors + G-Loc Forgestar CF-5 19x11

07-20-2021, 09:40 AM	#7
olblue75 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Clarksville Tennesse. Posts: 6,067	You don’t really have a lot of bushing since most of them are a encapsulated monoball I’d do the V8 since you the V8 brakes all around an be done with it. I threw away a lot of my 2010 SS stuff in favor of 1LE parts an then shifted to DSE rear arms. I have; JPSS rear bar PFADT subframe bushings DSE toe an trailing arms still running the LCAs 1LE shocks Z28 upper rear control arm bushings __________________ Orange Krush II 1LE Front sway bar, Splitter, shocks and struts, Z28 dual mode mufflers, Intake, UCA Bushings, and Toresen 3.91 Diff. 1 piece DSS Drive Shaft, ZL1/C7 Calipers, and 32mm JPSS Rear Bar. ASC race spec splitter and wicker. 6th Gen M017 Wheels. Stainless Works 1 7/8 LTs. DSE and PAFDT Suspension components.

07-21-2021, 09:41 PM	#13
olblue75 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Clarksville Tennesse. Posts: 6,067	Lower control arms __________________ Orange Krush II 1LE Front sway bar, Splitter, shocks and struts, Z28 dual mode mufflers, Intake, UCA Bushings, and Toresen 3.91 Diff. 1 piece DSS Drive Shaft, ZL1/C7 Calipers, and 32mm JPSS Rear Bar. ASC race spec splitter and wicker. 6th Gen M017 Wheels. Stainless Works 1 7/8 LTs. DSE and PAFDT Suspension components.

07-15-2021, 08:01 AM	#2
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,174	If it's on the original shocks, I would start there. I like my Bilstein's, but even going back with stop would likely be a big improvement if the car has a lot of miles.

07-15-2021, 05:32 PM	#4
redrum_maro Runs on caffeine Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Somewhere driving fast Posts: 120	Since all the parts to upgrade the LT to the 1LE suspension are GM parts you may be able to get away with losing up the part numbers and order each component separately. may cost a little more but you may be able to get everything you need. Similarly like bkevind stated, as the years go by the car's handling will diminish as the rubber components like bushing begin to weaken from use and weather. Replacing your suspension is a good starting point from there, if you are more serious, begin to replace bushings. You could also upgrade to polyurethane bushings for a little extra performance at the trade off go a harsher ride.

07-15-2021, 09:25 PM	#5
Pearlj10 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Az Posts: 367	If I remember correctly, the only difference between the V8 and V6 1LE kits are the front springs. I’d just buy the V8 kit and use the V8 springs in the kit. The springs are not unique to the 1LE and were installed on all v8s. I don’t think you’ll have a problem with the front riding high, which is why a lot of aftermarket companies don’t make separate springs for the V6 and V8 apps. I had ss front springs on my V6 and ride height was fine.

07-20-2021, 09:13 AM	#6
Aprojectile Drives: 2012 Camaro LS Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Georgetown, SC Posts: 213	I figured my bushings was going out too and was going to replace them while I was at it. The reason I was considering upgrading my suspension to the 1le as well is since I've taken my car to a few track day events and would like to do more events as well. I also play on windy mountain roads a lot as well. So I am looking for better handling with the car. I figured I could probably snag a v8 1le kit and it would work just fine. I've also considered just going with a Z28 kit as well but I'm not sure if I want to spend that much.

07-21-2021, 01:58 AM	#10
AlanRubin Banned Drives: 2010 LS Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Pgh Posts: 411	I went all 1LE, and it's a lot tighter on turns. The front sway-bar is better, the rear won't fit unless you have Brembo calipers, and the 2012+ LCAs. I got a complete ~5 mille 1LE take off suspension for $200 locally, last year. The car had over 100,000 on it at the time, so buying was just more of a refresh, but it all happened to be 1LE stuff. All I have left is the rear sway bar and links, which I can't use not having Brembo calipers.

07-21-2021, 03:53 PM	#12
Aprojectile Drives: 2012 Camaro LS Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Georgetown, SC Posts: 213	I should mention the reason I have been considering 1LE stuff is simply for ease of replacement parts as time goes on. I have no problem going with a full aftermarket or mixed oem and aftermarket setup. Overall though, I'm looking for better setup than stock to help improve handling for track days, while still being street friendly since I daily drive this car.