ZL1 springs installed on my 2LT/RS

[Abomb1223]

ive seen the same questions asked 31634 times in this thread haha

[01pewterz28]

Originally Posted by SPCBA

did you time the bushings?

No

[Bruce@raymondsperformance]

Originally Posted by 01pewterz28

No

I would consider doing this.

[VR Baron]

Timed mine on the new car but didnt on the old car, same springs. Only difference was the shocks and no difference whether timed bushes or not.I hear they" reset" in about 5 miles anyway.

[01pewterz28]

Originally Posted by SPCBA

did you time the bushings?

Originally Posted by Bruce@raymondsperformance

I would consider doing this.

Thanks I am thinking about doing some suspension mods and this was on my list.

[carrs_crew]

What does "timing the bushings" mean thanks

[VR Baron]

Originally Posted by carrs_crew

What does "timing the bushings" mean thanks

All the suspension rubber bushings all the movable parts in the suspension mount with. When you lower, or raise a car they are said to twist or in a way preload if not lossened to be allowed to rotate to their new correct position.If the bolts are loosened so they can rotate to the new ride height position, then retighten the bolts, they will be in the correct spot, last longer as no preload is on them and they wont shear or wear badly, and the ride is better by a little bit.

[Eddiefuzz]

Bump for a pretty cool mod. After reading this thread back in December. I found a set of ZL1 springs for $185 shipped and had them installed around the first week in February. LOVE THEM! Professionaly installed ,bushings timed ,and realinged. The car corners like it's on rails. Very firm,very little roll. The only thing different I have found is my car only dropped 20mm or 3/4 of an inch. Which I like, but want to inform others thinking that because the springs are just over an inch shorter, the car would drop that much. I'm no expert, and my mechanics agrees that the ZL1 springs are stiffer than the ls springs. Like I said ,Great Thread/Mod.

[KMPrenger]

So I've been looking at springs today.

Always felt like the ZL1 has the perfect ride height for me. Less gap, but the gap is still there. Some lowering springs...even ones advertised as 1.25" drop seem to put the tire pretty close to the wheel well which is a look I do not like.

OP I knew your car was lowered but had no idea it was on ZL1 springs. Do you or anyone happen to know what the spring rates on the ZL1 springs are?

So far I think my top pick would have been Pfadt V6 lowering springs which are advertised to drop at 1" to 1.25", but honestly they look to be a tad lower than these ZL1 springs from the pictures I've been eyeballing.

If the rates on the ZL1 springs aren't too harsh, I may just consider them, as they are likely cheaper especially if I can find a used set.

EDIT: OK so I found this:

The ZL1 uses solid 25mm front and 28mm rear stabilizer bars, along with a variable rate 70 N/mm to 45 N/mm spring in the rear; the front 27 N/mm spring rate is the same as an SS.

So it sounds like the rear spring is progressive? I'm seeing that the V6 rate is 25 N/mm front and 55 N/mm rear.

How much different would you say ride is compared to stock V6 ride honestly?

[L99CAMA2011]

Originally Posted by 01pewterz28

I had mine checked when I did my wheels the dealership told me to bring it back they will check it no charge for me. I do not expect anything to change it still drives strait as an arrow so far. I take it in Wednesday so they can have a look on the digital alignment rack.

When you lower these cars the front gains more toe out setting. You need to have your car realigned.

[KMPrenger]

Originally Posted by L99CAMA2011

When you lower these cars the front gains more toe out setting. You need to have your car realigned.

He did. Everything looked good...I just brought back an older thread to ask some questions.

[tangyiomss]

So how much drop in the SS with ZL1 springs?

[KMPrenger]

OK, shot in the dark but I was talking with a member here about buying their ZL1 springs, and now I have accidentally deleted our PMs and I can't remember the screen name!

If that person happens to see this please get in contact with me!

[KMPrenger]

So I just returned from my parents place where I did the ZL1 springs install with my dad's help. My dad has a huge shop with air tools and all that so I just decided to go there instead of wrenching it in my garage. Really just need a 2nd person to help lift or hold things in place while you screw in a bolt and stuff like that....otherwise it was pretty simple stuff. All in all, I'd say it took us around 4 hours in total. But heck, if I had all the tools laid out first, now I think I could do it in 2 or 3 hours.

No pictures yet, but I'm pretty happy with the results. Going to get the bushings timed and an alignment this week. Then I'll probably get some pictures after that.

The drop isn't as much as the typical aftermarket drop. I'd say I lost 3/4" to 1"....which for me is perfect. I wanted a stance just like a ZL1, and now I have it with the ZL1 springs. I was worried about the ride quality, but after driving home all my worries are gone. It rides great. Very close to stock when your just cruising. The ONLY very minor difference I've noticed was on the highway I felt a tad bit more movement, but honestly that's only b/c I was paying attention to it. It soaks up the bumps just fine, and although I didn't push it in turns, the handling feels better. (It should lol) Maybe once I have the bushings timed and an alignment it will be even better as far as the stuff I felt on the highway.

I wish I had done this a long time ago.

Will get pictures as soon as I have some decent ones.