FE3 struts/shocks vs FE4 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Crazych66 · 01-25-2021, 11:25 AM

Hi, I have a 2012 SS vert with the FE3 suspension. I'm in process of upgrading my rear sway bar and end links to the ZL1/1LE bar. Future plans include lowering springs (~1"). I'd like to tighten things up some; however, I'd like to maintain some modicum of ride comfort because even with headers and axle back I will never be able to drown out the complaints from the wife from a stiff ride.

Understand the FE4 suspension is better all around. The question is: Is there a difference between FE3 struts/shocks and the FE4? I see there is a part number difference. If so, is it worth it to change them out? I considered the 1LE struts/shocks but from what I've read, there is a significant difference in ride comfort. The budget doesn't call for more expensive options.

Thanks!

Pearlj10 · 01-25-2021, 01:53 PM

Yes, according to Justice Pete, an expert who no longer frequents this forum, the valving changes from F3 to F4 shocks were significant, both in terms of ride quality and performance. Consider upgrading the rear shock mounts when you add springs. The 1LE mounts are much better and get the shock working quicker. You can use the mounts with F4 shocks if you go that route.

Avenging Orange · 01-25-2021, 04:37 PM

I upgraded to the fe4 dampers front/rear. They are significantly improved without affecting ride comfort.

Crazych66 · 01-25-2021, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

I upgraded to the fe4 dampers front/rear. They are significantly improved without affecting ride comfort.

Great thanks!

Crazych66 · 01-25-2021, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pearlj10

Yes, according to Justice Pete, an expert who no longer frequents this forum, the valving changes from F3 to F4 shocks were significant, both in terms of ride quality and performance. Consider upgrading the rear shock mounts when you add springs. The 1LE mounts are much better and get the shock working quicker. You can use the mounts with F4 shocks if you go that route.

Thanks been reading his old posts and didn’t see anything about the shock changes. Looks like I’ll be upgrading them! Thanks for the tip on the mounts!

CamaroCracka · 01-28-2021, 01:01 PM

1le shocks are monotube and are designed to work with the stock springs. Not sure non-1le FE4 shocks are any different than the FE3 pieces.

Crazych66 · 01-30-2021, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroCracka

1le shocks are monotube and are designed to work with the stock springs. Not sure non-1le FE4 shocks are any different than the FE3 pieces.

Interesting. What I do know is that the part numbers are different, which would lead me to believe there have been some changes from FE3 to FE4.

Pearlj10 · 01-30-2021, 02:14 PM

Justice Pete said the FE4 bar geometry and revised shock dampening were the highlights of the revised suspension. Here’s his specific words on the FE4 shocks:

The new 5th Gen suspension will will have greater control with a revised bound and rebound map. That control will reduce overall suspension travel. or in short hand, less float.

From this thread:
https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showt...=157292&page=3

I definitely noticed a difference in valving when switching to FE4 shocks. Definitely firmer imho.

Crazych66 · 01-30-2021, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pearlj10

Justice Pete said the FE4 bar geometry and revised shock dampening were the highlights of the revised suspension. Here’s his specific words on the FE4 shocks:

The new 5th Gen suspension will will have greater control with a revised bound and rebound map. That control will reduce overall suspension travel. or in short hand, less float.

From this thread:
https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showt...=157292&page=3

I definitely noticed a difference in valving when switching to FE4 shocks. Definitely firmer imho.

Thanks again! Justice Pete is the suspension guru and provides further evidence that there is some positive change with the FE4 dampers.

01-25-2021, 11:25 AM	#1
Crazych66 Drives: '12 Camaro 2SS/RS Vert Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 185	FE3 struts/shocks vs FE4 Hi, I have a 2012 SS vert with the FE3 suspension. I'm in process of upgrading my rear sway bar and end links to the ZL1/1LE bar. Future plans include lowering springs (~1"). I'd like to tighten things up some; however, I'd like to maintain some modicum of ride comfort because even with headers and axle back I will never be able to drown out the complaints from the wife from a stiff ride. Understand the FE4 suspension is better all around. The question is: Is there a difference between FE3 struts/shocks and the FE4? I see there is a part number difference. If so, is it worth it to change them out? I considered the 1LE struts/shocks but from what I've read, there is a significant difference in ride comfort. The budget doesn't call for more expensive options. Thanks! __________________ 2012 Camaro SS Convertible: 2SS, LS3, M6, Triple Black. Mods: Solo Axleback, 1LE FE6 rear swaybar, CAGS delete, Vararam CAI, Heritage grill, Hotchkis springs, '15 FE4 struts/shocks, ZL1 side rockers, Velgen Classic5 wheels, Pedders radius rod bushings, ARH LTHs, gutted HFCs,...

01-25-2021, 04:37 PM	#3
Avenging Orange Drives: 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clermont, IN Posts: 3,297	I upgraded to the fe4 dampers front/rear. They are significantly improved without affecting ride comfort. __________________ 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS M6 Black Leather, Sun Roof, OBX Headers, Borla touring axle back, Cold Air Inductions CAI , non synthetic fluids, BMR total bushing upgrade/1" lowering springs, DSE 32mm rear sway bar. GM fe4 shocks/struts/LCA's, AAM 3.91 diff, Vertini RFS1.8 20x9 +30. Conti ExtremeContact Sport 275/35/20. sjm autoprod ABL dash kit. Mike Norris tuned 413/419. Avenging Orange: 43 years of not buying into the Hype........and damn proud of it!! https://youtu.be/9JD9it6SmB8 https://youtu.be/xmelTlEzI34 KICKING CANCERS ASS SINCE 2015!!

01-28-2021, 01:01 PM	#6
CamaroCracka Drives: 2010 Turbo LS3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 2,741	1le shocks are monotube and are designed to work with the stock springs. Not sure non-1le FE4 shocks are any different than the FE3 pieces. __________________ 2010 SS - On3 kit with downpipe cutout, CTR 78/80, CompCam 239/251 620/632 122+4, E85, Z28 suspension and ZL1 diff with Outlaw axles. Gen6 ZL1/1LE brakes. 2011 Vert - 416/w 230/236 .612/.602 115lsa, 1LE suspension w/32mm rear bar. Z28 diff. ZL1 brakes.

01-25-2021, 01:53 PM	#2
Pearlj10 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Az Posts: 367	Yes, according to Justice Pete, an expert who no longer frequents this forum, the valving changes from F3 to F4 shocks were significant, both in terms of ride quality and performance. Consider upgrading the rear shock mounts when you add springs. The 1LE mounts are much better and get the shock working quicker. You can use the mounts with F4 shocks if you go that route.

01-30-2021, 02:14 PM	#8
Pearlj10 Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Az Posts: 367	Justice Pete said the FE4 bar geometry and revised shock dampening were the highlights of the revised suspension. Here’s his specific words on the FE4 shocks: The new 5th Gen suspension will will have greater control with a revised bound and rebound map. That control will reduce overall suspension travel. or in short hand, less float. From this thread: https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showt...=157292&page=3 I definitely noticed a difference in valving when switching to FE4 shocks. Definitely firmer imho.