ZL1 springs--worth it?

[Hotchkis]

I would be careful with ZL1 springs. Spring rates need to be matched to the damping rate of your shocks/struts to make sure you don't kill your ride quality. With the ZL1's Magnetic Ride Control shocks there is a good chance the spring rates won't match the damping rates of the V6 non-MRC shocks/struts. I would definitely take a look at the springs that we offer. Our springs lower the Camaro by 1" all around, giving it a more aggressive stance, lower center of gravity, and better handling without compromising it usability. We designed them to work with factory damping rates so that you do not end up with a bouncy ride. We also engineered a spring that is designed specifically to work on the Convertible platform instead of just having a "1 size fits all" spring.



Though you may be only starting with springs now, if you decide to keep modifying your suspension we have all of the parts needed to take your suspension from basic to advanced. All of our products are designed and engineered to complement each other so there is no need to worry that parts won't fit or work correctly like when you mix-'n-match.

Check out what Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/h...r-than-before/) and Road and Track (http://www.hotchkis.net/_uploaded_fi...5thgen_zz1.pdf) think about our improvements to the 5th Gen Camaro.

[bajamoon]

Originally Posted by Hotchkis

I would be careful with ZL1 springs. Spring rates need to be matched to the damping rate of your shocks/struts to make sure you don't kill your ride quality. With the ZL1's Magnetic Ride Control shocks there is a good chance the spring rates won't match the damping rates of the V6 non-MRC shocks/struts. I would definitely take a look at the springs that we offer. Our springs lower the Camaro by 1" all around, giving it a more aggressive stance, lower center of gravity, and better handling without compromising it usability. We also took factory damping rates into account when designing these springs so that you do not end up with a bouncy ride. We also engineered a spring that is designed specifically to work on the Convertible platform instead of just having a "1 size fits all" spring.



Though you may be only starting with springs now, if you decide to keep modifying your suspension we have all of the parts needed to take your suspension from basic to advanced. All of our products are designed and engineered to complement each other so there is no need to worry that parts won't fit or work correctly like when you mix-'n-match.

Check out what Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/h...r-than-before/) and Road and Track (http://www.hotchkis.net/_uploaded_fi...5thgen_zz1.pdf) think about our improvements to the 5th Gen Camaro.

Will they fit the 2012 ss?

[Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by bajamoon

Will they fit the 2012 ss?

Yes they do!

[bajamoon]

Originally Posted by Hotchkis

Yes they do!

Hhhmmmm. A local member was going to buy Tom but he was told by somebody at your shop they don't fit the 2012's. I have 2012 suspension and I need springs

[NDC123]

Don't the lowering springs have different spring rates to accommodate for less travel? Basically not putting any more stress on your struts than normal?

[Hotchkis]

Originally Posted by bajamoon

Hhhmmmm. A local member was going to buy Tom but he was told by somebody at your shop they don't fit the 2012's. I have 2012 suspension and I need springs

I checked with our engineer and the suspension update happened for the 2013 model year. He said the 2012 model year is good to go.

[JDP Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Roll_the_Dice

I picked up some ZL1 springs recently to lower my car 1 1/4". Then I started reading that just with springs alone, my shocks and struts will wear out much faster. Would I be better off selling these and saving for coilovers? If so, I will have these springs for sale soon....Thanks!

I wouldn't suggest going that route as the ZL1 damping is different than the V6 damping... They will work but your ride quality will suffer. I'd get a good set of springs that were engineered for your dampers and I wouldn't go lower than 1.25". Factory struts are generally good for 35000-40000 and we have customers with more 40000+ miles at a 1.25" drop and cut bump stops.. I would pick up a set of 1" springs from BMR, Hotchkis or Pedders if you're concerned about adverse wear and tear on your factory dampers. Please feel free to call, email or PM me anytime with questions!

Originally Posted by bajamoon

I have Pfadt springs now for a little over 20,000 miles and my shocks and struts are done. I bottom out daily. I got some struts/shocks and oem springs off a 2012 with no miles for cheap. Those are going on and the old going in the trash. Go coilovers if you want to go lower. My .002

There are a lot of factors and I have 50+ customers with 40000+ on their factory dampers and Pfadt springs that haven't had a problem. I have however seen a few but that also includes 100% stock suspended Camaros.. I think with anything it is luck of the draw sometimes. Although coilovers are excellent they do cost more and a good set of springs will work for most people. California freeway are brutal also!

Originally Posted by Hotchkis

I would be careful with ZL1 springs. Spring rates need to be matched to the damping rate of your shocks/struts to make sure you don't kill your ride quality. With the ZL1's Magnetic Ride Control shocks there is a good chance the spring rates won't match the damping rates of the V6 non-MRC shocks/struts. I would definitely take a look at the springs that we offer. Our springs lower the Camaro by 1" all around, giving it a more aggressive stance, lower center of gravity, and better handling without compromising it usability. We designed them to work with factory damping rates so that you do not end up with a bouncy ride. We also engineered a spring that is designed specifically to work on the Convertible platform instead of just having a "1 size fits all" spring.



Though you may be only starting with springs now, if you decide to keep modifying your suspension we have all of the parts needed to take your suspension from basic to advanced. All of our products are designed and engineered to complement each other so there is no need to worry that parts won't fit or work correctly like when you mix-'n-match.

Check out what Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/h...r-than-before/) and Road and Track (http://www.hotchkis.net/_uploaded_fi...5thgen_zz1.pdf) think about our improvements to the 5th Gen Camaro.

I've been very pleased with the Hotchkis springs!

Originally Posted by bajamoon

Will they fit the 2012 ss?

They will fit the 2012 without any issues.

Originally Posted by NDC123

Don't the lowering springs have different spring rates to accommodate for less travel? Basically not putting any more stress on your struts than normal?

The rates can be progressively increased up to 5-6% stiffer but once you pass that threshold you'll start getting what I call the "Honda Bounce". Everyone has seen the Hondas bouncing down the freeway...

Please feel free to call, email or PM me anytime with questions. We've used and installed most products and we're always happy to help our customer get the right product for their needs the first time!

Kind regards,

Jordan Priestley
888.308.6007

[Roll_the_Dice]

Thanks Jordan...I appreciate the information. Thanks everyone for all the good posts. I have decided to sell the ZL1 springs and either do a different spring or coilovers. Now the search continues...

[JDP Motorsports]

Originally Posted by Roll_the_Dice

Thanks Jordan...I appreciate the information. Thanks everyone for all the good posts. I have decided to sell the ZL1 springs and either do a different spring or coilovers. Now the search continues...

No problem! Just give me a call anytime with questions or when you're ready and we'll take care of you!

Kind regards,

Jordan Priestley
888.308.6007

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by bajamoon

I have 2012 suspension and I need springs

15% Off Parts and 0% for 6 Months

Originally Posted by Roll_the_Dice

Thanks, yours is one of the threads I read last night, that sparked this one. I never thought about the shocks and struts going out quickly because of the springs....

Your strut should not wear out quickly, but the V6 shocks are a poor match for the ZL1 coils. Look around for a set of 2012 SS or the harder to find but very good 1LE struts. Those will be a good match to your ZL1 coils.

[bajamoon]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

15% Off Parts and 0% for 6 Months





Your strut should not wear out quickly, but the V6 shocks are a poor match for the ZL1 coils. Look around for a set of 2012 SS or the harder to find but very good 1LE struts. Those will be a good match to your ZL1 coils.

I agree they shouldn't but they did lol. I have new take off 2012 ss struts that will replace my 11 ss struts for now

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by bajamoon

I agree they shouldn't but they did lol. I have new take off 2012 ss struts that will replace my 11 ss struts for now

Perfect match for Pedders coils

[VR Baron]

I'll find out next week how the Hotchkis springs do with my 2012 shocks next week.
Now that they work with the 2012's..lol

[bajamoon]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

Perfect match for Pedders coils

Pete I agree and I have talked with Rob about it but my wallet is saying NO lol. I would like nothing more then to have your springs under my car trust me