OEM 1LE Springs vs after market springs

[Btrbimmer]

I'm interested in lowering my stock 2014 1LE using the 1" drop BMR (or other brand) aftermarket springs front and rear.

Something like this: http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=p...&productid=836

I saw the thread about the staggered approach, but I'm concerned about front spoiler clearance, so the 1.4" drop seems like too much.

I assume the 1LE has stiffer spring rates than the SS, but I have not seen specific data.
Does anyone know how the stock 1LE springs compare?

My main concern is ride quality and comfort. I'd like to lower the vehicle, but still maintain as much comfort as possible (for a Camaro 1LE) as this is a daily driver and I'm trying to avoid complaints from my spouse on the rare occasion when we take my car for a ride.

Progressive rate springs are supposed to still be comfortable, but I have my doubts.

Any insight or recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks!

[GONIF]

If you lower the car ,you will hate speed bumps and some driveways .

[MReno93]

I too am curious. Looking at doing this too. Thanks for posting.

[BATMOB1LE]

I have a set of BMR 1.4" springs ready to get installed on my 1LE as soon as the weather picks up. I'm SO excited to get them on.

I'm not concerned about clearance or anything. I'll adapt and drive carefully and take inclines on an angle. It's not my daily driver though.

[Dropspeed]

SS and SS/1LE use identical springs. They are linear from the factory.

Feel free to reed my long rant here

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303171

And my Pedders install thread....

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311205

-Matt

[Btrbimmer]

Matt,

I read through your Pedders install thread, but I don't see your overall assessment AFTER going to the track.

What are your thoughts after having the springs installed for 7+ months?

Here is the litmus test: Would your wife notice the difference in ride comfort?

Also, did you look at the Eibach Pro-Kit and other manufacturers?

Thanks,

-Brett

Originally Posted by Dropspeed

SS and SS/1LE use identical springs. They are progressive from the factory.

Feel free to reed my long rant here

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303171

And my Pedders install thread....

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311205

-Matt

[Dropspeed]

Originally Posted by Btrbimmer

Matt,

I read through your Pedders install thread, but I don't see your overall assessment AFTER going to the track.

What are your thoughts after having the springs installed for 7+ months?

Here is the litmus test: Would your wife notice the difference in ride comfort?

Also, did you look at the Eibach Pro-Kit and other manufacturers?

Thanks,

-Brett

Hi Brett,

Didn't want to overwhelm you with posts....here is the on track thoughts. I have lots of threads about tracing the car stock as well.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316591

My wife and I have been toghther for 16 years and she has ridden in everything from all out race cars to lifted trucks....She thinks the Camaro is comfortable, but a firm ride. I have warped her perception of what is comfortable over the years. My 10 year old instantly asked why it was so much more bouncy in the back seat.

Overall I am happy as I got the desired results I wanted. a lower CG, a better look and no loss of on tack performance......However if I did it again I would most likely go with Pedders rear 220035 springs only and leave the front stock.

...forgot to add...I was only looking at linear rate springs because that is what the stock springs are. If you cant find Pedders I did consider the BMR as well, but I have never used them.

-Matt

[1Slow6.2]

BMR lowering springs are actual a dual rate springs with a linear working rate. To make this kind of easier to understand they basically use a softer rate on the top couple coils to get the ride height where they want it but the actual part of the springs that does all the work is linear. I have a set of Bmr springs 1" ready to install soon as Install I'll report back



If you're reading this objects In side view mirrors are losing as I'm rowing the 3:91's

[Btrbimmer]

I did a few searches for the Pedders springs, and many on-line sources do not have springs in stock or at least a very limited selection.

I don't want to drop the car more than 1", so the BMR 1" drop springs seem to be the most attractive for my purposes.

Here are a few that seem to be good candidates:

PFADT 1 to 1.25 inches of drop: $300 (seems to be discontinued by manufacturer)
http://store.pfadtracing.com/camaro-...ngs-2010-2014/

BMR 1" drop:$249
http://www.bmrsuspension.com/?page=p...&productid=836

Eibach Pro-kit 1" drop F & R: $225
(Initial lowering length may be less than 1". Your vehicle will settle shortly into the 1" to 1½" lowered range. Exact length depends on the weight of vehicle components.)
http://performance-suspension-eibach...-4-springs-152

Hotchkis (claims 1" drop but it looks like more in the pictures up front) $357
http://www.hotchkis.net/2010_camaro_...l_springs.html

SLP claims 1" drop $249
http://www.slponline.com/product/700...g-Package.html

Summit Racing (1 to 1.5" drop) $116
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...t/model/camaro

ST Suspensions 1.4" drop F and R - $260 (I think this was Suspension Techniques years ago)
http://www.stsuspensions.com/product...g-kit-153.html

H&R Sport Springs 1.4" Front and 1.3" rear (Part number 50778) $265
http://www.hrsprings.com/application...ts/42/920/2011

B&G Suspension - S2 Sport Springs F: 1.4" R: 1.5" $210
http://b-gsuspension.com/springs.php

SPOHN SRE Springs - "These progressive rate springs will lower your vehicle 1.0" in the front and 1.0" in the rear"
http://www.spohn.net/shop/2010-Chevr...Camaro-V8.html

[HOJO]

[Dropspeed]

Do you plan on tracking or auto crossing the car?

[EarlyApex]

I just finished installing BMR 1" drop springs along with my version of the Pedders Permagrin setup and my observations so far is the look is fantastic, the ride on smooth pavement is very good but med size bumps are harsher bordering on sharp. The ride is not bouncy but I do feel the bumps more than the stock springs. Hard to tell if the springs made the handling better or worse due to the other items added at the same time. This will be my setup for this summer with coilovers on the list for next year.

[Btrbimmer]

Originally Posted by Dropspeed

Do you plan on tracking or auto crossing the car?

I'm planning on attending a few track events each year.

Maybe I'll try autocrossing, but I have a '72 BMW 2002 tii already set up for autocrossing which would be more appropriate.

[Btrbimmer]

Originally Posted by EarlyApex

I just finished installing BMR 1" drop springs along with my version of the Pedders Permagrin setup and my observations so far is the look is fantastic, the ride on smooth pavement is very good but med size bumps are harsher bordering on sharp. The ride is not bouncy but I do feel the bumps more than the stock springs. Hard to tell if the springs made the handling better or worse due to the other items added at the same time. This will be my setup for this summer with coilovers on the list for next year.

I meant to ask< what is your version "Pedders Permagrin setup"?

Did you install bushing inserts and a larger rear swaybar?