Which suspension parts to upgrade?

[allmotor]

I'd like input regarding what suspension components I should consider replacing considering my goals below. I'll try to make this as painless as possible. Besides the mods in my sig, I'm having JRE install LPE 3:91 gears, axles, toe links, subframe bushings and trailing arms. Current RWHP is 463. I'm considering lowering the car a bit and I might add a power adder. No track or autocross. Purley a toy, but I want to build it "right". Thanks Mike

[IROCanSS]

So... what are you asking again?

If youre replacing "gears, axles, toe links, subframe bushings and trailing arms"... what else you you talking about?

All that is really left is springs and sway and ABSOLUTELY replace those!

I just got a one piece drive shaft. Can't wait to install it!

[allmotor]

Originally Posted by IROCanSS

So... what are you asking again?

If youre replacing "gears, axles, toe links, subframe bushings and trailing arms"... what else you you talking about?

All that is really left is springs and sway and ABSOLUTELY replace those!

Should I consider any other suspension parts considering what I want to do ? And I failed to mention, I'm not very knowledgeable regarding the effect increased HP has on stock suspension.

[IROCanSS]

Originally Posted by doublefatty

Should I consider any other suspension parts considering what I want to do ? And I failed to mention, I'm not very knowledgeable regarding the effect increased HP has on stock suspension.

Well, the axels are your weak point and youre swapping those.

The trailing arms and toe bars will help elimnate wheel hop.

The upgraded dif should help with the spider gear failure problem.

The subframe bushings will take out the play in the ass end of the car.


Youre pretty much covered.


A one piece driveshaft will help with throttle response.

Springs and sways (with endlings and lower control arm reinforcing bracket) will help with cornering.

Front radius rod inserts or bushings will help keep the front in check while cornbering.

A short throw shifter (MGW is my favorite tho I have Hurst) is a MUST.

With added power you need to stop...

Stainless steel brake lines are a MUST. maybe upgraded pads but at least the lines.

[allmotor]

Originally Posted by IROCanSS

Well, the axels are your weak point and youre swapping those.

The trailing arms and toe bars will help elimnate wheel hop.

The upgraded dif should help with the spider gear failure problem.

The subframe bushings will take out the play in the ass end of the car.


Youre pretty much covered.


A one piece driveshaft will help with throttle response.

Springs and sways (with endlings and lower control arm reinforcing bracket) will help with cornering.

Front radius rod inserts or bushings will help keep the front in check while cornbering.

A short throw shifter (MGW is my favorite tho I have Hurst) is a MUST.

With added power you need to stop...

Stainless steel brake lines are a MUST. maybe upgraded pads but at least the lines.

This is the input I was looking for!!!!!!! thanks very much. really appreciate it

[IROCanSS]

No sweat!

[caverman]

Coilovers!

Looking into doing those. You'll be lowered yet have a smoother ride and if for some reason you decide to got drag racing or auto-X then a couple twist of some knobs and you're ready do go.

With the money it looks as though you're spending, look into Pfadt coilovers.

Otherwise I agree with IROCanSS on the other parts.

[allmotor]

Originally Posted by caverman

Coilovers!

Looking into doing those. You'll be lowered yet have a smoother ride and if for some reason you decide to got drag racing or auto-X then a couple twist of some knobs and you're ready do go.

With the money it looks as though you're spending, look into Pfadt coilovers.

Otherwise I agree with IROCanSS on the other parts.

I figure you only live once, so as long as I can mod my car the way I want and only have to Ebay one kidney, I'm good...

Thanks for the input guy's.

[IROCanSS]

Originally Posted by caverman

Coilovers!

Looking into doing those. You'll be lowered yet have a smoother ride and if for some reason you decide to got drag racing or auto-X then a couple twist of some knobs and you're ready do go.

With the money it looks as though you're spending, look into Pfadt coilovers.

Otherwise I agree with IROCanSS on the other parts.

Thanks but i have to disagree.... I know coilovers are all the rage but really? Every time you change them you need an alignment (or you can eat up your tires).

Sure if you are an all out autoX or drag racer for competition or something, great... or you have money to burn but for the weekend toy that may see the track once or twice... they are a TOTAL waste of money. Just look up the prices of Pfadt drop springs vs Pfadt coilovers. I think they are 8 to 10 times more expensive.

Hey, like I said its your cash and if you have it to burn, go ahead but it isnt like all of a sudden your car will go from a sloppy mess and you'll turn a few knobs and its a race car... the weekend racer wont even notice the difference.

Originally Posted by doublefatty

I figure you only live once, so as long as I can mod my car the way I want and only have to Ebay one kidney, I'm good...

Thanks for the input guy's.

LOL, you wont need to post that second kidney until you want a supercharger.

I hope you understood where I am coming from with the coils. I have drop springs and all the other stuff I listed.... I'd never swap out for coils. I have a custom race alignment and the car is on rails, I have no need to ever change it so why spend up to $2000 for coils. My springs cost me $200 shipped to my door.

To me, unless youre hard core (which your OP says you are not) they are wasting money. Use the other $1800 for a nice Carbon Fiber drive shaft and the leftovers for Pfadt engine mounts! Dont just toss money away...

my 2 cents...

[allmotor]

Originally Posted by IROCanSS

Thanks but i have to disagree.... I know coilovers are all the rage but really? Every time you change them you need an alignment (or you can eat up your tires).

Sure if you are an all out autoX or drag racer for competition or something, great... or you have money to burn but for the weekend toy that may see the track once or twice... they are a TOTAL waste of money. Just look up the prices of Pfadt drop springs vs Pfadt coilovers. I think they are 8 to 10 times more expensive.

Hey, like I said its your cash and if you have it to burn, go ahead but it isnt like all of a sudden your car will go from a sloppy mess and you'll turn a few knobs and its a race car... the weekend racer wont even notice the difference.



LOL, you wont need to post that second kidney until you want a supercharger.

I hope you understood where I am coming from with the coils. I have drop springs and all the other stuff I listed.... I'd never swap out for coils. I have a custom race alignment and the car is on rails, I have no need to ever change it so why spend up to $2000 for coils. My springs cost me $200 shipped to my door.

To me, unless youre hard core (which your OP says you are not) they are wasting money. Use the other $1800 for a nice Carbon Fiber drive shaft and the leftovers for Pfadt engine mounts! Dont just toss money away...

my 2 cents...

Couldn't agree with you more. Coilovers would be overkill for me considering how I "use" my car. I may be a noob when it comes to some car stuff, but I always do my homework.... I'd rather spend the dough where it makes most sense for what I'm trying to build.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by doublefatty

Couldn't agree with you more. Coilovers would be overkill for me considering how I "use" my car. I may be a noob when it comes to some car stuff, but I always do my homework.... I'd rather spend the dough where it makes most sense for what I'm trying to build.

The C5 community provides a wealth of information. Check out THE Book on 5th Gen Suspension to get more detail about suspension, thermal management, headers, exhaust, brakes wheels and tires.

[Camaro427]

Originally Posted by doublefatty

I'd like input regarding what suspension components I should consider replacing considering my goals below. I'll try to make this as painless as possible. Besides the mods in my sig, I'm having JRE install LPE 3:91 gears, axles, toe links, subframe bushings and trailing arms. Current RWHP is 463. I'm considering lowering the car a bit and I might add a power adder. No track or autocross. Purley a toy, but I want to build it "right". Thanks Mike

You must have a goal in mind. Doing the gear change is a serious step. What did you hope to accomplish with the change?

[allmotor]

Originally Posted by Camaro427

You must have a goal in mind. Doing the gear change is a serious step. What did you hope to accomplish with the change?

Since I'm not focusing on top end speed, the different gear ratio should give me the lower/mid-range torque/fun factor I'm trying to attain.

[POWERFREAK]

Originally Posted by doublefatty

Since I'm not focusing on top end speed, the different gear ratio should give me the lower/mid-range torque/fun factor I'm trying to attain.

Yes...you'll love the gears, they make a huge difference.