Eibach Spring Review - ZL1 Install

[joe@2jr]

After 3K miles, most of that on the road course - I decided to lower the ZL1. Using Eibach ProKit springs, the rating is similar to OEM with a slight drop in height, about 1/2".

Result, about 10% better initial compliance, less jarring over imperfections. No loss of composure, good progressive stiffness when pushed. I have not tracked it yet. I can update the results again.

I also changed the horrid OEM alignment specs. Running -1.9 camber FR, +.05, .10 total toe, -1.2 Rear camber, +.04 rear toe. Caster was 5.7 I believe.

Install was cake in the front, no issues with Mag Ride. The rear is a BITCH, only if you dont have a pin removal tool. The rear Mag clip has to be unmarried from the wires for them to pull through the top nut and plate. Not hard, just make sure you have one. Its two wires, so dont freak. Used a simple hydraulic shock/spring compressor.

Front:


Front Springs - ZL1 on right



Right Springs - ZL1 on top


ZL1 on bottom -




FINAL

[The Baron]

i would really like to do this, but am worried about it hampering the launch ( im a drag racer by heart.)

[joe@2jr]

I have headers, 3" catback, intake and tune - making 631whp (tuned by MTI) and it ramps up and breaks loose easily. Launch control still works and draws down the output. Doubt the springs would worsen or improve the lack of launch on the OEM tires.

On the road course, PTM5 is almost pointless - there is just no power on exit. Its incredibly frustrating. I just turn everything off.

[Th3Beast]

Joe... so you say that the Eibach's have a better ride quality over stock?

My car has Pfadt springs on it now, and I'm not entirely satisfied with the ride quality on the highway. Seems to fall over certain drops and can be a little bouncy at times. When I push the car in Sport mode it works pretty well though. I was thinking of going Eibach or Pedders as they both look to be progressive rate springs. There are very few guys with lowering springs I've seen in the searching I've done today, so any input on ride quality woud be very helpful.

[joe@2jr]

There is a ZL1 flyer from Eibach running around that has the spring specs. I dont know anything about Pfadt or Pedders specs, but the Eibach rates are close to stock and surprisingly soft. I guess this goes hand in hand with the larger sways to control roll stiffness. My guess is the MR valving is set, in tour for low spring energy.

In about a week, I'll give a better review as its only been a couple days on the Eibachs.

[Th3Beast]

Look forward to your review!

[yoshie]

I also have pro kit on my ZL1,and also have sway bars,ride is the same to me,Eibach use my car for kit,they are picking up my car on Wednesday to change front bar.

[Lethal Z]

I have used Eibach lowering springs over the years on numerous cars. They make a top notch product and I have never been disappointed with the stance or ride quality when finished.

Looking forward to hearing your long term feedback.

[sycraft]

Also should look at the LSR springs, extremely compliant and work well. I have ridden in cars with several different manufacturers and in my opinion the LSR rides the best and handles precisely. Another bonus is that they are made here in the USA, several other manufacturers are now importing their springs.

[Rodslnger]

Looks good joe now we need track vids!

[joe@2jr]

Been a while on the springs and I am very happy with the results so far. Definitely worth the effort and coin to swap out the stockers.

[Th3Beast]

Originally Posted by joe@2j-racing

Been a while on the springs and I am very happy with the results so far. Definitely worth the effort and coin to swap out the stockers.

Any more of a detailed update on the ride quality and handling?

[IcePick06]

I have the Pfadt drop springs and rear arms package (toe rods & trailing arms). The Pfadt springs definitely seem to be stiffer than stock but I like that stiff feel; I haven't tracked it yet but I'm sure I'll appreciate it even more when I do. You will naturally feel slightly more bumps than stock because you are riding closer to the ground and there is less travel in the suspension. I also prefer riding in sport mode over tour but I like an overall stiff ride more compared to most probably, although I do cruise the highway in tour sometimes and it feels fine. Either way Pfadt or Eibach, I'm sure you can't go wrong. I plan on getting the Pfadt sway bars later this year and tweaking my alignment a little more to complete the entire suspension package on my car

[AMCBimmer]

What wheels are those?