2010 SS - sway bar questions- Pedders or 1LE?
 

Suspensions aren't my forte. And neither is getting good results with the search button (I tried, couldn't find what I was looking for)

For my 2010 SS, I was wondering if swapping to the factory 1LE sway bars front/rear would be worthwhile to bump up the steering feel on the street? Buying a takeoff kit puts it around $250 for the 1LE stuff at the moment.

While Pedders makes some really cool street kits, I'm wondering do I really need to spend a grand or more on a kit to improve the street steering feel? Or is it that much further ahead of the 1LE to justify the kit prices? I know it's quality, thus it cost more, but GM 1LE parts are certainly better than what came on the car as well. So there's no doubt the Pedders street stuff will be more than what I'd ever need.

I'm NOT going to be lowering the car, AutoX, or anything remotely hard core so I doubt I'm going to need to change springs/struts. I'm simply looking to upgrade the suspension slightly, with the daily driver handling approach in mind. But I'd also like to be able to do a tad more spirited turning without plowing the front end. I know with some of my older cars, upgrading sway bars and bits made a noticeable difference in the handling to the better. That's all I'm after.

So what's the advice? Opinions? Leave it the f** alone? etc.?

The 1LE stock suspension is a big upgrade over what you have but it is not a simple bolt on upgrade. You will have to swap out the rear lower control arms and end links to do it. If you were going to do the conversion to FE4 I would go ahead and go with a set of FE4 aftermarket sway bars. I know the Pfadt ZL/FE4 spec sway bars are a big improvement yet again over the stock 1LE sway bars.

The $250 price includes the takeoff bars and extra parts (new GM end links and control arms) needed for 2010/11 application. So it would essentially be what I need for 1LE sway conversion, right?

Yeah, that Pedders 32mm bar has me wondering. Probably will make it oversteer! :biggrin:

The ZL1 spoiled me. The handling difference between the two is like night and day almost. Although the 2010 isn't a slouch.

Correct. If you can get all that for $250 that is a steal.

I have the Pedders 27/32mm bar setup. Front bar on soft and no oversteer in daily drive though obviously not pushing it in traffic.lol On auto x I did no problem there either

^^^ That was the setup I originally wanted. Unfortunately Pedders wasn't responding to my order so I went with the Pfadt Sport sways instead. I'm hoping to get them installed within the next couple of weeks (assuming it warms up enough to do it in my garage).

Yeah, whats up with Pete or Pedders? Awfully silent

have been since Halloween, although I've seen a couple random posts before Thanksgiving.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330872

Should've at least done the Pfadt ZL1 Sways

Budget wouldn't allow it.

No matter how you ended up with Pfadt we are glad you did! We guarantee you will be happy with your bars. Most people don't realize how much they corner and sway bars make a MASSIVE difference in cornering. Hell, you might decide to track your car after feeling these Pfadt bars! Thanks for the order!:happy0180:

One thing I will recommend if you decide to go with the 1LE sway bars is go with a square wheel and tire setup. If you plan on running a staggered setup I would suggest going for the ZL1 sway bars if you don't want to go aftermarket.

Best regards,

Tyler
888-308-6007

I find good advice here about staying square with the 1LE. I think I might have a solution with some options included for a grand total out of pocket of $376.97

I figure I can buy some new Rear LCAs, end links and a new front ZL1 bar. I get the 1LE bars, which I believe uses the same ZL1 rear bar/link setup.

I already have a spare set of brand spanking new midnight silver 2010 5 spoke wheels/Pirelli takeoffs I bought a couple years ago off a car getting 21" wheels right off the trailer and into the dealer bay.

Thusly, if I go with the 1LE set up and put rear tires/wheels on all 4 corners, I'll effectively have it "square".

OR- I have the option of leaving it staggered as factory, and installing the 1LE bar in the back and the ZL1 bar up front.

Either way I should be ok I think. I'll have both front bars and mix and match to see which I like best for half the amount I can get an aftermarket setup.

Thoughts?

Definitely the best choice. Just ordered everything today for $397 shipped (PartsTaxi.com) to convert my 2011 to 1LE sways. Already running rear wheels all around. I also like the idea of solid bars.