FE3-ZL1 Sway Conversion Advice

[The_Blur]

I have access to a set of ZL1 sway bars for my 2011 Camaro SS. I have to do a conversion to the FE4 setup to make this work, so I'd like to put together a complete parts list and any firsthand advice for this. Your help is appreciated!

I'll post pics and progress when this goes down in my Blur SS build journal.

The parts list (brands) so far:

• 25mm front sway (Chevrolet, ZL1)
• 28mm rear sway (Chevrolet, ZL1)
• front and rear bushings (Chevrolet Z/28 or aftermarket)
• 2012+ front and rear end links (Chevrolet, SS or ZL1)
• updated rear lower control arms (Chevrolet, SS or ZL1)

[Macfolk]

Subscribed.

[enyce0387]

dooo itttt!! i did it a while ago got a package from pedders. I think all you really need is new lca's the new zl1 bars new rear end links and front end links.

[Jerry7297]

Your list looks good. DO it and dont look back. I have the PFADT ZL spec set up on mine and it totally changed the body roll situation. Do the bushings when you are doing it you will have everything apart anyways. GOOD mod highly suggest this FE4 rocks...

Not sure what all you want to improve but Subframes, toes, and trailing arms w/ bushing also kicks butt to install. You can actually put power to the ground. Good luck with your install.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Jerry7297

Your list looks good. DO it and dont look back. I have the PFADT ZL spec set up on mine and it totally changed the body roll situation. Do the bushings when you are doing it you will have everything apart anyways. GOOD mod highly suggest this FE4 rocks...

Not sure what all you want to improve but Subframes, toes, and trailing arms w/ bushing also kicks butt to install. You can actually put power to the ground. Good luck with your install.

Did you do these installs yourself? Was this a 1-man job or is this something that will require me to find some help?

[olblue75]

Should be able to do it all yourself the wife can lend moral support every now and then an be the beer assistant

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by olblue75

Should be able to do it all yourself the wife can lend moral support every now and then an be the beer assistant

I like that kind of support. Unfortunately, I can't drink at the auto hobby shop on base. That's where I've done all my work thus far. Lifts and unlimited tools cost $5/hour.

[Macfolk]

"Lifts and unlimited tools cost $5/hour."

That's a perk!

[olblue75]

We got the same setup here at Ft Campbell an last i heard they had a lot of snap on tools

[Jerry7297]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

Did you do these installs yourself? Was this a 1-man job or is this something that will require me to find some help?

Can be a one man job. I did do my front sway and end links by myself. When I did the back I also did the sub frame bushings and had some help. It is possible to do it by yourself just easier with a buddy.

[heymatt]

Don't forget the front sway links. You will have to enlarge the mounting hole on the strut. It is a one man job. Rear sway is easy, front is a lot harder.
I read that you can roll the sway bar out on the front. Couldn't do that so I disconnect the arms, not sure if that is the right term. But they are fixed length, so it was easy to put them back. Had all the room I needed at that point.

[danvillekidd]

Looks like you have everything you NEED, new sways, links, bushings and RLCA. The Auto Hobby shop is a nice perk, I used the one here for all of my bushings on the SS, so I could have access to the hydraulic press and specialty tools I don't own. I didn't bother driving there for the sways, just did them in my garage. One person job.

[Macfolk]

What do these run pricewise?

2012+ front and rear end links (Chevrolet, SS or ZL1)

Is there a benefit to buying ZL1 versus SS? I have a line on the sways and LCAs and hope to purchase within a week from another member.

Thanks!

Jason

[caverman]

It can be done with a one man job but always helps to have an extra set of hands. I did mine pretty much all by myself. My dad was around working on another car and every now and then he gave a hand to make things easier but wasn't required.

For the front sway bar, loosen the bolts and lift the motor and it should come out fairly easy.

When installing the rear drop links put the nut on the top. I did my bolt to where the nut was put on from underneath the LCA and it wasn't a problem until I put some 18" wheels on. The bolt ended up digging into the wheel. That was fun getting the car back up and then I had to cut the threads.
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335907

Be ready to go straight to an alignment shop. My car drove all crooked until it was aligned. I think I was only comfortable to get it up to about 40 mph. The back end was all squirely and made for a real interesting drive to the shop. I had to go about 20 miles. Get you some Aggressive Street specs while you're at it.

Locktite (blue) everything you can. I had a front drop link nut come off which was a left thread and wasn't easy to find. I also had a bolt from the rear drop link come off and it caused the drop link to get jammed up in my control arm. I didn't locktite them initially but they are now.

If you're going to add toe rods, now would be the time to do it. Trailing arms as well but those don't require an alignment. Justice Pete said the stock ZL1 TA and TR were pretty good stuff but I don't know their prices compared to say BMR or Sphon.