My Suspension Build Thread(Look here if you need help with you FE3 to FE4 Conversion)

[GMfan454]

Thanks Nighthawk. Didnt mean to thread jack.

[Nighthawk89]

Originally Posted by GMfan454

Thanks Nighthawk. Didnt mean to thread jack.

No worries man. This is all good Q and A. This way people can decide what they wanna go with when they do there conversion.

Keep us posted on what you end up getting.

[camarossdusk]

Originally Posted by JDP Tyler

Yes, the 2010-11 all have the FE3 style setup. Here is a break down of differences and changes:

FE2 = V6 10-15
FE3 = 10-11 SS coupe and 10-15 SS convertibles
FE4 = 12-15 SS coupe (Most 2012 SS's still have the 10mm Front endlink studs vs 12mm)
FE5 = ZL1
FE6 = 1LE
FEA = Z28

Since you have a 2012, I suggest checking the studs on your end links before making a sway bar purchase. Depending on if you have 10mm studs or 12mm studs, will determine what sway bars to order.

Feel free to call, PM or email me anytime with questions.

Best regards,

Tyler
888-308-6007

very informative I always thought the zl1 had the better suspension, I know when it comes to axles, and thought their sway bars were better, not trying to hi jack your thread but always wondered if 1le or zl1 had the better suspension.

[Nighthawk89]

Originally Posted by JDP Tyler

Yes, the 2010-11 all have the FE3 style setup. Here is a break down of differences and changes:

FE2 = V6 10-15
FE3 = 10-11 SS coupe and 10-15 SS convertibles
FE4 = 12-15 SS coupe (Most 2012 SS's still have the 10mm Front endlink studs vs 12mm)
FE5 = ZL1
FE6 = 1LE
FEA = Z28

Since you have a 2012, I suggest checking the studs on your end links before making a sway bar purchase. Depending on if you have 10mm studs or 12mm studs, will determine what sway bars to order.

Feel free to call, PM or email me anytime with questions.

Best regards,

Tyler
888-308-6007

Im curious as to how my build will stack up to these stats after all is said and done?

Your opinion you guys?

[TwentyTen2SSRS]

Damnit I better irder tomorrow -

[Nighthawk89]

Originally Posted by TwentyTen2SSRS

Damnit I better irder tomorrow -

You still haven't ordered bro!? Don't let the deal pass you by!!!

[Nighthawk89]

Im looking at using pfadts install instructions from my solid subframe bushings

http://www.pfadtracing.com/blog/wp-c...stallation.pdf

[TwentyTen2SSRS]

Originally Posted by Nighthawk89

You still haven't ordered bro!? Don't let the deal pass you by!!!

Yeah I need to just trying to figure out. Are all BMR parts better then OEM spec parts for zl1/1LE?

If not, why not just order those oem parts? (This is thinking I'm going through now)

[Nighthawk89]

Originally Posted by TwentyTen2SSRS

Yeah I need to just trying to figure out. Are all BMR parts better then OEM spec parts for zl1/1LE?

If not, why not just order those oem parts? (This is thinking I'm going through now)

I went thru that questioning myself. And As you know i went with BMR.. Most do aftermarket from what I've researched.. OEM is deff cheaper but what exactly are you losing in structural integrity/rigidity?

[camarossdusk]

yes agree with bmr being better than 1le/zl1 oem, I just wondered because I have friends with 1le and zl1, and zl1 friend thinks his is better than the 1le suspension lol.

[JDP Sales]

Originally Posted by GMfan454

Jesus, thanks man. Now, I just need to learn about where my end links are. I know about motor and go fast performance parts, but not suspension. My car is an early 2012 (11/11 build date) so I probably have the 10MM studs. Is there that much of a difference between the two?

The 10mm studs are prone to bending and breaking. I'd still probably go with SB039 and pick up some new front endlinks either OEM 12mm or BMR 12mm part # ELK011

Originally Posted by camarossdusk

very informative I always thought the zl1 had the better suspension, I know when it comes to axles, and thought their sway bars were better, not trying to hi jack your thread but always wondered if 1le or zl1 had the better suspension.

Overall, I'd say the ZL1 has a better setup simply for the Mag ride. However; ZL1's can benefit from a sway bar upgrade, trailing arms, upper control arm bushings and subframe bushings just as the 1LE can. The Toe links on the 1LE and ZL1 are the same, but I'd still upgrade them on higher HP applications or those serious about AutoX or road course.

Originally Posted by Nighthawk89

Im curious as to how my build will stack up to these stats after all is said and done?

Your opinion you guys?

Once you get coilovers, I have no doubts your car could out handle a ZL1 and 1LE with the same driver.

Originally Posted by TwentyTen2SSRS

Damnit I better irder tomorrow -

What are you waiting for?! Don't miss it again!!

Originally Posted by TwentyTen2SSRS

Yeah I need to just trying to figure out. Are all BMR parts better then OEM spec parts for zl1/1LE?

If not, why not just order those oem parts? (This is thinking I'm going through now)

The GM FE4 parts are pretty stout. The BMR parts are definitely going to be better, but for the price difference most won't see the benefit. We finally got the FE4 conversion package up on our site; Part # JDPS1005. That and the BMR sway bars part # SB039 are all that will be needed for the FE4 conversion.

Best regards,

Tyler
888-308-6007

[Nighthawk89]

Excellent response Tyler! Thanks man! Hope readers are getting some good information here! Im going to be posting pics/video of the install.

[camarossdusk]

yes very well put Tyler, I asked because my friend has same rwhp as me with a zl1 and is about to upgrade trailing arms, toe rods, bushings, because of traction issues in a auto. but the shop said he has better sway bars than me, and that didn't need to upgrade sway bars, which I now have the bmr hollow 3 way adjustable sway bars.

[camarossdusk]

my friends zl1 also did lower springs, which I thought didn't make a lot of sense since he has the mag ride suspension, but go figure. thought coilovers would be better, but everyone is different, with diff. goals.