Help: I'm ignorant about suspension

[N954]

As the title says...I'm ignorant.

I have a 2012 2LT w/ RS package, so big fat 20 inch wheels, staggered.

I'm looking to improve: Body roll & handling bumps in the road. I want less roll in corners, and a more planted feel. For the bumps, I feel everything in the road (completely expected) But it is very violent / rougher than another v6 I rode in.

The mileage is 71000 miles currently. All suspension is stock.

I searched a bunch but found a ton of short hand that I didn't understand. Does anyone have a good writeup?

Thanks!

[CamaroFred]

Originally Posted by N954

As the title says...I'm ignorant.

I have a 2012 2LT w/ RS package, so big fat 20 inch wheels, staggered.

I'm looking to improve: Body roll & handling bumps in the road. I want less roll in corners, and a more planted feel. For the bumps, I feel everything in the road (completely expected) But it is very violent / rougher than another v6 I rode in.

The mileage is 71000 miles currently. All suspension is stock.

I searched a bunch but found a ton of short hand that I didn't understand. Does anyone have a good writeup?

Thanks!

The RS wheels/tires with their short sidewalls and heavy weight will make the bumps and potholes feel worse. But, they are great for handling!

My first step was a Pedder's package that is inserts for the front radius rod and rear cradles bushings. Before that I always felt the rear was sloppy.
I had a street performance alignment done after installing those. See the stickys at the top of this sub-forum for those specs.

Together I have quicker turn-in and more stability under braking.

A stiffer rear sway will reduce roll and transfer more force to the wider back tires to reduce the understeer built in to these cars.
If you have a manual in your V6 you have a limited slip differential. That can get you into some trouble when inducing oversteer. Most of the aftermarket sways are adjustable so you can adjust them to fit your driving style.

If you feel you have excessive bounce you should check your shocks for any signs of oil. Since you already feel the ride is rough you may want to stick with stock. SS shocks are probably a bit stiffer, 1LE shocks even more, etc...

[olblue75]

Also get a set of newer 2012+ ZL1 2013+ SS LCAs and Toe rods and go wider rear bar but you'll need a Brembo set up.

[N954]

Originally Posted by CamaroFred

The RS wheels/tires with their short sidewalls and heavy weight will make the bumps and potholes feel worse. But, they are great for handling!

My first step was a Pedder's package that is inserts for the front radius rod and rear cradles bushings. Before that I always felt the rear was sloppy.
I had a street performance alignment done after installing those. See the stickys at the top of this sub-forum for those specs.

Together I have quicker turn-in and more stability under braking.

A stiffer rear sway will reduce roll and transfer more force to the wider back tires to reduce the understeer built in to these cars.
If you have a manual in your V6 you have a limited slip differential. That can get you into some trouble when inducing oversteer. Most of the aftermarket sways are adjustable so you can adjust them to fit your driving style.

If you feel you have excessive bounce you should check your shocks for any signs of oil. Since you already feel the ride is rough you may want to stick with stock. SS shocks are probably a bit stiffer, 1LE shocks even more, etc...

This is super helpful, thanks! I'll definitely look into the bushings. For the sway bar, any recommendations? I have the auto so I have that lovely open differential one wheel peel in it, no LSD here.

[hrpiii]

Originally Posted by N954

This is super helpful, thanks! I'll definitely look into the bushings. For the sway bar, any recommendations? I have the auto so I have that lovely open differential one wheel peel in it, no LSD here.

a lot of people improved their suspensions right off the bat. Better Sway bars is a huge help in body roll, and you will feel this immediately. Also look to improve traction and grip with upgraded toe rods and trailing arms. BMR products are very solid and have had them on my car for 18 years. I do track my car and they handle the abuse.

I think those things will get you started in the right direction.

[SSEssence]

Sway bars and springs help a lot more than you think.