1LE strut brace or Hochkiss max stru bar?? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Lio Martinez · 10-14-2012, 05:15 AM

Since the 2013 Camaro 1LE already cones with the GM strut brace also used on the convertible Camaro.:.. any idea regarding if switching it for the Hotchkiss max strut bar will increase handling... Or is it just better as it is ? ?

Also anyone side switching the stock springs to performance lowering springs...? Since the ones that come in the 1LE are the same as the SS .

SUKXOST · 10-14-2012, 06:31 AM

I already have Pfadt's springs sitting in my garage :P

Doglife1LE · 10-14-2012, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUKXOST

I already have Pfadt's springs sitting in my garage :P

Sweet! We are going to need some before and after photos plus a quick review on the differences between the two.

Lio Martinez · 10-14-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUKXOST

I already have Pfadt's springs sitting in my garage :P

How much do those lower the car ?

Lumino1LE · 10-14-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lio Martinez

Since the 2013 Camaro 1LE already cones with the GM strut brace also used on the convertible Camaro.:.. any idea regarding if switching it for the Hotchkiss max strut bar will increase handling... Or is it just better as it is ? ?

Also anyone side switching the stock springs to performance lowering springs...? Since the ones that come in the 1LE are the same as the SS .

Higher cost/Famous brand strut bars don't improve performance. Remember that the main purpose of the strut bar is to reduce chassis flex. The one that comes from GM/Chevy will do the job.

Don't waste your money.

caverman · 10-14-2012, 08:30 PM

Not only that but Justice Pete recommends not running one at all.

toehead93 · 10-15-2012, 04:18 PM

Yes, but this car is balanced and designed with one, the regular SS is not and adding a struct bar could upset the balance.

Lumino1LE · 10-15-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toehead93

Yes, but this car is balanced and designed with one, the regular SS is not and adding a struct bar could upset the balance.

No offense, but no. A strut bar is going to add rigidity to the front of the car to give you better control. If you're only street driving, it won't matter. If you're tracking the car, it makes a huge difference.

Lio Martinez · 10-15-2012, 08:52 PM

I also think the strut bar makes a huge difference in handling.... And it probably be good to keep it like it is but in a regular SS without one I bet the Hotchkiss will be great.. I'm talking cause i had the sane one on my v6 and it fits v8 also.. but sold it this weekend already so I'm keeping tge stock one

z28racer · 10-15-2012, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lio Martinez

Since the 2013 Camaro 1LE already cones with the GM strut brace also used on the convertible Camaro.:.. any idea regarding if switching it for the Hotchkiss max strut bar will increase handling... Or is it just better as it is ? ?

Also anyone side switching the stock springs to performance lowering springs...? Since the ones that come in the 1LE are the same as the SS .

Lio Martinez · 10-15-2012, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z28racer

Well Thanks so much for those helpful faces

Synner · 10-15-2012, 09:25 PM

Save the money on the brace and get a performance alignment, you'd get far more benefit. Would there be a marginal difference in stiffness between OEM and tubular steel? Yes. Would you achieve much of a difference? Nope.

Or save up for a down payment for coilovers. Best track day purchase ever. Springs will always be a compromise to stock valving if you're serious about going fast and flogging it at track days.

toehead93 · 10-15-2012, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumino1LE

No offense, but no. A strut bar is going to add rigidity to the front of the car to give you better control. If you're only street driving, it won't matter. If you're tracking the car, it makes a huge difference.

I know this, but i was agreeing with caverman that pete said for an SS they do not recommend the strut bar because it makes the front too stiff. The 1LE is a different story as it is designed and balanced with a bar.

VR Baron · 10-15-2012, 10:43 PM

I added the GM strut brace and it works fine. Not stiff and you do notice a subtle difference in the front, slightly quicker turn in and the front is more solid over bumps and more composed.In ther auto x I didnt notice anything much as the car understeers way to much still in stock form. As far as to stiff, the 1le has the same springs and bigger bars so cant see how it hurts. Bigger bars going on it anyway.

10-14-2012, 05:15 AM	#1
Lio Martinez Account Suspended Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS RS 1LE IMO Turbo Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oxnard. CA Posts: 1,747 View My Garage	1LE strut brace or Hochkiss max stru bar?? Since the 2013 Camaro 1LE already cones with the GM strut brace also used on the convertible Camaro.:.. any idea regarding if switching it for the Hotchkiss max strut bar will increase handling... Or is it just better as it is ? ? Also anyone side switching the stock springs to performance lowering springs...? Since the ones that come in the 1LE are the same as the SS .

10-14-2012, 06:31 AM	#2
SUKXOST Do you even lift, bro? Drives: 2013 1LE Camaro Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Sumter, SC Posts: 3,159 View My Garage	I already have Pfadt's springs sitting in my garage :P __________________ My 1LE (645WHP/597WTQ) build/journal Thread: 1st ever 1LE COTW http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255461

10-14-2012, 08:30 PM	#6
caverman Drives: '69 SS Convertible Join Date: May 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 7,111	Not only that but Justice Pete recommends not running one at all. __________________ *-2010 Camaro* 2SS \| M6 \| VR w/White Stripes \| 1 3/4" KOOKS - 3" Magnaflow \| LPE 3.91 gears \| ADM tuned \| Halltech w/ADM Scoop \| Spohn/BMR Trailing Arm/Toe Rod \| BC Coilovers\| Pedders FE4 ZL1 swaybars \| Cradle/Diff/Radius Rod bushings \| VMax TB \| Morimoto Projectors \| MGW shifter \| Red Calipers Build Journal

10-15-2012, 04:18 PM	#7
toehead93 Drives: 2014 2SS/1LE Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: wpb fl Posts: 3,136 View My Garage	Yes, but this car is balanced and designed with one, the regular SS is not and adding a struct bar could upset the balance. __________________ Used Racing Brake 2 Peice Rotors for sale: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344754 Summit White 2014 2SS 1LE Recaros, NPP exhaust, Nav 2010 2SS A6 - sold.

10-15-2012, 08:52 PM	#9
Lio Martinez Account Suspended Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS RS 1LE IMO Turbo Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oxnard. CA Posts: 1,747 View My Garage	I also think the strut bar makes a huge difference in handling.... And it probably be good to keep it like it is but in a regular SS without one I bet the Hotchkiss will be great.. I'm talking cause i had the sane one on my v6 and it fits v8 also.. but sold it this weekend already so I'm keeping tge stock one

10-15-2012, 09:25 PM	#12
Synner Drives: cars Join Date: May 2011 Location: Oversneeze Posts: 4,545	Save the money on the brace and get a performance alignment, you'd get far more benefit. Would there be a marginal difference in stiffness between OEM and tubular steel? Yes. Would you achieve much of a difference? Nope. Or save up for a down payment for coilovers. Best track day purchase ever. Springs will always be a compromise to stock valving if you're serious about going fast and flogging it at track days.

10-15-2012, 10:43 PM	#14
VR Baron SoCal Camaro5 Race Team Drives: 2021 Shadow Grey Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: SO CAL Posts: 14,288	I added the GM strut brace and it works fine. Not stiff and you do notice a subtle difference in the front, slightly quicker turn in and the front is more solid over bumps and more composed.In ther auto x I didnt notice anything much as the car understeers way to much still in stock form. As far as to stiff, the 1le has the same springs and bigger bars so cant see how it hurts. Bigger bars going on it anyway.