Another Eibach Install

[Teddydog]

Two weeks ago I finally took my Camaro in to have the Eibach Pro-Plus kit that I've had for some months installed. The kit includes heavier front and rear sway bars and heavier-rate springs with a 1" drop.

My Camaro is an ABM 2LT RS running on the non-RS 19" wheels and tires.

I dropped it off on Saturday with a 4-hour estimate for labor (@ $92 per hour) plus alignment for $80.

They called a couple of hours later and said that they were having trouble getting the top nut off the driver's side front strut. They we using a wrench and had been soaking it with penetrating oil but it just wouldn't budge. The wanted to get my approval before trying an impact driver. I didn't have much choice other than having them undo everything already done, so I had them go ahead. Sure enough, the rod snapped. Must have been either cross-threaded or over-torqued from the factory. Being Saturday, we didn't have any luck getting a replacement. I checked online and found it for just $75 or so at GMPartsDirect, but it was special order and there were none locally. On Monday I called around, but couldn't find one any closer than a distribution warehouse in MI, so $184 later for parts and overnight shipping, I had a replacement on the way.

When I picked it up on Wednesday, I immediately noticed how much tighter it feels! I just doesn't seem to wallow or float as much anymore (even though BEFORE the install I didn't think it was bad anyway). I did own a 96 Corvette, so I do know what a low, tight car feels like. Below are before and after shots and a close up of the right front wheel/tire after the install. The car is parked in the same spot for both pics. I'll follow this post with another with a few more driving impressions and other "Camaro porn" pictures of the car from today after a bath!

Rob

[kozzmo49]

wow so close to 500 for installation!?

[Teddydog]

The car really does feel tighter driving. Cornering is MUCH flatter, too. I also seems to feel like it is putting power down to the wheels betters, too (but that might just be my imagination). It is noticably sharper on bumps in the road, but not as stiff feeling as my 96 Corvette was. My wife drove it for the first time yesterday and commented that it rode rougher now, but still not too harsh and felt good driving. She said, "It still goes too fast really easily."

I haven't driven it enough since the install to get an idea whether there is a change in fuel mileage. Right now I've been "on it" more feeling out the handling!

With my Corvette, I needed to be careful with speed bumps...too much speed and it would bottom out and maybe scrape the frame. I also needed to cut in hard to our driveway AND in and out of the ends of the alley or it would scrape the air dam. None of these are necessary with the Camaro riding and inch lower! I haven't yet had to take any special precautions entering the alley or driveway and the speedbumps in the grocery store parking lot are not a problem.

And for your viewing pleasure, my ABM Camaro fresh out of the bath. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Rob

[kozzmo49]

is 500 for spring installation normal? or just because they had that problem with yours?

[Teddydog]

The total bill was a few pennies under $500. I don't think they charged any extra time for the stuck strut. I've seen some people post as little as $250 for the install. The hourly rates around here are also pretty high. If you local shop rates are only $70, then you'd be into the labor just around $300 probably (plus alignment).

Rob

[camarossowner]

well, I installed my H&R's for no cost at all. It cost me 100.00 for the alignment at my performance shop. And yes, these cars do handle much better lowered.

[IROCanSS]

I just installed a Pfadt kit on a friends SS and we had one hell of a time getting that top nut off too! Factory specs are 95 ft-lbs... We eventually got it foo by hand and didnt break either one. Looks good! I am considering the upgrade.

[ron10]

really makes it set right.