Thoughts on 2012 suspension (previously owned a 2010)

[mike25]

After about 700 miles on my 2012 SS- i thought some people might like a somewhat decent review comparing the two-

My 2010 2lt/rs rode very smooth and would easily hug a sharp on/off ramp on the freeway at 40-50+ MPH without any body roll or tire grinding (the point where the tires starts to loose traction- most know what im referring to)- The v6 (2010/2011) had a better rated weight balance ratio than the SS- many said it handled noticeably better as well. The ride on the 2010 was very smooth (possibly slightly attributed to the larger RS tires). The 2010 just had that glide around the turn feeling where it wouldnt even break a sweat as opposed to other cars ive attempted the same turns in.

The 2012 SS- handles better than my 2010 did. Both are RS- no difference there. The SS seems to be able to handle the turns even better than the 2010 could, with less stress on the tires. What i mean by this is- the tires stayed planted and dont squelch/ begin to break loose etc on the same ramps the 2010 would slightly begin to on at the same speeds. The ride is every bit as smooth as the 2010- not better, but just as good. Im mainly impressed with the cars ability to take a sharp turn and turn into a turn that feels like im running on rails. No tipping/ body roll/ loss of traction/ anything.

Overall the ride quality of my 2012 SS IMO is just as good as the 2010 LT's which were always rumored to have better ride quality than 2010 SS's- and the 2012 handles better than 2010 v6's which have repeatedly been rumored as better balanced/ handling. The engineering crew did a great job with the refinement of the suspension- a big improvement. Hope this helps some of you who were questioning this.

[shaggy1]

Mike25,


Thanks for your review. I had wandered if the new SS suspension was indeed better than the suspension on previous year SS models. You just added more anticipation to the wait for my 2012.

[mike25]

Originally Posted by shaggy1

Mike25,


Thanks for your review. I had wandered if the new SS suspension was indeed better than the suspension on previous year SS models. You just added more anticipation to the wait for my 2012.

Your going to like it- a vast improvement!

[alini]

So it looks like I need to go get some lower control arms and sway bars

[oldfriend]

Originally Posted by alini

So it looks like I need to go get some lower control arms and sway bars

Yep , you nailed it right on the head !

[MG]

I think it would be more appropriate to compare the FE4 with the FE3, as opposed to the FE4 to FE2 comparison we have here.

[squat]

Thanks for that review. Though as some have stated it would be nice if someone could chime in that's had an FE3 suspension and went to and FE4.

[daveagogo1]

Stock for stock the SS handles much better in the scenarios your describing than the V6. You really can't compare. The 2012 FE4 has a few minor improvements over the FE3. Under steer would be the biggest one addressed.

It's a nice review just is an apples to oranges type thing.

[JusticePete]

1. Starting with the run of Verts, the engineers at GM improved the rear sub-frame bushes.

2. The location of the rear sway bar endlink connection closer to the wheel and a slight increase in bar diameter improve the balance.

3. The damper map, the bound and rebound in the struts, was revised. IMO, the damper map change is the most significant improvement.

If you want to upgrade your 10 or 11 Camaro the new struts would be the money parts.

[daveagogo1]

Originally Posted by Comrando

Is that because of the rear sway?

It has larger stabilizers to control body roll more and re tuned dampers front and back. Minor changes to help with roll and under steer. Other than that it's basically the same suspension as the FE3.

You can add a few upgrades onto the FE3 from say Pedders or Pfadt and outperform the FE4 all day long.

[mike25]

Based off what I've read..there's very little difference between the fe2 and fe3- still though, I understand it jut isn't the fe3- just though I'd offer my review

[LimaCharlie]

Does anyone know if the ride height is different on the 2012 SS compared to the '10-'11 SS?