Multimatic DSSV Z28 shocks and struts on SS?

[J35Y2]

The Multimatic DSSV factory shocks and struts from the Z28 should theoretically bolt right up onto the SS models, shouldn’t they? I know the SS 1LE and ZL1 models have the magnetic ride suspension from the factory, but those are also hard to find, and are discontinued as well, aren’t they? I know a few 1LE and ZL1 folks who’ve swapped to fully adjustable coilover setups.

Also, how does the Magneride work in the SS 1LE models, since they don’t have that button on the shifter console, like the ZL1 models? I also figured that with deleting the Magneride shocks and struts, you have to install or DIY a Magneride delete kit, so that the car doesn’t trigger trouble codes/warnings.

Now, the Multimatic DSSV shocks and struts on the other hand, I’ve heard, are a lot harsher than the Magneride setup, although better handling than your “run of the mill” factory SS shocks and struts. But also, I figured the Z28 also has a completely different suspension setup all around, so maybe the Multimatic shocks and struts would perform a bit less harsh if equipped onto an SS?

I’ve been seeing a bunch of salvaged DSSV Multimatic struts and shocks from wrecked Z28 5th gen Camaro’s by my area, and people were selling them for cheap. I think the cheapest set I saw for sale, was around like ~$600-700 for a full set of 4. Not that I mind going with adjustable coilovers (with or without dampening adjusters), but I’m kinda curious as to how Z28 shocks and struts would ride on a regular SS…

[CamaroCracka]

SS and 1LE/SS never came with Magnaride in Gen5. 1LE had monotube shocks that were better than plain SS shocks. I'm not sure anyone has gotten Magnaride to work on an SS and you would not want to at this point since they are unobtainium.

I've been running Multimatic Z28 shocks for years. They bolt right up and work well. Springs are 600# so yes, it's a bit harsher than stock shock spring setup, but I still have all my teeth. $6-700 for a set of Multimatics is a good price. They were over a $1000ea for one if you needed a replacement. If you want to track it and don't want to figure out coilover setup for the track, Z28 shocks are a good choice. Remember the Z28 only came with a 25/26mm bar set up due to the high spring rate, so don't put huge bars on it or you will be lifting tires when corning hard.

[CamaroDreams76]

5th gen 1LEs dont have mag ride. The 6th gens do. When I was looking into doing the same thing as your describing..... installing just DSSV dampers. I was told by Justice Pete those dampers are specifically set up for everything the Z/28 has. Meaning the spherical bushings, the front and rear sway bars and the tires. Basically tossing in these dampers won't exactly be an improvement because they weren't meant for that. I was told in short do the full Z/28 suspension and z/28 size rims. As for ride id assume they would be more harsh due to what they're meant for.

[J35Y2]

Originally Posted by CamaroCracka

SS and 1LE/SS never came with Magnaride in Gen5. 1LE had monotube shocks that were better than plain SS shocks. I'm not sure anyone has gotten Magnaride to work on an SS and you would not want to at this point since they are unobtainium.

I've been running Multimatic Z28 shocks for years. They bolt right up and work well. Springs are 600# so yes, it's a bit harsher than stock shock spring setup, but I still have all my teeth. $6-700 for a set of Multimatics is a good price. They were over a $1000ea for one if you needed a replacement. If you want to track it and don't want to figure out coilover setup for the track, Z28 shocks are a good choice. Remember the Z28 only came with a 25/26mm bar set up due to the high spring rate, so don't put huge bars on it or you will be lifting tires when corning hard.

Yeah, I think I might just go with some decent fully adjustable coilovers. If any of those Multimatic shocks were to go bad (not to mention all the other necessary mods to make them work properly), I wouldn't wanna replace them in singles. They're also super duper expensive, and I don't think there are any rebuild kits or anything for them, as far as I know of.

Also, for sway bars, what are ideal sizes for the front and rear setup? I feel like I want to run just basic, stock suspension for the most part, but will upgrade stuff like the rear trailing/lower control arms, as well as the toes rods and whatever other bushings or spherical stuff there is. I think those are also mainly for drag racing and preventing wheel hop, but do they help with track driving or stuff like Autocross?

[J35Y2]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams76

5th gen 1LEs dont have mag ride. The 6th gens do. When I was looking into doing the same thing as your describing..... installing just DSSV dampers. I was told by Justice Pete those dampers are specifically set up for everything the Z/28 has. Meaning the spherical bushings, the front and rear sway bars and the tires. Basically tossing in these dampers won't exactly be an improvement because they weren't meant for that. I was told in short do the full Z/28 suspension and z/28 size rims. As for ride id assume they would be more harsh due to what they're meant for.

I totally forgot the Z28 has some super high offset for the front, in order to fit the factory staggered 19" inch wheelset. Surprised they fit 305/30R19 tires all around as well.

I'm currently just running all 4 factory rear SS 20x9 wheel all around, with +45 offset I believe. I'm running the OEM rear tire spec for them all, 275/40R20. I wonder if I can fit some 285's all around with the factory 20x9's though. I've been looking for some of the OEM 12-13 ZL1 20" wheels, or the SS 1LE 10-spoke wheels, which also ran 285's all around.

[CamaroCracka]

Originally Posted by J35Y2

I'm currently just running all 4 factory rear SS 20x9 wheel all around, with +45 offset I believe. I'm running the OEM rear tire spec for them all, 275/40R20. I wonder if I can fit some 285's all around with the factory 20x9's though. I've been looking for some of the OEM 12-13 ZL1 20" wheels, or the SS 1LE 10-spoke wheels, which also ran 285's all around.

You can run 305s all the way around with a ZL1 wheel. Have it on the vert. I think the 285 square setup with stock 9" wheels has been done, but I've never tried it myself.

Originally Posted by J35Y2

They're also super duper expensive, and I don't think there are any rebuild kits or anything for them, as far as I know of.

I contacted Multimatic years ago and they said their spool valve shocks required special tooling to assemble and there was no way for them to be rebuilt outside the factory. Since they don't offer a rebuild service, their $1000 shocks are throw aways until someone figures out how to do it in the aftermarket.