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Bringing this back to the top since we could use some discussion material lately and I can't seem to make up my mind... I am asking this more from a financial perspective than a technical one. I'm not trying to impress anyone. To me a house and money in the bank is more important, but I still like having a car.
Anyway, the suspension on my car is an issue. Its tired and worn, and it looks like a damn 4x4. the wheel hop at the track and while taking corners under power is enough to start an earthquake. And its bound to break something eventually. Part of this problem is related to my torque arm, which is going to be an expense in itself... but thats another topic. The car also experiences a little [using a jeep term here] "death wobble" going over large bumps on the highway. (sways back and forth like a canoe). I am not sure why its happening, the car didn't do this when i bought it. I assume worn parts. I also found my steering shaft is worn out and needs to be replaced, so there is slop in the wheel.
I love autocross and road racing as much as I am a frugal SOB. I've even tossed around selling the car because I don't want to spend money on it. But everything considered, its still probably the best bang for the buck I can think of and I can't see myself without a car.
Considering these options:
1) Spend in the ballpark of $600-1200 to replace/upgrade to SLP Level II suspension. This kit includes 3/4" eibach drop springs and bilstein shocks, as originally packaged optionally on SLP cars. (see picture below) Any needed bushings and misc components would be replaced. Also, a slight wheel spacer kit to kick the wheels out just a touch and complete the look. Wouldnt go any further in the forseable future.... all of the heavy stock control arms and k-member would stay. Would probably pay a reputable shop I have in mind to do everything (because of my back). Could potentially clear up a lot of issues and finish my appearance modifications.
2) Leave it alone and drive the sucker into the ground. This is what I have been doing lately, getting by only on needed repairs. The car is afterall still enjoyable the way it is. I'd consider buying a Corvette later on and just put the z28 on hold for a while and eventually perform a restoration. Or buy a truck and trailer to manage the breakdowns.
3) Save and eventually do an all-out autocross/road race suspension. Tubular everything, adjustable everything, what I really want. But don't need.
4) Other suggestions???
To the older more experienced guys here, what would you do if you were at this stage of life and you expected to keep the car for the long haul? Let it deteriorate and fix later in lieu of other life goals? or fix what should be fixed? As much as I can't justify spending money on the car I can't justify selling it either. Option 1 sounds the best on paper to me, but I have a hard time deflecting money from the market where it could otherwise be generating me a nice return. And yes, even if its only $600
SLP kit:
343_30973758982_5660_n.jpg
My car as it sits:
Anyway, the suspension on my car is an issue. Its tired and worn, and it looks like a damn 4x4. the wheel hop at the track and while taking corners under power is enough to start an earthquake. And its bound to break something eventually. Part of this problem is related to my torque arm, which is going to be an expense in itself... but thats another topic. The car also experiences a little [using a jeep term here] "death wobble" going over large bumps on the highway. (sways back and forth like a canoe). I am not sure why its happening, the car didn't do this when i bought it. I assume worn parts. I also found my steering shaft is worn out and needs to be replaced, so there is slop in the wheel.
I love autocross and road racing as much as I am a frugal SOB. I've even tossed around selling the car because I don't want to spend money on it. But everything considered, its still probably the best bang for the buck I can think of and I can't see myself without a car.
Considering these options:
1) Spend in the ballpark of $600-1200 to replace/upgrade to SLP Level II suspension. This kit includes 3/4" eibach drop springs and bilstein shocks, as originally packaged optionally on SLP cars. (see picture below) Any needed bushings and misc components would be replaced. Also, a slight wheel spacer kit to kick the wheels out just a touch and complete the look. Wouldnt go any further in the forseable future.... all of the heavy stock control arms and k-member would stay. Would probably pay a reputable shop I have in mind to do everything (because of my back). Could potentially clear up a lot of issues and finish my appearance modifications.
2) Leave it alone and drive the sucker into the ground. This is what I have been doing lately, getting by only on needed repairs. The car is afterall still enjoyable the way it is. I'd consider buying a Corvette later on and just put the z28 on hold for a while and eventually perform a restoration. Or buy a truck and trailer to manage the breakdowns.
3) Save and eventually do an all-out autocross/road race suspension. Tubular everything, adjustable everything, what I really want. But don't need.
4) Other suggestions???
To the older more experienced guys here, what would you do if you were at this stage of life and you expected to keep the car for the long haul? Let it deteriorate and fix later in lieu of other life goals? or fix what should be fixed? As much as I can't justify spending money on the car I can't justify selling it either. Option 1 sounds the best on paper to me, but I have a hard time deflecting money from the market where it could otherwise be generating me a nice return. And yes, even if its only $600
SLP kit:
343_30973758982_5660_n.jpg
My car as it sits:
I know the LS1/LT1 brake swap on my Iroc was hands down the best upgrade I've done to date. Sure, doubling the HP and switching to a manual is fun and all- but I like being able to stop.
357ci LT1, cammed, stalled, and driven.
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