Project: PBR-Built Z/28

[JoeliusZ28]

Not sure what the LT1 brakes are like personally, just hear about them sucking 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.

No you are right, there is a big difference between LT1 and LS1 brakes (single vs dual piston caliper, larger rotor). The thing is, brakes are one of the few things on my car that dont need attention, so i just plan on getting to it later

What about rear LCAs and relocation brackets? I have a stock torque arm and I've never felt wheel hop.

I have tubular lcas already, but theyre also the wrong ones that dont allow flex when the car is banking in corners. Plan is to change them to a set with heim joints that will allow a more free articulation of the suspension... In fact i think this is part of the reason i get wheel hop in corners and not while going straight. When the car is leaning the suspension has to be binding to some degree which prevents my already incapable shocks from doing their job.

I have relocation brackets on the shelf, but ive heard stories of them making wheel hop worse at stock height with a stock TA. Seems to stand to logic that when you add rigidity in one place, the lack of rigidity in the next gets emphasized. So, I want to have my torque arm issue fixed before i install them.

The only place i seem to get wheel hop going in a straight line is at the track, where there is prep and additional stress on everything.

[kammi10]

i think you should fix the minor issues you have to make you happier with the car for now.. as well as get rid of that damn stock torque arm which will result in getting ride of at least 95% of your wheel hop issues. then put on the relocation brackets and you will be wayyyyyyy happier.. spend a little now to keep you happy with it and so you can drive it safely

[JoeliusZ28]

i agree Sean, i just dont trust myself with modifying fuel lines which is the entire reason i still have the stock torque arm. I'll take suspension issues over my car bursting into flames.

[kammi10]

i agree Sean, i just dont trust myself with modifying fuel lines which is the entire reason i still have the stock torque arm. I'll take suspension issues over my car bursting into flames.

fuel lines are so easy to make.. you seriously would have 200-250 bucks into it and i already sent you some fittings for you to use if i remember right.. you start from the back and make all new lines and go right to the front.. its not that hard.. its actually rather simple

[scholtmj]

Fix the car and enjoy driving it! After all the blood sweat and beer you have in your car, what's a little more suspension work?

Or you could look at it this way: Let's say you cut your losses and sell the car. How long would it take to replace it? With what; LS1, Corvette? Do you want to wait that long?

On the investing side, if you're worried about saving enough it sounds like you don't have a budget. Figure out your retirement needs and monthly investing goals to get there, then create a budget that includes a line item for fun stuff like cars. Take a balanced approach - don't starve yourself now, you can save and have fun.

[MP81]

Buy a used set of coilovers.

[JoeliusZ28]

fuel lines are so easy to make.. you seriously would have 200-250 bucks into it and i already sent you some fittings for you to use if i remember right.. you start from the back and make all new lines and go right to the front.. its not that hard.. its actually rather simple

Id gladly pay someone to come over and help me figure it out. I feel like the line you sent me is too large for a stock fuel pump, but im no expert. I appreciate you sending the stuff though!

Fix the car and enjoy driving it! After all the blood sweat and beer you have in your car, what's a little more suspension work?

Or you could look at it this way: Let's say you cut your losses and sell the car. How long would it take to replace it? With what; LS1, Corvette? Do you want to wait that long?

On the investing side, if you're worried about saving enough it sounds like you don't have a budget. Figure out your retirement needs and monthly investing goals to get there, then create a budget that includes a line item for fun stuff like cars. Take a balanced approach - don't starve yourself now, you can save and have fun.

Oh i have a fun budget, i think the problem is more to do with the initial income number and yes id replace the car with a base c5 but im looking more in the direction of adding to the stable than selling anything. Im in no position to buy anything yet though. My main motivation behind it is to have something reliable. I cant hammer out engine swaps and clutches like i used to until my back gets better.... And its a guessing game when im going to need things like that with this car.

[nascarnate326]

I dont care what you do, you need some drop.

My eibach kit performs flawless, but I know you want a raked stance and I do not have any rake.

LS1 steering FTW too.

[birdie2000]

Here's what I did and I love it:

Koni yellow shocks
Stock springs - lower perch on front konis, heater hose mod in the back.

This will run you $700-800 depending on where you get them.

This will keep a good ride, will handle well, and you'll get about a 3/4" drop in the front and 1/2" in the back for just a slight rake (which I personally like). Plus the Konis have a lifetime warranty.

Also, as mentioned fix any worn bushings/steering parts. I also opted to get rear adjustable LCAs with rubber bushings instead of poly. Allows for a little deflection and is quiet/rides well.

[JoeliusZ28]

Here's what I did and I love it:

Koni yellow shocks
Stock springs - lower perch on front konis, heater hose mod in the back.

This will run you $700-800 depending on where you get them.

This will keep a good ride, will handle well, and you'll get about a 3/4" drop in the front and 1/2" in the back for just a slight rake (which I personally like). Plus the Konis have a lifetime warranty.

Also, as mentioned fix any worn bushings/steering parts. I also opted to get rear adjustable LCAs with rubber bushings instead of poly. Allows for a little deflection and is quiet/rides well.

Good stuff! Do you have a link to these shocks and spring mounts?

[birdie2000]

Well, I lied. Apparently there's been pretty significant price increase since I bought them a year or two ago. Looks like for the set I got (with on-car adjustable rears) it's about $1k now, the kit with off-car adjustable rears is $900. I'm 100% positive I spent between $700-800 a year or two ago for the on-car adjustable ones. Might want to check LS1tech for a group purchase though, Strano has done them in the past.

http://www.stranoparts.com/partdetai...D=11&ModelID=4

The spring perch is built into the front Koni shocks. There are two grooves for the the ring that holds the spring perch in place. Simply place that ring on the lower groove which is about 3/4" lower than factory. Don't do this with lowering springs though according to Strano, only stockers. For the rears, just take off the upper spring isolator and place some properly-sized heater hose around the first coil of the spring on top to isolate it a bit.

[JoeliusZ28]

hmmm, do i go that route or SLP? Im guessing even with stock springs that setup would perform better, but thats a lot of money for just shocks... I'd still have other install expenses and an alignment to cover.

I'll see if i can find a better price...

[MP81]

hmmm, do i go that route or SLP? Im guessing even with stock springs that setup would perform better, but thats a lot of money for just shocks... I'd still have other install expenses and an alignment to cover.

I'll see if i can find a better price...

Did you consider coilovers, like I mentioned earlier?

[JoeliusZ28]

Did you consider coilovers, like I mentioned earlier?

Can you link me some examples? I dont quite get the difference, arent the stock units coilovers?

[MP81]

Can you link me some examples? I dont quite get the difference, arent the stock units coilovers?

They are - but these are much better. Fully adjustable dampening and rebound settings - as well as ride height.

I believe they make these for the 4th gen: http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_variant_3.php

They are NOT cheap, but if someone is selling a used set...definitely worth it...