replacing stock springs

[pv-camaro]

i have a 2001 3.8V6 Camaro
i replaced already my stock shocks, with adjustable Koni's (4) and the stock swaybars with SS-ones (32mm and 19mm) with the correct bushings and endlinks.

The next stage is to replace my springs, in the country where i live (Netherlands, Europe) there are a lot of speed bumps, so much lowering will cost me my front airdam.

Can i replace my original springs with new 1LE ones ?, there are stock height i believe.
Can i use these springs for a V6 Camaro, are they not designd for a V8 car, problems with car height, the V6 Camaro is lighter than a V8.

What are the best options, Hotchkiss (1" drop) ?

[Hib Halverson]

Re: replacing stock springs

I'd go with an Eibach spring package. It will lower the car 25-35 mm.

I prefer Eibach springs because of the quality control. Eibach is probably the world's leading manufacturer of coil springs.

That spring bar package will certainly offer a lot of roll stiffness, but with the V6 weighing less in front the car's balance might be just a little different than would that of a Z28 or an SS. Also, you will find that the car's ride is going to be much more aggressive with that spring/bar/shock package and you will really notice that on European roads.

Lastly, the front spring change is not an easy job. If you're a DIY, you'll not have access to the special tools used to "jig" the spring/shock assemblies during assembly. Instructions on how to assemble production-based spring units without special tools are in an article at:http://www.camarohomepage.com/project/part1.htm

[pv-camaro]

Re: replacing stock springs

thanks for the info,

there are 2 different sets of Eibach springs, but has someone experience with hotchkiss springs (they have the lowest drop, about 1")

For the difficulty of replacing the springs, i replaced the four shocks my self (with koni's), if you got the right tools, it can be done.

But has someone replaced there springs with 1LE ones ?, they also a lot stiffer (1LE 360 lbs/in to 257 lbs/in stock), and you have the stock height.

In the Netherlands there are a lot of speed bumps (someones are very heigh), with stock height i can drive slowly over these bumps (without hitting something), but i am afraid if i lower the car too much, i will dammage my airdam or even worse my nose.

[whitdog54]

Re: replacing stock springs

1LE springs might raise your front end. Hotchkiss is pretty reputable, the drop isnt extremely noticeable though.

[enzia35]

Re: replacing stock springs

I liked the drop with Hotchkiss. It isn't slammed and it's noticeable. Pretty rough ride though, with KYB AGX at 4/4.

[EarlR]

Re: replacing stock springs

I tried a pair of the Eibach Pro-kit rear springs on my '02, and didn't like them at all. They were just too soft for a lowering spring IMO. On the highway I would hit the bump stops any time I go over a bump/dip of any size. I already had a pair of BMR springs on the front, and so finally decided to try them for the rear - they made a world of difference. Firm, but not harsh with the AGX shocks I'm running. Since they're only made for the V8 cars, the front springs didn't lower the car much at all - maybe 1/4"-3/8", but the rears dropped it the full 1-1/4" as advertised. Now the car sits pretty much dead level, rather than the slightly jacked up stance these cars have stock. They're progressive springs, with the highest rates somewhere in the 525/175 lb range, so they're plenty stiff when you start tossing it around, but don't kill you on every little bump. I think they're just about perfect if you want a sports car like ride. I would guess Sam Strano's springs are very close to the BMRs, but I'm not sure if they drop the front of the V6 more.

[Slowside]

Re: replacing stock springs

I bleed pride for sam strano springs. I have them agx's and SS bars. I love it. Every Single Day. I toss the car around often, I have only spun out one time.

[pv-camaro]

Re: replacing stock springs

I bleed pride for sam strano springs. I have them agx's and SS bars. I love it. Every Single Day. I toss the car around often, I have only spun out one time.

how much was the car (i hope a V6) lowered with these Strano's ?