Help with Improving a 3rd gen Camaro Suspension

[tracar91]

Over the weekend I took the Camaro out to the Midwest Musclecar Challenge (www.midwestmusclecarchallenge.com/ (http://www.midwestmusclecarchallenge.com/)).

I had a blast, however I now am much more humble about my driving ability.

I have the power, I have the brakes, now I am ready to begin improving the suspension on the Z.

This, is where you guys come in.

Usage
Street - 1-2 times a month to work or cruises
Track - 3 or 4 track day events per year
Autocross - occasionally

Details about the car:
1991 Z28 hardtop

LS1/T56 Stock rear with 3.42 posi
C5 corvette front brakes, factory 91 z rear disks (HP+ pads and ATE superblue fluid)
weld in subframe connectors
Spohn tubular K-member

Suspension
boxed rear control arms
solid panhard bar
Factory 91 Z28 front and rear swaybars (not sure of size)
Eibach sportline springs (fronts cut 1 coil to level ride height after LS1 transplant)
no name shocks and struts from prior to 2003 when I bought the car.

Wheels/ tires
18X8 (245/40/18) front 18X9.5 (285/35/18) rear street tires. 200 treadwear

Be aware, I am not a rich man. changes only come slowly when I can scrape together extra cash. I need a priority list to tackle for best bang for the buck.

Questions:
1) I know I should replace the shocks/struts. should I jump straight to double adjustable or is there a less expensive option that will help?
2) Have I totally screwed myself up by cutting the coils on the Sportlines? What rates should I target?
3) Should I skip coils and struts and convert to coil overs?
4) Can I have a good setup for both track day and autocross without changes?
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[wendell]

Give it a minute and folks will be lining up to take your money.

In the mean time, I'd start researching SCCA "A Sedan" 3rd gens. They were the dominant platform in that class and may still be. I've seen a forum for them some were. That will give you an idea of what REAL modifications should be made to make a 3rd gen fast. The best part is that the nature of the rule set rewards ingenuity as opposed to just buying stuff from a catalog. You're off to a great start with the LS motor. Best of luck.W

[srh3trinity]

Stano or strano comes to mind for third and fourth gen autocross. I cant remember the name.

[CA B4C]

Sam Strano has been very successful autocrossing 3rd gen Camaros at the National Level. He runs a business called Strano Parts (Stranoparts.com). As a Evolution School instructor I'm sure he will give you great advice on settign up your car.

I've autocrossed run a 3rd gen on and off over the past several years. I would recommend the Hawk HP+ pads for the front also, if you don't have them already. I swapped out my stock rear bar for a lighter bar too keep the inside rear on the ground. You listed a posi as one of your modifications, a good posi is critical and without one you'll find yourself making compromises in other areas of your suspension setup to overcome inside wheel slip. Lowering the rear panhard bar height is a common mod to lower the rear roll center, thus increasing rear bite from middle to corner exit.

In response to your questions:

Questions:
1) I know I should replace the shocks/struts. should I jump straight to double adjustable or is there a less expensive option that will help?

Koni Yellows (rebound adjustable) are about the best front shock/strut going right now for the 3rd gen. I would place this toward the top on your list of things to do. Ridetech has a new rebound adjustable shock for the rear. The ability to adjust the Ridetech shocks is much easier than the Koni rears and the range of adjustment will accomodate various spring rates.

2) Have I totally screwed myself up by cutting the coils on the Sportlines? What rates should I target?

I don't have any experience with the Sportline springs. I have found that running a stiffer springs has helped. I'm running a 5.5 by 12 inch spring with a #1000 rating in the front. With the panhard bar in the stock location I was running #200 springs in the rear. Shocks control the ride and its not too bad for me on the street. I drive up to 100 miles to most of the events in the SoCal area.


3) Should I skip coils and struts and convert to coil overs?
I would recommend staying with the stock spring locations.

4) Can I have a good setup for both track day and autocross without changes?
Yes. The adjustable shocks will allow you to dial the car in for the track surface. Changing to an adjustable Panhard bar will allow you to change the rear roll center to get more corner exit bite. Road course stuff may need some brake ducting.

As resources allow I would look in to 18 x 9.5s for the front and run the same size tire on all four corners. Best of luck with your project.