Front suspension recommendations g

[Algershick]

I'm getting my motor together right now and wanted to start thinking about suspension. My G is going to be a daily driver capable of some spirited driving, therefore budget oriented is what I'm after.

I'm currently working with Energy Suspension body mounts, 1.25" front sway bar, and Del-a-lum LCA bushings. I will buy tall lower ball joints and plan on boxing the frame.

What else can you guys recommend? Is there anything I can do with the upper control arm to improve geometry or is aftermarket the way to go? What spring and shock combo is preferred? I'd appreciate any input you have.

Austin

 

[GuysMonteSS]

I used the Street -Comp Stage 2 + kit from SC&C and couldn't believe the difference.
Better handling as well as lowering the front by over an inch,one of the best purchases I have made for the Monte;
http://scandc.com/new/node/47
For shocks you should start with at least a set of Bilstein's or better,like the double adjustable Viking's.
A nice set of coil overs would be ideal if they fit your budget.
Some extra braces are also a nice touch and do make a difference,here is a link on that from here;
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/f41-and-aftermarket-bracing-diagrams-more-pics-added.8126/
IMO boxing the frame isn't necessary unless you are making a ton of power.I'm at 650 flywheel HP and still have the stock unboxed frame.
Guy

 

[UMI Sales]

I'm getting my motor together right now and wanted to start thinking about suspension. My G is going to be a daily driver capable of some spirited driving, therefore budget oriented is what I'm after.

I'm currently working with Energy Suspension body mounts, 1.25" front sway bar, and Del-a-lum LCA bushings. I will buy tall lower ball joints and plan on boxing the frame.

What else can you guys recommend? Is there anything I can do with the upper control arm to improve geometry or is aftermarket the way to go? What spring and shock combo is preferred? I'd appreciate any input you have.

Austin

I would start with the shocks and springs (assuming all your current components are in good shape), These are possibly the most important part of your suspension as far as upgrading handling.

With most aftermarket upper a-arms there is approx. 5Deg. of caster built into them for improved geometry,If it's in the budget I would recommend using tall ball joints in the uppers. You say you are going with tall ball joints in the lower,this is ok for the fact tall ball joints in either upper or lower a-arms add spindle height which improves handling but unlike the uppers, tall ball joints in the lowers actually lower the stance of the car,so you will need to raise the stance of the car with isolators or shims if you are trying to achieve a level stance. Most of our customers with street cars looking to improve handling go with tall ball joints in the upper a-arms and standard in the lower. If you are using coil-overs this isn't a problem because you can just raise the ride height to where you want it.

For improved handling while still maintaining a pleasurable street ride we recommend 600lb front coil springs on the front and 130lb rears. These springs combined with our UMI valved non adjustable shocks has been a great combo for improved handling for many G-Body customers.

http://umiperformance.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8_64_361&products_id=787

If you have any questions feel free to call us here at the shop. It's a free call and we can explain what each individual component would be best for your build/budget

Craig

 

[Algershick]

I appreciate all of the responses. So boxing in the C channelled areas of the frame is unnecessary unless you're at some pretty high power levels? That's interesting and contradicts a lot of what I've read elsewhere. Thank you for that.

 

[pontiacgp]

IMO boxing the frame isn't necessary unless you are making a ton of power.I'm at 650 flywheel HP and still have the stock unboxed frame.
Guy

I politely disagree, boxing the C channels is not only for high powered cars, it stiffens up the car for handling. I can jack up the side of my car at the connection point of the C channel and rear clip. That is impossible with an unboxed frame cause the car will twist with the weak C section....

 

[UMI Sales]

I politely disagree, boxing the C channels is not only for high powered cars, it stiffens up the car for handling. I can jack up the side of my car at the connection point of the C channel and rear clip. That is impossible with an unboxed frame cause the car will twist with the weak C section....

Boxing tends to help stuff in general, even on a daily driver. That amount of work isn't for everyone but if I was doing a frame-off for a street only car, I'd still box if possible.

ramey

 

[Algershick]

I think I'm going to box it, as I'm already pulling the frame out from under the body to re-weld seams and inspect/paint.

Eibach springs don't seem to be a favorite with these cars. What's a decent front coil? I'm going to retain the 301 for now. I've seen multiple builds where Moog 5660 and 5658 springs are used.

 

[Turboelky]

Subscribing. I have qa1 coil over suspension up front, tubular uppers and lowers, do not care for it. Looking to install springs to bring back stock ride height.

 

[Algershick]

I got a lead on a very local wrecking yard that has a bunch of G bodies in it, I'm about to go take a look and see what I can scavenge for braces.

 

[Algershick]

What don't you care for, the QA1's or the entire setup? What tubulars and bushing type did you go with?