Suspension Upgrade questions for an 83 Monte Carlo

[rmorman]

Howdy!
I currently own a '79 & '83 Monte Carlo. The '79 has had several engine and suspension modifications including a Hotchkis TVS Suspension System and a set of Edelbrock shocks. I REALLY like the way it handles. Recently I inherited the '83 MC. Although the outside has been completely restored, the suspension system is stock. That is quite apparent when you drive it. I'm not planning on going as far with the '83, but would definetly like to upgrade the suspension a tad.
Here is my question. Should I go with the G Body Sport Sway Bar Set or is it worth the money to go up to the GM G Body Extreme Sway Bar Set? At the same time, I think I should replace the shocks. I was looking at the HPS 1000 Shock 4 Pack, but was not sure if that was overkill as the shocks are not inexpensive. The '83 has the stock 305 and I do enjoy driving into the curves but don't plan on doing track racing with it. Thoughts?? Or do I need to go a complete different direction?
Thanks,
Russ

 

[pontiacgp]

if you want to make it uncomplicated I'd go with Eibach springs which have come down in price. Those shocks sure look like the Bilstein AK series and that price is alot higher than you'd pay for the Bilsteins. As for the sway bar the F 41 bars work good with the Eibach springs

 

[UMI Sales]

Hey Russ.

We use the Eibach Bilstein combo on our G-Body kits.

If you're interested I can work with you to develop a kit for your needs.

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/i ... cts_id=604

Our Stage 2 kit includes our improved caster upper and a tall ball joint to improve camber gain.

What's your plan for the car? If it's an awesome daily driver with corner carving tendencies we should talk!

thanks

ramey

Howdy!
I currently own a '79 & '83 Monte Carlo. The '79 has had several engine and suspension modifications including a Hotchkis TVS Suspension System and a set of Edelbrock shocks. I REALLY like the way it handles. Recently I inherited the '83 MC. Although the outside has been completely restored, the suspension system is stock. That is quite apparent when you drive it. I'm not planning on going as far with the '83, but would definetly like to upgrade the suspension a tad.
Here is my question. Should I go with the G Body Sport Sway Bar Set or is it worth the money to go up to the GM G Body Extreme Sway Bar Set? At the same time, I think I should replace the shocks. I was looking at the HPS 1000 Shock 4 Pack, but was not sure if that was overkill as the shocks are not inexpensive. The '83 has the stock 305 and I do enjoy driving into the curves but don't plan on doing track racing with it. Thoughts?? Or do I need to go a complete different direction?
Thanks,
Russ

 

[pontiacgp]

There is a bunch of us on here that have UMI components on our cars and they make top quality parts. You can trust Ramey to help you out.

 

[gwhiz]

i got a 84 monte that was bone stock ,that handeled dangously bad. i put on the eiback pro spings front and rear ,kyb shocks front and rear,front upper and lower control arm bushings and hothkis front sway bar.also got the f 41 crossmember to frame horn bars ,radaitor brace and fender braces. when doing all this i also but all new moog balljoints and stering componets,tie rods idler arm ,centerlink etc. all said it handels like a new car . i dont road race or any thing just everyday street driving. but i did the work myself and spent around $900 dollars or so. now i got a car that handeles great and is safe and fun to drive .the only draw back is the ride is a little harsh compared to stock worn suspension but i like the response and control of the car. willbe working on rear suspension soon but really happy with this setup and was cheap buy most standards.

 

[rmorman]

LOTS of GREAT advice here! I'm still digging. Soooooooo, now I'm comparing these two:

1978-1988 GM G-Body Handling Package- Stage 1

VS.

SC&C "The Basics" Suspension Package 1978-88 GM A/G Body

SC&C runs $1,109.00 and UMI runs $859.99. There is only $200.00 difference, so that isn't my BIGGEST concern. I just want to bet the best bang for my buck.
UMI Kit includes:
•1-1/4” Solid front sway bar with bushings and end links, Part #3035
•1” solid rear sway bar with new hardware, Part #3034
•Set of (4) Bilstein HD shocks
•Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs

The SC&C kit includes:
•SPC performance lowering springs.
•Hellwig Tubular swaybars: 1-5/16" front bar and 1" adjustable rate pro-touring rear bar.
•Bilstein shocks (F+R)
•Upgrades include:
Koni Classic "Special D" shocks - add $72.00

Do both kits include new end links for the front sway bars? The UMI kit has a solid front bar and the SC&C does not say. I was thinking the Hotchkis had a hollow front bar. Does that make a difference? How much do these kits lower the car? If it is too low, did I read somwhere that Chevy has something that goes on the top of the spring to raise it up by 1"? The '83 is already kinda low.
Thoughts?

 

[UMI Sales]

Our kit includes front and rear solid sways where Mark's kit includes tubular sways. The rates are slightly lower with hollow bars but as you can see, the SC&C bar is slightly larger diameter so it's probably a wash.

The SC&C rear bar is Pro Tour style while ours (in the kit at least) is factory mount.

We can upgrade our kit with our brand new 3044 to achieve a similar package.

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/i ... cts_id=722

Our kit as it stands is tremendous bang for your buck. The SC&C kit is a bit more versatile with the Pro Tour style bar and we can make our kit similar.

The Eibach's tend to lower the car around one inch. If your car is already "saggy" it may only lower it one half inch. But, you end up with a higher rate, better performing spring.

There are a few spacer options out there. I tend to use a NASCAR style spring rubber if I want to prop a front end up a little bit.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-Rubb ... 23904.html

The nice thing is, you can order UMI through SC&C as well if you're so inclined. He's one of our top dealers and really knows his stuff.

Thanks for considering UMI and please let me know if you have any questions.

ramey

LOTS of GREAT advice here! I'm still digging. Soooooooo, now I'm comparing these two:

1978-1988 GM G-Body Handling Package- Stage 1

VS.

SC&C "The Basics" Suspension Package 1978-88 GM A/G Body

SC&C runs $1,109.00 and UMI runs $859.99. There is only $200.00 difference, so that isn't my BIGGEST concern. I just want to bet the best bang for my buck.
UMI Kit includes:
•1-1/4” Solid front sway bar with bushings and end links, Part #3035
•1” solid rear sway bar with new hardware, Part #3034
•Set of (4) Bilstein HD shocks
•Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs

The SC&C kit includes:
•SPC performance lowering springs.
•Hellwig Tubular swaybars: 1-5/16" front bar and 1" adjustable rate pro-touring rear bar.
•Bilstein shocks (F+R)
•Upgrades include:
Koni Classic "Special D" shocks - add $72.00

Do both kits include new end links for the front sway bars? The UMI kit has a solid front bar and the SC&C does not say. I was thinking the Hotchkis had a hollow front bar. Does that make a difference? How much do these kits lower the car? If it is too low, did I read somwhere that Chevy has something that goes on the top of the spring to raise it up by 1"? The '83 is already kinda low.
Thoughts?

 

[rmorman]

Ramey,
I have some experience with Hotchkis, as my '79 is equipped with their stuff. Is your rear sway bar similar to their Solid 1" rear sway bar. Because that would be fine with me.

Your company seems pretty highly regarded out there and seems to be a great bang for the buck. :lol:

Thanks,
Russ

 

[UMI Sales]

Ramey,
I have some experience with Hotchkis, as my '79 is equipped with their stuff. Is your rear sway bar similar to their Solid 1" rear sway bar. Because that would be fine with me.

Your company seems pretty highly regarded out there and seems to be a great bang for the buck. :lol:

Thanks,
Russ

Hey Russ.

Thanks for the kind words. We try our best!

Our 1" rear is 4140 chromoly, powdercoated red or black and balances nicely with our 1.250" front bar and/or most other "large" front bars.

I'm a big fan of UMI (and not since I work here) and feel that our products are a great value as far as performance per dollar.

Let us know how we can help.

later

ramey

 

[rmorman]

OK,
I think I'm about sold on the SC&C "The Basics" kit. I have also read that upgrading the steering box to somthing with a "Higher Ratio." What is the easiest way to go about this on a non SS 1983 Monte?

Now to save up a bit of change! Thanks all! 😀

Russ