How good is the SLP Stage 1 suspension? Options

[ZBrewha863]

Hey guys, I'm looking at buying an SLP Stage 1 suspension (the SLP Bilsteins and a matched set of Eibach springs), and I was wondering how it stacks up as far as a race-able suspension for a daily driver car. Specifically the springs, I have no idea how they rate against, say, DMS, Hotchkiss, or even the other Eibach springs. Any suggestions? Thanks

[Absolut Speed]

I think it's a great daily driver suspension. It came with my Firehawk. Not the most optimal race suspension though.

Here's the spring info that may help you in comparisons.
Front Springs: 223-448# progressive
Rear Springs: 97-136# progressive

[LT4Firehawk]

Actually, the Level I spring specs are:
front springs: Eibach 300-450 lb/in (stock springs: 292 lb/in)
rear springs: Eibach 115-185 lb/in (stock springs: 114 lb/in)

The Level I kit (shocks/springs) that SLP sells aftermarket are the same ones used in the Level II suspension that ran through 99. The specs listed above are from the Bilstein suspension that was available from 00-02 if I remember correctly.

As to how good the setup is, I think it's very good. It's not perfect, but it handles very well and also has a good ride. As a reference point, I was only 4 seconds a lap slower in my LT4 Hawk than in my Z06 at our local track (1:33 to 1:29). Granted this was with 98+ front brakes, but the Hawk still weighs about 400lbs more, gives up a good 40HP to the Z06, and doesn't have as good of gearing. A couple of things that I've done to the Hawk (since running those times) to really improve the SLP suspension are:
Strano 35mm hollow front swaybar
Global West upper front A arms
Unbalanced Engineering adjustable panhard rod
Of those three, the 35mm front bar was the biggest bang for the buck, followed by the GW A arms (great benefit, just expensive). The PHR made some difference in handling, but I mainly did it so I could center the rear for when I run 315s.

My advice, get the SLP springs/shocks and add Sam's 35mm front bar to that.

[2000Z-71]

While it is probably better than stock, I think you can do better spending the same amount of money or a little more. What do you want to use the car for? That's the first question to answer. Revalved Bilsteins, Eibach Prokit spings, 35mm front bar and 21mm rear bar seems to be a popular set-up that people have been happy with for daily driver and autocross.

I've got Koni SA's front and rear with the Ground Control coil overs and weight jackers. The car is my autocross car and sadly once again my daily driver. The 550lb front and 150lb rear springs are great on an autocross course. They're also great out on the highway, but driving on city streets everyday it's a little too much. But the beauty of the ground Control set-up is that you can easily change spring rates.

Hope this helps.

[robz71lm7]

I would not recommend the pro-kit for a daily driver. It's too soft and sits too low which makes it nasty on bumpy roads. My car rides nicer with koni's and 600/150# springs (GC/allstar combo) than it did with revalved bilsteins and the prokit. Right now it's 26.5" front and 26.75" rear with the 600/150 springs. The prokit had it at 25.75 and 26" which was way too low for it's rates and stock length shocks.

I honestly would recommend the GC setup with your own springs over any spring set. You can pick your own rate and height w/o compromising anything.

[98_1LE]

It was great for a daily driven car. Rides better than stock, and handles better also.

[WS6WRX]

I have the prokit and Sam's revalved bilsteins, it's a little harsh daily but I like it that way and it's been great on AutoX. If you want a better ride I'd say go with the Koni SA's for a little more money. I also just added Sam's sway bars and I'm really really gettin happy with the way this car is handling.