Tires or suspension mods?

**gbenz** · 06-01-2008, 10:05 AM

I have a 6M, 2000 Formula non WS-6 car. What will make my car handle better, WS-6 wheels/tires instead of the 245/50/ZR16's on 16X8 wheels or suspension mods? If so what mods would you recommend 1st? No drag racing, just on the streets!

**fbodynut** · 06-01-2008, 05:07 PM

Just my opinion.
shocks,springs,swaybars. Then do the upsize on the tires and rims.
What you need all depends on what kind of handling you want....stop light launcher, or pullen g's in the turns.

**fbodynut** · 06-01-2008, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by fbodynut

Just my opinion.
shocks,springs,swaybars. Then do the upsize on the tires and rims.
What you need all depends on what kind of handling you want....stop light launcher, or pullen g's in the turns.

Contact Sam at http://www.stranoparts.com/

**gbenz** · 06-01-2008, 06:17 PM

I always want the best of both worlds! I just sold my 88 GTA with the WS-6 suspension and it handles better than my 2000 Formy (non WS-6) but obviously the Formy is a smoother ride. The LS1 however just blows the doors off the 3rd gen GTA. Thats why I sold the GTA to get more power. I had a 78 WS-6 400 4-spd TA before that, that ran great but does not handle as well as the newer cars. So I am looking for the best of both worlds. I love doing burn outs at 20-30 mph and fish tailing in 2nd and going throught the turns quicker. Now I have the best of both worlds with the LS1. I would just like to get it to handle better. Your opinion sounds great. Thank you. I will get ahold of Sam for more info. I am looking to end up with about 400 hp at the wheels when I am finished. But then again, why put a limit on horse power!

**fbodynut** · 06-02-2008, 04:51 PM

I had a 78 400 4spd also. 16" rims, monroe gas shocks, mildly worked motor. Loved it. Miss it. True old school 70's muscle. Hot, uncomfortable on long rides, loud, poor fitting panels, 13 mpg. Fun as hell!! But sucked as a daily driver. This 4th gen definately spoiled me. Of course, gettin a little older might have something to do with it too.

If you talk to Sam, just tell him what it is you want to do with the car and he can point you in the right direction.

**vetteemt** · 06-03-2008, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by fbodynut

Contact Sam at http://www.stranoparts.com/

Yep talk to Sam he'll help you out. I would do the suspension first then the wheels and tires. Really each well complement each other to achieve the best handling possible.

**TedsB4Csled** · 06-03-2008, 11:19 PM

I vote on the suspension mods, but if you want a cool new look go with the new wheels!

**Eugenio_SS** · 06-07-2008, 12:57 AM

get good shocks for now.. do wheels later.

**squee** · 06-07-2008, 11:17 AM

I say start with subframe connectors if you don't already have them. That and a strut tower brace should tighten the car up a good bit.

**TedsB4Csled** · 06-07-2008, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by squee

I say start with subframe connectors if you don't already have them. That and a strut tower brace should tighten the car up a good bit.

HEll yeah!

**gbenz** · 06-08-2008, 11:58 AM

Sam is out racing! I will hear from him this week. Thanks for all the info. I think I will go with shocks, then subframe connectors and then a strut tower brace. This way I can see how much each mod changes the ride.

**gbenz** · 06-08-2008, 12:03 PM

Will the Strano springs lower the car without any other modifications? For those of you who have used them, how do you like them?

**Eugenio_SS** · 06-08-2008, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by squee

I say start with subframe connectors if you don't already have them. That and a strut tower brace should tighten the car up a good bit.

true, but none of those 2 will help in any the handling characteristics of the car.
He's looking for improved handling, not chassis stiffness.

**Eugenio_SS** · 06-08-2008, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by gbenz

Will the Strano springs lower the car without any other modifications? For those of you who have used them, how do you like them?

those are great springs... great rate and are light as well.
you'll need shocks with them, though.
The bottle neck in our cars is shocks... no matter how you cut it, if you want handling, you'll need good shocks... now if you want different spring rates/heights... great... but make sure you get shocks that will work well with wathever springs you chose... while making sure the springrates you are getting is what you want.

**gbenz** · 06-14-2008, 11:08 AM

Sam e-mailed back and he recommended Koni shocks! I will try to call him this week for more specifics about his springs and shocks.
Thanks for all of help!

**gbenz** · 07-07-2008, 06:37 PM

Hey all, the Koni 4/3 shocks are awesome! Night and day difference in ride. Better than expected after talking to Sam. Thank you all for your info. I never would believe shocks would change the ride so much. Totally recommend them to anyone. It is like having a totally new suspension. I did not lower the car and kept the oem springs.

**Hot Black Trans-Am** · 07-07-2008, 07:01 PM

Go for the wider tires next and see how much more they will help too. The stock shocks should be one of the first things to go no matter what you want to do with the car.

**fbodynut** · 07-08-2008, 02:03 AM

I got my koni's from Sam a month or so back, and like them as well.
Things get even better with his springs. The car is much smoother in the turns and can take alot more throttle comming out of the turns as well.
Good stuff