General suspension ?'s

**Ws6Situation** · 03-19-2011, 10:02 AM

I know there are plenty of suspension threads but honestly I would rather not try and find which one answers my questions directly.

I recently just got an '01 WS6 with only 40k miles on it after not having a trans am for 6 years. I remember nothing about suspension mods besides the T/A that I had, I put intrax springs on it. I want to lower it enough to look clean but not dangerously low. I want to do it right by having the complete set-up but that will come in time. As for right now, I'm going for looks so what spring set-up is best that will work well with parts that I add on later?

If this doesn't make complete sense, dont bash, just let me know what I SHOULD be looking for.

Current mods: Pacesetter long tubes, o/r y-pipe, SLP cat back.

**9T8W66** · 03-19-2011, 10:10 AM

Strano's are considered the best overall spring for 4th Gens.

But if your doing springs might aswell buck up for quality shocks at the same time.

**c5z28** · 03-20-2011, 12:35 AM

You "should" get a shock that is valved for whatever spring you get. Strano springs are generally best paired with bilsteins and koni's. Bilstein slps with slp springs. Look up vogtland springs. Also depends if you want handling or drag shocks aka qa1's.

**Ws6Situation** · 03-20-2011, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by c5z28

You "should" get a shock that is valved for whatever spring you get. Strano springs are generally best paired with bilsteins and koni's. Bilstein slps with slp springs. Look up vogtland springs. Also depends if you want handling or drag shocks aka qa1's.

Thanks for the advice! Honestly I have no idea what to look for in making sure that the shock is valved for what type of spring I get. Also what does slp mean when you say Bilstein slps? I'm basically new when it comes to going in depth about modifications. I definitely appreciate the help....this is a learning process for me that I want to do right.

**c5z28** · 03-20-2011, 09:05 PM

The slp in Bilstein just means they were tuned by slp for the slp springs. Just like bilstein hd's were tuned for strano springs. People do fine(just not optimal) mixing dms/hotchkiss or whatever with bilsteins/koni's socks etc, but if the shock is valved to compress at a slower rate than the norm and you pair it with a soft spring you shoot yourself in the foot. The shock being meant for handling while the spring is meant for 1/4 mile weight transfer.

**tremiles** · 03-22-2011, 06:16 AM

The Bilstein HD shocks are tuned for stock ride height springs, not Stranos. People frequently use them with Stranos, because they are well built and inexpensive, and valved "close enough". Sam used to offer a revalved Bilstein but doesn't anymore. The SLP Bilsteins are valved for their approximate .75" drop springs, and some consider a better match for Stranos than the HD's. Depending on the vendor, they are cheaper as well.

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**mmontefl** · 03-22-2011, 07:18 PM

I too have a question about Springs and shocks. Too my utter disbelief my springs have given way and no longer suppress shock from bumps in the road. 52k miles...

Immediately thinking that the issue was with the shocks I purchased KYB AGX's and that made things worse. Brought it by the dealership and they told me that the Springs have given way and are not providing enough lift, thus the axle is rocketing up into the bump stop (which are now destroyed).

I have a fully optioned SLP car, bought it brand new from dealership with SLP Bilsteen shocks and springs. Since I went with the KYB AGX's does anyone have a suggestion that will match the KYB's and have same ride height as the .75 lowered SLP spring?

**tremiles** · 03-23-2011, 04:10 PM

Why not stick with the SLP Bilsteins?

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**mmontefl** · 03-23-2011, 06:13 PM

I suppose I could get another set of SLP's. I am upset that they are in need of replacement after 52k, but I have been hard on them...
Was also seeing if there were any better options.... Heard Strano are good, but they aren't progressive spring and didn't want a harsh street ride

**tremiles** · 03-24-2011, 07:45 AM

My mistake, I thought your shocks were bad, not your springs.

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**'02 WS6** · 04-06-2011, 03:08 AM

Originally Posted by mmontefl

I suppose I could get another set of SLP's. I am upset that they are in need of replacement after 52k, but I have been hard on them...
Was also seeing if there were any better options.... Heard Strano are good, but they aren't progressive spring and didn't want a harsh street ride

Koni 3/4 or 4/4 and Strano Springs FTW.