Thinking about doing some suspension upgrades, where to start?

[stevegasm]

Everything suspension/handling-wise on the GTP is stock, and the feeling of falling out the car every time I turn is getting boring. So I'm thinking about doing some suspension upgrades. I'm pretty much a n00b at this area, I was curious if anyone has some suggestions on where to begin, preferably for someone on a budget Aftermarket swaybar? Strut brace? Stiffer springs?

 

Thanks in advance!

[slick]

IMO, I'd start off with larger sway bars and stb's. While your at it, replace your balljoints and tierods for some fresher ones. I would also look at the gmpp trailing arms, and what possibilities you have for lowering.

[Robby1870]

IMO, I'd start off with larger sway bars and stb's. While your at it, replace your balljoints and tierods for some fresher ones. I would also look at the gmpp trailing arms, and what possibilities you have for lowering.

 

Yeah, STB's and trailing arms are relatively cheap. You should notice a decent change with the STBs. Isnt there a GMPP suspension kit for your GTP?

[J]

IMO, I'd start off with larger sway bars and stb's. While your at it, replace your balljoints and tierods for some fresher ones. I would also look at the gmpp trailing arms, and what possibilities you have for lowering.

 

Yeah, STB's and trailing arms are relatively cheap. You should notice a decent change with the STBs. Isnt there a GMPP suspension kit for your GTP?

yes there is, i'd go that route

[stevegasm]

Thanks guys! Where can I get a GMPP suspension kit? I'll probably just grab front/rear STBs, trailing arms, and a rear sway bar from ZZP though.

[Robby1870]

Check this out, Steve.

 

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?perfPackages=1&pkgid=121

[stevegasm]

wow that's not a bad price for all GMPPs, thanks!

[Robby1870]

wow that's not a bad price for all GMPPs, thanks!

 

No problem. And, like the one link says, you can order two of the "front STBs" and use one for the rear. So, you've got sway bars, strut bars, trailing arms readily available from GM. Then, get some decent shocks/struts and you'll be good to go.

[Marchi1]

I just oredered the same kit, and then added the Don Rome STB brackets so that I do not have to drill the strut towers to install them.

 

pics will follow....

[Andrew]

I bought the GMPP kit too and installed it myself. Ok it took a little help from my buddy to do the front sway bar cuz its a pain to get in. I didnt do the rear STB because those are more intensive to do. This kit does a great job over factory. You'll still get some body roll without new struts though. I do.

 

Also, like Marchi said, i bought the plates for an easy front STB install. i got mine from ZZP though.

http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=139

They are worth the extra money IMO, and they look great. I can post pics if you would like.

 

Then if you get some new struts, make sure to get new strut top plates and their anti-pogo strut plate washers.(from ZZP)

[97loudcut]

Forget it, buy a F-body.

[Donutboy97]

I pretty much bought the same kit, except I bought the parts seperately. I already had the two STB's, and I wanted the solid Comp G rear sway, which from what I hear still may not be packaged in the kit. Haven;t installed it yet, waiting for warmer weather, but from what I hear, best bang for your buck mod.

[jeremy]

I'd go with STBs then springs/struts...

[stevegasm]

I ordered a front STB, rear sway bar, and rear trailing arms. I already put in the STB, the rest is going in this weekend. I can already feel a difference with just the STB Springs are probably going in when I get new wheels since i'm going to lower it.

[97loudcut]

Honestly, KYB's are amazing.

[Q-Ball]

Ha, I love your avatar!

[stevegasm]

Ha, I love your avatar!

 

Thanks!

[Andrew]

Springs are probably going in when I get new wheels since i'm going to lower it.

thats a lot of money to shell out at once.

 

Oh and i have avatar envy!

[Marchi1]

What is this about the Comp G rear bar being solid? What diameter is it as well? If it is over 19mm I will remove my old one and sell it for a Comp G bar.

 

The GMPP bar is not a solid bar, but a lightweight tube.

[Donutboy97]

What is this about the Comp G rear bar being solid? What diameter is it as well? If it is over 19mm I will remove my old one and sell it for a Comp G bar.

 

The GMPP bar is not a solid bar, but a lightweight tube.

 

It's 18mm I believe, smaller than the hallow sway in the GMPP kit. Even though it is smaller, it should be better because of the fact that it is solid

[Andrew]

What is this about the Comp G rear bar being solid? What diameter is it as well? If it is over 19mm I will remove my old one and sell it for a Comp G bar.

 

The GMPP bar is not a solid bar, but a lightweight tube.

 

It's 18mm I believe, smaller than the hallow sway in the GMPP kit. Even though it is smaller, it should be better because of the fact that it is solid

true, but am i the only one who thinks the rear sway bar end links are worthless? someone needs to come out with much stronger, thicker ones IMO.

[Marchi1]

Moog Endlinks, nuff said.

[terryk2003]

soo, did you get everything installed yet!?...if so, how's the handling!?...you didnt order the GMPP kit then, i take it!?...

[stevegasm]

nah, I just ended up ordering individual GMPP parts, and a ZZP front STB from ZZP. I installed the GMPP rear sway bar, rear trailing arms, and ZZP front STB a week or so ago, it feels a LOT more stable around corners. I still get that falling-out-of-the-car feeling a little bit, i just need stiffer springs now

[Andrew]

i just ordered from ZZP:

 

gen II SSC springs

kyb gr2's

strut top plates

anti pogo washers

 

$712 shipped! i sure wish i coulda got in on the group buy before the new year, i coulda got all this but the kyb agx's instead for $750 shipped. oh well. i cant wait to get this stuff. hopefully this will cure my front end clunking too.

 

oh and then im gonna get insulators, boots and bump stops from Ed Morad. $35 shipped.