How do I know whether I have an FE1 or an FE3?

[GPX]

I have a '96 Cutlass Supreme SL Series II. It needs a new spring in back and I'm thankful that two members have already stepped forward with used ones. How do I find out what suspension I have? I like the way the car handles the way it is. If I have FE1, then I don't mind getting the FE1, but if it's an FE3, I don't want to take the step down to FE1. In other words, it would be great if it handles better, but I don't want a performance decrease!

[ManicMechanic]

On the spare tire cover, you will find the SPID label if it can be read. That's where you will find whether it's FE1 or FE3.

[GPX]

On the spare tire cover, you will find the SPID label if it can be read. That's where you will find whether it's FE1 or FE3.

Thanks, Manic, you are awesome! It's an FE1. Soon possibly an FE3.

[ManicMechanic]

Anytime.

[Crazy K]

READ THIS!

 

http://www.w-body.com/spring-codes.html

 

 

there are a variety of springs that could come on either an FE3 or FE1 car, and many cars are actually using the same spring irregardless of suspension code... You should be matching your SPRING CODE, not the SUSPENSION CODE.

 

on the leaf, the spring code is physically "stamped" into the bottom of the spring near ones side or the other.

[Spilly]

^ THANK YOU

 

I've been wanting to find my suspension code, but the spare tire cover is gone.

[GPX]

READ THIS!

 

http://www.w-body.com/spring-codes.html

 

 

there are a variety of springs that could come on either an FE3 or FE1 car, and many cars are actually using the same spring irregardless of suspension code... You should be matching your SPRING CODE, not the SUSPENSION CODE.

 

on the leaf, the spring code is physically "stamped" into the bottom of the spring near ones side or the other.

That is very interesting. And damn you Ken for knowing everything there is about W's. How did we get all that information anyway? Although my car is an FE1, it has the FUX front springs. I can't quite make out the rear letters as they are partially worn off the label. Looks like RD something. Anyway, thanks for that info.

[Crazy K]

READ THIS!

 

http://www.w-body.com/spring-codes.html

 

 

there are a variety of springs that could come on either an FE3 or FE1 car, and many cars are actually using the same spring irregardless of suspension code... You should be matching your SPRING CODE, not the SUSPENSION CODE.

 

on the leaf, the spring code is physically "stamped" into the bottom of the spring near ones side or the other.

That is very interesting. And damn you Ken for knowing everything there is about W's. How did we get all that information anyway? Although my car is an FE1, it has the FUX front springs. I can't quite make out the rear letters as they are partially worn off the label. Looks like RD something. Anyway, thanks for that info.

the rear numbers are STAMPED into the leaf. try again.

[GPX]

READ THIS!

 

http://www.w-body.com/spring-codes.html

 

 

there are a variety of springs that could come on either an FE3 or FE1 car, and many cars are actually using the same spring irregardless of suspension code... You should be matching your SPRING CODE, not the SUSPENSION CODE.

 

on the leaf, the spring code is physically "stamped" into the bottom of the spring near ones side or the other.

That is very interesting. And damn you Ken for knowing everything there is about W's. How did we get all that information anyway? Although my car is an FE1, it has the FUX front springs. I can't quite make out the rear letters as they are partially worn off the label. Looks like RD something. Anyway, thanks for that info.

the rear numbers are STAMPED into the leaf. try again.

Yeah, I read that, but I don't care. I bought a spring off of 94GPGTP and that's what's going in...Thanks again.

[GPX]

Springs arrived today. They look great. Fronts still have plastic coating and rear still has pads on in good shape. Thanks 94GPGTP! Front springs going from FUX to CJK (7 notchs stiffer). As I said, I can't read all of the letters on the leaf, but it looks like RDK. The new leaf is RFJ, at least 7 notches stiffer than my stock spring. Going to let the garage put these in as I pretty much don't work on cars in the winter and at least the rear NEEDS to get in there.

[Crazy K]

Are you putting 3.4 rated springs in a 3100 car????

 

 

 

I suppose it beats what I did... putting a 3.4 in a 3100 FE1 sprung car... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

 

 

seriously, I would do the back spring only... I think the front springs you received will be toooooo stiff for your engine weight rating.... it would raise the front of the vehicle and probably make the ride toooo harsh.

[GPX]

Are you putting 3.4 rated springs in a 3100 car????

 

 

 

I suppose it beats what I did... putting a 3.4 in a 3100 FE1 sprung car... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

 

 

seriously, I would do the back spring only... I think the front springs you received will be toooooo stiff for your engine weight rating.... it would raise the front of the vehicle and probably make the ride toooo harsh.

I'm glad you're looking over my shoulder.

 

Well, I have a 3400 (LA1) but how much difference is there in weight between the three? I don't want to wreck my ride. What happened to your 3100 FE1 with the 3.4?

[White93z34]

I really think any difference would be totally negligible in regards to front end weight. Personally I'd run the front springs without thinking twice.

 

IIRC 5 speed cars and automatic cars got the same springs up front and there is around 200 pounds or more difference between them. That and doing the automatic to manual swap myself, I did not notice any difference in ride height. So I would think you would be just fine.

[Crazy K]

Are you putting 3.4 rated springs in a 3100 car????

 

 

 

I suppose it beats what I did... putting a 3.4 in a 3100 FE1 sprung car... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

 

 

seriously, I would do the back spring only... I think the front springs you received will be toooooo stiff for your engine weight rating.... it would raise the front of the vehicle and probably make the ride toooo harsh.

I'm glad you're looking over my shoulder.

 

Well, I have a 3400 (LA1) but how much difference is there in weight between the three? I don't want to wreck my ride. What happened to your 3100 FE1 with the 3.4?

 

the FE1 springs seem fine to me.... but then again... I do have 3.4 bars front a rear+ FSTB and RSTB....

 

start with the rear replacement spring first.... see how that suits you.

 

 

 

I need to re-check my spring codes on my car(s).

[GPX]

Are you putting 3.4 rated springs in a 3100 car????

I suppose it beats what I did... putting a 3.4 in a 3100 FE1 sprung car... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

seriously, I would do the back spring only... I think the front springs you received will be toooooo stiff for your engine weight rating.... it would raise the front of the vehicle and probably make the ride toooo harsh.

I'm glad you're looking over my shoulder.

 

Well, I have a 3400 (LA1) but how much difference is there in weight between the three? I don't want to wreck my ride. What happened to your 3100 FE1 with the 3.4?

the FE1 springs seem fine to me.... but then again... I do have 3.4 bars front a rear+ FSTB and RSTB....

 

start with the rear replacement spring first.... see how that suits you.

 

I need to re-check my spring codes on my car(s).

Now you're confusing me. I have an RSTB, but standard sway bars (I presume, although the front is very beefy), but those do different things than springs. If FE1 springs are alright in a 3.4 car with 3.4 bars and front and rear STBs, why isn't a 3400 car with FE3 springs okay. Your idea suggests that any one of our cars with a higher rate spring would have a higher ride height and I don't think that's the case. In fact, I bet GM is clever enough to have all ride heights the same no matter what the spring rate. I know, that's giving them a lot of credit.

[White93z34]

why isn't a 3400 car with FE3 springs okay.

 

It is just fine. see my post.