Last month we presented bolt-in front and rear suspension kits designed to improve handling for your First- or Second-Gen Firebird. We got so carried away with providing all the specs, features, and benefits that we couldn't fit all the companies in without cutting out vital information, so we made it a two-part story.
Choosing suspension parts on your own can be a daunting task. Oftentimes mixing and matching parts from various companies results in a hard-riding vehicle that doesn't handle to its potential. For those reasons, we are presenting packages from some of the leaders in the industry to have the quesswork taken out of the handling equation. Through cohesive component design using modern technology and vehicle testing, these companies have corrected the weaknesses inherent in the respective decades-old designs, and are promising much-improved handling without degrading the ride qualities to the point of discomfort for the driver and passengers.
By modernizing your Bird's suspension geometry and ride characteristics, you can enjoy backroad corner-carving like never before. If you choose to autocross or run on a road course, you will be rewarded with more control, less body lean, more precise turn-in, and lower times.
Compare and contrast the packages here and those listed last month. Consider the designs, the features, and the philosophies of the manufacturers to help you decide which is the best package for you. If possible, speak with friends, fellow club members, or acquaintances who have the package you are considering in their cars to get a firsthand account of how they like it. Even better-ask for a ride.
Pro-Touring F-Body
(847) 594-9021
www.pro-touringf-body.comSuspension Kits
Sport Kit: Offers a 20 percent spring-rate increase over the factory WS-6 package
GT Kit: 40 percent spring-rate increase over the factory WS-6 package
Comp Kit: 55 percent spring-rate increase, tall ball joints, adjustable front and rear shocks
Race Kit: 65 percent spring-rate increase (custom spring rates available), plus the standard features of the Comp Kit and front spring adjusters
Fits the Following Models
'67-'69 or '70-'81 Firebirds
Features
Lowers car 1 to 2 inches
Performance/race front springs (rates range from 500 to 800 pounds)
Low-friction performance/race leaf springs (rates range from 150 to 300 pounds)
Matched Pro Racing front and rear shocks
Gen II exclusive adjustable Super Duty shackles
Gen II heavy-duty 11/4-inch front sway bar
Gen II exclusive adjustable 7/8-inch rear sway bar
Gen II rear sway-bar drop links
Gen II improved geometry tubular upper A-arms
All-new upgraded hardware
Benefits
Completely bolt-on; much-improved handling that can be further exploited with modern tires; body roll greatly reduced
Options and Upgrades
Pro Racing adjustable shocks
Spherical bearings for front leaf-spring eye
Tall ball joints for improved camber curve and roll center
Mods Required None
MSRP $1,299-1,599
Fatman Fabrications
(704) 545-0369
www.fatmanfab.com
Suspension Kits
GTech Kit One, GTech Kit Two
Fits The Following Models
'67-'69 Firebirds
Features
GTech Kit One
GTech forged spindle with 2-inch drop
GTech tubular upper and lower control arms
QA-1 billet, adjustable front shock absorbers
Hellwig 11/8-inch front sway bar
GTech Kit Two
New Delphi 600 power steering box
QA-1 billet adjustable rear shock absorbers
Hellwig 1-inch rear sway bar
Benefits
GTech Kit One
Lowered ride height and center of gravity; better handling through maintaining the tire contact patch produced by the taller spindle height, creating an enhanced camber curve; improved control and response provided by the sway bar and shocks
GTech Kit Two
More precise steering input; enhanced control and response provided by the sway bar and shocks
Options and Upgrades
GTech Kit Two
Brake kits in varying levels for GM or Ford 9-inch rear axles
Mods Required
None, all bolt-on
MSRPGTech Kit One: $1,099; GTech Kit Two: $1,559
Hotchkis Performance
(877) 466-7655
www.hotchkis.net
Suspension Kits Manufactured
Total Vehicle System (TVS)
Fits the Following Models
'70-'81 Firebird/Trans Am
Features
Sport coils (600-pound rate)13/8-inch front and 7/8-inch rear Sport sway bars
Chassis Max sway-bar brace
Heavy-duty tie-rod sleeves
Sport leaf springs (150 to 180-pound rate)
Polyurethane bushings
Benefits
Easy-to-install bolt-in suspension system; perfect balance of high-performance handling, comfortable ride, and the perfect stance; virtually eliminates body roll and understeer; dramatically improves traction and steering feel; lowers the ride height 2 inches in front and 1.5 inches in the rear
Options and Upgrades
Hotchkis HPS1000 Sport Shocks ($127 each)
Second-Gen F-Body geometry-corrected tubular upper A-arms ($715)Second-Gen F-Body geometry-corrected tubular lower A-arms ($902)
High performance subframe connectors ($346)
Mods Required
None, bolt-in installation with handtools
MSRP
$1,348