Does switching to SS or 1LE struts/springs on a V6 raise ride height?

[cliffdog89]

Simple question: The SS and 1LE have heavier engines than the V6 so will changing to SS or 1LE struts/springs raise the ride height over stock on a V6 and, if so, by how much?

[JWoj3540]

That's a terrific question. OEM's have varying springs for even the same model vehicles to account for varying options (e.g., GM has springs that differ in stiffness for a Camaro SS that is spec'd with a sunroof, manual trans, vs. one w/o a sunroof and an auto trans). So for sure the spring stiffness will be different from the SS to a V6, but it's tough to say by how much and my guess is that you will not visually notice a different in ride height. This is just my opinion and guess, but I don't have an experience to back it up.

[derek1387]

It didnt on mine

[cliffdog89]

Originally Posted by JWoj3540

That's a terrific question. OEM's have varying springs for even the same model vehicles to account for varying options (e.g., GM has springs that differ in stiffness for a Camaro SS that is spec'd with a sunroof, manual trans, vs. one w/o a sunroof and an auto trans). So for sure the spring stiffness will be different from the SS to a V6, but it's tough to say by how much and my guess is that you will not visually notice a different in ride height. This is just my opinion and guess, but I don't have an experience to back it up.

I didn't realize they accounted for all of those options. Do you know where a list of stock spring rates can be found?

Originally Posted by derek1387

It didnt on mine

Which year SS or FE suspension did you uplevel to?

[derek1387]

The 1LE suspension.

[cliffdog89]

Originally Posted by derek1387

The 1LE suspension.

Was the performance significantly approved over stock? How is the ride (my car is a DD)?

[derek1387]

Incredible difference.

And mine is a DD as well. But i prefer a firm ride.

[Dexman1349]

Originally Posted by cliffdog89

I didn't realize they accounted for all of those options. Do you know where a list of stock spring rates can be found?

They don't have different springs. There is no way GM (or any manufacturer) would support a dozen different springs for one car.

All v6's have the same springs
All SS's have the same
All ZL1's.

I don't remember which springs the 1LE's use (either the SS or their own), but I do know they have their own shocks & struts.

The only known change within a performance package (base, SS, 1LE, ZL1) in the suspension were with the convertibles, but those included strut tower braces and had different FE3 vs FE4 year ranges.

On my SS, I currently have 1LE shocks/struts with ZL1 springs. That resulted in ~3/4" drop compared to a stock SS.

[clarkkent]

Originally Posted by Dexman1349

They don't have different springs. There is no way GM (or any manufacturer) would support a dozen different springs for one car.

I have no clue about Camaro's, but I know for a fact Jeep Wranglers come with different springs based on options. Softtop/hard top/trailer hitch/model/engine/trans/2 dr 4 dr/etc all make them differ. For the JK front springs, there were about 30 different kinds. We were trying to decipher them on the JK forums but never completed anything

[Dexman1349]

If there is a legitimate reason for a different spring, then yes they will support multiple part numbers. Legit reasons include: performance package (SS vs ZL1), towing options (not very often), and body configurations (coupe vs sedan vs hatchback). All of which have significant impact to the weight distribution of the vehicle.

In the case of a Jeep, a 2 door has a significantly different weight distribution than a 4 door. Same thing comparing a V6 to an Inline 4 or a diesel.

That being said, "minor" options like sunroof, cloth vs leather, premium sound system won't impact springs.

However I do know that all SS's, regardless of options, have the same spring part numbers. And the springs are even left/right interchangeable. One part# gets you both fronts and a second part# gets you the rears.

[cliffdog89]

Originally Posted by Dexman1349

They don't have different springs. There is no way GM (or any manufacturer) would support a dozen different springs for one car.

All v6's have the same springs
All SS's have the same
All ZL1's.

I don't remember which springs the 1LE's use (either the SS or their own), but I do know they have their own shocks & struts.

The only known change within a performance package (base, SS, 1LE, ZL1) in the suspension were with the convertibles, but those included strut tower braces and had different FE3 vs FE4 year ranges.

On my SS, I currently have 1LE shocks/struts with ZL1 springs. That resulted in ~3/4" drop compared to a stock SS.

How does that ride on the street?