2001 camaro suspension upgrades

[bri2203]

Within the next month or two I MIGHT be buying my brothers 2001 camaro.
The only problem is that it has the 3.8 v6. But it is a manual and has 3.23 gears.

After I do full tune up what upgrades can be done with the suspension.
(all fluids, check brakes, plugs/wires, tires, and fuel injection cleaner)

Some people suggest lower control arms but the aftermarket ones($100) use poly bushings.... I was thinking of boxing the stock ones. Are the control arms OK to have poly bushings..I know the suspension set up is totally different from a old A body.

stock springs are 257 lb/in and 114 lb/in
stock sway bars are 28mm and 15mm
(V-8 had different springs rates and larger sway bars)

what shocks would you recommend?
I might want to lower it an inch...
What would you do as far are spring rates vs sway bars?

I am on a budget so what would you recommend doing first

Lower control arms
sub frame connectors
pan hard bar
any knowledge on the LSI steering rack?


I will continue researching things and keeping you updated

Brian

[Racehead]

First off if handling is an issue for you then poly bushings are out since they limit the twisting motion necessary for normal suspension movement. The only exception to this is if you have rod ends on one end to allow this movement. Also when people recommmend LCA replacement they are usually talking about the REAR control arms. This is where you will make the most differance. I would do it in this order

1. New LCA's with rod ends on at least one end
2. New PHB with rod ends on at least one end
3. LCA brackets so you can adjust the LCA angle
4. Some Bilstein, or possibly some Koni shocks if you can swing it. A set of Prokit springs will help quite a bit as will a performance alignment with the following specs
"0" toe
-1/2 to -1 1/2 degrees camber
4 1/2 degree's caster.

[comp-spec]

Do a search about 1LE suspension vs poly suspension some good info.
we work on a lot of these f bodys fom roadrace to strip.
Its all in what your looking for.Quit or do u care about some noise in the suspension?what type of ride ect.