[iroczfan2009]

i want to upgrade my suspension on my 1986 camaro but i dont know what parts i should buy or where to begin...also my camaro has 15 inch wheel would it be better to put bigger wheels on it or will it throw off the handeling
i've researched and seen most iroc-z had 16inch wheel from the factory

[DaSouthWon]

What exactly do you mean by "upgrade the suspension"? Do you want the car to handle and corner better, or are you trying to get the car to hook up better? Going to a larger diameter wheel usually gives you a more responsive steering wheel but will make the ride a little rougher. If the cars suspension is simply worn out an dit does things like shake at higher speeds and has loose steering, you can usually tighten things up a bit by replacing worn balljoints and tie rods. You can also replace bushings with either rubber or polyurethane. Polyurethane bushings come in different densities and firmness. They will last longer than the rubber bushings but have a tendency to squeak if you don't keep them greased. Personally I think that replacing ALL the rubber with poly is a bad idea, it'll make the car beat you to death and you'll feel every little imperfection in the road. A good mixture of the two is the way I would go. If the car feels like its wandering all over the road it's probably in the rear suspension.

[curtis73]

Absolute hands down best first suspension mod for a 4th gen is subframe connectors. Don't bolt them in, weld them in. Then a strut tower brace, then rear trailing arms, torque arm, and panhard bar.

THEN worry about bushings and spring rates if that doesn't do the trick for you.

16" is a good upgrade. 17" is starting down the path of trading handling for bling. More isn't better. Once you start reducing the sidewall height, the handling gets skittish. There is less threshold between grip and slip. Taller sidewalls often provide less peak grip, but they give it up progressively.

16" has shown to be a great size for F-bodies.

[Brimstone]

Originally Posted by curtis73

Absolute hands down best first suspension mod for a 4th gen is subframe connectors.

Actually, he's got a 3rd gen - 4th didn't start until '93 . but your recommendations are still valid, regardless.

[curtis73]

D'oh Me = dork.