In the June '09 issue of HPP, we presented the hottest new subframes, and even full frames, for your First- and Second-Gen Firebird. For those readers who want 21st-century cornering performance while retaining their Bird's factory subframe, this month we bring you bolt-in front and rear suspension kits designed to take the guesswork out of which parts will work best for your ride. These packages promise to improve your Bird's suspension geometry, modernize its ride, make back-road corner carving a pleasure, and even shave tenths off of your slalom, autocross, or road course time.
Here in Part I, we look at products from various manufacturers. Next month in Part II, we'll look at suspension kits from Hotchkis, Fatman Fabrications, and Pro-Touring F-Body. Now let's see what's available and why each manufacturer feels it has the best package for you.
Author's note: When ordering any of these systems, tell the manufacturer the year of your Firebird or Trans Am. As some of the manufacturers told us, there are differences between many same-generation model years. Simply saying, "I have a First-Gen or I have a Second-Gen," isn't good enough to get the exact parts you need for your project.
Detroit Speed
(704) 662-3272
www.detroitspeed.com
Suspension Kits
Speed Kit 1, Speed Kit 2, Speed Kit 3, Rear Speed Kit
Fits the Following Models
'67-'69 or '70-'81 Firebirds
Features
Speed Kit 1
Tubular upper and lower control arms designed with a dropped spring pocket and improved camber and caster adjustment
Delrin bushings with steel housings and crush tubes; black powdercoated finish
Koni Classic shocks
2-inch-drop front springs, 470-pound rate
1 3/8-inch tubular front sway bar with urethane bushings and links
Speed Kit 2
Tubular upper and lower control arms designed with a coilover spring pocket with improved camber and caster adjustment
Delrin bushings with steel housings and crush tubes, black powdercoated finish
DSE-specific, aluminum-bodied Koni coilover shocks
Front coilover springs, 550-pound rate
Coilover conversion kit, including upper control-arm mounting plates and brackets with fixture, stamped steel rings to trim pass-through area on subframe, and related fasteners
1 1/8-inch tubular front sway bar with urethane bushings and end links
Speed Kit 3
All of the Speed Kit 2 components
DSE 600 12.7:1-ratio steering gear with rag joint
DSE pitman arm and idler arm
DSE inner and outer tie-rod ends and tie-rod adjusters
Rear Speed Kit
175-pound-rate rear leaf springs with 2- or 3-inch drop
Heavy-duty shackles with Delrin bushings
Koni Classic rear shock absorbers
Benefits
Speed Kit 1: Direct bolt-in kit, dramatically improved handling and ride quality, modern aggressive stance
Speed Kit 2: Multiple adjustments in ride height with increased performance, improved and adjustable ride quality, modern aggressive stance
Speed Kit 3: Multiple adjustments in ride height with ultimate in stock subframe performance, improved and adjustable ride quality, modern aggressive stance
Rear Speed Kit: Lowered ride height, improved ride quality, modern, aggressive stance
Options and Upgrades
All systems are complete packages
Mods Required
Speed Kit 1: None, direct bolt-in system
Speed Kit 2 and 3: Welding required on pass-through trim rings and upper control arm brackets
Rear Speed Kit: None, direct bolt-in system
MSRP
Speed Kit 1: First-Gen, $1,823; Second-Gen, $1,858
Speed Kit 2: First-Gen, $2,520; Second-Gen, no kit
Speed Kit 3: First-Gen, $3,407; Second-Gen, no kit
Rear Speed Kit: First-Gen, $683; Second-Gen, $683