The Fourth Generation Trans Am and Formulas have a reputation as the best-handling Firebirds in the model's 35-year history. It's no surprise. By the time engineers had worked out the details for the '93 Trans Am (and the years that followed), computer technology had become the drawing board and testing ground for the F-body's new front suspension.
Designed with a short long-arm configuration, the fourth-generation Trans Am created a better camber curve as it moved from the high to low point of the wheel travel. Owners of the cars were quick to notice the improvement compared to the previous generation.
No matter how fresh the factory's new fourth-generation front suspension was, however, aftermarket companies saw the opportunity for improvement. Most of them will admit GM got the geometry correct, but its use of mass-produced stamped-steel suspension components, which were prone to flexing, left room for the aftermarket companies to design and sell bolt-on kits that would improve upon the Fourth Gen's strengths and correct its weaknesses.
With the introduction of the LS1 engine in the Trans Am for '98 and the start of the LS horsepower wars, the need for advanced suspension components became more critical. Though the factory's suspension could handle up to 450 hp, F-body owners were crossing the 500-600hp marks and beyond with their cars, and that required purpose-built suspensions kits.
Accordingly, High Performance Pontiac brings you our "Bona Fide Suspension Guide" for '93-'02 Firebirds and Trans Ams. In this guide, you'll find the kits that you need to improve upon the Fourth-Gen's ride, handling, and control. You'll also find a kit that gives you better launches at the dragstrip and claims to improve your 60-foot times as well.
Let's meet the manufacturers.
Performance
Suspension Technology
(877) 224-1706
www.p-s-t.com
Suspension Kits Manufactured
Performance Matched Mega/System Level 4
Fits the Following Models
'93-'02 Firebird and Trans Am
Features
• 2 Upper ball joints
• 2 Lower ball joints
• 2 Polygraphite outer tie-rod ends
• 8 Polygraphite control-arm bushings
• 2 Polygraphite stabilizer links
• 2 Polygraphite sway-bar bushings
• Control-arm bumpers (most models)
• 2 inner socket assemblies
• Ground Zero 1-inch lowering springs, set of four (spring rates: 285-525 lb-in front, 100-140 lb-in rear)
• G-MAX lightweight tubular 1.375-inch front sway bar, 1-inch lightweight tubular rear sway bar
• G-MAX shock tower brace
• Set of four KYB struts/shocks
• Catapult lower trailing arms and adjustable Panhard-rod kit
• Polygraphite bushings and all hardware
Benefits According to the Manufacturer
• Direct bolt-in for easy installation: no welding required
• Faster slalom times, aggressive stance, improved handling and responsiveness, and decreased wheelhop
• Engineered to work as a complete system with the highest quality components
• Polygraphite bushings have virtually zero deflection and offer a dramatic performance upgrade over outdated rubber bushings
• Significantly improves torsional rigidity of the chassis and yields a night-and-day improvement over stock
• Free shipping within the continental U.S.
Options and Upgrades
• Weld-in subframe connectors
• Upgrade to KYB AGX adjustable gas shocks
Mods Required
None, 100 percent bolt-on
MSRP
$1,649