Re: Sway Bars
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 4:44 pm
nothing specific on "rates", per se.
As I mentioned in the other active thread I just replied to, the wire diameter and number of free coils indicate the SS springs will be "softer", but I do not know what impact this has on load-carrying capacity. Beyond my level of knowledge to calculate, but I know there are formulas to do that.
If I could get the springs on a rate-checker as often used by oval racers, it would be interesting to see what the numbers are....I'll work on that.
The SS measured suspension height IS lower than PPV--lighter car on softer springs. The SS is lighter, by maybe 200-250# compared to PPV, so with a known lower static suspension height vs stock PPV, and the greater weight of the PPV, the ride height (with equal wheels/tires) SHOULD mean the PPV will sit slightly lower than SS (or, in reality, the SS springs used on a PPV will be slightly more compressed).
Shocks for PPV should be fine--they are actually valved heavier than the 2014 SS shocks, as part of the package for the type of duty, as well as the heavier (stiffer) springs used on PPV. Bigger springs (wire diameter) means more energy to control, so the shocks are valved appropriately to do the job. Even with the heavier valving of the OE PPV shocks, I don't think it will be too harsh with the lighter SS springs. That is where I think the change of sway bars will complement the entire package--springs/shocks, wheel/tire choice.
Depending on your car's model year and VIN, there was a running change for rear shocks mid-2011, and 2012 brought new front shocks that are reported to be a significant improvement over 2011 front shocks--I got this information from a GM engineer I know that was able to reach someone in the PPV program for some suggestions. My car has the 2nd version rear shocks already, and I have a pair of the new front shocks that will be used when I do the SS spring swap.
I am also going to a 19" wheel with 255/40 tires all around, so I'm cognizant of what impact tire sidewall can have on NVH & ride quality vs the stock tire with 50 aspect ratio...another reason to go with an OE spring combination rather than aftermarket lowering springs.
As I mentioned in the other active thread I just replied to, the wire diameter and number of free coils indicate the SS springs will be "softer", but I do not know what impact this has on load-carrying capacity. Beyond my level of knowledge to calculate, but I know there are formulas to do that.
If I could get the springs on a rate-checker as often used by oval racers, it would be interesting to see what the numbers are....I'll work on that.
The SS measured suspension height IS lower than PPV--lighter car on softer springs. The SS is lighter, by maybe 200-250# compared to PPV, so with a known lower static suspension height vs stock PPV, and the greater weight of the PPV, the ride height (with equal wheels/tires) SHOULD mean the PPV will sit slightly lower than SS (or, in reality, the SS springs used on a PPV will be slightly more compressed).
Shocks for PPV should be fine--they are actually valved heavier than the 2014 SS shocks, as part of the package for the type of duty, as well as the heavier (stiffer) springs used on PPV. Bigger springs (wire diameter) means more energy to control, so the shocks are valved appropriately to do the job. Even with the heavier valving of the OE PPV shocks, I don't think it will be too harsh with the lighter SS springs. That is where I think the change of sway bars will complement the entire package--springs/shocks, wheel/tire choice.
Depending on your car's model year and VIN, there was a running change for rear shocks mid-2011, and 2012 brought new front shocks that are reported to be a significant improvement over 2011 front shocks--I got this information from a GM engineer I know that was able to reach someone in the PPV program for some suggestions. My car has the 2nd version rear shocks already, and I have a pair of the new front shocks that will be used when I do the SS spring swap.
I am also going to a 19" wheel with 255/40 tires all around, so I'm cognizant of what impact tire sidewall can have on NVH & ride quality vs the stock tire with 50 aspect ratio...another reason to go with an OE spring combination rather than aftermarket lowering springs.