josh99ta's 2000 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Factory Options:

SLP SS Performance Package, 500W Monsoon audio system, chrome 10 spoke SS wheels

Exterior Modifications:

Black Halo headlights; removed door side molding, tint, staggered RPM 505 19x8.5 and 19x9.5 wheels and tires (245/35s and 275/30s)

Interior Modifications:

Trans Am gauge cluster bezel; Harlan shift light (red LED) in driver's side a-pillar vent; Corbeau or Arizen seats (down the road)

Performance:

SLP lid; descreened MAF; ported/polished throttle body; LS6 intake; gutted factory lower airbox w/ custom ram air setup; gutted cats; Hooker Aerochamber catback w/ cutout; SpeedShift tuning

Suspension/Chassis:

1.5" drop 325 lbs front and 1.75" drop 145 lbs rear lowering springs with Bilstein HD shocks and struts; modified front upper strut mounts for more suspension travel, upgraded bumpstops all around (40mm Koni progressives up front, custom rear bumpstops); weld-in boxed subframe connectors; adjustable panhard rod

I wanted a nearly stock-like ride quality, but I wanted a lower stance a slight bump in handling. Up front I got a second set of upper shock mounts and modified them in such a way to allow over 1" less droop and over 1" more travel. I also removed the factory bumpstops and replaced them with shorter, more progressive Koni 40mm bumpstops. I also replaced the stock shocks with Bilstein HD units valved for my spring rates. Because of these changes, even though the front of my car is lowered over 1.5", I've gained back nearly all of that suspension travel. Most lowered cars can't say that. F-Bodies have 6" of suspension travel up front. When lowered with springs most people reduce this to around 4.5". They have reduced travel with a far stiffer suspension setup to compensate. Instead I have a very compliant and comfortable suspension for daily driving, and I still have over 5.5" of suspension travel, with a much nicer stance to boot.

In the rear there isn't as much suspension travel so other measures had to be taken. Factory SS cars came with a specific bumpstop that had a spacer attached to it. It made for a very abrupt and harsh impact when the bumpstops were contacted over road irregularities. I removed these bumpstops and spacers, and replaced them with more progressive units that allowed more suspension travel as well. This made the ride much smoother and significantly less harsh over bumps and dips in the road. I also installed an adjustable panhard rod to recenter the rear after lowering. As a result I have less travel than stock in the rear, but more than most lowered cars, and when my travel starts to run out it comes on in a more predictable and progressive manner, making for a more smooth and controlled ride.

I've had over half a dozen different suspensions under F-Bodies between all the Camaros and Firebirds I've owned, and this setup is second in ride+handling only to running stock springs with Koni SA shocks all around, and it's only in second place by very little. Considering the Koni setup is nearly $1,000, and I have significantly less than that wrapped up in my current suspension I think this is my favorite suspension setup I've ever had. The Koni setup handled better, but wasn't low enough. This setup rides just as well as the Koni setup did, handles very well still, and is 1" lower than the Koni setup all around. The only place it falls short is in handling, and even then this setup is far better than stock because of the upgraded shocks and bumpstops.

Drivetrain:

LS7 clutch w/ LS2 Fidanza lightweight aluminum flywheel; slave mod; factory Hurst short throw shifter with WS6Store short stick (factory Hurst leather wrapped shift knob)

Electronics:

6000k Xenon HID low beam and fog light conversions; disabled auto headlights; low beams + high beams mods; fog lights + high beams mod

To-Do List:

Some form of audio upgrade to get iPod capability and satellite radio in the car, most likely an upgraded head unit, JBL coaxials or Alpine Type-R components, and a JBL 8" GTO sub in a driver's side stealthbox for a small, lightweight, but effective setup

Some form of adjustable ride height suspension so that I can set the ride height where I want it, that also offers increased handling and a more comfortable ride...either the Edelbrock IAS coilovers up front with IAS shocks and modded springs in the rear, or the Universal Air Aero Sport air bags over the Bilsteins up front with bags in the rear with Bilsteins as well

Down the road an ATI Procharger for a little extra kick while still maintaining stock driveability