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The LS swap has become a popular modification among car enthusiasts, particularly for Z cars. With the potential to exceed 600 horsepower, it’s essential to upgrade the suspension to handle the increased power and ensure safety. This article will explore various suspension upgrades that are necessary for Z cars with LS swaps.
Understanding the Importance of Suspension Upgrades
When you swap an LS engine into a Z car, the dynamics of the vehicle change significantly. The added weight and power can lead to handling issues if the suspension isn’t properly upgraded. Here are a few reasons why suspension upgrades are critical:
- Improved Handling: Upgraded suspension components help maintain better control during acceleration and cornering.
- Increased Stability: A well-designed suspension system enhances the car’s stability, especially at high speeds.
- Safety: Proper suspension upgrades reduce the risk of losing control, making driving safer.
Key Suspension Upgrades for LS Swapped Z Cars
Here are some essential suspension upgrades that Z car owners should consider when performing an LS swap:
- Coilover Kits: Adjustable coilovers allow you to customize ride height and stiffness, providing better handling and comfort.
- Upgraded Sway Bars: Thicker sway bars can reduce body roll during cornering, improving overall stability.
- Performance Shocks: High-performance shocks are designed to handle the increased forces from the LS engine, offering better damping and control.
- Control Arms: Upgraded control arms can improve geometry and articulation, optimizing handling characteristics.
- Strut Braces: These braces add rigidity to the chassis, helping to maintain alignment during aggressive driving.
Coilover Kits
Coilover kits are one of the most effective upgrades for LS swapped Z cars. They provide adjustable ride height and damping settings, allowing drivers to fine-tune their suspension for different driving conditions.
- Benefits of Coilovers:
- Customizable ride height for improved aerodynamics.
- Adjustable damping for different road conditions.
- Enhanced cornering performance.
Choosing the Right Coilover Kit
When selecting a coilover kit, consider the following:
- Brand Reputation: Choose a reputable brand known for quality and durability.
- Adjustability: Look for kits that offer a wide range of adjustment options.
- Spring Rates: Ensure the spring rates match your driving style and intended use.
Upgraded Sway Bars
Upgrading the sway bars is crucial for reducing body roll and improving cornering performance. Thicker sway bars can significantly enhance the handling characteristics of an LS swapped Z car.
- Advantages of Upgraded Sway Bars:
- Minimized body roll during sharp turns.
- Improved steering response.
- Increased overall stability.
Selecting Sway Bars
When choosing sway bars, keep these factors in mind:
- Material: Look for bars made from high-quality materials for durability.
- Diameter: A larger diameter typically provides better performance.
- Compatibility: Ensure the sway bars are compatible with your specific Z car model.
Performance Shocks
Performance shocks are designed to handle the increased forces generated by an LS engine. They provide better damping control, which is essential for maintaining traction and stability.
- Benefits of Performance Shocks:
- Improved ride quality and comfort.
- Better control during aggressive driving.
- Enhanced traction on various surfaces.
Finding the Right Shocks
When selecting performance shocks, consider the following:
- Adjustability: Look for adjustable shocks to customize your setup.
- Type: Choose between twin-tube or monotube designs based on your needs.
- Brand: Opt for well-known brands with positive reviews.
Control Arms
Upgrading control arms can improve the geometry and handling of your Z car. Better control arms allow for increased articulation and can help maintain alignment during hard cornering.
- Reasons to Upgrade Control Arms:
- Enhanced handling characteristics.
- Improved suspension travel.
- Better alignment retention under load.
Choosing Control Arms
When selecting control arms, keep these factors in mind:
- Material: Look for lightweight yet durable materials.
- Design: Consider designs that allow for better suspension geometry.
- Compatibility: Ensure they fit your specific Z car model.
Strut Braces
Strut braces add rigidity to the chassis, which is crucial for maintaining alignment during aggressive driving. They help reduce flex, improving overall handling performance.
- Benefits of Strut Braces:
- Increased chassis stiffness.
- Better steering response.
- Enhanced cornering stability.
Selecting Strut Braces
When choosing strut braces, consider the following:
- Material: Opt for high-strength materials for durability.
- Fitment: Ensure the brace is designed for your specific Z car model.
- Design: Look for designs that offer maximum rigidity without adding excessive weight.
Conclusion
Upgrading the suspension is critical for safely handling the power of an LS swapped Z car. By investing in quality components like coilovers, sway bars, performance shocks, control arms, and strut braces, you can ensure your vehicle not only performs well but also remains safe on the road. Proper upgrades will enhance handling, stability, and overall driving experience, allowing you to enjoy the full potential of your LS swap.