Tough one for ya' - 1LE Decarbons

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Afte two weeks of research, I still can't find out any information on the specifics around the WS6/1LE deCarbon shocks which came standard on the 96 WS6 cars.

I found out the part numbers: 22171227 for the front, 22182505 for the rear. However, other than statements saying they were revalved for the WS6/1LE springs, I can't find out what they were rated vs. stock V8 deCarbons.

I'd like to upgrade my tired shocks, but am having a hard time justifying the cost difference between Bilstein and Koni SA.

Any ideas?

[dochidalgo]

Al:
Here are several data I've been able to get since I own a TA......
Hope these help you.............




The intro of the 4thgen F-bodies brought some change to the 1LE package. No longer was the option hidden beneath any other option codes. You could now simply order the 1LE package by itself. When doing so, you received the same aluminum driveshaft that was installed in the third-gen cars, much stiffer deCarbon shocks, and the same front and rear springs as the standard V8F-body. Some of the parts that were no longer included with the 1LE package were the larger front disc brakes and the special gas tank. The new F-bodies now had standard front brakes that measured 11 inches. Unfortunately, you still had to delete A/C in order to get a 1LE, so sales remained fairly low.

At the end of 94, some minor changes were made on the 1LE. No longer was the larger 21mm rear sway bar necessary, because all 1LE cars now received increased-rate springs all around. In 95, only one change was made. They received the same radiator baffling used on A/C equipped cars to increase cooling. The changes made on the race ready option during the 96 model run were the most significant. For one thing, A/C now became standard on all cars, including the 1LE. Koni double adjustable shocks, now also a pat of the 1LE package, were a great upgrade. Also, in order to order a 1LE, you had to buy the WS6 option.



The only options required to order a 96-97 1LE car is the basic option group (1SA) and the WS6 performance package. You must also specify 6-speed only. Your remaining choices are limited to rear window defogger and/or a front license plate bracket.

Source: High Performance Pontiac

Koni double adjustable shocks in place of the deCarbon pieces used on all other Formulas and T/As.

> Lower front control arm front and rear bushings rated at 110K lb-in replace 100K lb-in front bushings and rear bushings rated at 60K lb-in found in other V8 Birds.

> Front upper control arm front and rear bushings rated at 24K lb-in instead of 16K and 18K lb-in, respectively, on other V8 Birds.

> Upper front control arms that carry a different part number from other performance Firebird models because of the harder bushings.

> The same 32mm hollow front sway bar found on other Formulas and T/As with 275/40-17 tires.

> Stabilizer bar and link bushings are the same for all of the T/As and Formulas including the 1LE.

> Rear stabilizer bar is a 19mm solid piece that is shared with all other T/A and Formula models as are the bushings with a durometer reading of 80, the stabilizer link grommets and the top spring insulators have a 65 durometer reading.

> The same front spring rate as other Firebirds with 275/40-17 tires, which is 63 N/mm straight rate (2 N/mm stiffer than smaller tired Birds.)

> Rear springs are 23/30 N/mm variable rate which are shared with the Formula and T/A coupes with 275/40-17 tires, convertibles are different.

> In the rear, the panhard rod (track bar) is rated at 8000 N/mm for the 1LE and T/A and Formula coupes with 275/40-17 tires, convertibles are different.

> Lower control arms (tailing arms) are the same part number as the B4C police package which is different from all other Formulas and T/As as are the trailing arm bushings, rated at 50K lb-in.

> Trans mount for the manual transmission is the same used on all other performance Birds except the standard T/A or Formula convertible.

> Jounce bumper hardness is the same for all Formulas and T/As including 1LE.

> Also noted is the fact that with the FE7 Showroom Stock package, like the WS6, the jounce bumper is 15mm shorter than all other bumpers and rear jounce is restricted by placing a 15mm spacer under the jounce bumper.

> Wheels and tires are the same as WS6 package for the 17-inchers and the same as the standard Formula and T/A for the 16-inch wheel and GSC tire package.

> Everything with 275/40-17 tires gets a steering cooler.



1LE Parts

1LE Front 32 mm Stabilizer Bar (GM p/n 26032907)

(2) 1LE Stabilizer Bar Endlinks (GM p/n 10221779) http://www.b-body.net/Technical/Susp...yEndlinks.html

(2) 1LE Front 32 mm Stabilizer Bar Insulator (GM p/n 10288551)

1LE Front Left Lower Control Arm (GM p/n 52367658)

1LE Front Right Lower Control Arm (GM p/n 52367659)

1LE Front Left Upper Control Arm (GM p/n 22156461)

1LE Front Right Upper Control Arm (GM p/n 22156462)

1LE Front DeCarbon Shock (GM p/n 22171227)

1LE Front Koni Shock (GM p/n 22140240)

1LE Front Spring (GM p/n 22132887, 360lb/in, 63 N/mm)



1LE Rear 21 mm Stabilizer Bar (GM p/n 10021221)

(2) 1LE Stabilizer Bar Endlinks (GM p/n 10221779)

(2) 1LE Rear 21 mm Stabilizer Bar Insulator (GM p/n 10235886)

1LE Rear Lower Control Arms (GM p/n 10164151)

1LE Panhard Rod (GM p/n 10262147)

(2) 1LE Rear Shock Upper Insulator (GM p/n 22166909)

(2) Rear Shock Lower Insulator (GM p/n 10009135)

(4) 1LE Rear Shock Insulator Retainer (GM p/n 22166910)

1LE Rear DeCarbon Shock (GM p/n22182505)

1LE Rear Koni Shock (GM p/n22140228)

1LE Rear Spring (GM p/n 22132889, 130-170 lbs/in, 23 to 30 N/mm)



1LE Transmission Mount (GM p/n 22146231)

1LE Aluminum Driveshaft (GM p/n 10085375)



1LE History

The fourth generation Camaro was introduced in 1993, and Chevrolet did offer a 1LE options on the GEN IV Camaro's in 1993, but few were actually ordered. Some new updates were then included to make the 1LE option more appealing to the buying public. Koni had become almost the exclusive manufacturer of the racing shocks which were usually installed in preparation for competition on all '96 and later 1LE Camaro's after they left the showroom floor. The Koni double-adjustable racing shock was well accepted and successful trackside, but thought to be too high-end for public use. For the fourth generation, Koni contracted with GM to become the new shock supplier for all 1LE Camaro's. The '93s already came with an upgraded antilock braking system that was light years ahead of the third-generation version and if you bought a 1LE-equipped Camaro after 1993 you'd get much more than that for your money. GM began supplying Koni shocks on all four corners and including a little-known, unmarked instruction sheet in the glove box of each car explaining how to tune and adjust the shocks for the best handling on any track surface. Along with the Koni shocks, Chevrolet really went all-out on the suspension upgrades for this model. Chevy also offered higher-rate durometer bushings on the front and rear control arms and panhard bar, stiffer coil springs on all four corners, a larger 32mm front sway bar, 21mm rear, and a beefier transmission mount for manual transmission-equipped cars as part of the 1LE package. This package was now being targeted at performance enthusiasts, not just hard-core racers, and in 1996 all Camaro's came standard with air conditioning. Another little known-fact is that all GEN IV Camaro's came standard with a black painted roof, but the 1LE-equippedcars could be ordered with a roof painted to match the body color. All 1LEs automatically deleted the fog lamps on Z28s, adding another outside telltale sign to its performance potential.



The 1LE option was discontinued in 1999. GM's reason was the cost of keeping an inventory of parts for such a low production vehicle was not profitable. However, the option returned in2001 on Camaro SS and Firebird Firehawk's prepared by SLP and ordered with Y2Y options.



1996-1997

* (2) Front shock absorber - Koni yellow (96+): 22140240
* (2) Rear shock absorber - Koni yellow (96+): 22140228
* LT1 Intake Bellows (93-97): 25147187
* (2) Front springs (LT1, 360 lbs/in): 22132561
* (2) Rear springs (LT1, 130-180 lbs/in): 22132562
* Front sway bar (32 mm): 26032907
* Transmission Mount: 22146231
* (2) Rear lower control arm: 10164151

GM Stock F-body Springs

FRONT

22077189 (39 N/mm, 223 lbs/in) (93-97 V6)

22133438 (45 N/mm, 257 lbs/in) (98-00 V6)

22077197 (51 N/mm, 292 lbs/in) (93-00 V8)

22132887 (63 N/mm, 360 lb/in) (WS6, 1LE)



REAR

22077418 (16.9 N/mm, 95.4 lbs/in) (93-97 V6)

22077421 (19.9 N/mm, 114 lbs/in) (93-00 V8, 98-00 V6)

22132889 (23 to 30 N/mm, 130-170 lbs/in) (WS6, 1LE)



MISC

The stock V8s rear springs are used on 98+ V6 models (114 lbs/in).

The 98+ V6s have stiffer front springs (257 lbs/in) than earlier years.

Y87 cars have same springs as non-Y87.





Eibach

Here are 3831.240, 93-97 V6 spring rates, the front is linear, and the rear is progressive:

* 1" drop
* Front = 351 lbs/in
* Rear first = 80 - 137 lbs/in

And the spring rates for the 3870.240, 98+ V6 kit, both front and rear are progressive springs:

* 1.4" drop
* Front = 377 - 600 lb/in
* Rear = 80 - 137 lb/in

Technical Support
Eibach Springs, Inc.
949-752-6700 - X114





G2

Here are the Super Spring rates, the front is linear, and the rear is progressive:

* 1.5" drop front, 1.625” rear
* Front = 540 lbs/in
* Rear = 140 - 180 lbs/in





MAC

Here are V8 spring rates, both the front and rear are progressive:

* 1.5" drop
* Front = 450 - 515 lbs/in
* Rear = 215 - 245 lbs/in





GM Stock F-body Shocks

FRONT

22151319 (93-97 V6)

22182495 (98-01 V6)

22171227 (1LE DeCarbon)

22140240 (1LE Koni)

22140189 (93-97 V8)

22182498 (98-01 V8)



REAR

22182505 (93-00 V6/V8)

10443949 (01 V6/V8)

22166714 (WS6)

22182505 (1LE DeCarbon)

22140228 (1LE Koni)



MISC
Extreme Sport Suspension Package (1LE 32mm front sway bar, 1LE front bushings, 1LE endlinks, 1LE PHR) GM p/n 12363906
Rear Wheel Jounce Bumper 15 mm Spacer kit GM p/n 12363935



Regards
Dochidalgo

[Al 96 Ram Air T/A]

Thanks Doc. You know, coincidentally, in researching new suspension parts for my bird, I actually stumbled across your posting from many years ago. It was because of your listing of 1LE part numbers that drew my attention to the fact that WS6 cars received different deCarbon shocks. I had no idea that was the case. What I can't prove is that the revalve is firmer. I've read posts stating that they were softer to work with the stiffer 1LE/WS6 springs, but I've also read that they were "firmer" (whatever that means...more bump? rebound?)


Regardless, I want to upgrade my shocks to at least the Bilstein HD, but wouldn't mine seeing exactly what the difference will be.


I know the Bilstein HD front are rated at 159 bump, 279 rebound, and the rear are 86 bump, 174 rebound. I also know that the SLP Bilstein (which most people state are softer to work with the lowered SLP Eibach springs) are rated at 130 bump, 397 rebound for the front, and identical ratings for the rear as they are off-the-shelf Bilstein HD.

My fear is that the "upgraded"/revalved deCarbons I already have are nearly the same as the Bilstein HD. If that's the case, why bother. I'll have to scrimp and save to get the Koni SA.

And yes, I've read every post I can find by Sam Strano. He even told me to call him, but, I'm ashamed to admit it, I'm a little intimidated to speak to him, as I really don't know enough about suspensions to feel comfortable.

He seems to think the Koni's are the best way to go, but $800 causes my sph****er to pucker . Will the Bilsteins work? Probably...maybe not as well, but probably fine for my purpose. What will I be giving up is what I'm interested in knowing.

Thoughts?

[Joe 1320]

Sorting out suspensions can be a daunting task. In general, shocks are paired with springs to acheive a particular balance and feel. Mixing and matching should be done with careful research. Just be aware that the single biggest improvement in handling will be wheels and tires first, followed by monster sway bars- 35mm front, 21mm rear. After that, then shocks and finally springs. If you don't go with an entire package that has been custom designed, it becomes a little more difficult to dial in exactly. Adjustable shocks help dramatically. If you aren't after a maximum effort handling, you could do very well with 1LE swaybars, stock springs, KYB shocks amd sticky 17" wheels and tires. That combo on my 94 Camaro is tough to beat. It outhandles my T/A and my 93 Z28 by a comfortable margin. This is my daily driver, it has razor sharp handling and good ride quality. As picky as I am, I couldn't live with it on a daily basis if it didn't handle and ride well.

[dochidalgo]

Al...Well, as a matter of fact, I asked to Mr. Sam Strano his comments about my suspension set up, which are SLP Bilstein's( a mistake, thruth be said)+1LE springs+ sway bar 32 mm front and 21 mm rear...with stock rims.....He asked me a lot of questions....how was I to use the car, how confortable the ride I wanted (wife and kids with me in the car and how frequently), how many curbs did i have to ride on in my daily drive, and how many times the car was in strips.....did you want to low your car or it's already low?.....It is no so easy to take the decision about suspension options...but He's a kind person enough to tolerate several "not-very-technical" questions....so go ahead...talk to him....
He sells the Bilsteins HD custom (Sam Strano specs) revalved for front F Bodies (fair fee, I think) because he has found there are a stability problem with the stock specs.....and as already you know, is capable to customize a suspension right for your needs...Joe has pointed the right steps to upgrade suspensions.
Good luck
Dochidalgo