what is 1LE

[redbird94]

what is 1 LE?

[DJ Taso]

It's a performance package. The car comes with roll up windows, no power door locks, cloth seats, basically a base care with the only feature of a rear defogger. I'm not sure what years they were available for, but I did see a '97 WS6 Formula 1LE a couple years ago at the dealership where I bought my car.

It's basically the "Race Car" edition of the F-body. I know it came with a GM 3:73 gear, but I'm not sure what kind of transmission, T56?

[Rob B (shoebox)]

No 4th gen f-bodies came from the factory with 3.73s.

From the f-body faq: (http://www.f-body.org/faq/4/4_1.htm)

Q: What's included in the 1LE performance package?

A: The package required these options (Z28/Formula, respectively):

Basic option group (FZAB/1SA)
A/C delete (until 1996 when A/C became standard)
6-speed transmission or performance rear axle with the automatic (GU5/G92)
Z-rated tires w/ 150 speedo (QLC/QLC)
Base stereo
and it consisted of:

Higher rate front springs (360 lbs/in for mid-1994 and after)
Variable rate rear springs (130-180 lbs/in for mid-1994 and after)
Stiffer front and rear shocks (Koni double adjustable for 1996 and after)
Harder bushings (front upper/lower and rear control arms)
Larger diameter anti-sway bars (32mm front, 21mm/19mm rear)
Increased cooling (for 1995 and after)
Engine oil cooler (1993 - 1995)
Stronger Transmission mount for 6 speed Transmission's
Stiffer Panhard-bar bushings
The 1993 1LE cars had the same springs and deCarbon shocks (but with much stiffer valving) as on the stock Z28s and Formulas. Initial 1994 1LE cars received the same set-up, but sometime during model year (between Dec 94 and Mar 95), the 1LEs received stiffer (higher/variable rate) springs and the shock valving was slightly reduced (but still considerably stiffer than the stock deCarbon valving). Due to the stiffer springs and modified valving, the 21mm rear sway bar was dropped in favor of the 19mm bar (which was the same as on the stock Z28s and Formulas). In 1996, the Koni double adjustable shocks became standard on the 1LE cars. Increased cooling on 1995 and after models was accomplished by the addition of an air conditioning radiator baffle even though no AC was available in 1995. Also, after 1995, in order to get the 1LE on the Firebird or Trans Am you had to order the WS6 package. According to the 1997 Pontiac brochure, the 1LE package could not be ordered with the automatic transmission.

Here's a list of suspension parts and prices for 1994 models:

Part No. Description Wholesale / List Price
---------------------------------------------------------------
22145653 Left front upper control arm $109.50 $146.00
22145654 Right front upper control arm $109.50 $146.00
22145389 Left front lower control arm $111.75 $149.00
22156436 Right front lower control arm $111.75 $149.00
26032907 Front stabilizer bar $67.37 $89.70
26039956 Stabilizer bar insulator (2) $7.20 $10.00
10262147 Rear axle tie rod $33.94 $45.25
10164151 Rear lower control arm (2) $49.31 $65.75
10021221 Rear stabilizer bar $45.94 $61.25
22124790 Rear shock absorber (2) $57.75 $77.00
22132561 Front springs (2) $80.00 $100+
22132562 Rear springs (2) $80.00 $100+

[Joe 1320]

Originally posted by DJ Taso
. I know it came with a GM 3:73 gear,

Nope. that's where ya lost it.

Rob's got it covered by specific part numbers. I have this setup on my 94 Z and it handles like a dream. The big sway bars really make a difference. The roll up windows can get annoying once in awhile.

[Benm109]

Third gens also got the 1LE option. I can't quite remember what all it came with but the 3rd gen 1LE cars had 4 wheel disc brakes, upgraded suspension, engine oil cooler, AC delete, and some other options I can't remember.

[DJ Taso]

I dont understand why it wouldn't come with a 3:73? It's like getting a ram air without the ram air hood

[wako29]

Originally posted by DJ Taso
I dont understand why it wouldn't come with a 3:73? It's like getting a ram air without the ram air hood

bad analogy there, buddy.

[DJ Taso]

What's so bad about that analogy, chief?

Why wouldn't a racing package (1LE) come with a high performance gear?

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I don't think it is a racing package. I thought it was the package for the police.

[DJ Taso]

Originally posted by Jeff 95 Z28
I don't think it is a racing package. I thought it was the package for the police.

You're thinking of the B4C package.

[briantech98]

Originally posted by DJ Taso
You're thinking of the B4C package.

*drool*... a cop car firebird? pics!!!

[DJ Taso]

Check it out,

http://www.davesgarage.us/camaro/GM%20Fleet%20B4C.htm

The only Firebird police car I've seen was a 4th gen red Trans Am that said D.A.R.E. in white written all over it. It had police lights like the pic in the link. I've only seen it a couple times in my neighborhood. I'm sure it had the B4C package, I've never seen them in action though.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

The 1LE is coveted by the autocross crowd. It was mostly a handling package.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Originally posted by DJ Taso
You're thinking of the B4C package.

OK

For Braintech98, Cobb county police has a white Z28.

Doraville has an LT1 Impalla SS
http://doravillepd.home.mindspring.c...mdivision.html

[wako29]

Originally posted by DJ Taso
What's so bad about that analogy, chief?

Why wouldn't a racing package (1LE) come with a high performance gear?

Ram Air makes for better performance, especially at high speeds. Gearing means better acceleration, but lower top end speed. Each has something completely different than the other to do with performance and tuning and all.