question about 99+ grand am suspension

[stock_am]

do all the 99+ grand am s have rear sway bars???

is there a difference in springs with the GT models compared to a SE2 model??

[Rayz]

Originally posted by stock_am
is there a difference in springs with the GT models compared to a SE2 model?? the front springs are the same the rear GT springs are softer

[Vampyrate]

so the SE has a stiffer rear spring or am i just reading that wrong?

[TheTrader]

Originally posted by Vampyrate
so the SE has a stiffer rear spring or am i just reading that wrong?

you are correct.... GT rear is softer then SE

[Vampyrate]

that really doesnt make sense to me, the GT, with more HP and better tranny programming has softer suspension? why would that be? from my understanding, the upgraded packages would have more race tuned and the lower models have the comfort edge... ie-> elantra gls has softer spring ratings than the gt, which has a more auto-x/stiffer spring rate (not by much, but still noticeable)

[TheTrader]

so a search... it has been discussed many times before, thats the way it is

[stock_am]

That is weird but i believe it. so what about the sway bars??? i also heard that the GT have stiffer bushings ( read that on a site).

[DomestikDemon]

if you were to put stock SE springs on the back, would that tighten up the handling any on a GT?

[rys99grandam]

IT would not be worth putting "stock" bushings from a GT on our cars.

You can get aftermarket ones for less money. And better quality.

Rockauto.com Has a few.

[stock_am]

Originally posted by rys99grandam
IT would not be worth putting "stock" bushings from a GT on our cars.

You can get aftermarket ones for less money. And better quality.

Rockauto.com Has a few.

ya your right.

[DomestikDemon]

How would the stiffer SE springs affect the handling of my GT?

[99GrandAMSE]

... the slightly softer springs are used on the GTs to allow for a little more "lean" and thus allow for better cornering ... numerically, the SE springs are stiffer but not by very much ... I know, according to research a few years ago, the SE springs are rated for around 900lbs of compression where the GTs are less, requiring around 700lbs (if memory serves me correctly) ... other words, changing to an SE spring will not do much, if anything, simply because the struts are also different.

[Vampyrate]

if they are softer, then the springs would also in turn allow for more body roll... and im sorry, it may look cool, but body roll is the worst thing for a driver to have while in inclement weather

[99GrandAMSE]

... in theory, yes, it will cause more body "roll" but the difference in actual rate is so slight, you probably wouldn't notice a difference ... the rear difference is in the struts :)

[Colin]

Stiffer is not always better , the softer rear springs and stiffer struts / rollbar combo allow the GT to corner better , if the engineers thought a stiffer spring rate was better i'm sure they would have done so .... ;)

[Hollakidd]

So the struts from the SE are different from the struts on a GT cause im looking a buying some struts for my GT from partsforyourcar so if you guys can help me out that would be appreciated.Thanks

[stock_am]

Originally posted by Hollakidd
So the struts from the SE are different from the struts on a GT cause im looking a buying some struts for my GT from partsforyourcar so if you guys can help me out that would be appreciated.Thanks

when it comes to aftermarket they are gonna be the same. ex: kyb struts are the same for GT and SE. They only place you'll find them different would be the dealer.