Soon to Replace SE for GT suspension.

[BigRandCarFan_5]

Hey everyone.
Like to title of my post says, I'll soon be replacing the stock SE suspension for GT suspension from a 95 Grand Am.
Firstly, and I must admit ignorently enoungh of me, are the GT suspension truly stiffer?
I was also wondering if the suspension swap is just that...a swap?
Does it bolt right up like the SE mounting locations, or would there be some modification involved.
And lastly, generally with sportier versions of a car, the ride height is lower. So would I be looking at a drop in my ride height, or would I still have the stock ride height?

If you all can let me know what to expect and what I'll be getting with my GT suspension, that'd be awesome.

Thanxs for all your help.

Chris.

[99GrandAMSE]

... I may be wrong but I think the pre-99 vintage Grand Ams, I believe the SE and GT suspensions are the same ... I am sure more knowledgeable members will chime in shortly :)

[BigRandCarFan_5]

Okay.
I read a review somewhere said that the GT road a lot more stiffly, but maybe that was just the tester.
But anyway, I still appreciate your input on the subject.
Thank you.

[99GrandAMSE]

... 99+, the SE and GT suspenions are different

[SE2000]

Originally posted by BigRandCarFan_5
Hey everyone.
Like to title of my post says, I'll soon be replacing the stock SE suspension for GT suspension from a 95 Grand Am.
Firstly, and I must admit ignorently enoungh of me, are the GT suspension truly stiffer?
I was also wondering if the suspension swap is just that...a swap?
Does it bolt right up like the SE mounting locations, or would there be some modification involved.
And lastly, generally with sportier versions of a car, the ride height is lower. So would I be looking at a drop in my ride height, or would I still have the stock ride height?

If you all can let me know what to expect and what I'll be getting with my GT suspension, that'd be awesome.

Thanxs for all your help.

Chris.

The ride heigth should be the same. It's a federal mandate. You are thinking aftermarket springs.

Check the diameter of the sway bars to see if they are the same diameter

[BigRandCarFan_5]

Okay. I'll make sure to do that before I go out and start ripping out the parts.
As for the sitffness of the springs.
Do you know if the 95 GT springs are stiffer then the SE?

[nice96gt]

I think what you are thinking of is FE2 and FE3 suspensions. I think the only difference is possibly the size of the sway bar and maybe something else but I can't think of it right now. I know others will pipe in soon. Where's Matt at? lol. As for changing springs...I doubt you would notice a difference. Personally I wouldn't swap SE for GT setup. I would just go aftermarket.

[nice96gt]

this thread talks about FE1, FE2 and FE3 differences. It seems that only the swaybar diameter is what changes... http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=68878&highlight=fe2+suspension

[zjoe]

Just curious after reading that link. Is there any difference in the front sway bar between the fe1 and the fe2 or fe3?

[Matt95GT]

For the original poster...

Look at your RPO codes on the underside of the spare tire cover. If you have "FE2" listed, then technically you already have the same suspension found in the 3100 V6 GT's. Additionally, unless you are buying brand new genuine GM replacement parts, doing any junkyard swaps would be a bad idea - those parts would be 10+ years old... so you would be better off with aftermarket parts.

Ride height remains the same between both SE & GT and the different suspension levels.

Originally posted by 99grandamse
... I may be wrong but I think the pre-99 vintage Grand Ams, I believe the SE and GT suspensions are the same ... I am sure more knowledgeable members will chime in shortly :)

Depends. On the V6 SE's equipped with the larger wheels, the suspension remains the same as the V6 GT. The GT's with a Quad 4 + manual transmission (E.g., the HO Quad 4's) got a little extra love not available to the others.

Originally posted by zjoe
Just curious after reading that link. Is there any difference in the front sway bar between the fe1 and the fe2 or fe3?

The most accurate answer would be "maybe." From FE1 to FE3, it is certainly different, but between FE2 and the others, I still haven't found definitive answers.

[99GrandAMSE]

... like I referred to Matt, my knowledge on the older version is minuscule compared to yours/others :)

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by 99grandamse
... like I referred to Matt, my knowledge on the older version is minuscule compared to yours/others :)

Unfortunately the stock suspension department is one of my big gaps... it is one of the most confusing options on the pre-99's.

[cardude007617]

just go aftermarket....