Our Community is 940,000 Strong. Join Us.


Upgrade Advice Needed - Prioritization??


MA_Olds_Intrigue
11-10-2009, 07:55 PM
Hello,

I have a 02 GX that I'm starting to accumulate parts for an upgrade path. My car has only 47,000 miles on it.

So far, I have the GM Suspension components ordered, front/rear sway bar, the strut tower brace for front/rear strut assembly, Eibach springs, and the Umi Performance Rear Trailing bars (as GM seems to have these on long-term backorder.)

Is there anything else I am forgetting? I have read about using Moog parts, but I am not sure which ones I should be using when this is all installed. Ideas on which ones and how many?

I was thinking of upgrading the front struts also when this is all occuring, and leaving the rear struts alone until there is an issue.

Also in the planning stages is the 12" brake upgrade, and wheel/tire upgrades to 17," and a cat-back exhaust.

Is there a particular order I should be pursuing these mods in? I'd like to avoid as much time in the shop as possible, so I am not too averse in banging these all out in one or two visits/hoists.

Thanks for your comments!!!

dizzle1
11-11-2009, 08:44 PM
Handeling Upgrade Kit http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/ (http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/)
Rear swaybar worth it, Rear strutbar worth it, Front strutbar on impala at JY should be cheaper, but worth it you will need to drill the strut towers and maybe drop the struts to insert the bolts. I think Littlehoov has done it.
Now for 176.80 that’s too costly and from the listed above that is only what you need from them.
Rear Tubular Trailing Arm Kit was NA from gmpd; I see you had to buy that separately from http://www.umiperformance.com (http://www.umiperformance.com/) for 93.49
Front swaybar is still hollow so don’t buy it but if you have it sell it. Get this solid front swaybar from http://www.zzperformance.com (http://www.zzperformance.com/) Progress front sway bar it’s 139.99

Eibach springs are good they give a 1inch drop front rear you may need a camber kit and alignment after. Look into getting some shocks before installation you need the right combo stock shocks will prematurely fail. If you can get bilstiens get it or see 00-05 police impala heavy duty shocks check out www.rockauto.com (http://www.rockauto.com/) I think they are from KYB so no need of the GR2’s.

Brakes also can be done at anytime go 13’s FTW, but F-body DPC 12’s can be done.
Wheels/tires that has to can be done anytime 17’s would need 245/45, I suggest you get 18’s since these cars can take 20’s like nothing.

I think you’re at a good start and can’t believe your car only has 47k that leaves plenty of time to enjoy the new suspension. Get the car up on 4 jack stands, move the jack to center front then rear just in case and get some tools and start working.

1st do the swaybars, arms, strutbars
2nd spring shock combo
3rd brakes
4th wheels/tire package

All of these upgrades would take at least 5hrs at a professional mechanic shop or aftermarket tuner shop. I don’t know how mechanically inclined you are or if you have the space and tools to work, this is better if you can do it yourself.

Add your comment to this topic!