When you take on someone else's project, mismatched parts are no surprise. But we'll let you in on a little secret: Unless your F-body has 1LE in the options list, it doesn't have the right parts either! The all-important shock absorbers are weak from the factory, the springs are too soft, the bars are too small, and GM's recommended alignment specs are perfect-for your grandma. So I set out to find a suspension combo that would shine on a road course, but wouldn't be too rough for a daily driver. And would it be asking too much if it didn't break the bank either?
Thankfully, I had someone to turn to when it came to creating the ultimate dual-purpose F-body: Sam Strano. Sam is known for two reasons. First, he runs Strano Performance Parts in Brookville, Pennsylvania, an all-purpose performance store that specializes in F-body suspension work. Second, he is a multiple SCCA autocross champion in a 2001 Camaro hardtop. Sam's expertise regarding fourth-gen handling is clearly evident-you can see it at Strano Performance, where his awards take up an entire wall. And you can hear it when you talk with him, as he is a virtual encyclopedia of tips, tricks, and combos to make the most of your GM's handling. SCCA champs who push F-bodies to the limit on the track, and then build performance suspension parts for race and street customers, are good people to talk to about upgrading your Camaro or Firebird.
"After five years of mixing and matching aftermarket bars and springs on Fourth Gens, I started to find out what worked the best on most types of surfaces, and I created my handling kits," Sam says. "I figured out a great bar size, but the solid versions were heavy, so then I made them hollow and adjusted the wall sizes until they were right. Balance and driveability are of the utmost importance to me."
After discussions with Sam and doing some research, I decided on a game plan: I would be replacing the springs, shocks, stabilizer bars, and Panhard bar with one of Strano's packages, as well as utilizing his own alignment settings. Nitto street tires and 17-inch SLP rims would further improve handling and grip over my 16s. And high-quality Brembo front rotors and PBR pads would reduce stopping distances and combat brake fade on a budget. Check out the install and follow us to E-Town, where I put my new mods to the test.
The top sway bar end link bolt and bushing are removed. | 
The upper A-arm is unbolted from the spindle. | 
The bottom and top strut nuts are loosened, and Sam is able to pull the strut assembly out and head over to the bench. |