Handling Differences?

[crzydmnd72]

Is there a difference in handling packages within the same base models?

We have 2 1990 LE's. mine is a base model LE, no options, 14" tires. My wife's LE has tons more options, including wider 15" wheels. Her's has always handled better, even with me adding a STB to mine. Is this in the steering rack, struts or where? Which RPO codes do I need to look for to define the differences between the 2 cars?

[shortstuf212559]

FE1, FE2 or F41. Your's most likely has FE1 the base suspension system. Hers prolly has F41 the Sport suspenion system. Generally FE2 wasnt availible on the LE or SE, Only the SSE got FE2.

[Jrs3800]

Oh my this is going to get nuts...

between the two cars.....

You most likely have FE1 on both cars...

But its possible the one with the 14" wheels may have the 28 mm front sway bar where her LE may have the 30mm sway bar.... On the rear of hers she most likely has a 14mm rear sway bar....Your LE may not have one at all, but you'd have to check for that...

That and the 2 Cars could have a different spring rate....

My 91 LE has always handled pretty good for an FE1 suspension... But it will soon receive the F41 Treatment...

So its possible that there could be a good difference between the 2 cars... Both will have the exact same steering rack as well..

Wider lower profile tires also make a difference as well..

[crzydmnd72]

I'm not home currently, but just ran outside and checked her trunk tag, only thing listed is FE1

Not in a place to measure the sway bars.

I might add that both cars are stock, never any upgrades other than the STB I added to mine. Hers has 205k, probably on original stuff. Only things changed lately have been CV axles and inner tie rods.

I know it could use, endlinks and struts, probably ball joints too. But it does still handle very tight and confident compared to my lower mileage one. Very little play in the steering either, responds well to little steering input without feeling too twitchy

I will check the Sway bar diameters soon as I can

[wjcollier07]

You probably have 205/75R14s and hers has 205/70R15s...there IS a difference..I know because I drove a 1987 LE with the 14" for a month before I got my 89 LE with the 15". The 87 DID have 395k, but still, there was a noticeable difference between the feels...if anything, the 87 had more options (console, buckets, etc) since LE was the top model in 87.

But yes, since there are also differences in the sway bars (the codes don't denote any specific diameter, only general contrast from other packages in that year) Handling increases noticeably every couple MM. Lower profile tires, stiffer springs, thicker sways and stiffer endlinks and bushings would make that car pretty fun to drive...its also probably lighter...having less options...unfortunately, if you've 1SA, you probably have that absolutely horrible flat bench seat.

[bastard]

My 1990 LE has F41 Firm Ride and Handling Package and a split bench seat (maybe that's what 1SD means?). It handles very well.

[Jrs3800]

My 1990 LE has F41 Firm Ride and Handling Package and a split bench seat (maybe that's what 1SD means?). It handles very well.

Not quite... For the LE you have 1SA through 1SE... The 1SE would be quite well loaded...

My 91 LE is a 1SD as well... But it didn't have the Alloys... And I do have the FE1....lol

And even with the 1SD group there were other options you could add.. Back them you could get an LE with just about every option that some SE's were without...

[bastard]

Yes, John sent me a very informative PM explaining about some of the RPO codes and their content.