2012 Camaro ZL1 - Project Apex Assassin: Suspension Install and Test

In stock trim, the Camaro ZL1 comes with an already aggressive, track capable suspension setup. Thanks to the Magnetic Ride Control (and electromagnetically controlled shocks), the ZL1 can outrun any ponycar ever made on a road course (except the new Z/28), while delivering a comfortable street ride.

There are three different cockpit selectable suspension modes (Tour, Sport, and Track). The ZL1’s Performance Traction Management (PTM) system utilizes the Magnetic Ride Control, Traction Control, and Active Handling Systems to offer five selectable modes (Wet, Dry, Sport 1, Sport 2, and Race). While the factory did an incredible job with the ZL1’s underpinnings, being a part-time race driver I wanted more. I absolutely wanted to keep the stock shocks, while strengthening and stiffening a slew of other suspension components. Strengthening the stock ZL1’s suspension is like taking an Arnold to the gym for some weight training. You don’t want to destroy what’s already great, but there’s always room for improvement. Muscle can still be built, but the right trainer has to be alongside for support.
Welcome in the professionals from BMR Suspension, and their newly available Level 4 kit, specifically for fifth-gen Camaros. BMR’s Pete Epple told us that their rear lower control arms (PN TCA028) are redesigned to work with the 2012-2014 FE4 suspension (this makes them compatible with all fifth-gen Camaros). A new set of sway bar endlink mounts on the rear lower control arms were added because there are different style sway bars and endlinks from the FE3 (2010-2011) to the FE4 (2012-2014) (PN TCA028 now has provisions for both). The only thing specific to the ZL1 is a slight modification to the control arms to use the position sensor for the Magnetic Ride Control, should you decide to keep the stock shocks.
With that being said, the BMR components included in our build has everything needed to turn my Camaro (and yours) into a track beast that you can still drive home without a back brace after the track activities have ceased. Starting at the rear, the list includes the Total Suspension Bushing kit (PN BK031), non-adjustable rear lower control arms with bushings (PN TCA028), adjustable toe rods with bushings (PN TR003), non-adjustable trailing arms with bushings (PN TCA026), adjustable rear sway bar with bushings (PN SB033), and 1-inch drop lowering springs (PN SP019).
The middle of the Camaro welcomes beefy subframe connectors (PN SFC015), with a driveshaft tunnel brace (PN DTB004), giving the beast some extra support underneath its midsection. From there, the stiffer front setup includes those the 1-inch lowering springs, and the adjustable front sway bar with bushings (PN SB016). The lower control arms received new bushings, too. Don’t shrug off those bushings! Often overlooked, a bushing swap can help you put every last bit of horsepower to the pavement, while alleviating track heartache down the road. Just look at the difference from the factory bushings in our photos.
BMR Suspension’s Level 4 kit ensures maximum durability, consistently stiffer suspension components and road feel, and an all-around upgraded handling performance. To give the components a true track test, after our install took place, we headed down to Palm Beach International Raceway. The main goal was to flex our newfound muscle, while beating our baseline lap of 1:30.28.