xrsis

I have a 92 vette with the base suspension. Is it possible to switch the base suspension shocks with the the z51 suspension bilestien shocks? I want to get better handling, without lowering the car. Should I change the bushings as well?

BADDUCK

Yes, you can install the Z51 shocks but there is much more to Z51 than shocks. The springs are different and the anti sway bars are different. Bushings aren't going to make much difference unless yours are bad.

xrsis

I need new shocks and the difference between the base and z51 is not much. I don't want to spend the money to change out the springs.

Do you have the z51 or the base suspension?

Mr Mojo

In all honesty, I don't think any of us would ever push the car to it's limit where you would notice any difference.

Red Guts

I've moved my 94 from base to Z51 in two stages: shocks only, then springs and sways.

By changing just the shocks, there was a dramatic improvement in handling. Less float and dive. It felt a lot better. However, after tracking the car, I quickly learned the base springs were just too soft to keep the car planted at speeds. And at autocross, there was too much body roll.

After changing the springs and sways, I have a whole new car. Handling is rock solid without being rough. I'd recommend a suspension replacement before any power mod. Even for the street, the upgrade is well worth the money.

VetteSlave

Hi- I wanted to add that the difference between my Z-52 pkg on my '88 and the Z-51 pkg on my '96 is ASTOUNDING! And that's with many mods having been done to the Z-52 including lowering, poly bushings and Edlebrock shocks. The Z-51 stock still rides and handles night and day difference better!

Calderone

How can i identify if my Vette got the special suspensio or just base ?
I have some yellow shocks but where are the options listed ?
on the VIN or the door ?
thanx

VetteSlave

Hi- There should be a sticker on the underside of the console lid listing the cars factory equipment/rpo numbers. Look for the numbers Z-51 or Z-52 on the list.......

Calderone

should i remove something ? or is it easy to access ?

dclafleur

Nah it is just under the lid in your center console, like a little sticker, with a bunch of numbers printed on it. Mine actually has it under the lid on the rear storage bay. So you might look back there.

BADDUCK

Z51 When you need to know about a members car you can look at their profile. Your profile is kinda skimpy, and some folks don't put anything. A more complete profile helps members answer your questions better.

thebeerman

My 92 has the fx3, and I can dial it stiffer, which I like. My 84 had the z51, and it was very harsh.

Red Guts

84 Z51 is a different animal than the late C4 Z51:
http://www.vettenet.org/susp_chart.html

c4cruiser

Z51 as a specific option was dropped in 1990 and was replaced in 91 through 95 with the Z07 suspension package. The same features remained but the shocks that came on the Z07-equipped cars were a heavy duty version of the FX3 Selective Ride Control shocks (FX3 was part of Z07).

Z51 returned in 1996 and ws standard equipment on the Grand Sports.

96GS#007

For clarification, the '92-'95 Z07 front spring rate was different than the '89-'90 Z51 and '91 Z07 front spring rate.

'96 Z51 front and rear spring rates were different (and much less) than all prior Z51 or Z07 cars. In fact, '96 Z51 rates were very close to the base '95 suspension.

Sway bars also varied, with rear sway bars generally being 24 or 26 mm.

As someone mentioned above, on the street you will notice no difference between base and Z51 shocks. If your current shocks are shot, any new shock will feel better.

Red Guts

No. Z51 was an option on Grand Sports.