Here’s How to Refresh a C5 Corvette Z06 Suspension for Less than $500
When you track your C5 Z06 and bumps are terrifying, do this.
You don’t have to track your C5 Z06 to see benefits from a light suspension refresh, but track day aficionados will be sure to see a decrease in their pucker moments. In this video, ZentRose takes his C5 Z06, which was a one owner car with 175,000 miles on the clock, and addresses some issues with the suspension.
When he tracked the Z06, he noticed that mid-corner bumps tended to upset it. Like pitch the rear sideways in dramatic fashion kind of upset. He traces the issue to the shocks, which he replaces with units from a C6 Z06. It’s usually best to go with an OEM part that’s been engineered and tested by the deep pockets at General Motors than with the cheapest thing you can find. In this case, the OEM shocks proved to be a good value too.
It’s usually best to go with an OEM part that’s been engineered and tested by the deep pockets at General Motors than with the cheapest thing you can find. In this case, the OEM shocks proved to be a good value too.
The remaining pieces that needed attention were the sway bar bushing and the end links. Up front he went with polyurethane sway bar bushings, which is a bit of a controversial choice. If you don’t plan on tracking your car frequently, then a fresh set of standard rubber bushings will probably do the trick. The poly bushings help the Z06 to corner much flatter, but require regular re-greasing to keep them from squeaking. The end links also keep the car from clunking and making other un-Vette-like noises. He chose a set of Moog links because they include a grease zerk fitting on the back.
CHECK OUT: What the Forum Has to Say About Refreshing C5 Suspensions
Would this transform a car with fewer miles, or a more recent full service? Perhaps, but not as noticeably as a car that’s approaching the big 200k. If you just picked up a C5, or want to yours ready for a track day, then put these repairs on your list.
