Suspension ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 2
Suspension ?
Hello, I have a 92' with the Z07 package. My question is: What does this package consist of that is better then base models and how does it compare to say a Z51 package. Do all Z07 packages come with FX3? Are the springs somewhere between a base and Z51? All I know is that my ride is super stiff. I basically use my car a summer daily driver, so I do drive it more then a weekend cruiser. I was thinking of what I could do to soften my ride up a bit and to also get some info of how my setup compares with other C4's. Thanks. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
As the FX3 shocks age they get stiffer unlike other shocks. I believe Bilstien will rebuild them for you. My previous car had FX3 and I hated it took it off and put KYB's on it. It rode better but these cars will never ride like a Cadillac they are stiff for a reason, performance. Tires play into it too some give a softer ride but the higher performance tires all seem to get stiffer for the same reason.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 2
Wow, stiffer as they age? I wouldn't have guessed that. I understand that all corvette's are a bit stiff for obvious reasons. I have ridden in a couple other base models ( I'm guessing ) and they seemed to ride much better. Like I said I don't track the car or have any intentions on doing so, so I am just looking to improve the ride as much as this car can. Does anybody have any suggestions on weather to have my adjustable FX3's rebuilt or just put a pair of standard Bilstien or KYB's on. What does it cost to have FX3's rebuilt anyway? I know they are $$$$ to replace.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
If I remember right ~$100 a piece. KYB's are about $35 a piece. For me it was an easy decision. Just save the FX3's.I just want to cruise and enjoy it. I am thinking of putting KYB's on my new car after I get all the little things right first.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 2
cool thanks for your input. Where can I get a good contact for the rebuild? I may go that route, I just hate to have an option that is no longer an option. Although for $140 KYB's would be a deal. Ill have to sleep on it....or maybe drive on it...haha
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: The burbs of Denver CO
Vettn, here is a great website for info on the different years:
http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1990/vet92.htm
http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1990/vet92.htm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: The burbs of Denver CO
I have a fully functional fx3 system, and use it all the time, changing the settings from around town, to cruising at 90, to pounding a flat mountain hard corner. I like it, and can tell a distinct difference between the settings. If you aren't in a hurry for parts, keeping a few spares around when they are cheap on ebay, and you learn to jumper the dic with a paper clip and count the blinks, you can easily keep the system functional. It is like having three different sets of shocks for your car, only you don't have to keep swapping them out, you just change the dial! Swapping them out for some compromise shocks is easier, but then I prefer the fx3 functional!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 2
Thanks for the link... lots of good info. I am still unclear as to weather or not you could get FX3 without Z07 or Z07 without FX3. They both are adjustable suspension options. I am guessing that J55 is included in Z07? What else does Z07 include? 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Vettn, here is a great website for info on the different years:
http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1990/vet92.htm
http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1990/vet92.htm
Thank you very much for the history of my Vette.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 854
Likes: 1
From: The burbs of Denver CO
Googled it, here's what I got:
A new option, RPO Z07, essentially combined the previously available Z51 performance handling package with FX3 selective ride/handling. But there were differences. In 1990, if FX3 and Z51 were combined, some base suspension components were used to provide an adjustable suspension range from soft to firm. The new RPO Z07 option used all heavy duty suspension parts so the ride adjusted from firm to very firm. Intended for aggressive driving or competition, Z07 was limited to coupes.
http://www.fatherlarryscorvetteshop....0-1995_zr1.htm
A new option, RPO Z07, essentially combined the previously available Z51 performance handling package with FX3 selective ride/handling. But there were differences. In 1990, if FX3 and Z51 were combined, some base suspension components were used to provide an adjustable suspension range from soft to firm. The new RPO Z07 option used all heavy duty suspension parts so the ride adjusted from firm to very firm. Intended for aggressive driving or competition, Z07 was limited to coupes.
http://www.fatherlarryscorvetteshop....0-1995_zr1.htm
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 2
Well it seems possible that everything is working as it should because my suspension Definitely goes from stiff to ROCK SOLID. Kind of sux cause its intended user being a competitor is not really me. I guess I will have to just suck it up and start driving more aggressively. 
Thanks again thebeerman for looking that up. 
Thanks again thebeerman for looking that up.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
Bilstein rebuilt mine for $100 each, in 2006.
I worked with Bill Heindorf (**** HENdorff) in Sales.
I just checked the site and FX3's are still $100 each to rebuild.
http://www.bilstein.com/services.php...9b7b60afae3387
Good luck.
I worked with Bill Heindorf (**** HENdorff) in Sales.
I just checked the site and FX3's are still $100 each to rebuild.
http://www.bilstein.com/services.php...9b7b60afae3387
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 29,689
Likes: 9
From: Central Florida
Jax Events Coordinator
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03-'08
Bilstein rebuilt mine for $100 each, in 2006.
I worked with Bill Heindorf (**** HENdorff) in Sales.
I just checked the site and FX3's are still $100 each to rebuild.
http://www.bilstein.com/services.php...9b7b60afae3387
Good luck.
I worked with Bill Heindorf (**** HENdorff) in Sales.
I just checked the site and FX3's are still $100 each to rebuild.
http://www.bilstein.com/services.php...9b7b60afae3387
Good luck.
I don't want my car in pieces for a month...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,933
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Front springs are 90.1 (n/mm)3, Rear 57.2 (n/mm)3, and your bushings are a harder durometer. Shocks can be rebuilt by Bilstein, very good to do and an excellent shock.
They have reprogrammable FX3 chips to really make them perform better, at least more versatile adjustments. Contact Lingenfelter, for example to get this or Doug Rippie Motorsports.
They have reprogrammable FX3 chips to really make them perform better, at least more versatile adjustments. Contact Lingenfelter, for example to get this or Doug Rippie Motorsports.