Just how soft is FE1
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 500
Likes: 5
From: Sterling VA
Just how soft is FE1
Hi All,
Thanks to all who responded to my Z51 Conversion question. I have a follow up. Just how soft is the FE1. Is there a significant performance loss as compared to F45 and Z51?
Thanks,
BILL
Thanks to all who responded to my Z51 Conversion question. I have a follow up. Just how soft is the FE1. Is there a significant performance loss as compared to F45 and Z51?
Thanks,
BILL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 0
From: Pineville, Louisiana
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (carter200)
Marshmello soft :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup Washington
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (wm_sorg)
My standard 86 rides like a truck, makes me hurt everywhere on a 500 mile trip! The 94, (FE1) does not feel quite as sure when pushed, but rides good enough to drive long distance. I no longer drive the 86 out of town because it rides so bad. I can't imagine driving a Z51 car anywhere, and don't want too!
If I were racing again that would be another story. So, yes it is softer, but not mushy, it will still jar your teeth on a good bump.
If I were racing again that would be another story. So, yes it is softer, but not mushy, it will still jar your teeth on a good bump.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (moffitt)
My standard 86 rides like a truck, makes me hurt everywhere on a 500 mile trip! The 94, (FE1) does not feel quite as sure when pushed, but rides good enough to drive long distance. I no longer drive the 86 out of town because it rides so bad. I can't imagine driving a Z51 car anywhere, and don't want too!
If I were racing again that would be another story. So, yes it is softer, but not mushy, it will still jar your teeth on a good bump.
If I were racing again that would be another story. So, yes it is softer, but not mushy, it will still jar your teeth on a good bump.
I have the FE1, and it is a little firmer than my buddy's Z28
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,767
Likes: 5
From: Jacksonville Fl
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (wm_sorg)
I think it depends on the year of the car. The 87 and older aparently uses the same spring rate in the base suspension as the FE1 uses in later years, but the difference in ride is incredible.
I can tell you my 87 is WAY too stiff in the rear end for my likings...but uses the same spring as the softy of the mid 90's.
I think I want the ZR1 spring...that one is a lot softer rate wise. :)
I can tell you my 87 is WAY too stiff in the rear end for my likings...but uses the same spring as the softy of the mid 90's.
I think I want the ZR1 spring...that one is a lot softer rate wise. :)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,413
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Cruise-In II Veteran
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Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (ZBRA)
My moms '87 Z52 isint that bad at all. A very rough ride at times but nothing unbearable.
My 1991 FE1 was a marshmallow truck filled with helium. Floated all over the place, bounced up and down, never felt sure of itself...I was not a big fan at all.
My 1994 FX3 is superior to either. Stiff ride but never uncomfortable. I always leave it in "perf" mode.
My 1991 FE1 was a marshmallow truck filled with helium. Floated all over the place, bounced up and down, never felt sure of itself...I was not a big fan at all.
My 1994 FX3 is superior to either. Stiff ride but never uncomfortable. I always leave it in "perf" mode.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (BBA)
I replaced my shocks about 1500 miles ago along with all poly bushings, It is very tight now as far as lateral movement goes but if you crest a hill it still lifts too much for my taste..
From what I have heard it seems that all the coilover kits are very firm--- Am I wrong on this, I sure don't want to spend good money on something that won't work, or would is be better to just get stiffer springs- ZO7 perhaps?
From what I have heard it seems that all the coilover kits are very firm--- Am I wrong on this, I sure don't want to spend good money on something that won't work, or would is be better to just get stiffer springs- ZO7 perhaps?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 0
From: Orange County CA
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (wm_sorg)
My 95 coupe has the FE1 suspension and I wouldn't want anything stiffer as I use it as a daily driver. It's pretty stiff until you're doing above 65. Between 65 and 85 on the highway I think it's just about perfect. It does float a little more than I'd like on whoop de doo kind of bumps though.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 1
From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (95vetteman)
My 95 isn't bad with FE1, nothing as harsh as my 86 was... I'm considering going to coilovers, but being a daily driver the car rides well as is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,478
Likes: 3,978
From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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Re: Just how soft is FE1 (Ruby6spd)
I just bought DRM coilovers for my 92. I'll post once I get them on as to how the ride/handling compares to the FE1.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 45,000
Likes: 586
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (wm_sorg)
FE1....Have it and hate it. On long sweeping turns my friend's 89 blows mine away. We switch cars occasionally and I can blow by him. Very unsecure feeling. My 84 and girlfriend's 90 made me feel like there was no limit to what I could do. As soon as I can afford to, I am swapping it all out. If I wanted comfort I'd by a mini-van. I want rock-hard kidney bouncing, loosen your fillings, stick like glue handling. I am open to suggestions for how to get it out of my 95. :U
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,230
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From: VA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (wm_sorg)
What year FE1? you did not say.
1991 is alot stiffer than 1996. I've had both. Seems like 1991 FE1 with stiffer shocks and sway bars would be ideal for both autox and daily driver.
1991 is alot stiffer than 1996. I've had both. Seems like 1991 FE1 with stiffer shocks and sway bars would be ideal for both autox and daily driver.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 500
Likes: 5
From: Sterling VA
Re: Just how soft is FE1 (wm_sorg)
So what is the best way to tighten FE1 up? I was thinking Koni yellows with sway bars. My problem is that I found a clean LT4 with FE1 for a fair price. Should I blow it off to wait for a Z51 car? Most of the Z51's I have seen have been modded, high mileage or ragged on. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
BILL
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BILL
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