C4 suspension explanations please!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
C4 suspension explanations please!
Hi, I am a new member here, but I've been reading the forums for about 3 months now. I recently bought a 91 L98 that I found in excellent condition (got it from a GM employee's engineer son). I am still trying figure out a few things however. Can someone who knows alot more than me on this subject please explain the differences in the suspension packages that I have read so much about (z07, z51, z52, etc.) I am having a hard time finding a decent explanation of the differences, pros/cons, and availability of these. If anyone could explain to this corvette beginner I would be very greatful. Also, is it possible to upgrade a stock C4 to one of these, and if so, how and where would I look.
And I have looked on the forums, but I didnt find this already explained, if it has been, please forgive the repeat post and direct me to that thread.
Thanks you guys.
CJ
And I have looked on the forums, but I didnt find this already explained, if it has been, please forgive the repeat post and direct me to that thread.
Thanks you guys.
CJ
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,199
Likes: 9
From: St. louis, MO
Check this site out (not sure if its 100% accurate, but probably close).
http://www.idavette.net/susp_chart.htm
http://www.idavette.net/susp_chart.htm
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
Originally Posted by Gary96LT4
Check this site out (not sure if its 100% accurate, but probably close).
http://www.idavette.net/susp_chart.htm
http://www.idavette.net/susp_chart.htm
Darn it you beat me to it.
Go to the home page and check out the other link and you will have information overload. HOMEPAGE
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 641
Likes: 16
From: O'Fallon MO
Here is a link to a good suspension RPO Chart if the Corvette Action Center is still in business, right now they are either defunct or have had server problems for several days...
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,167
Likes: 142
From: Central Il
Originally Posted by hardlight
Here is a link to a good suspension RPO Chart if the Corvette Action Center is still in business, right now they are either defunct or have had server problems for several days...
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,139
Likes: 1,728
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Z51 was the original sport suspension package, started in 84. Basically you got all the goodies, like the oil cooler and aux fan, and you got the stiffest suspension.
They decided that it was too stiff and lowered the spring rates in upcoming years until they decided to offer all the goodies with a base spring setup. Thats Z52.
Z07 is a combination, to my knowledge, of the Z51 package and FX3, which is an adjustable shock RPO that started in 89.
They decided that it was too stiff and lowered the spring rates in upcoming years until they decided to offer all the goodies with a base spring setup. Thats Z52.
Z07 is a combination, to my knowledge, of the Z51 package and FX3, which is an adjustable shock RPO that started in 89.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,907
Likes: 731
From: Southwest Kansas
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
CorvetteActionCenter had a major server crash. Not sure when they will be back up. But they have the information that is needed.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,276
Likes: 3
From: Why are there squished peanut butter cups in my underware?
Actually, there are only two suspensions available in the `91 model year.
For MY1991;
FE1 is the code for the base suspension. All convertibles and ZR-1s have this suspension.
FE7 is the code for the heavy duty suspension. Which is only available with the Z-07 package.
FX3 is the code for "selective ride control", aka adjustible shock absorbers. They are a component of the suspension, and not a seperate suspension by themselves. FX3 was an unrestricted option on FE1 coupes and convertibles. FX3 was a part of both ZR-1 and Z-07 packages.
ZR-1 was a special package because of its 32 valve DOHC engine. Suspension wise, it was equipped with the FE1 and FX3, plus heavy duty brakes, a thicker rear sway bar and wider rear wheels. The ZR-1 package was restricted to 6-speed coupes.
The Z-07 (base engine coupes only) was a combo of the FE7 and FX3. The adjustible shocks saved this package from the harsh reputation that the `84s suffer from. Which was the main reason this package was never advertised.
For MY1991;
FE1 is the code for the base suspension. All convertibles and ZR-1s have this suspension.
FE7 is the code for the heavy duty suspension. Which is only available with the Z-07 package.
FX3 is the code for "selective ride control", aka adjustible shock absorbers. They are a component of the suspension, and not a seperate suspension by themselves. FX3 was an unrestricted option on FE1 coupes and convertibles. FX3 was a part of both ZR-1 and Z-07 packages.
ZR-1 was a special package because of its 32 valve DOHC engine. Suspension wise, it was equipped with the FE1 and FX3, plus heavy duty brakes, a thicker rear sway bar and wider rear wheels. The ZR-1 package was restricted to 6-speed coupes.
The Z-07 (base engine coupes only) was a combo of the FE7 and FX3. The adjustible shocks saved this package from the harsh reputation that the `84s suffer from. Which was the main reason this package was never advertised.
Last edited by Z-07 freak; Feb 1, 2006 at 01:10 PM. Reason: Beer affects spelling
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
you can swap factory parts, you can do coil overs, you can install bushings, change sway bars... the skies the limit... how much do you want to spend?
and none of it is all that hard... time consuming, sure, but not hard.
and none of it is all that hard... time consuming, sure, but not hard.
