Suspension upgrade question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Apopka Florida
Suspension upgrade question
Want to upgrade suspension without going the coilover route. I am not really impressed with a lot of the coil over conversions I have seen, and have decided against it.
I will do new shocks and a lowering kit. Possibly new springs.
What C4 had the stiffest spring? Is it interchangable?
Which shocks do you reccomend? I would like adjustable settings.
I will do new shocks and a lowering kit. Possibly new springs.
What C4 had the stiffest spring? Is it interchangable?
Which shocks do you reccomend? I would like adjustable settings.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
I have QA1 shocks on my LT4 and love them! So those are the shocks I recommend.
For the springs, the earlier the C4, the stiffer the springs. So an 88 would be the stiffest you can get. However, you may want to look into getting a VB&P spring, as they offer stock and 'sport' replacement springs. They also have an adjustable spring. I'm not sure if it adjusts ride height, spring rate, or both, but something to look into nonetheless.
Also, if you're looking for a performance suspension, don't overlook the bushings! Especially since the car is already 12 years old, the rubber is deteriorating, and was pretty soft to begin with. You can pick up a Polyurethane bushing kit for about $200 that replaces all your suspension bushings with polyurethane, which is supposed to make it handle much tighter. I have one sitting in my garage, trying to decide whether to try to do it myself or pay someone a LOT of money to do it.
For the springs, the earlier the C4, the stiffer the springs. So an 88 would be the stiffest you can get. However, you may want to look into getting a VB&P spring, as they offer stock and 'sport' replacement springs. They also have an adjustable spring. I'm not sure if it adjusts ride height, spring rate, or both, but something to look into nonetheless.
Also, if you're looking for a performance suspension, don't overlook the bushings! Especially since the car is already 12 years old, the rubber is deteriorating, and was pretty soft to begin with. You can pick up a Polyurethane bushing kit for about $200 that replaces all your suspension bushings with polyurethane, which is supposed to make it handle much tighter. I have one sitting in my garage, trying to decide whether to try to do it myself or pay someone a LOT of money to do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
If you have an 88 plus, looks like a 96 by your name, I would run the Koni Yellows for AutoX/RR and if you are more into drag racing you could run the QA1s. The Konis are adjustable but they are a bit of a pain to adjust on the rear, there are solutions to this however. If you go non-adjustable shock, the Bilsteins with the morocco valving, same as VBP Xtremes, works very well.
VBP has adjustable leaf springs that will suit your needs.
http://www.vbandp.com/
VBP has adjustable leaf springs that will suit your needs.
http://www.vbandp.com/
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
If you have an 88 plus, looks like a 96 by your name, I would run the Koni Yellows for AutoX/RR and if you are more into drag racing you could run the QA1s. The Konis are adjustable but they are a bit of a pain to adjust on the rear, there are solutions to this however. If you go non-adjustable shock, the Bilsteins with the morocco valving, same as VBP Xtremes, works very well.
VBP has adjustable leaf springs that will suit your needs.
http://www.vbandp.com/
VBP has adjustable leaf springs that will suit your needs.
http://www.vbandp.com/
If you decide to install the VBP, I can help. I installed the Sports VBP Suspension with 32MM and 26MM. I got pictures and plenty of help for you.This suspension will drop/lower your Vette and will improve your suspension performance. Contact VBP and use the Corvette Forum discount.
This is a heck of a project
, can be done in your garage. In 43 days I installed: VBP front and rear, headers, MSD Opti and U-joints. I took weekends off...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Apopka Florida
If you decide to install the VBP, I can help. I installed the Sports VBP Suspension with 32MM and 26MM. I got pictures and plenty of help for you.This suspension will drop/lower your Vette and will improve your suspension performance. Contact VBP and use the Corvette Forum discount.
This is a heck of a project
, can be done in your garage. In 43 days I installed: VBP front and rear, headers, MSD Opti and U-joints. I took weekends off...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Front and rear monosprings, shocks, bushings
Front end off set bushings
Rear adjustable Rods
front 32mm sway bar
rear 26mm sway bar
$1,200. I think the price is ok
The rear monospring is not adjustable, thye longer bolts drop the rear of the car. The front monospring comes adjustable and non-adjustable.
Just wonder, what's wrong with KYB?--- I got no idea
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
Originally Posted by 95VETTEINMEMPHIS
Look people will dog me for saying this but there is nothing wrong with kyb s!
Additionally the poster asked for adjustable shocks, so really only the Koni Yellows and QA1s fit the bill. (Wouldn't bother with Koni reds.)
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Apopka Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...m=qa1+c+series
Also, the Koni's have to be removed from the car in order to adjust...the QA1's can be adjusted while on the car w/ just a turn of the adjustment ****.
FWIW..I lowered my LT4 front & rear, put on a set of QA1's & added some solid Z51 sway bars (30mm front & 26mm rear- w/ poly bushings)...night & day difference. Car feels incredible! Still have the FE1 springs and, the way the car feels now, I have ZERO interest or reason to change them out.
Last edited by JEFNLSA; Jun 24, 2008 at 06:56 PM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
Why have you decided against coilovers? There are distinct advantages to going coilover. The main reason I would stay with stock type springs would be for a certain class of racing, or if you are not racing at all. If you arent racing but want adjustability i would go with the 12-1way qa1 without question.
If you are going to race, there is also a qa1 coilover setup that goes for about 1800 I think. Exoctic muscle makes some coilovers too... 1000 and 1500. I couldnt tell you the differences, but its something to look into. I am building a road race car so I may go all the way and get some penskes
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,012
Likes: 5
From: OKC OK
I have QA1 shocks on my LT4 and love them! So those are the shocks I recommend.
For the springs, the earlier the C4, the stiffer the springs. So an 88 would be the stiffest you can get. However, you may want to look into getting a VB&P spring, as they offer stock and 'sport' replacement springs. They also have an adjustable spring. I'm not sure if it adjusts ride height, spring rate, or both, but something to look into nonetheless.
Also, if you're looking for a performance suspension, don't overlook the bushings! Especially since the car is already 12 years old, the rubber is deteriorating, and was pretty soft to begin with. You can pick up a Polyurethane bushing kit for about $200 that replaces all your suspension bushings with polyurethane, which is supposed to make it handle much tighter. I have one sitting in my garage, trying to decide whether to try to do it myself or pay someone a LOT of money to do it.
For the springs, the earlier the C4, the stiffer the springs. So an 88 would be the stiffest you can get. However, you may want to look into getting a VB&P spring, as they offer stock and 'sport' replacement springs. They also have an adjustable spring. I'm not sure if it adjusts ride height, spring rate, or both, but something to look into nonetheless.
Also, if you're looking for a performance suspension, don't overlook the bushings! Especially since the car is already 12 years old, the rubber is deteriorating, and was pretty soft to begin with. You can pick up a Polyurethane bushing kit for about $200 that replaces all your suspension bushings with polyurethane, which is supposed to make it handle much tighter. I have one sitting in my garage, trying to decide whether to try to do it myself or pay someone a LOT of money to do it.
I've got QA1s on the rear (and like 'em) and plan on getting some soon for the front. I've also got the bushing kit still sitting in the garage...and not looking forward to putting it on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
The Koni's are the preferred shock in the AutoX/RR community (...in its price range...) I know someone here runs them, but in my experience on a Z28, the Konis worked and felt better in the tight stuff.
The QA1s are the preferred shock in the drag racing community.
The adjustments on the QA1s are easy as pie to get to. The Konis...well I believe you can get to the fronts just fine. The rears however, either need to be pulled or you need to drill a hole in your back tub to adjust on the car. However, once again AutoX dictating this, the general use has been medium on the rears and hard fronts, making your adjustment in the fronts.
I'm not trying to sway you either way, I think they are both great shocks but I think they each shine in their own areas with obviously QA1s being the easier to adjust. I spun my head around and around and around over this, so I just went with "Morocco" Bilsteins and I've been happy...though my fillings haven't.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Apopka Florida
qa1s are about the same price. Qa1 is can be adjusted without being pulled from the car but I have heard konis have to be removed. Also, qa1 makes another shock that is much more adjustable. 24- 2 way adjustable for 300 a shock. the ones that are 140ish are 12-1 way adjustable. I still havent decided on what system to go with.
Why have you decided against coilovers? There are distinct advantages to going coilover. The main reason I would stay with stock type springs would be for a certain class of racing, or if you are not racing at all. If you arent racing but want adjustability i would go with the 12-1way qa1 without question.
If you are going to race, there is also a qa1 coilover setup that goes for about 1800 I think. Exoctic muscle makes some coilovers too... 1000 and 1500. I couldnt tell you the differences, but its something to look into. I am building a road race car so I may go all the way and get some penskes
Why have you decided against coilovers? There are distinct advantages to going coilover. The main reason I would stay with stock type springs would be for a certain class of racing, or if you are not racing at all. If you arent racing but want adjustability i would go with the 12-1way qa1 without question.
If you are going to race, there is also a qa1 coilover setup that goes for about 1800 I think. Exoctic muscle makes some coilovers too... 1000 and 1500. I couldnt tell you the differences, but its something to look into. I am building a road race car so I may go all the way and get some penskes
Why buy a .338 Lapua if you are going to shoot pepsi cans @ 50ft?
I am going to look into the QA1's, Koni, & Bilsteins and see what kind of deal I can work out.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: Apopka Florida
Yes, you can get a set of 4 QA1's from Jegs for a little over $550 shipped:
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...m=qa1+c+series
Also, the Koni's have to be removed from the car in order to adjust...the QA1's can be adjusted while on the car w/ just a turn of the adjustment ****.
FWIW..I lowered my LT4 front & rear, put on a set of QA1's & added some solid Z51 sway bars (30mm front & 26mm rear- w/ poly bushings)...night & day difference. Car feels incredible! Still have the FE1 springs and, the way the car feels now, I have ZERO interest or reason to change them out.
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...m=qa1+c+series
Also, the Koni's have to be removed from the car in order to adjust...the QA1's can be adjusted while on the car w/ just a turn of the adjustment ****.
FWIW..I lowered my LT4 front & rear, put on a set of QA1's & added some solid Z51 sway bars (30mm front & 26mm rear- w/ poly bushings)...night & day difference. Car feels incredible! Still have the FE1 springs and, the way the car feels now, I have ZERO interest or reason to change them out.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 7
From: Lahaina Hi
I think that is a better price than you could get the qa1 for.I would check to see if that is all inclusive.The qa1 is rebuildable and you can get the different ends if you want to change around the shock mounts to clear the top and bottom of the cars suspention.I like the qa1's for the ease of adjustment.I have found the track conditions change throught the day and night. I think it helps to be able to tighten and losen the shocks to match the track.I also like the look under the car at the rear.I think it makes these dinky rear ends look stronger ,but that is most likely not the truth!
Last edited by REDC4CORVETTE; Jun 25, 2008 at 04:16 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Va Beach VA
memoirs of a noob....
Hello all,
While on the subject of shocks, I've been looking aorund for Bilsteins and keep running into shocks for the Z51 cars and for the base models. I'm wondering if theres a difference in the mounting styles between the two models. I'm interested in the Bilstein sports but often times their only listed for Z51 corvettes. Can I use these?
I also ran across a company called Zip Products. Are they a good company? They sell a 39.95 lowering kit,it's like two extended bolts and a couple spacers...whats that all about?
This is all for a '94 with a ZF6. Please school a noob....
Thanks guys.
Kyle
While on the subject of shocks, I've been looking aorund for Bilsteins and keep running into shocks for the Z51 cars and for the base models. I'm wondering if theres a difference in the mounting styles between the two models. I'm interested in the Bilstein sports but often times their only listed for Z51 corvettes. Can I use these?
I also ran across a company called Zip Products. Are they a good company? They sell a 39.95 lowering kit,it's like two extended bolts and a couple spacers...whats that all about?
This is all for a '94 with a ZF6. Please school a noob....
Thanks guys.
Kyle
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
Hello all,
While on the subject of shocks, I've been looking aorund for Bilsteins and keep running into shocks for the Z51 cars and for the base models. I'm wondering if theres a difference in the mounting styles between the two models. I'm interested in the Bilstein sports but often times their only listed for Z51 corvettes. Can I use these?
I also ran across a company called Zip Products. Are they a good company? They sell a 39.95 lowering kit,it's like two extended bolts and a couple spacers...whats that all about?
This is all for a '94 with a ZF6. Please school a noob....
Thanks guys.
Kyle
While on the subject of shocks, I've been looking aorund for Bilsteins and keep running into shocks for the Z51 cars and for the base models. I'm wondering if theres a difference in the mounting styles between the two models. I'm interested in the Bilstein sports but often times their only listed for Z51 corvettes. Can I use these?
I also ran across a company called Zip Products. Are they a good company? They sell a 39.95 lowering kit,it's like two extended bolts and a couple spacers...whats that all about?
This is all for a '94 with a ZF6. Please school a noob....
Thanks guys.
Kyle
First off, Zip Corvettes is a reliable company. The $40 lowering kit consists of the two long bolts with nyloc nuts to lower the rear of the car. For the front of the car to be lowered, you can either shave off the factory rubber wedge or order the lowering kit with a lower wedge (which you glue to the front spring - some have had problems getting a good glue) from either Eckler's, MidAmerica Motorworks, or Zip to lower the front.
There are TONS of posts on lowering recently and a quick advanced search will yield more information. If you want to lower it inexpensively, you can buy the two long bolts and nuts for the rear at any Home Depot or Lowes - search for the proper lengths/grades, etc. Then you take a sander, remove the front spring (jack the car up really high) and shave the front rubber mount down by some means. However much you remove from the front rubber is how much the car will be lowered in the front. I haven't lowered mine yet, but have read a lot of posts on it - again they are easy to find.
Good luck,
Jonathan