Ridetech CoilOver Suspension System
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,676
Likes: 751
From: NEwhere Ohio
I agree with Grandspt, despite the higher spring rates, it somehow rides better. My ZR-1 comes with the FX3 adjustable suspension, which actually has very soft springs. To dial it up for decent handling, you stiffen the shocks which reduces body roll but makes the ride harsh everywhere. The previous owner had removed these shocks ( hard to repair or find anymore) and replaced them with Bilstein B6s. The stock rear leaf spring in particular is too soft at 230 lbs/in. This resulted in it deflecting too much on road depressions and bouncing my head off the roof on the rebounds. The car would lose composure overall. The 500# rear coilovers instantly fixed this. So, for large road irregularities, the stiffer springs actually greatly improved the ride. For small vibrations and harshness that you would feel through the steering wheel and your seat, that is less affected by springs and more a function of the shocks. The single adjustable Ridetech shocks do a fantastic job here and keep the ride comfort at stock levels. I do not feel any extra vibrations than I did before. I was wary of the delrin front A-arm bushings that are provided, fearing that they would surely transmit too much road noise for a street car. So I did a compromise and did them only on the upper arms. The ride is so good that I am now considering putting them on the lowers.
it will feel like you wrecked the car
even destroyed an inner tie rod once hitting a pothole (instant pulling right after the hit)
thankfully my a mold grand sport wheels didnt get damaged
stay rubber on the lower
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 291
From: MA
i have them on my lowers and be aware if you hit a pothole, or a ‘metal plate’ that is used in construction areas
it will feel like you wrecked the car
even destroyed an inner tie rod once hitting a pothole (instant pulling right after the hit)
thankfully my a mold grand sport wheels didnt get damaged
stay rubber on the lower
it will feel like you wrecked the car
even destroyed an inner tie rod once hitting a pothole (instant pulling right after the hit)
thankfully my a mold grand sport wheels didnt get damaged
stay rubber on the lower
But I am also sure it is the combination of the Ridetech springs and shocks that make the Delrin work without being harsh.
I can only imagine how harsh Delrin would be with the stock Z51 springs and Bilstein shocks. The rubber in the control arms was harsh with the stock setup.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 107
Likes: 38
I've been looking at the Ridetech kit and the enthusiasm for it in this thread has convinced me to go for it. Thanks guys.
For those running the Ridetech setup, can I ask what rear gear ratio you have? If not stock, do you think your rear gear pairs well with the Ridetech equipment for fun and reliable twist and turn driving?
For those running the Ridetech setup, can I ask what rear gear ratio you have? If not stock, do you think your rear gear pairs well with the Ridetech equipment for fun and reliable twist and turn driving?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 107
Likes: 38
Thanks for the response.
I can’t decide which is the most likely outcome experience-wise -
I’m in 2/3/4 like I’d be normally, but due to increased torque I’m in the power band faster/more easily.
Or similar feeling, just upshifting sooner.
I get that you’re shifting sooner either way. Just talking about the feeling on the way there.
I can’t decide which is the most likely outcome experience-wise -
I’m in 2/3/4 like I’d be normally, but due to increased torque I’m in the power band faster/more easily.
Or similar feeling, just upshifting sooner.
I get that you’re shifting sooner either way. Just talking about the feeling on the way there.
Last edited by So_Mint_C4; Apr 23, 2024 at 10:24 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 107
Likes: 38
Another satisfied customer here.
Finished installing the Ridetech coilover kit on my 95 base model yesterday and took it out for a rip in the canyons today.
Wow. Total game changer. So much easier to carry speed/a line through a corner now.
And as others have reported, no perceivable loss of comfort during standard driving.
Very impressed with this kit.
Finished installing the Ridetech coilover kit on my 95 base model yesterday and took it out for a rip in the canyons today.
Wow. Total game changer. So much easier to carry speed/a line through a corner now.
And as others have reported, no perceivable loss of comfort during standard driving.
Very impressed with this kit.
