Is FX3 actually good for performance driving?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 35
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From: Georgia
Is FX3 actually good for performance driving?
I’m looking hard at 95 Z07 cars with the FX3 adjustable suspension. Are these shocks actually legit for Autocross or track use? I really like the idea of being able to adjust the ride with that switch but my main goal is to have a car that can compete at Autocross. There’s several videos on YouTube with people talking about the FX3 and repairing the system but literally none with people actually doing competitive driving.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 35
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,167
Likes: 2,511
From: ...tearing up the highways, one state at a time™®©
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 120
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From: Texas
Having experienced both suspension setups in the same car my preference is the Z51 suspension by far. When I purchased my 91 it was a bone stock FX3 car. I’ve recently changed over to Z51 shocks and factory Z51 springs. If you are looking for a stiffer/sportier ride, a Z51 car is better imo. Keep in mind the spring rates got softer and softer as the C4 progressed. An earlier Z51 car is substantially “stiffer” than a later car.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: New Carlisle IN
I also have a 91 that originally came with FX3, but not a Z07. However, one of the previous owners had already taken out the FX3 shocks and replaced them with Bilstein Z51 spec shocks (B8?). It was very loose on the autocross course. The rear would come around very easily. I have gone further and put the 88-90 Z51 sway bars and springs into my car and can say it handles great now.
Stock you could have a Z51 car with FX3. In that case, they actually had softer springs than the non FX3 cars did. You want to look for a front spring from an 88-90 with a code of FHB (good luck finding one though). The rear you want a NYU spring. If you can find someone who will do it now, the shocks can be rebuilt and stepped up in stiffness.
I've driven my dad's ZR-1 with FX3 and can tell you it makes a huge difference between touring and performance on the selector switch.
Stock you could have a Z51 car with FX3. In that case, they actually had softer springs than the non FX3 cars did. You want to look for a front spring from an 88-90 with a code of FHB (good luck finding one though). The rear you want a NYU spring. If you can find someone who will do it now, the shocks can be rebuilt and stepped up in stiffness.
I've driven my dad's ZR-1 with FX3 and can tell you it makes a huge difference between touring and performance on the selector switch.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: Georgia
Yes it is.
I got the 95 Z07 car. I do Autocross and have been pleased with the FX3 suspension. It’s noticeably stiffer in performance mode. I enjoy being able to soften the ride with just a dial in the center console.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
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From: Stay dangerous my friends
Problem with FX3 is that the Z51 package + FX3 is a lie, it is no longer a real Z51 in terms of front spring rates especially. Stiffer shock adjustment setting is not an ideal substitute for higher spring rate.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: Georgia
The 92-95 Z07 cars have the stiffest leaf springs and stiffest front anti sway bars available for those years. The rear bar is also upgraded. The FX3 is included with the Z07. Now the 96 Z51 cars do indeed have less stiff springs than the previous Z07 cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,401
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From: Lakeville MI
I had a new 91 Z07 in Steel Blue. With the stiff springs and stiff bars, the adjustable damper settings didn't make much of a difference. I always considered the FX3 to be an expensive gimmick, but I probably should've kept that car.