C4 front Swaybars differences
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Sherbrooke Quebec
C4 front Swaybars differences
Gents,
One easy question, what is the differences between the 84 to 87 front swaybars compare to the 88 to 96? I know GM made some up-grades in 88 and that the links are also different at the lower A-arm attachement, but what if I take and early c4 front swaybar and try to install it on my 91 Z??
One easy question, what is the differences between the 84 to 87 front swaybars compare to the 88 to 96? I know GM made some up-grades in 88 and that the links are also different at the lower A-arm attachement, but what if I take and early c4 front swaybar and try to install it on my 91 Z??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,413
Likes: 9
From: The Old Dominion
The front suspension was redesigned for the 1998 MY. I don't believe front springs or swaybars from an '84-87 car will fit an '88+.
Do you already have the bar? If so, give it a try. If not, there are plenty of factory and aftermarket options for the '88+ bars, there isn't any '84-87 bar you are missing out on.
Paul, "improvements" is in the eye of the beholder. The "hot ticket" suspension in 1991 was the Z07. You have the shocks for it, but not the stiffer swaybars and springs (and stiffer rubber control arm bushings). If you want the car to corner flatter and ride firmer, you could do that. Whether it's an improvement is up to you. The later cars, 1992+, went to softer springs. So obviously there is more to the ride than just being really stiff.
Do you already have the bar? If so, give it a try. If not, there are plenty of factory and aftermarket options for the '88+ bars, there isn't any '84-87 bar you are missing out on.
Paul, "improvements" is in the eye of the beholder. The "hot ticket" suspension in 1991 was the Z07. You have the shocks for it, but not the stiffer swaybars and springs (and stiffer rubber control arm bushings). If you want the car to corner flatter and ride firmer, you could do that. Whether it's an improvement is up to you. The later cars, 1992+, went to softer springs. So obviously there is more to the ride than just being really stiff.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Sherbrooke Quebec
The front suspension was redesigned for the 1998 MY. I don't believe front springs or swaybars from an '84-87 car will fit an '88+.
Do you already have the bar? If so, give it a try. If not, there are plenty of factory and aftermarket options for the '88+ bars, there isn't any '84-87 bar you are missing out on.
Paul, "improvements" is in the eye of the beholder. The "hot ticket" suspension in 1991 was the Z07. You have the shocks for it, but not the stiffer swaybars and springs (and stiffer rubber control arm bushings). If you want the car to corner flatter and ride firmer, you could do that. Whether it's an improvement is up to you. The later cars, 1992+, went to softer springs. So obviously there is more to the ride than just being really stiff.
Do you already have the bar? If so, give it a try. If not, there are plenty of factory and aftermarket options for the '88+ bars, there isn't any '84-87 bar you are missing out on.
Paul, "improvements" is in the eye of the beholder. The "hot ticket" suspension in 1991 was the Z07. You have the shocks for it, but not the stiffer swaybars and springs (and stiffer rubber control arm bushings). If you want the car to corner flatter and ride firmer, you could do that. Whether it's an improvement is up to you. The later cars, 1992+, went to softer springs. So obviously there is more to the ride than just being really stiff.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Sherbrooke Quebec
I got to drive the ZR-1 once this last summer because I've been busy racing an open wheel Formula Ford car. I push the Z quite hard and I find it to have too much body roll. Next year I will also run DOT track tires for those fun ZR-1 track week-ends, so I want to be able to switch bars if needed depending on the track condition and type.A larger bar should give me more initial bite but more underteer throught the apex exit. Will see...
I have polybush all around, dropped sus., Gulstrand track alignment specs. With my small momo steering the car feels good for a big heavy beast but I want to try stuff like this bar.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9,164
Likes: 17
From: off leash
St. Jude Donor '21
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 90
From: Sparks NV
Well, easy, have an other bar to play with I got to drive the ZR-1 once this last summer because I've been busy racing an open wheel Formula Ford car. I push the Z quite hard and I find it to have too much body roll. Next year I will also run DOT track tires for those fun ZR-1 track week-ends, so I want to be able to switch bars if needed depending on the track condition and type.
A larger bar should give me more initial bite but more underteer throught the apex exit. Will see...
I have polybush all around, dropped sus., Gulstrand track alignment specs. With my small momo steering the car feels good for a big heavy beast but I want to try stuff like this bar.
I got to drive the ZR-1 once this last summer because I've been busy racing an open wheel Formula Ford car. I push the Z quite hard and I find it to have too much body roll. Next year I will also run DOT track tires for those fun ZR-1 track week-ends, so I want to be able to switch bars if needed depending on the track condition and type.A larger bar should give me more initial bite but more underteer throught the apex exit. Will see...
I have polybush all around, dropped sus., Gulstrand track alignment specs. With my small momo steering the car feels good for a big heavy beast but I want to try stuff like this bar.
Correct, the bigger front bar will eliminate the body roll and give you better turn-in. It also will give you more understeer. The Z has the power to kick the back out with the throttle, particularly on the low speed turns. For best performance you can tune the understeer/oversteer with a bigger rear bar. I run a 32mm solid front bar, which I installed for autoXing. I control the rear end with the throttle. If I were on the track I would add the larger rear bar as well.
H
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Sherbrooke Quebec
[QUOTE=solid dobe;1579260597]
I too, will be interested in your feedback, please keep us informed about how it plays out. I'm curious, what width front wheels do you have?[/QUOTE
Will do but next summe because the Z is already stored for the winter.
PS: Got the bar and it was of a 91 Z07 susp. The thing looks almost brand new!
I too, will be interested in your feedback, please keep us informed about how it plays out. I'm curious, what width front wheels do you have?[/QUOTEWill do but next summe because the Z is already stored for the winter.
PS: Got the bar and it was of a 91 Z07 susp. The thing looks almost brand new!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 4,659
Likes: 82
From: Toronto ontario
I did this on my 93 non z a long time ago. I looked at the spring rates of all the years and sway bar diameters and ordered the stiffest of everything. The front bar was indeed a zo7 I think from an 87 but I could be wrong what year. I do know I had figment issues with the stock end links. I forget what I did but I flipped the brackets or the end links or side to side but I got it to work without having to use different parts. I did this back in high school like 12 years ago when I first got my car so it's hard to remember. I think.. The spring I from a 90-91 (fsk?) the rear was a zr1 (nyr?) the sways were similar I think 32 solid front which was common but the 26 solid was a zr only.
Interested to know the difference as I'd like to get the correct end links for the bar for peace of mind.
Interested to know the difference as I'd like to get the correct end links for the bar for peace of mind.
Last edited by 5abivt; Dec 13, 2011 at 10:08 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 70
From: Pineville Louisiana
The early bars will not fit. I run a 30mm solid front with a 26mm solid rear and like the feel. I found the 32mm caused more push than what I liked. The car is running 400 front coil and 275 rear coil springs with adjustable end links. If you have lowered the car when you change the bar do the end links as well, this way you can get the preload off the bars.
Daniel
Daniel
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 70
From: Pineville Louisiana
I'm running the Guldstrand links. I have a set of extra fronts that will not fit the car any longer due to the coilovers. They are missing the aluminum bushing but other than that are just fine (you can use the stock rubber ones). If you want a set at a savings make me an offer
Front:
http://www.guldstrand.com/scripts/pr...?idproduct=142
Rear:
http://www.guldstrand.com/scripts/pr...?idproduct=184
Here's a pic of the part that I am missing:
Front:
http://www.guldstrand.com/scripts/pr...?idproduct=142
Rear:
http://www.guldstrand.com/scripts/pr...?idproduct=184
Here's a pic of the part that I am missing:
I'd like those for sure. i defiitely need rears too.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
From: Sherbrooke Quebec
[QUOTE=MRDZR1;1579268373]
I too, will be interested in your feedback, please keep us informed about how it plays out. I'm curious, what width front wheels do you have?[/QUOTE
Will do but next summe because the Z is already stored for the winter.
PS: Got the bar and it was of a 91 Z07 susp. The thing looks almost brand new!
Ok! The Z is out and the 30mm with the conv. x-brace feel like the car is much more compliant while driving through rough roads... weird? I was expecting the oposite effect?
But I do like it! Next step, race track maybe in a couple of weeks The Formula 1600 is ready for the season with a new Honda Fit engine and i'm planning to do a few laps with the ZR-1 the same day i'll debug the VanDiemen. I'll let you know if the handling behavior has improve or not.
I too, will be interested in your feedback, please keep us informed about how it plays out. I'm curious, what width front wheels do you have?[/QUOTEWill do but next summe because the Z is already stored for the winter.
PS: Got the bar and it was of a 91 Z07 susp. The thing looks almost brand new!
But I do like it! Next step, race track maybe in a couple of weeks
The Formula 1600 is ready for the season with a new Honda Fit engine and i'm planning to do a few laps with the ZR-1 the same day i'll debug the VanDiemen. I'll let you know if the handling behavior has improve or not.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 9,164
Likes: 17
From: off leash
St. Jude Donor '21
[QUOTE=MRDZR1;1580693529]
Ok! The Z is out and the 30mm with the conv. x-brace feel like the car is much more compliant while driving through rough roads... weird? I was expecting the oposite effect?
But I do like it! Next step, race track maybe in a couple of weeks The Formula 1600 is ready for the season with a new Honda Fit engine and i'm planning to do a few laps with the ZR-1 the same day i'll debug the VanDiemen. I'll let you know if the handling behavior has improve or not.
Ok! The Z is out and the 30mm with the conv. x-brace feel like the car is much more compliant while driving through rough roads... weird? I was expecting the oposite effect?
But I do like it! Next step, race track maybe in a couple of weeks
The Formula 1600 is ready for the season with a new Honda Fit engine and i'm planning to do a few laps with the ZR-1 the same day i'll debug the VanDiemen. I'll let you know if the handling behavior has improve or not.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: hamilton,va.
swaybar
Hope you have a good time at the track. Sorting out the formula car will be a ball. I was reading your comments on the Z being more compliant, it may be that the front spring is now working a little more with the increased roll stiffness of the bar and brace. Glad you like it. I will be curious as to the inital turn in of the car with the heavier bar. If it does not take a set you can always steer it with the throttle , even more fun. Hope all goes well with the test and track time. The front springs are significantlly softer on the Zr-1s compared to a 90 Z-51 spring but this might due to the fact the car is significantly heavier in the front. and needs a little more bite to get it to turn. I have raced a my c4 for almost 15 years but have never had my ZR-1 on a road course yet. One day it would be fun to do when I am instructing but until then I will be curious as to what you find with the changes. I hope you let us know. Have fun.
