[Z06] Shocks and Sway Bars
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: North Georgia
Shocks and Sway Bars
I have searched and found some opinions but not an opinion based upon experience related to the *exact* decision I am trying to make.
I will soon have a 2003 Z06 that is currently stock and I plan to lower the car about .5-1 inch using the OEM threaded adjusters. I would like to know people's opinions on which shocks to replace the stockers with. Should I use Bilstein Sport shocks or OEM C6Z06 shocks?
Additionally, for aggressive mtn road driving and the possibility of participating in some DEs in the future should I replace the stock sway bars and if so, which ones best complement the stock springs with either of the above shock choices?
The car will be stock aside from these mods and a shifter.
Thank you all!
I will soon have a 2003 Z06 that is currently stock and I plan to lower the car about .5-1 inch using the OEM threaded adjusters. I would like to know people's opinions on which shocks to replace the stockers with. Should I use Bilstein Sport shocks or OEM C6Z06 shocks?
Additionally, for aggressive mtn road driving and the possibility of participating in some DEs in the future should I replace the stock sway bars and if so, which ones best complement the stock springs with either of the above shock choices?
The car will be stock aside from these mods and a shifter.
Thank you all!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
Unless you are seriously tracking the car the setup that you are contemplating is just about right for a serious street car without changing the bars.
I would add a bit more serious alignment, about -1 to -1.5 degrees of negative camber in the front and about -1 degree in the back, a bit of toe in (1/8 of an inch total toe) front and back and a set of good tires. When you lower the car get it cornerweighted at the same time, it will make it handle in both directions with the same balance and if you are going to do any drivers events it is important to do it.
The alignment will cause a bit more wear on the inside edges of the tires, but if you drive a bit more briskly it will equal out. It is amazing how much more grip the car will have with a more aggressive alignment.
As far as shocks go, either of the choices that you are looking at are good. If you want a bit more serious you can go to a set of Koni sport single adjustables, and call it a day.
The tires and alignment are more important on the street than more roll stiffness. I'd recommed you do the everything else first and then, if you aren't satisfied you can think about a set of bars.
I would add a bit more serious alignment, about -1 to -1.5 degrees of negative camber in the front and about -1 degree in the back, a bit of toe in (1/8 of an inch total toe) front and back and a set of good tires. When you lower the car get it cornerweighted at the same time, it will make it handle in both directions with the same balance and if you are going to do any drivers events it is important to do it.
The alignment will cause a bit more wear on the inside edges of the tires, but if you drive a bit more briskly it will equal out. It is amazing how much more grip the car will have with a more aggressive alignment.
As far as shocks go, either of the choices that you are looking at are good. If you want a bit more serious you can go to a set of Koni sport single adjustables, and call it a day.
The tires and alignment are more important on the street than more roll stiffness. I'd recommed you do the everything else first and then, if you aren't satisfied you can think about a set of bars.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: North Georgia
So dropping the car a little, adding good shocks and then getting an aggressive alignment and a corner balance and it will be good to go? I was unaware the car could be corner balanced with the leaf springs. I thought one had to install coilovers to do that?
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville NC
I agree. No need to spend that kind of cash on bars yet. The Z06 stock bars are pretty good. I only track mine 4 times a year, so I'm fine with my stock bars. You can get a track alignment done before your track event. Tire Kingdom has a special $139 for 5 years for alignments. I don't know if there is a limit on alignments, but I've had mine done several times last year. You can get a track alignment done the day before your event and then get the stock alignment done the day after your event so that your street tires don't get so much wear.
I also just trashed my stock shocks and put the Bilstein Sports on. The ride is stiffer but I've noticed a difference at the track. I've also lowered the car about an inch but haven't tried the cornerweighting yet. I may look into that.
I also just trashed my stock shocks and put the Bilstein Sports on. The ride is stiffer but I've noticed a difference at the track. I've also lowered the car about an inch but haven't tried the cornerweighting yet. I may look into that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
So dropping the car a little, adding good shocks and then getting an aggressive alignment and a corner balance and it will be good to go? I was unaware the car could be corner balanced with the leaf springs. I thought one had to install coilovers to do that?
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info!
The leaf springs on C5's and newer have adjusting screws on their ends, any good race shop can corner weight the car. Get an adjustable end link to put on one end the front bar so that you can corner weight it with the bar disconnected.
A good set of tires is important too. The setup is only as good as the tires.
If you're thinking of doing a drivers event I'd add a set of C6Z brake ducts and spindle ducts too, but that's another topic
Last edited by Solofast; Mar 3, 2010 at 08:52 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 614
If I were you I'd go with the Bilstein Sports. I have the C6Z shocks and they are just OK.