I did this upgrade a few months back and it is an impressive improvement. I get almost no lean on hard turns and almost no nose dive on hard stops. 
Z-51 bars...Am I crazy?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Bowie Texas
Z-51 bars...Am I crazy?
While my car was in the body shop I bought a set of Z-51 bars from Gene and the shop installed them while they had it on their lift. I picked it up and around town it feels to me like it rides BETTER than it did. I drove it down a curvy road and I can tell that it handles the curves much better. I thought there was surely some downside to these bigger bars but I can't find one! Why would Chevy put anything else on any Corvette?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Because originally, the base C5 Corvette was meant to have a plush ride since there had been so many complaints about the C4's teeth rattling suspension. Thicker sway bars would make the suspension just a little stiffer. You may not feel a difference but there is a slight difference. You will notice it more on uneven pavement.
So, GM tried to make a car that would please everybody. I, like you, agree that the sway bars could've been a little thicker. I am extremely happy with my Eibach sway bars. It makes the car handle like it's on rails.
You should complete the transformation by changing out your shocks. You would be amazed! I installed Bilstein HD's and they are 1000% better than the cushy stock shocks.
So, GM tried to make a car that would please everybody. I, like you, agree that the sway bars could've been a little thicker. I am extremely happy with my Eibach sway bars. It makes the car handle like it's on rails.
You should complete the transformation by changing out your shocks. You would be amazed! I installed Bilstein HD's and they are 1000% better than the cushy stock shocks.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 419
Likes: 3
From: Lexington VA
St. Jude Donor '11
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,620
Likes: 81
From: Florence SC
St. Jude Donor '12
I put a set of C6Z51 bars along with Pfadt c/o's and a set of non run flats and along with a greatly improved ride over the stock run flats my Vert handles like never before! Best improvent I could ever imagine !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
You're only crazy if they were C5Z51 bars. If they are C6 bars you did the right thing. The next thing to think about is C6Z06 shocks. They are just as awesome.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
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From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
look for the monthly posting from GMPARTSHOUSE. They have a special every month on these items. Excellent price and more excellent service.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,744
Likes: 3,265
From: Phoenix area, AZ
I've got a set of the C6 Z51 bars and new metal end links on the way to me now. I can't wait to see how much better my car handles after replacing the tired, worn out stock bars and plastic links. I'll be especially grateful to get rid of that nasty squeak coming from the backside.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Probably not as much a benefit for you as it is for a base model. A benefit I'm sure,,, but maybe not worth the investment for you. I'm sure another Z06 driver will chime in and let you know for sure.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 36,838
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From: Manassas Park VA
St. Jude Donor '07-'08,-'13-'14, '16-'17
The down side is that it maintains the forward bias (push) that is
dailed into all stock Corvette suspension parts.
Makes it safer for most drivers...
Peace
Chip
dailed into all stock Corvette suspension parts.
Makes it safer for most drivers...
Peace
Chip
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 4
From: Bedford MA
Now I may be in the minority here... But I have the real time adaptive ride control (F45) in my '02 coupe and I like being able to have it on "Touring" for the cushy feel and then being able to go to "Sport" or "Performance" when I know I will be taking an on/off ramp. My Question to you guys it this... Since I have the F45 package what would be the best and most reasonable upgrade from here...?
AKA "The CLOWN"
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 13
From: Chicago South Suburbs
Now I may be in the minority here... But I have the real time adaptive ride control (F45) in my '02 coupe and I like being able to have it on "Touring" for the cushy feel and then being able to go to "Sport" or "Performance" when I know I will be taking an on/off ramp. My Question to you guys it this... Since I have the F45 package what would be the best and most reasonable upgrade from here...?
I put C6Z shocks and sways on and the cars feels so much better going over RR tracks and bumps. I also have 345 tires, thats why I went with the Z sway!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 4
From: Bedford MA
I might follow the route you did. 60lbs extra makes a difference!!!
I am in the early stages since I got my car in May. SOOOO Many things on the list. There isn't enough overtime in the week to get it all done!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,892
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From: Helotes TEXAS
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,567
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From: Converse TX
Now I may be in the minority here... But I have the real time adaptive ride control (F45) in my '02 coupe and I like being able to have it on "Touring" for the cushy feel and then being able to go to "Sport" or "Performance" when I know I will be taking an on/off ramp. My Question to you guys it this... Since I have the F45 package what would be the best and most reasonable upgrade from here...?
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Will be doing that upgrade to mine someday.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 514
Likes: 3
From: Levittown NY
Z06 here, and I love the ride quality but the stock shocks while conering on a bumpy road is scary. The car wants to shift lanes it feels like. Will be looking into Bilstein HD's only or just buck up and do the Johnny O Stage 1. I hear it's the best shock/sway combo. It's a Corvette, not a Civic, we don't have the option or desire to use $40 Ebay suspension. I am glad you enjoy the feeling of the new sway bars. Good post.