Hi Guys:

Well, the bad news is that I'm putting the Vette in storage today

But the good news is that its now time to start planning next summer's upgrades

As some of you already know, my overall goal with the car is to build the C5 Grand Sport that GM never did. My basic approach is performance upgrades that would slot the car between the base C5 and the Z06 - much like GM did with the C6.

I am not planning to track the car, just street driving...sometimes a bit spirited

Anyway, looking for some input on tires and suspension upgrades...

Tires - I bought some OE Speedline Z06 wheels for it earlier this year and, after a ton of research, I think I will be going with the Nitto NT05's. Combination of performance, price and looks seemed to make this the best choice. I have Michelins now, and they are a nice street tire, but too expensive to duplicate in Z06 sizes. I was also considering Vredesteins...they seem to be a little more street and a little less performance, but would welcome opinons...

For suspension, I have been looking that the C6 Z51 sway bar kit and C6 Z06 shocks from GM Parts House (I would probably replace the links as well with the metal ones). I don't want to make the suspension an unforgiving brick that beats the crap out of me on these garbage roads here in Michigan, but would like a bit less body roll when cornering hard. Again, welcoming opinions here...

Thanks everyone!

 

I'm in Napa, CA so I drive my C5 year round. Can't imagine what it would be like to put away my vette for 4-5 months at a time

I went with the C6 Z51 front sway bar and metal links on my F45. Did not like the rear C6 bar so kept my stock rear bar.

Have no experience with the Nitto 05 but have autocrossed on the Nitto NT01 - pretty good for what is just a hot street tire. Like the Kumho MXs for the street.

 

nt05 is the only real choice for a street tire on the c5z wheels...which, if you can i would get away from just for that reason, too few tires. do you like the tsw nurburgring at all? using 19/18 opens up so many more choices.

as for the bars i have no idea what the c6 z51 bars will do to the balance but a lot of guys on here seem to say good things.

i think if i had a coupe i would take the whole package from a wrecked c5z. the sways, springs and shocks, or if the shocks are old either use 04 c5z shocks new or the cheaper c6z shocks

my reasoning is that i simply know what i would be getting. based on past experience when i start changing the suspension it always takes a few different parts buys before i get the car to do what i want it to

 

you know that tire has been out of production in 295 35 18 and 275 40 17 for over 6 years

 

Thanks for the input - I really want to stick with the OEM Z06 wheels despite the current lack of tire selection. I think the NT 05's will work well for what I have in mind.

Not as sure about the suspension mods - looking for anyone's thoughts...especially those that have made this modification. How do you like it for street driving?