Got my suspension and exhaust installed today by Race Proven Motorsports. I got QA1 adjustable shocks/struts, Hotchkis Sway Bars, Elite Engineering Tunnel plate, metal end links, and B&B PRT exhaust.

The B&B PRT's are just about perfect for the type of exhaust I was looking for. They have a nice throaty rumble at idle and keep that deep tone as you accelerate. They have just enough volume to make people take notice but have zero drone while cruising. What's funny is the exhaust seems to be getting louder the more I drive it so we shall see if this is as loud as it gets.

Now the suspension and this is where there is a huge difference in before and after. My car has the base suspension and while it handled well, it was just too soft for my liking. I wanted a little firmer ride and less body roll and front end push. With the suspension parts listed above the difference is night and day. The steering has a heavier feel to it which I like. There is ZERO body roll, none, nada, zilch. The ride is firm but controlled and still comfortable for every day use. The understeer isn't completely gone but it's definitely A LOT less than before. Pick your line, turn the wheel and hold on cause this thing just sticks!!!

IMO, and I haven't driven other set ups so this is just my experience, this is the best suspension that combines comfort with awesome handling. I can say with confidence that this set up handles better than my 08 Z51 Coupe and just as good as my 09Z06 but with much better ride quality.

I'm extremely pleased with how the car turned out and the guys at RPM were awesome.

Now what to do next .......

 

Good to know, but in answer to your question, why don't you post all this up in C6 section so they too can share your joy and happiness.

 

Because the mods were done on my C5

 

 

Here ya go, you can see the PRT tips.

 

Beautiful car Jim. As to what to do next, there is always new wheels/tires, upgraded interior, new and better lighting, upgraded brakes, etc. The list just never seems to end.

 

Thanks! I'll prob do some audio upgrades and some interior stuff. My interior is all black so I want to add a little color to it.

 

Glad you are happy with everything.

 

Haha, I'm still happy with my Z suspension and Bilsteins.

But I know what you mean. Coming from the base suspension, your car just became a rocket ship. I've always thought the Z06 suspension should be standard and the squishy soft rides an option for the elderly or less enthusiast owners.

Enjoy the ride.

 

Looks great!

I did the mod red conversion to my all black interior and love it...food for thought!

 

nicenice
What setting are you running on the Qa1 shocks? what clicks F/R?
Any more feedback or reviews you would like to share with us on the ride change and handling?
really interested in getting Qa1's for myself.
Cheers!

 

If you are not thinking of any more go fast goodies for a while I highly recommend a custom dyno-tune. Big difference on my car. I did have LT's installed at the same time but you will still notice quite a difference.

 

NICE!
I have QA1's as well and like them a lot.

The stock suspension on C5s kept me from buying one for a long time. felt like a big fast low floaty truck. The C5Z felt like a harsh-riding big fast low truck

With QA1's (and T1 springs & bars) it feels like a proper big fast low sports car!

 

Surprised you had under steer, even on base suspension.

 

What size bars?

 

Love it, handles like its on rails. Ten times better than stock.

 

Here are the part numbers for the shocks and sway bars:

TS510 and TS705 QA1 shocks
#2285 Hotchkis Sport Anti-Roll Bars - Bar diameter 1.25"(1 1/4") F and 1" R.

I can't really compare this set up to others like the Bilstein's because I haven't driven a car with them. I can only compare it to my 09 Z06. The ride is firm but not jarring, very comfortable and easily a daily driver set up. Body roll is just about gone. No rear end hop when encountering bumps mid corner like my Z06 does ( prob due to run flats vs no run flats). Car is super stiff with the tunnel plate, no creaks or groans from the top going up my driveway at an angle. Great combination of ride and handling. I'm very pleased with the results and now I have a car I can truly enjoy on the back roads. Money well spent in my book.

 

I have been told that the metal end links are great for tracking the car but once worn in they start making a clanking noise, I was talked out of installing LG's because my mechanic didn't want me whining about the noise later and I had already bought them at $75.00 / ea.

 

Never heard that before. RPM recommended the metal end links and I trust their judgement. Plus if you saw my old end links you would have replaced them too

 

It's great that you're happy with it.