What kind of performance should I expect from C6 z51 sway bars, installed on a base model C5. Thanks

 

noticeable handling differences.

Better yet,,,Get the C-6 Z06 shocks and sways.
more stable handling (less 'rollover' while making turns)
greatly enhanced stability and feel.
no HP gains.

 

I had:
C6 Z06 swaybars
C6 Z06 shocks
Lowered (with Zip Bolts)
...all at the same time. I took the car for a ride and IMMEDIATELY realized a NOTICEABLE difference in handling within 3 miles of leaving the shop on suburban streets with some curves in them. Now taking cloverleafs is as fun as you want to push it, and on my only track day with this car, my instructor (Corvette guy) knew I could take the corners 2X as fast as I was taking them. So I asked him to drive it, and he proved me right.

It's some of the best money I've spent on my car.

 

C6 Z06 sway bars might be a bit excessive if you're running stock tire sizes for a non-Z06 C5. C6 Z51 sway bars are a better fit from what I have read.

 

Sometimes I go for a nice drive, nice and slow. I love going around curves I challenge them a bit, without losing the rear end, I don't know the limitations of my car, I just don't want to lose the rear end on curves, how can I learn what the limitations of my car is? I came across the c6 z51 sway bars, and people say they love that upgrade, then I was hooked in on the upgrade. I want to feel safer going around mountain curves, I love challenging the curves but sometimes I am weary with certain curves, I do love going around curves, challenging myself trying to see what are the limitations of my car, how can I figure out what those limitations are.

 

I can't afford both right now, just the sways

 

everything is a trade off... better handling, stiffer and harsher ride.

 

What do you mean? If I put better sways on my car, that the comfort wouldn't be great!

 

I noticed minimal decrease in ride comfort going to C6 Z51 sway bars. Barely perceptible.

 

The reason the car handles better is because the sways are thicker and that makes them much more stiff. If you do not understand the concept of " Everything is a trade off.. you should take heed to this life lesson.

When designing the C5 or any car for that matter we weigh the pros and cons of the design. adding stiffer sways and shocks increase handling by allowing less lateral g forces. this stiffer suspension aspect reduces comfort and the softer ride of a less aggressive shock and sway bar component. Be Very careful who you listen too here... most who spend the money for this upgrade would not admit to a harsher ride to attain better handling.. but anyone who knows anything about automotive technology will tell you, EVERYTHING " is a trade off.

BTW who says they are better sways.. ?? they are only better if you want better handling and are willing to sacrifice some comfort.. If there was no trade off, we would have put thicker sways in it in the first place...going to stiffer suspension is for people who track their car or want that stiff sports car feel and willing to give up the more comfortable ride. That's why the ZO6 gets the stiffer ride..

If we made everything almost perfect, a great sound system, top of the line leather seats, made all of the [plastic parts] metal.. added 300 lbs of sound deadening the car would have been 1000 lbs heavier, 50K more for the MSRP, and would have had the gas guzzler tax added.

Dave said make it light, and within budget and avoid the gas guzzler tax.

Bill aka ET

I know a few things because I have seen a few things..

 

or just buy a 04 Z and go have some fun ,my 04 Z with stock everything ( SP-2 ) tires handles as good as any stock C-6 Z out there . I have been on the track with them . Just saying..

 

Autocross or a track day. You can find the limits real quick.

 

I agree ,its not that hard to find a track day going on some were or autocross ,way better to find out what your Vette will do OFF the road that on for sure .. That's how I found out about the handling of my 04 Z ,the F-1 track in Austin TX. my 04 in front of 6-7 C-6 Zs all stock could not catch my 04 Z yep I didn't think the old C-5 Z would handle that good my self GM did there home work on that one . I love it ..

 

The tires will be more of a determining factor for the cars ability than the anti sway bar. Sure a good anti sway bar will enhance the tires ability but if your worried about the backend stepping out, focus on a good performance tire first. Then suspension mods.

 

Plus the limits of every car changes with road conditions and temperatures.

 

I agree 100% ,without a very good set of tire one can't tell if you need any Sup. mods or not ,very few people can drive a C-5 Corvette to its limits if all is in good shape . I drove my 04 around the Track Of America at 160 MPH all stock the 04 had way more left than my nerves did . I was puckered to the seat ..LOL

 

I do have a good performance tire, Michelin Pilot sport a/s tires, only a year and half old tires

 

ZO 6's ride stiffer because of the stiffer springs as not so much sways !!!!!!!!!

 

What do you mean, very few people can drive a C5 to its limits if all is in good shape

 

It means exactly that. Driver skills will be the limiting factor before the car becomes one for the vast majority of Corvette drivers. Knowing how to control it at its limits means no small amount of time on the course or similar.