Suspension question/suggestions
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Suspension question/suggestions
Hey everybody. I have a 2004 convertible with a stock suspension (I do not have magnetic ride control). I recently added an A&A supercharger kit with a stage 5 transmission from RPM, and have 500 HP at the wheels. I'm planning on adding Kooks headers and maybe a cat back exhaust system that will put me close to 550 at the wheels. With all the extra power, I was looking for some suggestions on suspension upgrades that could help get that power to the ground(especially when I get on it hard). I don't really take the car to the track, and I don't race it. However, I do enjoy fast performance driving. I particularly enjoy a good winding road, and just cruising. As such, it is important that I maintain a nice smooth ride. I also have NO interest in lowering the car as it already scrapes going in an out of my driveway. with all that said, what suspension upgrades would you all suggest to best achieve what I'm looking for?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,660
Likes: 365
From: SF Bay Area
C6 Z06 shocks, C5 Z06 front and rear springs (I think C6 Z06 front springs are the same, rears are definitely different). If you're on stock tire width, C6 Z51 sway bars. If you're using wider tires than stock, C6 Z06 sway bars. Best bang for buck you can get, especially if you're not doing anything hardcore.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
you are my hero...where are you in Va? so the order of operation is....shocks and sway bars.....and then springs last. this is to see if the softer springs still meet you needs.
I just got all the z06 parts and recently installed the z06 shocks and they feel tighter for sure, I still have the z06 sway bars to put on. and the springs will be last based on lots of input from guys who swap these parts on and off for fun.
I just got all the z06 parts and recently installed the z06 shocks and they feel tighter for sure, I still have the z06 sway bars to put on. and the springs will be last based on lots of input from guys who swap these parts on and off for fun.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
don't forget tires... you can have the best suspension out there but if your tires can't hold the power then you will be taking a trip to spin city
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,297
Likes: 24,776
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
The C6 shocks and sway bars will make a big difference in your car. And a good set of tires will give you the grip you need. Good luck with all the mods.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Hey everybody thanks for the great advice. I've already ordered the C6Z shocks. Hopefully, I'll be ordering the Z51 sway bars soon.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
Hey everybody. I have a 2004 convertible with a stock suspension (I do not have magnetic ride control). I recently added an A&A supercharger kit with a stage 5 transmission from RPM, and have 500 HP at the wheels. I'm planning on adding Kooks headers and maybe a cat back exhaust system that will put me close to 550 at the wheels. With all the extra power, I was looking for some suggestions on suspension upgrades that could help get that power to the ground(especially when I get on it hard). I don't really take the car to the track, and I don't race it. However, I do enjoy fast performance driving. I particularly enjoy a good winding road, and just cruising. As such, it is important that I maintain a nice smooth ride. I also have NO interest in lowering the car as it already scrapes going in an out of my driveway. with all that said, what suspension upgrades would you all suggest to best achieve what I'm looking for?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 760
Likes: 242
From: All Over The Place
On my 04 CE vert, I did the C6Z shocks, sways, and springs. Also moved to C6 wheels wrapped in the Firestone Firehawks.
What a mammoth difference!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
So, I'm looking to order the Z51 sway bars. Do I need the upgraded end links? It is over $100 difference with and without.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 760
Likes: 242
From: All Over The Place
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,590
Likes: 3,317
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22