C5 Sway Bar Question
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I tried C6 Z51 and C6 Z06/GS bars on a pair of '99 Z51 cars.
I have researched the differences in handling with these two bar sets. It seems like the Z06/GS bars need to have a large (>295) rear tire or else it will induce oversteer.
In practice, I could not tell a difference between the two sets of bars in normal or "spirited" street driving. I never pushed the Z06/GS bars enough on the street (with stock size tires) to find oversteer, but I am told in track/autocross it can happen.
For both of mine, I went with used bars with metal end links. It was an inexpensive upgrade that I could really feel the difference (much better and flatter cornering).
I also looked at the chart for bar sizes and noticed that the early vs late C5 Z51 bars do not show a difference. However I believe there is a difference as stated below.
1997-99 C5 Z51 bars; front 25.4mm, rear 21.7mm
2000-04 C5 Z51 bars; front 28.6mm, rear 23.6mm
Good luck with your choices.
I have researched the differences in handling with these two bar sets. It seems like the Z06/GS bars need to have a large (>295) rear tire or else it will induce oversteer.
In practice, I could not tell a difference between the two sets of bars in normal or "spirited" street driving. I never pushed the Z06/GS bars enough on the street (with stock size tires) to find oversteer, but I am told in track/autocross it can happen.
For both of mine, I went with used bars with metal end links. It was an inexpensive upgrade that I could really feel the difference (much better and flatter cornering).
I also looked at the chart for bar sizes and noticed that the early vs late C5 Z51 bars do not show a difference. However I believe there is a difference as stated below.
1997-99 C5 Z51 bars; front 25.4mm, rear 21.7mm
2000-04 C5 Z51 bars; front 28.6mm, rear 23.6mm
Good luck with your choices.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 758
Likes: 366
Does anyone who is more savvy on suspension want to comment on preload adjustments ?
I see people comparing brands of bars which I understand will have a different “ spring” rate.
I guess what I’m asking just how much usable adjustment with a heim joint is there? I matched the length of the stock joints with my Steinjager bars which I’m very happy with ( 305 rears ). I’d still like to educate myself more on the effects
I see people comparing brands of bars which I understand will have a different “ spring” rate.
I guess what I’m asking just how much usable adjustment with a heim joint is there? I matched the length of the stock joints with my Steinjager bars which I’m very happy with ( 305 rears ). I’d still like to educate myself more on the effects
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 524
Likes: 126
From: Sandown NH
Steinjager. If I recall correctly they are the same sizes as the C6 z51 sway bars.
https://steinjager.com/shop/index.ph...roduct_id=3501
https://steinjager.com/shop/index.ph...roduct_id=3501
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 524
Likes: 126
From: Sandown NH
I tried C6 Z51 and C6 Z06/GS bars on a pair of '99 Z51 cars.
I have researched the differences in handling with these two bar sets. It seems like the Z06/GS bars need to have a large (>295) rear tire or else it will induce oversteer.
In practice, I could not tell a difference between the two sets of bars in normal or "spirited" street driving. I never pushed the Z06/GS bars enough on the street (with stock size tires) to find oversteer, but I am told in track/autocross it can happen.
For both of mine, I went with used bars with metal end links. It was an inexpensive upgrade that I could really feel the difference (much better and flatter cornering).
I also looked at the chart for bar sizes and noticed that the early vs late C5 Z51 bars do not show a difference. However I believe there is a difference as stated below.
1997-99 C5 Z51 bars; front 25.4mm, rear 21.7mm
2000-04 C5 Z51 bars; front 28.6mm, rear 23.6mm
Good luck with your choices.
I have researched the differences in handling with these two bar sets. It seems like the Z06/GS bars need to have a large (>295) rear tire or else it will induce oversteer.
In practice, I could not tell a difference between the two sets of bars in normal or "spirited" street driving. I never pushed the Z06/GS bars enough on the street (with stock size tires) to find oversteer, but I am told in track/autocross it can happen.
For both of mine, I went with used bars with metal end links. It was an inexpensive upgrade that I could really feel the difference (much better and flatter cornering).
I also looked at the chart for bar sizes and noticed that the early vs late C5 Z51 bars do not show a difference. However I believe there is a difference as stated below.
1997-99 C5 Z51 bars; front 25.4mm, rear 21.7mm
2000-04 C5 Z51 bars; front 28.6mm, rear 23.6mm
Good luck with your choices.
Swaybars:
C5 Base Suspension: 23 mm-front / 19.1 mm-rear / 3.81mm/2.0mm thickness
C5 Z51 (97-99): 25.4 mm-front / 21.7 mm-rear
C5 Z51 (00-04): 28.6 mm-front / 23.6 mm-rear / 4.15mm/3mm thickness
C5 Z06: 30.0 mm-front / 23.6 mm-rear / 4.5mm/3.5mm thickness
C6 Base: ?? mm-front / 22.0 mm (7/8")-rear
C6 Z51: 31 mm-front / 25.4 mm (1")-rear
C6 Z06: 31 mm-front / 28.8 mm-rear
C5 Hotchkis: 31.75 mm-front / 25.4 mm-rear / 4mm/4mm thickness
C5/C6 Addco: 32 mm-front / 25.4 mm-rear
C5/C6 Addco: 35 mm-front / 25.4 mm-rear
C5 Pfadt (Adjustables): 32 mm-front / 26 mm-rear
C5 Pfadt (Adjustables): 35 mm-front / 28.5 mm-rear (Pfatty)
C5 T1 (GM Racing): 38.4 mm-front / 27.5 mm-rear / 6.35/6.35 thickness
C6 T1 (GM Racing): 38.4 mm-front / 27.5 mm-rear / 6mm/?? thick
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 44
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
Got the bars - They sent me the all metal end links which is probably all the better. Went in easy enough, absolutely love how they changed the dynamic of the car, wish I had done this years ago.
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