[Z06] T1 Suspension Kit
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: houston tx
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (Connell)
I have had T1 sway bars in for about a year and they siginificantly reduce body roll and encrease stearing response. They got rid of the push on the track as well. The comfort factor suffers slightly but thats a minor trade off for the improvement in handeling. I have ridden in a full T1 car and they are very stiff and not something I could tolerate on the street. If you install the T1 bars think about using the polyethylene coffee can lid shim trick to stop the squeeking/ popping that is caused by the isolator bushings. Hope that helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 523
From: home
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (4stroke)
>If you install the T1 bars think about using the polyethylene coffee can lid >shim trick to stop the squeeking/ popping that is caused by the isolator >bushings. Hope that helps.
I've installed a few kits. Yes,the ride is harsh with the T1 springs, bars and shocks. Hint: no need for aftermarket shocks- the T1 shocks work perfectly. You will have an evil handling Corvette if the T1 bars are used with ZO6 springs.
This will bind the bar in the insulator. The best thing to do is to remove the paint from the bar at the insulator contact area and lube the i.d. of the isolator with some synthetic grease. Loctite the sway bar insulator mounting bolts when re-installing them. Also use some antisieze on the threads for the adjustable end links. DO NOT have the sway bar end links connected to the sway bars when doing an alignment.
Mark
I've installed a few kits. Yes,the ride is harsh with the T1 springs, bars and shocks. Hint: no need for aftermarket shocks- the T1 shocks work perfectly. You will have an evil handling Corvette if the T1 bars are used with ZO6 springs.
This will bind the bar in the insulator. The best thing to do is to remove the paint from the bar at the insulator contact area and lube the i.d. of the isolator with some synthetic grease. Loctite the sway bar insulator mounting bolts when re-installing them. Also use some antisieze on the threads for the adjustable end links. DO NOT have the sway bar end links connected to the sway bars when doing an alignment.
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 523
From: home
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (4stroke)
Way, way, way too much lean in the corners. Not as predictable handling as a full T1 suspensioned car. If you're not going to push the car to its limits, you may not notice the difference.
Mark
Phoenix Performance
Mark
Phoenix Performance
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 523
From: home
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (4stroke)
We have no experience with coil overs. We build and race SCCA T1 Corvettes which do not allow coil overs. My guess though- too expensive for somthing thats not needed. We're not talking about a tube framed car here. The T1 kit is designed by GM to work as a unit. I've seen a few people who spend hours upon hours trying to "improve" the suspension when the answer is right in the GM Performance catalog.
Mark
Phoenix Performance
Mark
Phoenix Performance
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 83
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From: houston tx
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (3X2)
Mark,
What do you think is the optimum set up for cars used for high level track events that still see some street and highway use? Something short of full T1 competition but will still hang in there with the new 911 turbo all wheel drives.
What do you think is the optimum set up for cars used for high level track events that still see some street and highway use? Something short of full T1 competition but will still hang in there with the new 911 turbo all wheel drives.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 523
From: home
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (4stroke)
Assuming a ZO6 car, I'd stick with the stock springs and bars. Install adjustable sway bar end links, maximize shock travel. Set ride height, alignment and corner weights. Make sure there's minimal bind in the sway bar bushings, lube caliper slides with a synthetic grease. Bleed brakes after every session. Sticky tires. If using DOT tires, Goodyear GSCS tires.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (3X2)
Mark
Thanks for the advice. I am setting the car up soley for the track and want to install the full kit. I was able to pass 2 challenge Ferrari's without the kit but the stock ZO6 still has too much body roll on the track. Fitchner has a good price on the kit but would you recommend anyone else. How hard is the install and are their any directions in the kit or on the net?
Thanks for the advice. I am setting the car up soley for the track and want to install the full kit. I was able to pass 2 challenge Ferrari's without the kit but the stock ZO6 still has too much body roll on the track. Fitchner has a good price on the kit but would you recommend anyone else. How hard is the install and are their any directions in the kit or on the net?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (Connell)
It's funny that this post popped up today as I was just wondering about this very topic..
Just so I am straight was is included in the full T1 kit, I assuming springs, bars and shocks. About how much does this kit run??
Just so I am straight was is included in the full T1 kit, I assuming springs, bars and shocks. About how much does this kit run??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 523
From: home
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (Ruby6spd)
About $3000 for the kit and $250 each for the shocks. It's a straight forward spring, shock, control arm, and sway bar replacement. You'll then need the alignment done. We get our kits from a GM dealer. If you go to http://www.gmpartsdirect.com, it shows the pricing. I've never dealt with them, but I heard the prices are extremely competitive, but they kill you on shipping charges.
Mark
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 523
From: home
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (Ruby6spd)
<Just so I am straight was is included in the full
>T1 kit, I assuming springs, bars and shocks.
>About how much does this kit run??
Front upper a-arms, front lower a-arms, front sway bar and isulators, rear sway bar and insulators, adjustable sway bar end links, front spring, rear spring are in the T1 kit. Shocks have to be purchased seperately.
Mark
>T1 kit, I assuming springs, bars and shocks.
>About how much does this kit run??
Front upper a-arms, front lower a-arms, front sway bar and isulators, rear sway bar and insulators, adjustable sway bar end links, front spring, rear spring are in the T1 kit. Shocks have to be purchased seperately.
Mark
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 50,808
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From: Buy USA products! Check the label! Employ Americans
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (3X2)
I bought heavier springs and I am revalving the Bilstien Sports. It all takes time and money. I switched to a heavy spring. If I had it to do again I would have bought the T-1 springs & shocks. I have poly bushings in the control arms and T-1 bars. I guess when you run the times JH runs then you may need a different setup than T-1 :lol: . GM is not stupid and the guess work is gone. Then you need a good shop to do the final setup. I guess follow Mark to work one morning. :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 7
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (3X2)
Your not kidding about gmpartsdirect gauging on the price of the shipping.. they have the T1 kit listed for under 2400.00 but charge 500.00 for shipping.. :eek: :eek:
Holy cow..
I am gonna have to place some calls to some local dealers to see what they can do..
Holy cow..
I am gonna have to place some calls to some local dealers to see what they can do..
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (Connell)
I ordered the kit from Fitchner for something under $2,900 delivered. I am being told an install time of about 4 to 6 hours, does this sound about right? Should the ZO6 shocks be replaced also? Any opinions? If anyone is interested is assisting please let me know. I do have a lift.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 668
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From: Huntington Beach, ca
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (Connell)
You might also want to consider the HOTCHKISS suspension kit for the ZO6.
It is a great alternative, to the T1 setup...and I found the T1 setup --ABSOLUTELY KILLER for the Track...but combined w. the other suspension add-ons that I use, it's a bit NOISY and harsh for everyday driving. I suppose if you're using the stock shocks, springs and then use the T1's, its a very doable.
My only complaint was the creaky noises coming from the T1 bars..but boy did it corner w. those on it--like a go kart--on rails!
I use diff. shocks, springs, and the Hotchkiss setup is great!
It is a great alternative, to the T1 setup...and I found the T1 setup --ABSOLUTELY KILLER for the Track...but combined w. the other suspension add-ons that I use, it's a bit NOISY and harsh for everyday driving. I suppose if you're using the stock shocks, springs and then use the T1's, its a very doable.
My only complaint was the creaky noises coming from the T1 bars..but boy did it corner w. those on it--like a go kart--on rails!
I use diff. shocks, springs, and the Hotchkiss setup is great!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 289
Likes: 59
From: edison nj
Re: T1 Suspension Kit (Gary@ronal)
Hey...i put the t-1 bars on with the QA1 shocks and it works for me on my ZO6. Got the bars from gmpartsdirect. As to the comments above about the shipping...read the info on the web site, the shipping includes the profit for them since they sell the part to you AT DEALER COST which is BELOW the wholesale pricing. Plug any part number in and you will sell all the prices, starting with the retail. Bottom line, the dealer cost of the part plus the shipping charge comes out LESS than the wholesale price you would get at a dealer.
[Modified by mjf6175, 5:14 PM 6/4/2003]
[Modified by mjf6175, 5:14 PM 6/4/2003]