Adding shocks and swaybars
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
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Adding shocks and swaybars
I am planning on upgrading my suspension by adding some Bilstein sport shocks and upgrading to Z06 swaybars. Basically I want to improve handling without sacrificing drivability. My question is this: Other than the shocks and the swaybars, is there anything else I need to buy? Such as metal endlinks, is this an absolute must? I don't want a squeaky suspension, so I was hoping I could get the swaybars and not add endlinks, but I am not sure if this is possible. Also, I don't want to change springs, so I hope the Bilsteins will work with stock springs. I am a newbie when it comes to modifying cars, so I want to do it right. Thanks for the help.
By the way, I recently wrote that my handling stunk. Well, I changed from the old, worn-out run-flats to BF Goodrich G-forces. Wow, what a difference. Handling has improved dramatically already.
Josh
98 C5, stock
By the way, I recently wrote that my handling stunk. Well, I changed from the old, worn-out run-flats to BF Goodrich G-forces. Wow, what a difference. Handling has improved dramatically already.
Josh
98 C5, stock
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 665
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From: Hendersonville NC
I've not done it on my 03, C5, MN6 but have on other vehicles, and was always amazed how it transforms the car. I never changed out any of the other components, but I must confess ingorance with the Vettes particulars. Seems people here have been very pleased with the Z06 sway bars, but I would probably check into other brands also, like Hotchkiss. This is a back burner mod for me, so I will be turning to you some day for advice. Enjoy the ride, it's gonna be awesome. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
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From: Jacksonville Florida
I've got Hotchkis F/R swaybars and Bilstein shocks on my lowered 00 coupe with stock Z51 springs. The Hotchkis kit comes with metal end links and new bushings so those were replaced.
Although not a necessity I also added the Baer bump steer kit for alignment purposes due to lowering. If you get your car lowered you should have it aligned after it settles.
Results are an amazing improvement in handling.
Although not a necessity I also added the Baer bump steer kit for alignment purposes due to lowering. If you get your car lowered you should have it aligned after it settles.
Results are an amazing improvement in handling.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 300
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From: Oklahoma City
Tires, Shocks and Swaybars should put you were you wanna be. I done rims, tires, sways bars, endlinks and its 10000000% better. Got the shocks waiting to put on and the springs are next summer's project.... frickers are expensive!!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Dallas Texas
You say you don't want to give up ride quality well that's exactly what you'll be doing with the shocks and sway bars. Don't buy in to the hype that it won't change your ride because your about to create a butt beater. I did these mods to my 03 coupe and ended up getting rid of it cause it literally was painfull to drive afterwards. I found out the hard way that this old body ain't as young as it used to be. If you can physically take the rough ride go for it cause it will handle much better but be advised you'r ride will be much rougher. I bought an 04 with the base suspension and will keep it that way it won't handle like a go cart but it doesn't ride like one either. No flames from you young guys please some of us older guys just can't take the beating these hot rods can give anymore that's why God created the base suspension.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 2
From: Billings MT
suspension upgrade
This is Bob at Fichtner Chevrolet,
Since your car is a 98, you will have the plastic end links on your oe bars. When you change to the Z06 bar kit you will need the aluminum end links as the plastic ones will break. We have the bar kits available at GM wholesale prices and we are the first ones to ever put the kit out on the forum three years ago. We have sold several thousand of these kits and they make a great difference in the handeling without changing the quality of ride. I would recommend the springs only if you are doing a lot of auto cross or racing. Otherwise the cost vers the ride change for everyday driving would be on the stiff side.
If you wish to order a Z06 bar kit or have any questions or problems feel free to give us a call at 406-628-4618 or email me at parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com
Bob
Since your car is a 98, you will have the plastic end links on your oe bars. When you change to the Z06 bar kit you will need the aluminum end links as the plastic ones will break. We have the bar kits available at GM wholesale prices and we are the first ones to ever put the kit out on the forum three years ago. We have sold several thousand of these kits and they make a great difference in the handeling without changing the quality of ride. I would recommend the springs only if you are doing a lot of auto cross or racing. Otherwise the cost vers the ride change for everyday driving would be on the stiff side.
If you wish to order a Z06 bar kit or have any questions or problems feel free to give us a call at 406-628-4618 or email me at parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com
Bob
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Originally Posted by CorvettePartsBob
This is Bob at Fichtner Chevrolet,
Since your car is a 98, you will have the plastic end links on your oe bars. When you change to the Z06 bar kit you will need the aluminum end links as the plastic ones will break. We have the bar kits available at GM wholesale prices and we are the first ones to ever put the kit out on the forum three years ago. We have sold several thousand of these kits and they make a great difference in the handeling without changing the quality of ride. I would recommend the springs only if you are doing a lot of auto cross or racing. Otherwise the cost vers the ride change for everyday driving would be on the stiff side.
If you wish to order a Z06 bar kit or have any questions or problems feel free to give us a call at 406-628-4618 or email me at parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com
Bob
Since your car is a 98, you will have the plastic end links on your oe bars. When you change to the Z06 bar kit you will need the aluminum end links as the plastic ones will break. We have the bar kits available at GM wholesale prices and we are the first ones to ever put the kit out on the forum three years ago. We have sold several thousand of these kits and they make a great difference in the handeling without changing the quality of ride. I would recommend the springs only if you are doing a lot of auto cross or racing. Otherwise the cost vers the ride change for everyday driving would be on the stiff side.
If you wish to order a Z06 bar kit or have any questions or problems feel free to give us a call at 406-628-4618 or email me at parts@fichtnerchevrolet.com
Bob
Good advice. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
4pm pacific time 8/26/04 Ebay auction closes
Z06 sways currently $71
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
Z06 sways currently $71
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 12,952
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From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by 95Bravo-C5
HotChkis Rocks!
We went with adjustable shocks...Best of Both Worlds! http://www.halshocks.com/shocks/vettesuspension.html