Finished bilstein/hotchkis setup
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
Finished bilstein/hotchkis setup
For anyone considering this setup, I LOVE IT! I just completed the install today to top off the suspension. Got the Bilstein sports, Hotchkis bars, lowered in the front on stock bolts, lowered in the back by the longer bolt kit available from A&A. Ride is still very comfortable but you can definitely tell the suspension is tighter. Performance w/o sacrificing driveability. 
Rides likes a dream and handles like its on rails (even more so now 
) So, to anyone that is considering this setup or even one or the other, it has my vote. Please let me know of any questions you might have about the install or anything youre wondering. Thanks, Darroch Malone 
Rides likes a dream and handles like its on rails (even more so now ) So, to anyone that is considering this setup or even one or the other, it has my vote. Please let me know of any questions you might have about the install or anything youre wondering. Thanks, Darroch Malone
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Glad you got it done. Results will vary depending on whether you started with a Z51 suspension or not, but this is a great handling mod.
If your car hasn't been lowered, you might consider doing that, too, to lower the COG. You don't need to go beyond about an inch.
You'll have a little less weight transfer with the shocks so the car will understeer a little less, too.
Be careful and have fun.
If your car hasn't been lowered, you might consider doing that, too, to lower the COG. You don't need to go beyond about an inch.
You'll have a little less weight transfer with the shocks so the car will understeer a little less, too.
Be careful and have fun.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
I do still have the factory leaf springs. Eventually, I will probably get my hands on some z06 leafs. <---I almost put leaves 
I do believe that the z06 leaf springs are an upgrade for the c5's. A Vnm Backbone will be added then for some added stiffness.
I'm really not sure what the car was equipped with from the factory. And to be honest, I'm not sure how to tell. f45, z51, base, ??? Let me know how I find out and I can surely tell you what it once was. Darroch Malone
I do believe that the z06 leaf springs are an upgrade for the c5's. A Vnm Backbone will be added then for some added stiffness. I'm really not sure what the car was equipped with from the factory. And to be honest, I'm not sure how to tell. f45, z51, base, ??? Let me know how I find out and I can surely tell you what it once was. Darroch Malone
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 0
From: charlotte nc
Did the same with poly bushings all around with a little more aggressive alignment than that of a stock Z with same opinion.
If you started with a Z51, then the rear leaf springs are the same, the fronts are different.
Also check out R-D Racing's cross bar. I put one in before a high speed auto cross this weekend and it really stiffens the chasis and give a 5 point harness site and video mount too.
Been looking at that tunnel thing myself.
If you started with a Z51, then the rear leaf springs are the same, the fronts are different.
Also check out R-D Racing's cross bar. I put one in before a high speed auto cross this weekend and it really stiffens the chasis and give a 5 point harness site and video mount too.
Been looking at that tunnel thing myself.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 154
From: The Arid Sunny Desert
I love the setup as well. I feel that it isn't too harsh probably because I have the "base" FE1 suspension setup which is somewhat forgiving. Transformed the car into a real handler!
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,073
Likes: 1
From: Sarver Pennsylvania
As I understand it, all options are listed on the inside of the glove compartment lid. Should list all options in alphabetical order - telling you what came with the car!
Hope I'm giving you the right info!
Hope I'm giving you the right info!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 0
From: Windsor, Ontario
CI 3, 4, 5, 6 & 10 Veteran
Originally Posted by VetteHunting
How do I check to see if I started with base, f45, or the z51 package? Darroch Malone
Mike
P.S. All I need are the sway bars and I'll be running the same set up.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 2
From: We cant stop here... this is bat country
So what exactly is it that differentiates the base, f45, and z51 package? I think f45 has adjustable settings from the cockpit? Anyways, THANKS for all the help on the install guys. Always there when I need it the most. Darroch Malone
