Sway Bars ???
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 587
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From: Easton Connecticut 3 Gold Stars Strong
Sway Bars ???
I have a sorta Stock 99 C5 without the Z51 option. I want the car to handle better without spending Huge Moola. Should I upgrade the sway bars ?? How is the stock shocks ???
Is there a huge difference between the Z51 bars compared to the Gm t1 bars, compared to stock ???
Thanks for the information........
Is there a huge difference between the Z51 bars compared to the Gm t1 bars, compared to stock ???
Thanks for the information........
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,459
Likes: 13
From: Phoenix
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'09
You could upgrade to ZO6 sway bars, will firm up the ride, but not to stiff for normal driving, if you want better than Bilstein shocks...we can keep going, but thse items should give want you may want.
Fred Beans usually has good pricing on these items
Fred Beans usually has good pricing on these items
Always Shiftin'
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 939
From: Central Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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2019 C5 of Year Finalist (stock)
Originally Posted by Stock Man
I have the F-45 suspension but upgraded the sways to Z-06 bars and it's great.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 5
From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
Originally Posted by UpToVT
I have a sorta Stock 99 C5 without the Z51 option. I want the car to handle better without spending Huge Moola. Should I upgrade the sway bars ?? How is the stock shocks ???
Is there a huge difference between the Z51 bars compared to the Gm t1 bars, compared to stock ???
Thanks for the information........
Is there a huge difference between the Z51 bars compared to the Gm t1 bars, compared to stock ???
Thanks for the information........
Big difference with T1 bars compared to anything. With T1 bars, you'll understeer more with stock size tires. Unless you have a track-modded car, Z06 or Hotchkis bars are as far as you want to go. Z06 front spring and '04 shocks are a good idea too. If you're going for a track setup, I wouldn't go any further.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 436
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From: Spokane WA
I have an 02 with the stock suspension. I switched to Z06 and it's the best mod for the money that I've done. You won't regret it. You'll need to get the aluminum end links. Check out prices at Fitchner.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/kenf...rtspage1.shtml
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c5/kenf...rtspage1.shtml
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by MikeJamesC5
Hotchkis sway bars and Bilstein shocks.
That's what I have, too....
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,764
Likes: 33
From: Out west in the mountains
Originally Posted by Tino
How would the Z06 sway bars work with the F55 magnetic variable ride control? Has anyone tried this.
Thanks Tino
Thanks Tino
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: CA
I have 01 vert with F45 susp. Upgraded to T1 bars and alum endlinks. Car corners very flat 
. I have heard that folks feel the ride would be harsh but I haven't found that to be the case. I drive everyday on all sorts of roads and the car feels normal going straight, but on rails going round turns. "Try it, you'll like it!" 
. I have heard that folks feel the ride would be harsh but I haven't found that to be the case. I drive everyday on all sorts of roads and the car feels normal going straight, but on rails going round turns. "Try it, you'll like it!"
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,345
Likes: 232
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by Sully C5
We went with Hotchkis Sway Bars & QA1 12-Point Adjustable Shocks
I am going to lower my ride and thought Bilsten Sports were THE shock of choice. Can you fill me in on the QA1.......how it compares to the Bilsten in price/performance....keeping in mind I need to cut front bushings.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Ventura, CA Fight On Forever
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05
Originally Posted by Tino
How would the Z06 sway bars work with the F55 magnetic variable ride control? Has anyone tried this.
Thanks Tino
Thanks Tino
mtv
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 5
From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
Hotchkis sway bars and Bilstein shocks will be installed on my 98 Coupe. the Bilsteins will be first, cause it needs them. I'm not getting adjustable shocks and stiffer springs cause I already have one car with a full race suspension and its really uncomfortable on regular roads at less than racing speeds. I expect the B-Steins and bars will firm it up a bit in the curves but keep it reasonable for trips and daily driving. If you go into the older posts via the search function you will find a HUGE amount of info about this, and that is why I have chosen the Sport B-Steins and Hotchkiss. If you are lerry of the stiff Hotshkiss sways, the slightly softer Zo6 bars can also be a good choice, much more sporty response than stock bars. Jennifer
Last edited by FiberglassFan; Dec 14, 2004 at 06:22 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,353
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From: Richmond Hill Ontario
Originally Posted by RUBYREDVET
Changed to Z06 bars front & rear on my 50th AE MN6 and I really like the difference. Still rides great but corners flatter.
Tino