I last week I gave my Black 99 Vert a full supension overhall. I am so pleased with the results that I would like to share them.

I wasn't after full on track performance, just an improvement in road behavior.
After much deliberation, I upgraded my original Z51 set up to one with all new ZO6 stabiliser bars and ZO6 shocks together new metal end links and bushes.
I also took off the aftermarket wheels with the GY EMTs tires (man were they heavy!) and replaced them with the original light weight mag- wheels (which I got powder coated gloss black ).
I fitted them with standard sized Pirelli Rosso P zeros for the front and P zero asymetrico's for the rear, these are over 5 lbs lighter each than the EMTs.
I decided to to keep the Z 51 spings as they are firm enough for the job and tweeked the alignments to somewhere between the original and the z06 setup. I kept the ride height where it was. I also replace the rotors for a Brembo drilled set.

It hard to find and area in which the car has not improved. It has a very slightly firmer ride, although the improved damping and the new tires has taken away the old "crashyness" over the bumps, it is far more controlled and comfortable on uneven roads. In short it feels more planted.
The road noise is much reduced especially on concrete and the wet grip of the pirellis well exceeds the EMT's.
The cornering, well, un-believable really! Nice turn-in, followed by a flat stance through the corner, excellent grip and that important planted feeling when encountering bumps in the road- no white knuckles!

I think that the combination of:
1 - Reducing the un-sprung weight ( wheels ,tires and rotors)
2 - Improving the spring damping and rebound (ZO6 shocks - any stiffer and it would gone the other way),
3 - Controlling body roll (ZO6 bars- again any stiffer and understeer and comfort would be comprimised)
4 - moderate alignment changes
4 - Tire upgrade (wet grip and noise)- I resisted supersizing the tires as I wanted to retain handling balance. 245 and 275 is plenty big enough.

The above has turned the car into a very sweet handling car for the road:

 

- C.

 

Thanks Mr C. I agree with your other comments you have made in this forum. Tire choice is key. Korean looky likees don't cut it in a sports car.

 

Awesome!!!

I went from FE1 to a full Z06 setup & Bilsteins, and am awaiting mounting and balancing of my 275/295 Kuhmo MXs on Z06 rims. I have driven it with everything in place but the tires...I can't wait to get it all done and drive it (and hit Texas World Speedway at the end of April!)

 

something else I noticed today. the wheel hop has gone when launching hard. Next thing on my to do list are to upgrade the seats, they look v worn and they don't hold me now that my cornering speeds have gone up. I have a Merc CLK convertible and the seats in that are miles better for support and overall quality. pity they won't swap over.

 

I am sure the weight difference from the magnesium wheels and tires help immensely. Looks like you did your homework.

 

 

Nice Write Up.

 

The Z06 shocks and sways are great improvements!

 

How much did this whole transformation, excluding wheels and tires cost you? Thanks!

 

Hey UK Tim – Great Mods

I was at the mod level with my 2K FRC that you’re at now this past fall.

From where your car is at now - I installed Vette Brakes & Products Urethane Bushings – Koni Single Adjustables – 1050 lb Front / 850 lb Rear Springs – and aligned more aggressively. A Giant Leap Improvement!

My FRC is a Handling MONSTER! Yea – it’s tight, but I’ve never had a car that was so much fun to drive on the street or on course.