Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Cowtown
Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help
Hi all –
My car has the standard suspension and I would like to upgrade the sway bars without changing out the shocks. I see that Ken Fichtner offers the Z51 or Z06 upgrade. I have looked at the Hotchkis but these seem rather expensive. What does everyone recommend? All input is appreciated.
Thanks.
My car has the standard suspension and I would like to upgrade the sway bars without changing out the shocks. I see that Ken Fichtner offers the Z51 or Z06 upgrade. I have looked at the Hotchkis but these seem rather expensive. What does everyone recommend? All input is appreciated.
Thanks.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,302
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From: Los Angeles, CA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
Speedway,
I like the Hotchkis bars because they are not too stiff and not too loose. It is just right.
Yes, they are rather expensive, but they do feel good in the turns.
Shawn
I like the Hotchkis bars because they are not too stiff and not too loose. It is just right.
Yes, they are rather expensive, but they do feel good in the turns.
Shawn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Richwood Kentucky
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
Speedway,
I'm sure L.A.P.D. would treat you fair, but I have the Z51 bars on my std. suspension. It's worked out very well and I have zero complaints, very flat and quick. You give hardly anything on the ride. Not driven any other setup, so I can't comment as to the comparison.
I'm sure L.A.P.D. would treat you fair, but I have the Z51 bars on my std. suspension. It's worked out very well and I have zero complaints, very flat and quick. You give hardly anything on the ride. Not driven any other setup, so I can't comment as to the comparison.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
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From: Los Angeles CA
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
I recently added the 2001 Z06 bars to the F45 suspension, and the combination produces an excellent result. There have'nt been the complaints about noise with either the Z06 or Z51 bars that we have seen posted in various places about the Hotchkis bars. I suspect the difference between the feel of the Z06 and Z51 bars (the only difference is in the front bar) is subtle. WIth the F45, I can dial up the "PERF" setting and I think that matches the Z06 bars very well in hard cornering. With a base suspension, the Z51 might be a better match for all around use. You really can't go wrong either way :yesnod:
[Modified by allanlaw, 11:05 AM 8/17/2001]
[Modified by allanlaw, 11:05 AM 8/17/2001]
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 222
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From: Central NJ USA
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
I added the Z51 swaybars and endlinks from Ken Fitchner. All I have to say, what a difference. No complaints at all. Definately recommend this mod for the base or f45 suspension. I had my dealer install mine.
Bandit400
:cool::cool:
:cool: :cool:
Bandit400
:cool::cool:
:cool: :cool:
Race Director
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From: Dallas TX
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Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Bandit400)
I added to 2000 Z51 bars to my base suspension Coupe. Very little money and a big change to the flatness of cornering. No noise with that set up.
Add some non run flat tires and you'll be amazed at the difference.
RG
Add some non run flat tires and you'll be amazed at the difference.
RG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Los Angeles CA
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (O-Ace)
RG: How much do the Z51 bars cost?
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Drifting
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From: Tupelo Ms
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
Hey Now:
I also have a 2001 coupe with base suspension. I went with Z06 bars and Bilstein Sports. Great improvement in ride and handling. :cheers: Look up Ken on the forum, already has kits of these to ship out. Lost cost, quick delivery.
I also have a 2001 coupe with base suspension. I went with Z06 bars and Bilstein Sports. Great improvement in ride and handling. :cheers: Look up Ken on the forum, already has kits of these to ship out. Lost cost, quick delivery.
Advanced
Joined: May 2000
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From: los angeles, ca
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
I like my Hotchkis but the endlinks make rattling noises.
I have ordered Z06 endlinks and bushings from Ken Fichner and will see if those fit the Hotchkiss and end the noise. I'll post my results.
Anyone else have that combo of Hotchkis sway bars and GM endlinks?
Hotchkis told me recently they are now putting a "performance part" advisory on their packaging- a subtle way to disclaim that there could be less than satisfactory noise resulting, is my read.
I have ordered Z06 endlinks and bushings from Ken Fichner and will see if those fit the Hotchkiss and end the noise. I'll post my results.
Anyone else have that combo of Hotchkis sway bars and GM endlinks?
Hotchkis told me recently they are now putting a "performance part" advisory on their packaging- a subtle way to disclaim that there could be less than satisfactory noise resulting, is my read.
Race Director
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From: Lynnfield MA
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Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (LAvette)
I installed a set of Hotchkis on my buddy's 99 Coupe along with mine and we were both very happy with the excellant results. I will say however that I just had to change out my buddy's endlinks for they are the older design; so if you do order the Hotchkis, make sure you are getting the latest version of the metal ends...
Nick :cool:
Nick :cool:
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From: Lynnfield MA
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Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (LAvette)
You can exchenge those older endlinks with the new design at no cost... They will send them to you overnight... Just wanted to let you know...
Nick :cool:
Nick :cool:
I like my Hotchkis but the endlinks make rattling noises.
I have ordered Z06 endlinks and bushings from Ken Fichner and will see if those fit the Hotchkiss and end the noise. I'll post my results.
Anyone else have that combo of Hotchkis sway bars and GM endlinks?
Hotchkis told me recently they are now putting a "performance part" advisory on their packaging- a subtle way to disclaim that there could be less than satisfactory noise resulting, is my read.
I have ordered Z06 endlinks and bushings from Ken Fichner and will see if those fit the Hotchkiss and end the noise. I'll post my results.
Anyone else have that combo of Hotchkis sway bars and GM endlinks?
Hotchkis told me recently they are now putting a "performance part" advisory on their packaging- a subtle way to disclaim that there could be less than satisfactory noise resulting, is my read.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Norman Oklahoma
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Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Smoke-N-Shot)
I went with Z06 bars on my F45 car and like the results very well, it still has a nice ride and when switching to performance mode it's very responsive.
I do however think if I had a base suspension I would just go Z51 as the Z06 might make it ride a little hard for everyday driving. :yesnod:
Whatever way you go you'll notice a difference.
I do however think if I had a base suspension I would just go Z51 as the Z06 might make it ride a little hard for everyday driving. :yesnod:
Whatever way you go you'll notice a difference.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Clouds Over California
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (White_98)
I went T1 bars because I bought them off a friend who did not like the ride after he installed them, I love them, so it is all preference. Here is how I would do it from ride quality to performance. Z51, Z06 (same rear bar as Z51), Hotchkis (a little bigger than Z06) and then T1 (Biggest & Stiffest on the planet). Also are you going to change the springs. You can get Z51 springs and bars for very reasonable prices! This would be a huge difference over the base suspension. I went through Vette Brakes & Products and got a killer deal on my suspension setup. I bought the poly urethane bushing kit, heavy duty Tie Rod ends, and Extreme front spring from them, along with the metal endlinks they gave me a great deal ($1023 to my door)! I bought the Bilsteins from Top Notch Auto (ROB) and they were shipped to my door for $283.00. Sounds like you can get some good ( GM suspension packages)deals from Ken also off the forum. I bought my sill guards from him and he gave me the best deal. :cool:
Advanced
Joined: May 2000
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From: los angeles, ca
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Smoke-N-Shot)
Smoke-n-shot:
I am aware Hotchkis will replace endlinks, however my version was the latest until this year's change, and the tech said there would be no improvement in the rattle if the ball joint wasn't loose. The ball joint isn't loose, so switching to the very latest ones won't help the rattle, as the tech pointed out
I am aware Hotchkis will replace endlinks, however my version was the latest until this year's change, and the tech said there would be no improvement in the rattle if the ball joint wasn't loose. The ball joint isn't loose, so switching to the very latest ones won't help the rattle, as the tech pointed out
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Bellflower CA
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
I got the Z06 sway bar kit from Bob Wendorff at Fichtner Chevrolet. I'm very happy with the results. I got the sway bars at the end of June 01 for $288.07 + S&H. I've ordered many GM items from Fitchner & I've not had any problems. They have not made any mistakes with my orders & they ship the items very quickly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Lone Tree CO
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Skeeter1)
I have the T1s. I may go back to the Z06 sway bars. The T1s are awsome ... NO BODY ROLL ... but are noisy and actually hurt drag strip performance as the are so stiff they actually prevent the car from squatting.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,386
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From: Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas Texas
Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Speedway)
I installed the Z-51 sway Bars & Bilstein shocks to my stock 2000 - what a difference - flater on all the curves - ride is stiffer, but not bad at all .. I had the sway bars powder coated red before I put them on
I'd do it again ..
[Modified by Don&Kelly, 5:07 PM 8/19/2001]
I'd do it again ..
[Modified by Don&Kelly, 5:07 PM 8/19/2001]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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Re: Need To Upgrade Sway Bars, Please Help (Smoke-N-Shot)
I have the Hotchkis with Bilstien Sports which I upgraded from the stock FE1 (soft) suspension.
I love the setup and it works great, the noise from the end links is not terrible but it is there.
LAvette / Smoke-N-Shot,
I installed these last September, are they the upgraded ones? They have the metal end links. If not how do I contact Hotchkis?
I love the setup and it works great, the noise from the end links is not terrible but it is there.
LAvette / Smoke-N-Shot,
I installed these last September, are they the upgraded ones? They have the metal end links. If not how do I contact Hotchkis?
