Okay, just curious to see what you folks would do next in my situation. I have the soft ride (F44-I think that is it-It is not Z51 or Z45) setup and I have upgraded a few things:

- HOTCHKIS SWAYBARS
- BILSTEIN SPORTS SHOCKS
- TUNNEL PLATE
- DTE BRACE
- LOWERED on stock bolts (if that matters?)

I am really interested in a set of ZO6 springs, but I am interested in hearing everyone's opnion. The coil is just to much $$$ for my blood, but I like it.



Thanks in advance,

Micah

 

Curious to what you are looking to gain? I have the base suspension and recently put on the Hotchkis Sways and Bilstein Sport shocks. I loved the improvement and the ride isn't too stiff. If you are looking for just a little more, I would say you are on the right track by going with the Z06 springs. They are somewhat costly for the set though.

 

What am I looking for? Well, I want a stiffer sportscar. I like the ride now, but the ZO6 springs will give me a little bit of a lower stance and will give me the ride (both stiffness and performance) I want. I was curious what others have done.

Micah

 

I would think you are heading in the right direction with the Z06 springs then. They make a T1 spring also, but I think that might be too stiff. I am going to have to watch this thread for replies also.

 

Hey Micah...
...Hotchkis sway bars with metal adjustable end links...
...Bilstein shocks
...lowered on stock bolts...

StuzVette rides great and solid in 90 degree turns

Tunnel plate not installed...
...after riding on Hotchkis and Bilsteins...
Im done...

peace
Stu

 

Micah, I changed all of my suspension to Z06, less the bilstein sports. Before the spring change, I had base fe1 springs,,(soft). After the change, the cars springs seem to match the shocks better, in terms of bounce and jounce. I remember driving thru 127 ave, where the pavement was resealed with the soft springs, the car would bounce up and down, seemingly like the shocks and springs were not in unison. After Z06 springs, problem gone. I have read somewhere in a Vette magazine where both shocks and springs have to work together as a package, just the right amount of bounce and jounce. Bottom line, it works....
Herbie

 

Greetings,

Food for thought,

The Z06 springs only increase rates approximately 10% over base spring rates, which we found is an improvement but not enough. We found 25% or greater yield better Handling results with only minimal ride quality impact. The key for ride quality is to have the shock valving to work well with the spring. For none adjustable shocks the Bilsteins are our choice.

With the addition of Paul Lesinski to our staff, our suspension kits, have input from Dan Kellermeyer, Dan Popp and Jerry Onks and collectively, over the years, have addressed various handling issues. One common thread was the excessive nose dive under hard braking. To solve this we increased spring rates rather than increase the bump in the shocks. By reducing the nose dive under braking we did not unload the rear tires as much, which keeps the ABS activation to a minimum. We also found the increased spring rate increase cross weights in cornering, also a plus. With a dual mounted transverse leaf spring, energy is transferred side to side, which helps reduce roll similar to an anti-sway bar and reduces the need for huge bar diameters. We also found when we increased the shock stiffness in high speed valving we lost tire compliance on broken road surfaces, and by having a softer valve we maintained tire compliance and reduced harshness.

Plus surprisingly, ride quality, is firmer but not harsh. In simple terms, spring rates effect firmness and the shock valving effects harshness. The more aggressive suspension kits can feel more "European" in ride quality, not truck like...

Currently, the Hyperco and the VBP composite springs offer the rates to accomplish these goals needed in performance handling. Depending on your goal, we can custom tailor the rate to your need.

Hope this helps,
Van Steel