Upgrading Suspension
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
Upgrading Suspension
I have had a 2004 corvette with standard suspension for about 6 weeks now. I have already determined that the suspension is a little bouncy especially compared to my '98 Z28 with SFC, STB, Bilsteins and Eibach Prokit.
My first thought is to upgrade it to a Z51 suspension. What would have to be done to do this upgrade to the suspension. Also any knowledge to upgrade it beyond a Z51 would be appreciated. Just keep in mind that I want to hold the road better, but not knock my teeth out in the process. I want the happy medium.
My first thought is to upgrade it to a Z51 suspension. What would have to be done to do this upgrade to the suspension. Also any knowledge to upgrade it beyond a Z51 would be appreciated. Just keep in mind that I want to hold the road better, but not knock my teeth out in the process. I want the happy medium.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 2
From: Akron Ohio
Z51 should have been the base suspension, it is much better. If you are going to stay with leaf spring suspension, get some Z06 springs, Z06 sways, and 2004 Z06 shocks. Going past that will cost a lot more money and for the street is not really needed(unless you plan to lower a lot or track the car).
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,220
Likes: 17
From: San Diego California
Z51 should have been the base suspension, it is much better. If you are going to stay with leaf spring suspension, get some Z06 springs, Z06 sways, and 2004 Z06 shocks. Going past that will cost a lot more money and for the street is not really needed(unless you plan to lower a lot or track the car).
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver Washington
For most normal driving the difference between the Z51 and the Z06 ride is nil. I have one of each and you don't feel the Z06 suspension kick in until you are really pushing the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 2
From: Akron Ohio
Yes, 00+Z51 front spring and rear sway bar are the same as Z06, but rear spring is 10%stiffer and 1.4mm larger bar in front. They are nearly identical, but Z06 sets seem easier to find.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
The ride is mostly determined by springs and shocks. The body roll is largely determined by the sway (or anti-roll) bars. Get the Z51 or Z06 sway bars. Either 04 Z06 shocks or Bilsteins will take car of the shock portion. Keeping the base springs will somewhat keep the softer ride. Getting the stiffer Z51 or Z06 springs will definitely harshen the ride. I'm not saying it will be too harsh, as I personally have a Z51, but it will be moreso than the base springs.
