How much better?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Madison Wisconsin
How much better?
I'm sure this has been posted elsewhere. But just curious. How much better is the later 04' z06 suspension than the base c5's (a 99' to be exact)? Can this swap be done? Or are they not compatible? Has anyone done this? Experiences? I really just want to know everything about them because I'm really contemplating buying the later z06 suspension.
Thanks in advance
Thanks in advance
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
If you track it and/or do autocrosses, it is better. A lot of people have put on swaybars and shocks, some even switched springs.
IMHO, for a street car it is not worth it, as you rarely use it's handling capability now with the base suspension. Plus, it does ride rougher.
But to each his own. The swaybars flatten corners with a minimum of ride reduction. Easy switch too.
IMHO, for a street car it is not worth it, as you rarely use it's handling capability now with the base suspension. Plus, it does ride rougher.
But to each his own. The swaybars flatten corners with a minimum of ride reduction. Easy switch too.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 232
From: Youngstown Ohio
I had the base setup on my 2004 coupe and changed it out with Bilstien Sport shocks, Hotchkis sways and Z06 springs. Now, I know you are looking at Z06 setup and I went a little different direction but the change is dramatic from the base setup. First ride out I couldn't get over how much more controlled the car felt. No more plowing the front end in turns, floating over the road and higher speeds are much more stable. On the other end the ride is much more stiff but I don't feel it is too stiff, just feels like a sports car on a tight handling suspension. Also, you can do this swap, I did, in my garage on jack stands with hand tools, air gun would have been nice though. BTW, I'm no mechanic by any means.
Not exactly what you were looking for but I hope it helps ya out a bit,
Darion
Not exactly what you were looking for but I hope it helps ya out a bit,
Darion
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Check out the C5 section here and you'll see the suspension change out stuff!
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?category=0
Fairly simple and you can do it yourself!
Thanks,matt
http://www.ls1howto.com/index.php?category=0
Fairly simple and you can do it yourself!
Thanks,matt
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Madison Wisconsin
Awsome. Thanks for the posts. So If I got the sway bars, shocks, and springs for 400 would it be worth it in your opinion if I install myself? My car has 65000 miles on it and these springs have like 5k. I just want a more controlled feeling.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Madison Wisconsin
naturally thats why I'm considering it. It could only make things better right? I'd love to learn how to install this stuff myself but kinda scared. It doesn't look that hard though. I'm only truly scared about engine mods.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
From: Mesa Arizona
That is a good price for that package.
Heck Yes you will notice and love the difference!
My car had base suspension too. The only difference is I went with Bilstein shocks cause they work well with lowered cars. With the Z06 shocks you with get that "bounce" in the rear (if your car is too low)because the shocks don't like to work at a compressed state like the shorter Bilsteins do. The Bilsteins can always be added later if you want to go lower with your car.
Yes you can change the springs youself with some basic tools and a little mechanical apptitude. LS1howto.com has good instructions to assist you in your endevor.
Bob
Heck Yes you will notice and love the difference!
My car had base suspension too. The only difference is I went with Bilstein shocks cause they work well with lowered cars. With the Z06 shocks you with get that "bounce" in the rear (if your car is too low)because the shocks don't like to work at a compressed state like the shorter Bilsteins do. The Bilsteins can always be added later if you want to go lower with your car.
Yes you can change the springs youself with some basic tools and a little mechanical apptitude. LS1howto.com has good instructions to assist you in your endevor.
Bob
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 738
Likes: 2
From: Richmond VA
Well, you mention an 04 z06 in your first post and an 03 z06 in a later post. The shocks were different in these two model years with the 04 shocks being superior in every respect. With that said, new Z06 sways, bushings and end links go for about $280 as a package.(somebody will correct me). Shocks are about $400 a set and springs go for God knows what. Please do yourself a favor and buy this setup if you can. You'll be really happy later on.
. Thank you!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: East Windsor NJ
Another option would be the Pfadt Coilover setup. Brian_NS just got it installed at ECS, he indicated it was very streetable, but much more expensive than what you have referenced. I think the coilovers are like $1800 and the sway bar is not cheap either. Just another option.
MFIC
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 14
From: Charlotte, North Carolina
If your not buying it for that price someone else will. That is a steal !